Author Topic: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!  (Read 43624 times)

Well Marbled

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List / Audi S4
« Reply #40 on: December 24, 2010, 11:16:11 am »
Every one has their own choices, and their own reasons for those choices.  That's the reason why we bother to read these lists as they are put out by various publications. Otherwise, it's "been there, done that" as in read one and you have read them all.  Variety is good.

But I do find curious the comment about the Audi S4 making the list in part because it is 20k cheaper than the last generations and that makes it a bargain.  I'm not saying it shouldn't be there - it just isn't a bargain.  The last generation was waaaay over priced hence the low numbers sold.  But look at the vehicles it competes with - ie 335i (A4=328i, S4=335i, RS4 =M3) and it is finally priced correctly, altho it is still more expensive.  A 20k cut on a car priced 25k too high doesn't make a bargain.


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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #41 on: December 24, 2010, 11:22:24 am »
There are no sub compacts, or even compacts with direct injection, your just hatin' because u don't fit :rofl:

I said direct ignition, not injection.

Offline mmret

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Re: List / Audi S4
« Reply #42 on: December 24, 2010, 11:23:58 am »
A 20k cut on a car priced 25k too high doesn't make a bargain.

Truth. Although IMO it has more of a uniqueness factor to it, plus its got some newer tech (AWD with sports suspension, torque vectoring differential, and I think 7 cog DSG?) which you can't get on the 335i. That makes it worth a bit of a premium, at least to me.
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Re: List / Audi S4
« Reply #43 on: December 24, 2010, 11:25:50 am »
A 20k cut on a car priced 25k too high doesn't make a bargain.

Truth. Although IMO it has more of a uniqueness factor to it, plus its got some newer tech (AWD with sports suspension, torque vectoring differential, and I think 7 cog DSG?) which you can't get on the 335i. That makes it worth a bit of a premium, at least to me.

I agree.

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Ron68

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #44 on: December 24, 2010, 12:41:24 pm »


All true. Yet it is woefully expensive, far too big and heavy for what it aims to do, and has been a total failure in the marketplace. If we were listing "Failures of the Year" then it would be near the top of the list. But it seems Ford is the new Toyota in the eyes of auto journalists, and can do no wrong. That is more of a commentary on the journalists than the cars.   



BTW Sticker is closer to 50 then 60k and was available with 5-6k off previously. Most cars with comparable features are in the same or higher ball park.

What other 50k+ cars do you think offer a better package? (power, ride, AWD, fuel economy, passenger comfort and cargo capacity?  The Genesis comes somewhat close but no AWD is offered.

Agree that the "rental" stigma of the old Taurus comes to mind, but then A new Hyundai is not the same as the Hyundai of the 1990s either. 

CatsEye68

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #45 on: December 24, 2010, 12:53:08 pm »
Agree that the "rental" stigma of the old Taurus comes to mind, but then A new Hyundai is not the same as the Hyundai of the 1990s either. 


Time will tell on that score. Those dollars and pounds have to be taken out of the car somewhere. To my knowledge, Hyundai has not successfully repealed the laws of economics nor physics as yet.

CatsEye68

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #46 on: December 24, 2010, 12:56:09 pm »
My personal top 20.

Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Fiesta Hatchback
Mazda 3
Buick Regal <-- OH OH!
Hyundai Sonata/Hybrid
Toyota Avalon
Audi A5 Coupe
BMW 5 Series Sedan
Ford Mustang/Shelby
Subaru Impreza STi
Nissan 370Z
Audi Q5
Ford Edge
Kia Sportage
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Touareg
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Panamera
Audi R8 V10/Cabrio
Ford F-150

Your list is far more sensible (aside from the 2 Porsches) than the one that the site itself is standing behind. You clearly are the single eagle working with a bunch of turkeys. :rofl2:

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #47 on: December 24, 2010, 01:45:58 pm »
What exactly is so low tech about the fiesta engine?  It's basically the same as the fit.  A twin-variable valve Dohc 1.6L. Vs arguably the fits ancient SOHC design.

COTY by Ajac, we don't have a car if the year because it would go against ajac


wing, forgettabout these whiners.  You and your colleagues each knew the list would be scrutinized - you probably didnt expect this many whiners though, did you:).

Id like to leave the following space (below) open for ANY AND ALL users who have each personally (not their friend, or relative) driven EACH of the cars on the list to write their own rebuttal list:







...what, no one has personally driven every car on the list like Wing and his team....




















....still waiting......















....yeah, that is what I thought.  Until I personally drive every car on the list Ill just go with someone who has some real-world practical driving experience vs. conjecture or personal speculation. 





Offline Frontier1

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #48 on: December 24, 2010, 02:01:37 pm »
I don't understand this list...

“These are the cars and trucks we think you’ll be happy to own and drive, and when all is said and done, that’s what’s most important,” says Wilson.

Then you see the Mazda2 and Fiesta, but not the Honda Fit? Uh, what? And what about the compact car segment? I see only the Cruze and Golf that qualify as compact cars... no Mazda3?

Hard to disagree with all the entires on the list... just wondering how come popular and proven vehicles such as the Fit and Mazda3 aren't included, while new and unproven vehicles like the Cruze, Mazda2 and Fiesta are. What if those turn out to be really unreliable early on? Will the owners be happy to own and drive them, then?

unproven vehicles like the Cruze, Mazda2, Fiesta, Sonata, Sportage, Tucson etc.

Offline Frontier1

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #49 on: December 24, 2010, 02:04:58 pm »
The fit was on the list actually it just didn't make the final cut.  We started with all 300+ cars on the market then paired it down to this list.  Then each of us (individually) voted for our favourites and then makes the top 20.  There were 3 ties, hence the extra cars.

Not every car can make the list obviously -- here's our first draft.  I of course knew the list would be hammered on, just like every other list that goes out  :rofl2:

SMALL
Chevrolet Cruze
Mazda2
Mazda3
Toyota Yaris sedan
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Ford Fiesta
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Kia Soul
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Golf wagon


FAMILY
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Sonata/Sonata Hybrid
Buick Regal
Toyota Prius
Ford Fusion
Subaru Legacy


SPORTS HIGH
Audi A4
Audi A5 Coupe
Mercedes-Benz C63
Porsche 911
BMW Z4
Audi S4
Nissan 370Z
Cadillac CTS-V
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Subaru Impreza Sti


SPORTS LOW
Ford Mustang
Mini Cooper
Volkswagen GTI
BMW 135 coupe
Honda CR-Z


LUXURY CAR
Cadillac CTS sedan/wagon
BMW 5 Series
Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai Equus
Infiniti G37
Mercedes-Benz E-Class cab
Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan
Infiniti M
Toyota Avalon


SUV/CUV HIGH
Audi Q5
Ford Flex
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Volkswagen Touareg
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne


SUV/CUV LOW
Ford Edge
Nissan Juke
Kia Sportage
Chevrolet Equinox
Hyundai Tucson


PRESTIGE
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Audi A8
Porsche Panamera
Porsche 911 Turbo
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


LIGHT TRUCK
Dodge Ram 1500
Ford F-150
Ford F-Series Super Duty
Toyota Sienna
Ford Transit Connect

What what? Dam you guys, why not the Juke?? Come on losers, ya getting as bad as MSN auto :rofl2: (just kidding)

Offline Frontier1

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #50 on: December 24, 2010, 02:06:35 pm »
weak picks by Canadian driver,  funny how Car and Driver rates the 2011 Honda Fit as one of it's top 10 best cars and MSN AUTO both rate the 2011 Fiesta and Mazda 2 far below the 2011 honda fit.
here's the MSN auto review.

Below is the msn review....

At first blush, I must be nuts to swim against the tide by criticizing the Ford Fiesta. Yes, it's a smartly designed subcompact that is bound to convert a lot of Americans into small-car disciples (we Canucks are already anointed). It's nicely refined and packed with innovative features, including an optional six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Priced from $16,799 for the hatchback, Ford will sell a million of 'em in every retina-scorching colour they have.

But here's the thing: I can't fit in it. Okay, I'm big, but then again so is the average North American - and we're growing bigger. The front seats are decent enough, but when I try to squeeze through one of the rear apertures to the back seat, I'm astonished by the lack of space. How did this escape the notice of any right-thinking journo? The fact is, if you're going to drop $20,000 on a gas-saving hatchback you have a right to expect to transport four adults in reasonable comfort. On this count, the Fiesta fails miserably. I had planned to buy one (used) in a few years' time when my daughter earns her licence. Instead, hello Honda Fit - which does. -- Mark Toljagic for MSN Autos



MSN auto! fack!!! gives us a break ::)

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #51 on: December 24, 2010, 02:12:36 pm »
Until I personally drive every car on the list Ill just go with someone who has some real-world practical driving experience vs. conjecture or personal speculation. 

Good.  So we won't be hearing more from you, then.  Maybe we should make a new rule that only people who have driven the car being discussed have any right to comment on it?  Should make for some short threads for high end BMWs and Mercedes and such, not to mention Porsches.

The Honda Fit didn't make the cut with Canadian Driver, but did with Car and Driver - where the game-changing, class-redefining Fiesta finished dead last:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests

I can live with that.  At least Car and Driver provided ample reasons for their choice - not mere conclusions about one vehicles supposedly self-evident superiority.  Even if you disagree with their conclusions, you can understand how they arrived there.  Of course, there are those who will dismiss their conclusions as part of a domestic-bashing conspiracy, but hey, there's no helping the hopelessly deluded.

Suprisingly (or not) Motor Trend also had the chance to pit the awesomely awesome Fiesta against the competition, where it did better - but was still runner-up to the Fit:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1006_ford_fiesta_honda_fit_toyota_yaris_nissan_versa_comparison/index.html

Most who are not conspiracy  theorists will allow that these are not fringe publications.

So yes, editorial opinions will differ.  But I will say that it is only here at Canadain Driver that the Fiesta seems to be hailed as not only the best in class, but a segment-redefining vehicle in a class by itself.

Jaeger
« Last Edit: December 24, 2010, 02:27:21 pm by Jaeger »

Offline Frontier1

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #52 on: December 24, 2010, 02:16:16 pm »
<div style="text-align:left">

<img src=http://www.canadiandriver.com/images2/head/misc_rotation/top-picks-rotation-2011_1.jpg class=excerptimage>
Click to here to read about CanadianDriver's second annual Top Picks! These are 23 vehicles, ranging from subcompacts, to pickups to luxury cars, that we think are the best you can buy.

<a href=http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/12/24/canadiandriver-announces-its-top-picks-for-2011.htm>Read More...</a></div>

It is a very good list, I agree.

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #53 on: December 24, 2010, 02:52:58 pm »
Who picked the Taurus?  Confess  :)

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #54 on: December 24, 2010, 03:19:00 pm »
Until I personally drive every car on the list Ill just go with someone who has some real-world practical driving experience vs. conjecture or personal speculation. 

Good.  So we won't be hearing more from you, then.  Maybe we should make a new rule that only people who have driven the car being discussed have any right to comment on it?  Should make for some short threads for high end BMWs and Mercedes and such, not to mention Porsches.

The Honda Fit didn't make the cut with Canadian Driver, but did with Car and Driver - where the game-changing, class-redefining Fiesta finished dead last:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests

I can live with that.  At least Car and Driver provided ample reasons for their choice - not mere conclusions about one vehicles supposedly self-evident superiority.  Even if you disagree with their conclusions, you can understand how they arrived there.  Of course, there are those who will dismiss their conclusions as part of a domestic-bashing conspiracy, but hey, there's no helping the hopelessly deluded.

Suprisingly (or not) Motor Trend also had the chance to pit the awesomely awesome Fiesta against the competition, where it did better - but was still runner-up to the Fit:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1006_ford_fiesta_honda_fit_toyota_yaris_nissan_versa_comparison/index.html

Most who are not conspiracy  theorists will allow that these are not fringe publications.

So yes, editorial opinions will differ.  But I will say that it is only here at Canadain Driver that the Fiesta seems to be hailed as not only the best in class, but a segment-redefining vehicle in a class by itself.

Jaeger

No one cares about advertising subsidized magazine reviews.  Did Ford neglect C&D that month? Pee in their corn flakes?


Offline initial_D

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #55 on: December 24, 2010, 03:21:14 pm »
Who's Mark Toljagic, never heard of him.

So you take 1 nobodies opinion of our collective 6?  :rofl:

I knew today's list would be a blood bath, how could it be anything else?  Where's the blood bath against Motortrend and car and driver's list again, They had totally different cars and were hammered as well.  Sounds to me like any car that made the list was bound to be discounted.   :rofl2:

My personal top 20.

Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Fiesta Hatchback
Mazda 3
Buick Regal <-- OH OH!
Hyundai Sonata/Hybrid
Toyota Avalon
Audi A5 Coupe
BMW 5 Series Sedan
Ford Mustang/Shelby
Subaru Impreza STi
Nissan 370Z
Audi Q5
Ford Edge
Kia Sportage
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Touareg
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Panamera
Audi R8 V10/Cabrio
Ford F-150

I will just take the following 5 ... four times over ... the heck with the rest of the list.

Ford Mustang/Shelby
Subaru Impreza STi
Nissan 370Z
Audi R8 V10/Cabrio
Porsche Panamera

Offline PlanB

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #56 on: December 24, 2010, 03:22:32 pm »


I can live with that. 


Funny, I do not recall anyone at C/D, or this board for that matter, caring whether you can live with it or not.
 

Offline Jaeger

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #57 on: December 24, 2010, 03:23:14 pm »
No one cares about advertising subsidized magazine reviews.  Did Ford neglect C&D that month? Pee in their corn flakes?

No-one?  Really?  Hard to explain their circulation then.  Is Canadian Driver completely free of advertising revenue?  I seem to frequently see banner ads from a variety of sources - including auto manufacturers. Are we to conclude that their list is influenced by advertising dollars?  I don't think so - but since you seem to think that advertising revenue renders any publication irrelevant, you tell me.

Jaeger
« Last Edit: December 24, 2010, 03:30:26 pm by Jaeger »

Offline Erik

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #58 on: December 24, 2010, 03:23:23 pm »
Good list. Some interesting choices.
No disagreement from me.

Complaints seem to be basically following religious lines as usual here.
"The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive." - Sir William Lyons

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Re: CanadianDriver announces its Top Picks for 2011!
« Reply #59 on: December 24, 2010, 03:24:10 pm »


I can live with that. 


Funny, I do not recall anyone at C/D, or this board for that matter, caring whether you can live with it or not.
 

Hard to find any merit to this contribution, but thanks for trying.  Don't you need to go drive some cars - y'know, to justify your continued participation here?

Jaeger