In this video, we see a third-generation Land Rover Discovery get exactly what’s coming to it: a 105mm round fired straight from a tank.
Elsewhere in the world, Land Rovers are renowned for their ruggedness, reliability, and ability to get through any terrain unscathed. Here in North America, things are a little different. Consumer Reports has them listed as one of the least reliable brands in America from their 2018 report, and we don’t expect that to improve in 2019.
This Land Rover, in particular, is a third-gen Discovery marketed as the LR3 in the US. It’s powered by a 4.0-L V6 with only 216 hp. Or it was--according to the boys at FullMag, this Discovery was “on its last legs” and wouldn’t pass emissions testing, so it was donated to them to do with as they pleased.
And what they pleased was to drive it out into the Nevada desert for one last grand finale.
On the other side of the reliability spectrum is the M60A3 main battle tank. Renowned by military technicians for its simplicity and serviceability, the M60 is still around in military forces around the world. Under the hood (or armor, in this case) is a 29.3-L Continental twin-turbo V12 diesel engine that produces 750 hp. Top speed is a stately 30 mph.
This Land Rover, in particular, is a third-gen Discovery marketed as the LR3 in the US. It’s powered by a 4.0-L V6 with only 216 hp. Or it was--according to the boys at FullMag, this Discovery was “on its last legs” and wouldn’t pass emissions testing, so it was donated to them to do with as they pleased.
And what they pleased was to drive it out into the Nevada desert for one last grand finale.
On the other side of the reliability spectrum is the M60A3 main battle tank. Renowned by military technicians for its simplicity and serviceability, the M60 is still around in military forces around the world. Under the hood (or armor, in this case) is a 29.3-L Continental twin-turbo V12 diesel engine that produces 750 hp. Top speed is a stately 30 mph.
These 15 Cars Are Super Cheap To Maintain (But These 10 Will Drain Wallets Quick)
By GH - janvier 12, 2019
You have to admit that the thought of owning a shiny, brand-new car is pretty exciting. Most people believe the best way to avoid all the extra maintenance costs is to opt for a new car, instead of an old one; after all, it comes with an extended warranty that covers the repair within the first years of purchase. What they don’t realize is that not all required service is covered. The oil changes, inspections, change of brake pads, hoses, batteries, and belts are not included in the warranty.
So, how can we curtail these extra car expenses? Get information on websites like these to ascertain which cars are super cheap to maintain and the ones that will drain your wallets quick.
1. SUPER CHEAP: 2012 HONDA CIVIC
For some, the Honda Civic is the perfect foundation to build a tuner dream car. While some see it as a sensible car best-suited for those that want reliable transportation. Of course, the most populated group is the buyers that see it as the perfect economy car with an affordable price.
Therefore, with $55 every month, you’d be able to maintain your Honda Civic, which is the older brother to the Honda Accord, according to Car Throttle.
2. SUPER CHEAP: 2010 FORD FUSION
In 2006, the Ford Motor Company launched the Fusion to show the automotive world the “the renewed Ford.” Along with the redesigned Ford Taurus and Edge, the new design team aimed at showing the world something new. They wanted to prove that Ford could be fresh, relevant and reliable.
Thanks to the restructuring, the company was one of the few manufacturers that didn't need a financial bailout during the global meltdown. Produced to compete with the Accord and Camry, the Fusion’s base price is always in line with its competitors, and it costs $55 per month maintenance, according to Motor 1.
SUPER CHEAP: 2006 FORD MUSTANG
It may be surprising to see the Ford Mustang in this list as one the cars that are super cheap to maintain, considering it’s a sports car—which we know could be expensive to own when managed and kept in good condition.
That’s what makes the Mustang a good bargain these days, especially when you compare its performance figures to other regular sedan cars. According to Motor 1, the Ford Mustang is the perfect car for people looking for a cheap sports car, and it has monthly maintenance of $60.
SUPER CHEAP: 2010 HONDA ACCORD
The Accord is Honda’s special weapon used in giving other Japan-made vehicles a run for their money. No doubt, the Accord is the best thing that ever happened to the Japan car manufacturer with its cool features, durability, and affordability.
Also, its practicality, beautiful interior, easy handling, and enough pep to feel nimble, makes it an excellent choice for the average Joe who likes to keep it simple. According to Motor 1, the Honda Accord has proven to be a dirt cheap car to own and manage with its $55 cost per month.
SUPER CHEAP: 2016 NISSAN TITAN XD
The Nissan Titan gives an excellent first impression anytime it’s compared with other Japan-made trucks. With one test drive, you’d notice its flexibility, easy handling, and capability. According to Car and Driver, the Titan has a high towing capacity alongside a big engine, superb ride height, and remarkable transmission.
Many truck enthusiasts admire the truck because of its affordable cost of maintenance. Your Mechanic reported that the Nissan Titan XD costs less than $8,000 to maintain in 10 years, which means it will only take $66 from your monthly wages.
SUPER CHEAP: 2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER
It was a day after Christmas when the manufacturer, Nissan, celebrated its 85 years since it started production in Yokohama, Japan. Over the years, it has experienced some level of growth and succeeded in becoming a household name across the globe.
The Nissan Pathfinder, in particular, is one model that enjoys a lot of patronage from many consumers around the world. Why is this so? The vehicle is reliable, rugged, and affordable to own. Your Mechanic reports that it costs $570 to maintain the car in a year.
SUPER CHEAP: 2011 TOYOTA CAMRY
Ever since Toyota introduced the Camry in 1982, the vehicle hasn't failed to live up to many consumers expectations. Over the previous years, it has gained a top spot in the list of most affordable, economical and reliable cars to maintain year after year.
According to Your Mechanic, Camry is an excellent choice for consumers who are on a budget, with an annual expenditure of $520 every year. Even though the Camry may not be able to see the license plate of a supercar; it will get you to your endpoint in good time without breaking the bank.
SUPER CHEAP: 2015 NISSAN VERSA
This car had a unique ad campaign when Hiro Nakamura, one of the stars of the TV series Heroes, repeatedly mentioned the car’s name “Nissan Versa” as he was compelled to speak English for the first time in the show.
Of course, it did a lot to the car’s branding, putting its name in the limelight. According to Car and Driver, the Versa is not only one of the cheapest cars to buy at $12,000 (tax, license, and title inclusive), it also has a yearly maintenance cost of $590.
As you can see, going for a new car is a great choice. However, it's also important to know how to take care of it properly after the purchase. Specifically, you must be aware of things that you should not do to a car during its first six months in your garage. Not quite sure what to avoid? Here's a list that can help.
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1. TRAVELING A LOT OF SHORT DISTANCES
This has a lot to do with the car's engine not having enough time to properly warm up before you drive around. If you fail to do so, you may end up driving with a cold engine, which is never a good idea. As Price's Collision Centers has explained, "If you take the car out for a quick errand run to the nearby grocery store, the engine does not get the opportunity to warm up and reach an optimum operating temperature to ensure consistent functions like smooth oil flow."
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2. LETTING YOUR FUEL GO BELOW QUARTER TANK
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3. FOREGOING PAINT PROTECTION
Especially if you got a new car, you want to make sure that every single part of it is as protected from the elements as it can possibly be. These include dust, harmful UV rays, and acid rain. That is exactly why it's a bad idea to forego paint protection for your car. According to the website Carwow, paint protection comes in several forms. These include a transparent film, rub-on, or spray-on layers. Go over these options carefully to determine the right paint protection for your car.
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4. SKIPPING CAR WAX
According to Patterson Car Care, applying car wax can help protect your new car from sun damage, which can cause paint fading, oxidation, and discoloring. Meanwhile, it can also prevent water spots. As the company further explained, "When it rains, water collects on your car’s paint and as it begins to evaporate, dirt and contaminates that were in the water are left behind. With a coat of wax on your car, water will “bead up” and roll off your car. "
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5. SKIPPING REGULAR CLEANING
Just like your room and the rest of your house, your new car also requires regular cleaning. And if you fail to do so, you may end up with some unwanted car issues since harmful elements can end up going inside the motors, filters, and more. As Consumer Reports has already recommended, "Try to wash the car every week, if you can. Wash the body and, if necessary, hose out the fender wells and undercarriage to remove dirt and road salt. "
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6. SKIPPING CONSTANT-VELOCITY-JOINT BOOTS CHECK
The constant velocity joint (or CV joint) transfers power from the driveshaft and differential to axle and the wheel hub. According to Motor Works, "The CV boot is a ribbed, rubber flexible boot that keeps water and dirt out of the joint and the special grease inside the joint." Meanwhile, according to Consumer Reports, this CV boot can eventually become worn out. It further explained, "Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint it can quickly lead to an expensive fix."
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7. SKIPPING TIRE BREAK-IN
Just like the new car itself, the tires on it are also subject to their own break-in period. Hence, you need to take it easy on your tires during the first few times that you are driving around with your car. As Tire Rack has further explained, “Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering, and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together.”
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8. APPLYING TOO MANY PROTECTANTS IN THE INTERIOR
Sure, the interior needs to be cleaned just as much as the exterior of your new car. This is to ensure that your car will smell nice for the weeks and years to come. However, resist the urge to apply too many protectants to the interior. As the website Popular Mechanics has explained, “Avoid the impulse to slather the interior trim with shiny protectants, which can leach the plasticizers out of new vinyl and increase the likelihood of age-related cracks. On the other hand, a generous dousing of Scotchgard on the cloth upholstery and carpets will keep dirt, pollen, and mildew from clinging.”
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9. PARKING INCORRECTLY
Believe it or not, parking your brand new car incorrectly can also cause some serious problems. In fact, if you park your car wrong, you can end up with damages on the wheels that are very visible to the naked eye. As Chevrolet dealership certified master technician Heath Knox has explained to AARP, “The last thing you want to do is buy a new car and park it next to a curb and chew up the wheels. At the dealership, cars would come in for their first oil change and the wheels would look like they had 20,000 miles on them.”
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10. FORGETTING TO INSTALL MATS
It’s also important to protect the car’s interior. One of the best ways to do this is through correctly installed mats on the floor. As Consumer Reports chief mechanic John Ibbotson explained to the nonprofit organization AARP, “If your car came with a set of floor mats, use them to keep the carpeting clean and free of stains. If the vehicle didn't come with carpeted mats, buy a set now. And consider buying a set of all-weather mats to protect the vehicle when the weather gets bad. There's nothing worse than snow, slush and mud on the floor.”
Buying a car is a big decision and there are a lot of things that need to be considered before you can make the choice on which one is right for you. First, you have to think about your family dynamics. You are also going to want to consider where you live. If you live in a place that has bad weather with snow, sleet, and ice, you are going to want a vehicle that can handle those conditions.
Then you are going to consider the financial burdens and responsibilities of buying a car. First, you are going to want to consider vehicles that will fall comfortably into your price range so that you will be sure to get the loan from the bank. Then you will want to think about how much insurance might cost. Insurance is an important purchase and the amount of insurance varies from vehicle to vehicle. Safety is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the pricing as well as repair costs, where you live, your driving record, and other considerations.
If you are in the market for a new car, here are 15 cars of 2018 that you may want to consider because they are listed as the 15 cheapest cars to insure, according to Insure.com. We'll also take a look at the flip side, featuring the most expensive rides to insure.
Here is the List of these 10..
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10. EXPENSIVE - 2018 MERCEDES AMG GT S
This Mercedes model has an average premium rate of around $3,430. This convertible coupe starts at $132,000 and comes with 515 horsepower, top technology, luxury, and a top of the line audio system.
Unfortunately, most people won't be able to afford the insurance, let alone the monthly car payment that is going to be required to drive a car like this. Make sure you do your homework before signing any dotted line. Be aware of what is going to be realistic for you so that you don't have to take out a second mortgage to drive it.
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9. CHEAP - 2018 JEEP WRANGLER FREEDOM
The average premium cost for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Freedom is $1,169, according to Insure.com, which ranks it as the cheapest car to insure in 2018. The Freedom Edition is actually a particular package that Jeep makes available on multiple models including the Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, and Patriot and for each one purchased, a donation to the USO is made.
This package includes 17-inch rims, fender flares, and other body modification options. As reported by Autobytel.com, there are also upgraded interior options like Black Tectonic fabric, accent stitching, the Uconnect System, and Power Convenience.
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8. CHEAP - 2018 HONDA ODYSSEY
The 2018 Odyssey is listed with an average insurance premium cost of around $1,181, according to Insure.com. The base model manufacturer's suggested retail price starts out around $30,000 and goes up from there.
This is the kind of minivan that every soccer mom wants to help her do all the running around that she needs to. It has an average fuel efficiency of just under 34 miles per gallon and was fully redesigned for the 2018 model year. It also has all the tech options that you could want to include such as lane assist technologies and infotainment center options as well.
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7. EXPENSIVE - 2018 MERCEDES S63 AMG
This is the second of the five different Mercedes models that make the 10 most expensive list on Insure.com - it has an average premium cost of around $3,670.
Like the S65, there is no amount of safety features that could offset the crazy base MSRP of this car, which is listed on Carbuzz.com at over $147,000. This S-class coupe is a combination of 600 horsepower with all the luxury and comfort that Mercedes is known for - that explains the expensive number.
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6. CHEAP - 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
The Subaru Crosstrek comes in at the third slot with an average premium cost of $1,236, according to Insure.com. The Subaru brand is known for its safety and all-wheel drive vehicles, which is part of the reason why these types of rides are cheaper to insure.
The base model for the Crosstrek starts out with an MSRP just under $22,000, which is possibly another reason why they are cheap to insure. This subcompact SUV is a top pick for moms and dads.
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5. CHEAP - 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2018 Subaru Outback is the other Subaru types in the top 15 cheapest to insure with an average premium cost of $1,238. The base model of the Subaru Outback has an MSRP of around $26,000, according to KBB.com and it goes up from there with upgraded options.
Like with most vehicle models, the base types are commonly the cheapest to insure, but many consumers like the engine and technology upgrades of other versions. It is a trusted Subaru model that debuted in 1995 as a trim model version of the Subaru Legacy.
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4. EXPENSIVE - 2018 MERCEDES S65 AMG
Insure.com lists this Mercedes as the most expensive car to insure for 2018 as it has an average premium cost of $3,890. High-end luxury vehicles and sports cars cost more to insure because they have all the best features (making them expensive to repair) and they have a high sticker price (making them a high payout if they are totaled).
Carbuzz.com has the price of this car listed at around $229,000 and it has everything that you could ever want for that price. Top of the line massage function, Driver Assistance Package, V12 motor and so much more.
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3. CHEAP - 2018 MAZDA CX-3 SPORT
The CX-3 Sport is one of the model versions of the CX-3 and has an average premium cost of $1,248. The CX-3 is a subcompact SUV with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and a 2.0 liter inline 4 engine.
There is a base model front-wheel drive and an upgraded all-wheel drive with starting MSRPs of around $20,000 and just over $21,000, respectively. The CX-3 Sport also has many of the best safety systems like emergency braking assist, pre-collision safety system, rearview camera, and so much more.
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2. EXPENSIVE - 2018 MERCEDES MAYBACH S650
The first three on the most expensive list are all cars in the S-class line of Mercedes Benz and, according to Insure.com. The Maybach S650 has an average premium rate of $3,558.
We're not sure if that is a bad thing, but we're sure that Mercedes couldn't care less. This S-Class Mercedes has a base price of just under $199,000, according to Cars.USNews.com. This particular Mercedes has a provocative 621 horsepower, turbocharged V12 motor, and all the bells and whistles.
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1. CHEAP - 2018 JEEP COMPASS SPORT
The Jeep Compass Sport is a compact sport utility vehicle that has an average premium cost of $1,257 and is number nine on Insure.com's list of cheapest cars to insure. Like many other sport models, there are two versions of this model which are front-wheel and all-wheel drive, both with an inline 4 cylinder engine.
Base MSRP for these versions is around $21,000 and $23,000, respectively, according to Edmunds.com. It may come as a surprise to many, but there are four Jeep models listed in the top 15 cheapest cars to insure.
Many thousands of young men and women spend countless dollars on upgrades and modifications to their vehicles in order to improve how they look or how they perform or even how they sound before parading them at meets and races with other car enthusiasts.
Some of the most popular modifications are also very illegal as they can make it difficult to drive the vehicle safely or can boost the performance of the car so much that it becomes dangerous.
Just to make things even more complicated, different states have different rules about which modifications are allowed, so you always need to check the rules relating to the modifications on the list below before you start any cross-country road trip.
Here are 10 car modifications that are illegal in the United States.
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10. STUDDED TIRES IN GOOD WEATHER
In times of bad weather, studded snow tires can be a life saver. In some areas they are even mandatory (or at the very least strongly recommended) when roads are icy and snowy.
However, some motorists view studded tires as a cosmetic modification, something to make their cars look a little cooler rather than something which could save their lives.
Indeed, when the weather isn’t bad, studded tires can themselves pose a danger as they can easily skid on dry road surfaces.
This is why many states where studded tires are a common sight in winter have to impose rules forbidding their use during warmer months. Washington state between November and March is one example. Other states have banned the use of metal studs in favor of the rubber variety.
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9. LIGHT RIG ON THE ROOF OF A TRUCK
A lot of people who own trucks also like to pretend that they use those trucks for journeys far more demanding than the school run or the morning commute. We’ve all seen truck drivers who have spent as much cash upgrading their pride and joy as any Fast and Furious inspired street racer.
One of the staunch favorites of truck owners is a light rig on the roof in order to provide extra bright illumination for those after dark off-roading trips.
It is worth being aware that some states have restrictions about the use or even the installation of such lighting rigs. In 2017, for example, North Carolina passed a law prohibiting the use of these rigs while driving on state highways, as they can distract and even dazzle other road users.
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8. RADAR DETECTORS
Radar detectors are devices installed in cars which tell the drivers when their speed is being measured by radar guns used by law enforcement; a handy toy if you like driving above the speed limit without the risk of being given one of those pesky traffic citations.
Speed limits are there for a reason, as are the law enforcement officers who are using radar guns to check the speed of vehicles: to keep all road users safe.
That is why these are illegal in all vehicles in Virginia and Washington DC, and are illegal in commercial vehicles in Illinois, New York and New Jersey. While radar detectors are legal in Minnesota and California, you are not allowed to fix them to your windscreen, where they may cause an obstruction while driving.
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7. OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD, THROATY ENGINE ROARS
All vehicles are sold with a muffler on their exhaust system to control noise levels. While it is generally illegal to remove them, you can always add new modifications if you want your car to have one of those obnoxiously loud, throaty engine roars.
Again, different states have different laws when it comes to how loud your exhaust is allowed to be. Texas, for example, has no vehicle noise rules at all, which means that anything goes when it comes to engine noise.
In California, the limit is 95 decibels while Kansas law states that noise from car engines has to be less than 90 decibels when measured from a distance of 50 feet. Come cities, including New York, even have their own local laws on engine noise.
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6. NEON LIGHTS
One of the other popular modifications which makes regular appearances in The Fast the Furious films are the neon lights which boy racers put on the underside of their vehicles. While this may look cool, it doesn’t have any impact on the performance of the vehicle, so why on earth would any state have a problem with a bit of extra funky lighting?
Because that extra funky lighting can be a distraction to yourself and to other drivers, that's why.
Arizona allows neon lights, but only amber or white lights on the side of the car. Kansas doesn’t allow you to use flashing lights. Michigan also has restrictions on neon lights with red and blue lights banned altogether. Maybe that's because other drivers mistake them for the lights on a police car.
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5. EXHAUST PIPES WITH EMISSIONS
The trend these days among most motorists is to drive increasingly environmentally friendly cars. You just have to look at the success of hybrids to see how attitudes to pollution from motoring is changing.
The Environment Protection Agency has rules about what emissions are allowed from the exhaust pipes of engines which still rely on good old fashioned petrol, yet there are mods on the market which can affect the amount and type of emissions which are expelled from your exhaust, and can easily lead you to run afoul of the law.
New cars are all sold with devices which control the emissions from your car but if you want to remove them to change the appearance or performance of your vehicle, then you could be open to prosecution under the Clean Air Act.
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4. VERY LOW SUSPENSION
There are some car owners who want to lower the suspension of their vehicle to improve its appearance and its handling as well as reduce drag so that you can achieve faster speeds. There’s a reason all those cars in The Fast and the Furious look like they’re hugging the tarmac!
There are risks associated with a lower suspension including the fact that your car could end up getting damaged by the first speed bump you drive over, and some states have restrictions on how low vehicle suspensions can be.
Georgia’s two inch restriction also applies to lowered suspensions, while in New Hampshire no part of the vehicle’s bodywork or chassis can be lowered so that it lies below the lowest part of the car’s wheels.
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3. COLOURED LED BULBS IN HEADLIGHTS
Neons are far from the only light-based modification you can make to your car. You can even jazz up your headlamps, tail lights or indicators with LED lights using different colors and effects to make them look more eye-catching. Or can you?
As far as the law is concerned, many of the same restrictions often apply to LED highlights as apply to LED neons on the underside of your car.
Kentucky has become one of the most recent states to pass a law banning the use of colored LED bulbs in headlights, not only because they are distracting to other drivers, but because if they are installed incorrectly it can be difficult to control the beam which can lead to oncoming drivers being dazzled by your disco headlamps.
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2. NITROUS OXIDE SYSTEMS
The Fast and The Furious also brought the existence of nitrous oxide as fuel to a whole new audience, with racers using it to give themselves a much needed boost in street races.
Nitrous Oxide Systems, or NOS as it is referred to by those in the know, would seem to be part and parcel of any street racer’s modifications package, but it’s use is illegal in many parts of the US.
Ohio has some of the strictest laws regarding the use of NOS. When you buy nitrous oxide there, you have to sign a form declaring that you know it is illegal to use it in a car. Sellers are also required to keep names on file of people who have bought the gas for two years after the sale.
1. PLATE FRAMES
Lots of people like to personalize their vehicles in some way so that it reflects their own style and even their own personality. This can range from getting a new paint job in your favorite color to something as simple as slapping on a bumper sticker to let fellow drivers know how proud you are of your kids or how you voted in the last election.
You can even buy decorative frames to put around your license plate. You would do this to reflect your love of Disney or Star Wars, for example.
Who could object to that, right? Most states will tolerate these frames so long as they don’t obscure the state of origin or the number, but North Carolina has banned plate frames altogether for vehicles registered in-state.
Source : www.hotcars.com
Drag racing is ingrained into American car culture, right alongside big egos that hate to give credit where credit is due.
There are three things you need to know to fully appreciate this article:
One: People have different definitions when it comes to fast cars. Those of us with daily drivers generally understand a 14-second quarter-mile time is pretty respectable and grin-inducing. Dedicated drag racers with purpose-built missiles find anything over 11 seconds to be rather boring. And then you have the bench racers that trash talk anyone not driving an 8-second Supra. For our purposes, let’s focus on that daily driver category.
Two: When it comes to classifying something as fast, context matters. These days it’s not tough to find fairly inexpensive, factory stock performance cars that can run a 13-second quarter-mile. Step back just a decade, however, and you’ll find such performance was a bit more exclusive.
Three: I don’t care how fast your car is. Unless you have an 8000bhp top fuel dragster, you will eventually match up with a car that’s faster. And because karma has such a wonderful sense of humour, your ego will probably be shattered by something you aren’t particularly fond of.
That brings me to this list of six cars that many people don’t like to admit are actually rather fast. I’m not talking about sleepers per se – I suspect enthusiasts are familiar with most of these cars. I’m talking about cars that, for varying reasons, just don’t get much respect despite having some legitimate performance cred.
Click on Next to read the rest..
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1. Honda Civic
Mention Civic to virtually any muscle car guy and the requisite response usually involves laughing, a few choice expletives, and zero respect. Yes, there are plenty of wannabe Civics that reinforce the ricer stereotype, but Type R versions have been tearing up race tracks for years. Even the modest Si versions we’ve had in the States pack enough power to surprise the V8 crowd every now and then. But you’ll never hear them admit it – even when they get spanked by one.
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2. Dodge Neon SRT-4
It didn’t take long for the Dodge Neon to become the epitome of American throw-away cars. In reality, the Neon was a properly good track car, and when Dodge bolted a turbo to its 2.4-litre engine in 2003, it became properly quick as well. Initially offered with 215bhp, power rose to 230bhp for 2004 and 2005 – enough to shuffle this throw away car to a 13.9 second quarter-mile time. For the record, that’s B6 Audi S4 territory, and enough to dog an E46 M3 well past 100mph.
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3. Chevrolet Cobalt SS
The Cobalt has the distinction of inheriting the Chevy Cavalier’s stellar reputation for being a craptastic compact car. This was, after all, the period of sharp decline at General Motors that led to its bankruptcy. But while the money was haemorrhaging through every GM orifice, someone decided to endow the Cobalt with a supercharger that in 2008 became a turbo. It sent 260bhp to the front wheels, which sent droves of butthurt Mustang, Charger, and WRX drivers home to rethink their life choices. It may have been crap, but it was fast crap.
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4. Chrysler PT Cruiser GT
Remember the Neon SRT-4? Yeah, that same engine and five-speed manual found its way into the loved-then-shunned PT Cruiser. The quirky hatchback became a pimple on Chrysler’s backside thanks to terrible quality control and dated styling, but for a few years those flashy chrome rims could deliver smoky burnouts and respectable thrust. The PT’s additional mass slowed it down compared to the SRT-4, but it was still among the quickest front-wheel drive performance cars of the early-mid 2000s.
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5. Toyota Camry
Did you know a new V6-powered Toyota Camry can rip to 60 in about six seconds and clip a mid-14 second quarter mile? That’s about the same as a showroom-fresh Ford Focus ST, and unless you boot your new WRX from a standstill with a death-defying clutch drop, don’t expect to escape the Camry’s grasp.
I’m not suggesting the Camry is the world’s new sport sedan, and it’s certainly no drag racing hero. But it’s been the epitome of boring transportation for 20 odd years, not to mention a punching bag for auto journalists and enthusiasts around the world. Very few will admit to smiling behind the Camry’s wheel during a full-throttle run; fewer still will admit it’s respectably fast.
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6. Ford Taurus
The Taurus started out strong but quickly gained a reputation for being a boring rental car queen. Many people didn’t know there was a performance edition called SHO, which is why I ultimately owned a dozen of these cars over the years. In the late 1990s I watched a colleague rip a 14.5 quarter-mile in a bone stock 1994 SHO with a five-speed manual, which was quick enough back then to hang with just about anything. Today’s twin-turbo SHOs dip into the 13s despite their size, but the level of disbelief among unsuspecting enthusiasts is as amusing as ever. A Taurus . . . I can’t believe I lost to a ** Taurus.*