Interesting choice for MotorTrend Car of the Year: VolksWagen Golf

"matt miller" (mattmiller1973) 11/13/2014 at 08:03 • Filed to: None

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the whole family, I guess. What do you think? how does this compare to the picks of the past, like the Chyrsler 300 (twice) and the Dodge Caravan?

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jkm7680 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:09

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The Dodge Caravan was honestly some crap, so I'd say it's progressing pretty quickly.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:15

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Phunkydiabetic > jkm7680 11/13/2014 at 08:16

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Say whaaaaaaaaaat. I friggin love my Caravan. Handy as a mofuck in basically all situations. Except for having fun driving it, there isnt much fun in driving one. Ill hop in my Charger to have some fun.

Nerd-Vol > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:16

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I didn't know people still read motor trend.

Hooperdink > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:19

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I just want to print the coupon out so I can mail it in and see what happens.

Round headlight enthusiast > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:19

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I'm convined they just put names ina hat and pick one

Sethism > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:20

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It's not that interesting of a choice- the Golf Mk7 has won numerous awards, including "World Car of The Year" at the New York Auto Show.

When you consider the acclaim that just a few of the individual trim lines have recieved- the GTI and TDI, particularly, it's no small wonder indeed. It's just a really good car.

JayDeZ > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:21

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Lets see its in the same award class as:

2002 Ford Thunderbird

2001 Chrystler PT Cruiser

1997 Chevy Malibu

1995 Chrysler Cirrus

1980 Chevy Citation

I think the award has proven worthless over the years.

todaytomorrowSD > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:21

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Looks like Motor Trend hired a bunch of girls.

mcseanerson > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:21

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What was the competition?

Sky Blue > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:21

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What do myself and a lot of other people think??

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:22

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In MTs defense on this, imports weren't allowed on the list back then. They had a separate "Import of the year" award. I'd probably choose a Vega over any other 1971 domestic as well because light weight.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Round headlight enthusiast 11/13/2014 at 08:23

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That's what the do now. Before 2013, they would look around and find the absolute worst choice they could and give it the award.

mcseanerson > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:23

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Audi A3

BMW 2 Series

Ford Mustang

Honda Fit

Hyundai Genesis

Kia Sedona

Lexus RC

Maserati Ghibli

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

This was the competition. It's basically the only car that really met all needs at a reasonable price. Wow.

El-Verde > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:23

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I agree, this is a pointless award that means little to nothing. And there are a lot more interesting cars out there.

This isn't a Vega, though. It's one of the best selling cars of all time for a reason.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:23

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I'm intersted

I'm very interested

I'm SO interested...

please check one

spyderman4g63 > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 08:24

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Other finalists:

Audi A3

BMW 2 Series

Ford Mustang

Honda Fit

Hyundai Genesis

Kia Sedona

Lexus RC

Maserati Ghibli

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Sweet Trav > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:26

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http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/…

emilminty drives an E30 but the '89 Cavalier blew a head gasket > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 08:27

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So, the Mustang was too obvious and they just went with the second choice?

I don't even like Mustangs that much, but a good-looking reboot that take the classic into the modern age (IRS, 4 pot turbo, etc.) and looks to expand it into foreign markets. I don't see how you could pick anything else. This just smacks of pure contrarianism.

kraenk12 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:28

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The Golf is just as much car as everyone on this planet needs. That's why it deserves the win. (I know I'm gonna be bashed for this from the enthusiast side..I drive a Miata. I still know it's true!)

stoke > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:29

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Is anyone sure this is real? It's certainly plausible as a leak, but there's nothing up on the MT website.

Audistein > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:30

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Yup.

fredzy > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:32

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Well, likely reliability aside, it definitely deserves it. Looks like they got it right for once? There is barely a better all around car for a car guy.

XSoph > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:33

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I've driven 10k very happy miles in mine. I'm still a little floored that my 6'2" 280 lb frame doesn't suffer on long road trips. I sat in a MK6 before I made the decided and the interior was a huge upgrade in the new model year. MK7 GTI uber alles!

StevenG > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 08:34

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Did they use a dartboard to select this list?

fredzy > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius 11/13/2014 at 08:34

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It would have been too German for them to include a "not interested" check box. I mean, think of the guy who would check that box, pop a stamp on that thing and mail it in.

YimRS13 > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius 11/13/2014 at 08:36

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I totally want a copy of that coupon to send in! Where's my damn sticker, Chevy!

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > todaytomorrowSD 11/13/2014 at 08:38

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Looks like Oppo has attracted a bunch of sexist douchebags.

matt miller > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 08:38

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even since they allowesd ``imports,'' it looks like they've only chosen the boring (read: cheaper) ones. never a BMW or an Audi or a 911. not even a lexus!

Fireblade93 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:38

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While I think the Golf, and especially the GTI(hell, I'm strongly considering one), are pretty good cars, they're really just more of the same from the last gen. The Mustang, although not perfect, has taken a HUGE leap from the 2014MY. I live in the NorthEast... I don't want a track car...I want a road car that can handle crappy roads and potholes.

matt miller > El-Verde 11/13/2014 at 08:39

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the vega in the add looks about a million X cooler than the golf. so it wins on design...

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > fredzy 11/13/2014 at 08:41

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I like people who call into the local TV news call-in poll to say they are undecided.

News Channel 5 viewers who like...

Cup cakes: 37%

Cookies: 45%

Undecided: 18%

Eggshen2012 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:41

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Lets not forget they also picked the Citation...

matt miller > emilminty drives an E30 but the '89 Cavalier blew a head gasket 11/13/2014 at 08:42

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i would pick the mustang, the f-150, the bmw 235, the mercedes c-class, the cadillac atv, the cayman GTS, the polaris slingshot. there are a lot of awesome choices but it looks like ``dull'' is a huge category.

matt miller > Phunkydiabetic 11/13/2014 at 08:43

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you need to upgrade to an odyssey. bagged.

matt miller > Sethism 11/13/2014 at 08:44

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is it a better car than the bmw235? or the stang? or the f-150? if the COTY has to be a jack of all trades, then i guess, but it's master of none.

BigDub > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:46

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It fits the bill... want performance? GTI or Golf R (soon), economy? TDI. Just a car? Golf with 1.8T. And all can still haul 6 bags of mulch with the back seats up.

todaytomorrowSD > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/13/2014 at 08:47

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And people without a sense of humor, apparently.

TheDouble-ClutchBandit > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:47

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I've not driven the new one, but I drove last year's model. While it was definitely underwhelming in the power department, the build quality, practicality, and handling at normal speeds was pretty much all you need for a DD. It's a solid car, and as far as I'm concerned, getting the "Car of the Year" title from multiple outlets is totally warranted. Are there other worthy contenders? Absolutely. Are they as well rounded? Arguably, no, and that's why the Golf and all its variants take the cake.

pfftballer > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:48

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The new Golf is nice but it's no 2001 PT Cruiser or 1997 Chevy Malibu much less a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. I guess it's actually not that impressive of a club.

Bob Zuercher > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:50

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Not that it matters, but it has won a number of awards so it's not entirely surprising. I dig it.

pfftballer > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:53

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What I would do for one of those wagons...

David E. Davis > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 08:56

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I'll take the Vega over the AMC/Renault Alliance any day of the week.

matt miller > stoke 11/13/2014 at 08:56

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Bloomberg TV star reporter Matt Miller is faster than the Internet! Which moves "at the speed of Government."

JM > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 08:57

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You would have picked a Vega in 1971 over a Corvette? There's the door.

CheapIsTheWord > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 08:57

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Hmmm, VW sales down, Motor Trend in need of advertising. Who's surprised by this?

matt miller > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/13/2014 at 08:57

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Using the term douchebag is hysterical, especially in the context of sexism.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > todaytomorrowSD 11/13/2014 at 09:01

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So you're saying that being belittling and dismissive of girls is funny?

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:02

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How is it hysterical?

Phunkydiabetic > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:02

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Dat lack of Stow'N'Go® tho.

Sethism > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:03

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I don't know- I haven't driven all of those to have an opinion. What I do know is that automotive journalists, who have driven all of those cars, are heaping praise on the Golf. Not just Motortrend, but industry-wide.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > JM 11/13/2014 at 09:05

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You would have chosen what is universally considered to be the worst 'Vette in the year they started detuning it over something with features such as, I don't know, a trunk?

Nintenzo > todaytomorrowSD 11/13/2014 at 09:10

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Oh God, you've angered the feminist.

Sean Bond > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 09:13

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I feel like this is a little bit of a cop-out, though. The Golf has 2 and 4 doors, gas, electric, diesel, and high performance models. At that point you might as well put it up against the BMW 2 and 3 series, the Audi A3/S & A5 series, etc.

TurboS60 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:21

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Don't agree with this choice. The Golf doesnt move the needle enough in any category.

moardots > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:23

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Can you trust any car review that uses the words "carbon footprint". /endthread

matt miller > Sethism 11/13/2014 at 09:26

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it is a sweet car for sure — I've driven a TDI and a TSI. But, without having driven the GTI or the R, I will say is probably rather have the Mustang. And the BMW. Motor Trend, however, doesn't use my personal choice of sportscar as criteria in its COTY selection. Still, I would have chosen the F-150, and the F-series has sold even more than the Golf!

CleverBS > Fireblade93 11/13/2014 at 09:33

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That HUGE leap forward for the Mustang just made it on par with cars that have had many of the "NEW" Mustang features for years (or even decades).

Remember dialing "popcorn" for the time? > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/13/2014 at 09:48

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I thought they assessed which manufacturer paid the most for advertising ...

moardots > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:48

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I have driven the GTI and it was very underwhelming. The interior is nice but I found the stick to be notchy and not precise (compare to the silkyness of the Focus ST). After getting out of my WRX the GTI was just not fun to drive.

haveacarortwoorthree > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:53

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Another Motor Trend fail.

mcseanerson > emilminty drives an E30 but the '89 Cavalier blew a head gasket 11/13/2014 at 09:55

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To me the reason not to pick the Mustang is it has a narrow focus and just doesn't seem a huge improvement over the previous model to me.

mcseanerson > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:56

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The F-150 wouldn't be eligible otherwise I would probably agree. The Cadillac and Porsche are trims not new models.

mcseanerson > Sean Bond 11/13/2014 at 09:57

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Yeah, it feels a bit like next years coty might be Chevy. Which Chevy? The whole lineup.

cretony38 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 09:59

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Wasn't the Renault Alliance COTY in the 80's??? I love the GTI but I'm not so sure this is real prestige...

Sethism > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:05

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I get what you're saying here, trully. It's the reason why there are so many different models of cars for sale in every market- different spokes for different folks.

That said, I have driven the GTI, and given the driving experience coupled with the interior quality, hatchback versatility, refinement, and technology, I would personally choose it over a Mustang, which I like, and the BMW, which I also like.

Funktheduck > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 10:06

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Is the list new for 2015 cars only?

flying lap > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:11

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After a recent test drive, I came away HIGHLY underwhelmed. Not sure what all the hubbud's about. Minivan styling, 217hp, reliable as a meth addict.

oldirtybootz > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:11

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I think we all know MT's COTY is a joke.

mdensch > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:21

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VW did the biggest ad buy of all the manufacturers on the short list, right?

mcseanerson > Funktheduck 11/13/2014 at 10:24

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They basically go from anything released since their last comparison.

Funktheduck > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 10:28

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Ok, thanks for clarifying. All the various COTY awards have different qualifiers so I get them mixed up.

They're wrong anyway bc they didn't pick my car. ;)

Kayone74 > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:34

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It just means MT is starting to think more like Top Gear

west-coaster > JM 11/13/2014 at 10:35

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Yes, it should have been a no-brainer. Same sticker price; same insurance rates. Oh, wait...

Dest > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:38

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Wow. That's boring as fuck.

west-coaster > pfftballer 11/13/2014 at 10:39

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It actually goes back further than that. Chevy Citation, Renault Alliance, and Chevy Celebrity (I think) were all MT COTY's as well.

Tom McParland > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 10:46

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As someone who talks with car buyers everyday, not once has a customer said "I want X car because it won an award in a magazine." So I think these things are pretty meaningless for actual car buyers. Now that being said, people have said "Well Consumer reports recommends X car but not Y car." So it seems CR is on to something.

As for the Golf...given that I just ordered a '15 GTI with Performance Package for myself, I say it is a fine choice. The problem is again this award really won't help sell Golfs. You either want a Golf/GTI or you don't. No one is really "on the fence" about it. Just a fun bit of information, I shopped a Golf lease for someone who wanted an A3 but didn't think they could afford it. The $25k Golf was only $10 cheaper per month than the $38k A3 with the same lease terms and down-payment.

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Remember dialing "popcorn" for the time? 11/13/2014 at 10:58

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That was probably the case.

m.g.blue > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 11/13/2014 at 11:01

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don't forget the Renault Alliance

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 11:11

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The 71's were still good.

Der Sportwagoner > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 11:13

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Wow, lots of Mustang fans have the sads. Funny how one can simultaneously say "everyone knows this award is stupid" and "my favorite car should've won this award" in the same comment.

TooManyCarsMike > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 11:24

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This was all based on brand new cars for 2015 only, correct? I don't think too many people make their new buying decision on car of the year but I have heard it when someone is trying to justify their purchase to me.

Me: you bought a 96 Chrysler Cirrus?

Them: It got motor trends car of the year in 1996.

Me: And hitler got the cover of Time magazine...

Holdinghorses > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 11:33

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This is why you should always be very skeptical about any magazine that reviews cars when, at the same time, it solicits advertising dollars from the companies who manufacture those cars.

You know who, in a million years, would never have given triumphant accolades to the Chevy Vega? Consumer Reports, that's who.

Holdinghorses > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 11:36

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In MT's defense, GM paid millions to them for advertising. I'd probably choose the Vega over other cars because it'd be suicide to point out that the Vega was a beautiful pile of crap.

bob and john > Tom McParland 11/13/2014 at 11:50

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O.O

How the hell does that work out? (or are you comparing the equivalently equiped golf, with leath and what not? I know in canada if you loaded up a MK6 golf and A3 TDI the audi was 4 grand more [in 2010, when my dad got his])

matt miller > Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready 11/13/2014 at 11:56

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clearly you weren't a linguistics major...

SensousLettuce > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 11:57

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Motor Trend picked the PT Cruiser as COTY in 01, the Prius in 04, and the Camry in 07. Their opinions are not valid.

Chris Pelletier > Tom McParland 11/13/2014 at 11:58

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Tom,

I found that out myself when I was looking for a cheap commuter car. An employee deal with 0 down/15k per year lease on an $18,000 base Golf with a stick was $289 per month all in. That is insane when I can get a loaded $24,000 Focus SE for $179 per month. VW credit is not helping Golf sales at all. I loved the way it handled and it was a fun ride but not at that price!!

matt miller > CleverBS 11/13/2014 at 12:00

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while it is true that mustang took 50 years to get irs, it uses what it's got better than any car in its class and many above it. so much fun to drive!

matt miller > kraenk12 11/13/2014 at 12:01

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depends in what trim, and i wouldn't say everyone. that's a lot of people. if you said 90% or 95%, that would be easier to agree with. even 99%?

matt miller > fredzy 11/13/2014 at 12:04

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i think there are many. ``car guy'' doesn't necessarily mean dad carting kids.

to me it seems like the closest they've come to nailing it is the tesla. last year should obviously have been the corvette, this year should be the f-150.

SwellBell > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 12:06

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IIRC, the early 70's vettes were still pretty good. Its the mid-lates 70's and early 80's that I remember being much less desired; emissions, that dreaded cross-fire injection, etc...

matt miller > BigDub 11/13/2014 at 12:06

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you could check all of those boxes with some single cars too, like the bmw 235.

matt miller > moardots 11/13/2014 at 12:08

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drops the mic.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > SwellBell 11/13/2014 at 12:10

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Yeah, they were better, but they still weren't great, and GM still forgot to add a trunk.

Ben C > mcseanerson 11/13/2014 at 12:10

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To be fair all of the above are also excellent cars. I personally love the A3, 2 Series and Fit myself.

Ben C > matt miller 11/13/2014 at 12:12

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Try a GTI. It's absolutely amazing.

Let's just say my ideal 2 car garage would be a Golf GTI and a 2 Series. GTI for business, BMW for pleasure.

Tom McParland > Chris Pelletier 11/13/2014 at 12:14

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Great cars to buy...not to lease.

SwellBell > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 11/13/2014 at 12:17

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That detail did skip my mind, I have been out of the vette knowledge database for a few years since I trade my '94 Corvette. There was always the luggage rack on its "trunk" location ;). And I think there was a "cavity" in the coupe for storing small things like a backpack or behind the seats, please verify. Regardless, definitely not ideal for storing bodies!

1UZ > Tom McParland 11/13/2014 at 12:18

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They also have great resale value for no apparent reason.