Until recently I had a 1990 Pontiac TransSport (GM Plasticvan). Although I loved it with unconditional love, I never understood why they didn’t copy the Chrysler minivan passenger seat drawer or even more so the powered fold out rear side windows, and mine had power front side windows which were an option. The far…

A test of a Chrysler manual transmission from that period, maybe a Shadow/Sundance, said the shifter was like rowing a wooden spoon in an ice bucket. 

I don’t think my Subaru does it, but a lot of cars now tell you what and when to do maintenance.

Oh, missed her ID, but thought the same. 

He is a mechanic. She didn’t say, but most likely works in some kind of office job. Maybe they met there and became a couple. They did act like it, but only a guess. 

Plug in some earphones or headphones. 

Maybe you people should do work at work. 

Yes.

But I’m far from a luxury car owner, and I’m guessing I would look at the $20K whatever and say “wait, no xxxx or xxxx or xxxx? I guess I have to spend more to get that stuff.”

Yes, profit over people/planet/anything. That is how it works. The alternative is central planning and corruption. That’s why we have safety and pollution regulation and testing and information easily available and CAFE these days.

Well, gas might get more expensive. 

I think maybe you should take Econ 101 or something. 

So they don’t use it for a nonsense reason. Also, adaptive cruise control is much more useful. Probably most cars sold don’t have power seats, but who wants manual locks and windows and no AC? Some monk?

I bet there won’t be a next generation Fusion/Montego in Europe either. They are going for all sizes of SUV’s too. 

The same car companies sell tons of small cars in Greece or Italy for example and with EU emissions and crash safety compliance. They don’t sell in the US. They tried. But the marginal market became unprofitable. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s the free market capitalism system. If we taxed fuel at UK/EU levels maybe some…

I’ve seen about one Mirage ever, and I live in a city. 

(Rerun) The now discontinued in the US Fit is very cleverly packaged and economical. Also uncomfortable with crap ride and NVH. A Corolla or a Jetta are like a limo in comparison. And probably half the other cars on this list too.

Automatic, but whenever I try to drive as smoothly as I want someone immediately jumps into the car length space in front of me.

I guess it depends on whether you want to look like a typical LA douche or have a car that actual does the job. It’s El Ay. I’ve lived there and in NYC. Not the same.

Deal with smog? Like get the car smogged once a year? If it’s not fucked up it will pass. Problem?