Wired Magazine 2008 Car of the Year!

[Mish in AZ]

I see the (pissy) reviews, but I don't see the article about the trip from Phx to the Grand Canyon. Can you pls point me to it?
Mish in (it's a dry heat) AZ

[lisat]

You guys have to remember that the smart threatens the american auto industry. Everything abut smart is different - from image to economy. Pay no attention to the reviews that only focus on the negative. They may have another agenda.

[JanetMermaid]

These folks also probably don't believe in global warming. They'll drive their SUVs into the future, hunched over the steering wheel, sneering haughtily, regardless of how much they contribute to the decline of our quality of life. Detroit has rarely "got it" -- look at the Corvette, which was almost killed multiple times by the know-it-all honchos, only to reach wild success and popularity when the "suits" grudgingly allowed it to be released.

And let's not even talk about what those same idiots did to the beautiful, sexy, sporty, fun T-Bird.

[jonnysan]

I can't believe that all that close-mindedness and idiosy can exist within only one raggy periodical. Fuggedaboutit!!!!!!! Cross that one off the list of ones to read.

[08-4-2]

I think it would be helpful if they posted a photo of each writer along with a couple of lines about what they actually own. With an endless parade of new loaner vehicles in their fleet, they become pretty jaded. Years ago I used to suscribe to three auto magazines. I find the data tables in some of them useful but they are otherwise increasingly irrelevant.

I love the line about fads. Car magazines write favorably about a car and then trash it when the replacement arrives. How is it that a car that is on the 10 best list or a comparo winner so quickly falls from grace within the same model year? Have the breakthroughs been that substantial? They have to cater to there advertisers and providers and if they didn't have something new to write about ... what would they write about?

What I find curious is the level of hostility and in some cases, downright contempt. What is so threatening about this car? Do really think people are going to cross-shop a minivan or SUV? It's an urban or second car. Is it really irrelevant if people like it? Do they expect it to get great mileage without any trade-offs?

I would expect sales to trail off in a couple of years and Smart to keep traffic moving with the turbo or Barabus variations until the next Smart models make their debut. Gosh, sales never trail off after the introductions of other new models, right? They're quite prophetic over there.

I find it interesting the way they marginalize the Prius, Civic Hybrid or Civic GX. If it is a hybrid, they bemoan the additional complexity or cost. Their primary focus is on horsepower and handling and that means the status quo of what marketers decided was important a few years ago. Some people are able and willing to pay exhorbitant amounts for bragging rights and the occasioal opportunity to squirt through traffic; but is that practical for real world commuting that most do on a daily basis? No, what is really practical is having a four wheeled rear axle truck as a commuting vehicle because someone wants to tow something twice a year.

There are folks who are threatened by this and the grass roots acceptance. I think articles will be toned down. This is not a Yugo.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by JanetMermaid

And let's not even talk about what those same idiots did to the beautiful, sexy, sporty, fun T-Bird.

JM: Motor Trend, choose the ugly, new "full size" T-Bird "Car Of The Year" in 1977.