Often times we are car snobs, no wait, I am a car snob! If it is under $50K then it is common, mass produced, and likely garbage. That's pretty arrogant, I know, but it reflects a lifetime of appreciating some of the finer things, especially when you have a background in engineering.
Cars should not rattle and squeak when driven, lurch and roll in turns and accelerate like sloths. So for me, to consider a car that is under $50K to be likeable is a very difficult thing.
No.1 - The Volvo C30.
OK, first, the design does very little for me, but for such a conservative company as Volvo to release such a modern car is commendable.
OK, first, the design does very little for me, but for such a conservative company as Volvo to release such a modern car is commendable.
Volvo has not fallen into the retro fashion world of Ford, Chrysler and GM where the models will only last a few years and then become very dated very quickly. Imagine if Volvo resurrected the 444, a Swedish HHR or PT Cruiser!
No, the C30 moves into the next generation of cars, admitting that function can have form. It shows that Volvo can be creative.
No. 2 - The Dodge Caliber
Again, like the C30, it is a car that allows form to follow function. It is a small utility car that has a certain toughness in its style yet the proportions are just right. This is no abomination like the Durango (btw, have you ever driven up on a Durango from behind and when you are at about 4 o'clock on it, you actually think that it is missing a front end, what the heck were they thinking?).
Again, like the C30, it is a car that allows form to follow function. It is a small utility car that has a certain toughness in its style yet the proportions are just right. This is no abomination like the Durango (btw, have you ever driven up on a Durango from behind and when you are at about 4 o'clock on it, you actually think that it is missing a front end, what the heck were they thinking?).
The caliber, in some ways could almost replace the minivan. Too bad Dodge and Chrysler can't figure out the rest of their line up.
More to follow in my next post ...
