If I was 30 years older...

This 1967 Ford Country Squire would have been my family car. I'm having a hard time deciding if I'd rather have this or an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.

Fuck Yeah Ford Raptor!

I realize I'm supposed to be this die-hard Toyota fan, but after tonight's episode of Top Gear (US version) I really, really want a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Hennessey kit optional, Hurricane V8 essential.

The Best Midsize Cars for 2011

This is the most hotly-contested segment in today’s market. Bestsellers come from here. Conventional wisdom says to buy an Accord or Camry, but those are boring. The Altima seems like an “alternative” choice, and it is the only one in it’s class to offer it’s top engine with a you-shift-it six-speed. But the thing is, they’re all driven, and later repossessed, by Mexican women. Mexican women don’t read my blog (nor does anyone else) so I can say that here. Point is, either of these two choices will satisfy both sides of your brain.

Fehlio’s Choice: Hyundai Sonata

It's like a beautiful Korean dolphin.

Well, first of all, look at that thing. It’s beautiful. On top of that, it has the best warranty in the business. On top of that, it’s one of the cheapest in the segment. It has the most powerful base engine, and the only direct-injected four-pot in the segment. The turbo four puts out better power AND better mileage than ANY competitor’s V6. And you can get it as a hybrid, if you’re trendy. The Sonata is no longer a great car “for the price”; it’s now the best in it’s class.

Alternately: Ford Fusion

Insert Gillette Fusion Razor joke here.

The fact that the Sonata beat this car is a testament to it’s greatness, as the Fusion is an outstanding car as well. One of the best handlers in its class, the Fusion is a stylish, well-made car that’s an easy recommendation to anyone. From the 5-speed, 4-cylinder commuter special, to the all-wheel-drive, 263 horsepower Sport model, each one is a winner. Add a hybrid model that gets 41 mpg city, and you have a winning range.

Please Don’t: Mitsubishi Galant

Fun Fact: This still exists.

This car is everything the other two aren’t. Basically unchanged since 2003, it’s cheap, crappy, and boring. I mean, even the new Chrysler Sebring (call it the 200 all you want, but it’s a Sebring) would be a better buy. It at least has styling that someone, somewhere might enjoy.

The Best Compact Cars for 2011

This is the bread and butter of the international market. Family cars in Europe; commuter cars here, this may not be the most interesting segment, but it surely is one of the most contested. In the marketplace, it’s all about mileage; here, it’s about the least boring choice. Small cars don’t have to be penalty boxes, as these prove.

Fehlio’s Choice: Volkswagen Golf

It just looks so good.

It’s the most handsome in its class, it has the best engines in its class, the best ride/handling balance in its class, and the best interior in its class. Its better than the Mazda just enough to justify the price hike.

Alternately: Mazda 3

The old one just looks better.

Everything I said about the Mazda 2 applies here, it’s just bigger. It’s a hatchback, which I love, but you can get it as a sedan, if you’re silly. It just kinda looks like a clown.

Please Don’t: Ford Focus

If I wanted an ugly car, I'd buy that Mazda right above.

At least until the new one comes out next year. It’s ugly, it hasn’t been changed since 1998, and the one redeeming factor (the hatchback) was lost in 2008. It can’t get replaced soon enough.

Irronically, the Mazda 3 which is so much better than the Focus is based mostly on the mechanicals of the 2nd-gen Focus we never got, which goes to show that Ford can make good cars; they just don't make them often enough. I have very high hopes for the 2012 "World" Focus.