People lease electric cars in large part because they cost more than an otherwise comparably equipped car. I’d argue that a Chevy Cruze offers similar “creature comforts” as a Chevy Bolt. The Cruze starts at ~$17K and the Bolt starts at ~$37K (or $29.5K with tax break).

The styling, turbo engine, and [to some degree] automatic transmission are totally fine - it’s the infotainment system that stops me from buying one or recommending it to others. Ford’s sync is one of the most painful systems I’ve ever tried to use in a rental car.

Where are all the beige Camrys with the rear corner bumper dents?! Fess up... C’mon now, we know you’re out there.

At nearly $70K, is it really worth it? Is it really $10K better than a FULLY loaded 2018 Audi Allroad?!

The Subaru Baja and Honda Ridgeline offer some funky Jalop factor, and have looks only a mother could love. But hey... maybe you’ll be that mother.

Might I suggest a two-tone 1999 Subaru SUS (the “sport utility sedan”). It’s different, but easy to service and find parts. It’ll be way below your budget, so have a mechanic do a thorough road-ready clean-up.

1. Did they keep the little seat-front pocket between the driver’s knees (passenger had one too)? Great derringer spot, or spare change... whatever your style.

Read the title... thought you were talking about a fix to the hellish transmission slushbox. Unfortunately they just decided to change some sheet metal and pleather.

ASSMAN

Any car can be un-MEH’d by the experiences you personally have in it - I spent 2 weeks road tripping with 4 other people in a late 90's 4-cylinder accord. By all accounts, the 4-cyl Accord with base cloth trim was pretty Meh, but every time I see one I think of the wonderful (and crowded) experience I had with my…

Although... technically... traffic is only caused behind the tailgater... so if someone’s tailgating they probably don’t care what happens after they leave.

Roundabouts in America don’t really work - we drive too aggressively for that to be real. Dedicated turn and merge lanes provide the best user experience for the American style of driving.

Automatic 1999 Forester - look for one that already had head gasket replaced and has limited rust. This one’s for sale, $2,300.

Perhaps the future for elusive 0.01 MPG improvements rests deeper in Hybrids - especially turbo/supercharged Hybrids. The problem for me is how complex these machines get - it means higher purchase prices, more components will fail, and they will be harder (e.g. more expensive) to repair. The initial price and cost of…

I think Jalopnik’s skid racing event would cover this very need.

It’s infuriating the the Volvo Cross Country lineup can’t be had with R-Design power and those heavily bolstered - yet comfortable - R-Design seats.

Drove 800+ miles in an Avis fleet Nissan Versa Sedan. It was every bit as awful - and then some - as people say. Driving down the road I started playing a game with my passengers - what’s the junkiest car you see that you’d rather be in that then the Versa, and why? The Versa lost like 95% of the time.

Mazda should have offered this w/ an AWD option. It would stand out above the Legacy; another alternative for the Camry/Accord standard.

Thanks for the leather lesson... It’s a little obsessive, but I’d love a jalop article on on various seat stuffing and surface materials. Perhaps Jalop would consider allowing you to guest write an article. The elusive search for the best drivers seat continues on... Thank you!

Wage garnishment is much more effective. Taking someone’s license in S.D. means they can’t work. It’s just bad economics.