Car and Driver 2005 10 best
#26
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Originally Posted by Shamblerock
Followed your link and didn't see the article you mentioned on-line. Did you find it on-line?
Here's the January 2004 - 10 Best Cars (which includes the RX-8) if you had not seen it : http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=7571
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Originally Posted by valpac
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=7571
But G35 and S2000 are listed on this page.
But G35 and S2000 are listed on this page.
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I have driven a 2003 S2000 and I know why it isn't on Automobile's 10 best - the engine. It's an oxymoron. You have to rev the **** out of it to get any power but it doesn't want to rev. The chassis, brakes and transmission are fantastic. I know you have to rev the rotary to make power but at least it seems to enjoy it.
#31
Insanely Yellow
I find it it interesting that the Nissan 350Z didn't even make the nominee's list.
As far as source, no, didn't find it online. The January issue just came out and I received it in the mail yesterday ... I subscribe to C&D, Road & Track, Automobile and AutoWeek.
As far as source, no, didn't find it online. The January issue just came out and I received it in the mail yesterday ... I subscribe to C&D, Road & Track, Automobile and AutoWeek.
#32
Insanely Yellow
Also, Autoweek had an update on their long-term-test RX-8, which they continue to enjoy. At 15,000 miles, they report that it's used 12 quarts of oil, which they grumble about, and that their average fuel mileage is 16 mpg.
Their -8 got punted in the trunk by another car, to the tune of $3800 in damage - rear bumper, decklid, and both rear quarters had to be repaired.
But, they said that the overall enjoyment of the car continues unabated.
Sounds strangely famiilar ...
Their -8 got punted in the trunk by another car, to the tune of $3800 in damage - rear bumper, decklid, and both rear quarters had to be repaired.
But, they said that the overall enjoyment of the car continues unabated.
Sounds strangely famiilar ...
#33
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Did anyone else catch the little "blurb" about the upcoming RX-7, 2 seat with a300 hp rotary???? It's in the bit about the next Miata, which will NOT have a rotor motor option!
#34
What other cars fall into the sport coupe class? What cars did the 8 beat out for this title? Someone scan the article please. I don't want to take my 8 out of the garage in this rain.
#35
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Originally Posted by valpac
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=7571
But G35 and S2000 are listed on this page.
But G35 and S2000 are listed on this page.
#37
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Nice!!! I love my 8 more and more everyday!! On a sad note, I just read the latest issue of "Consumer Reports"...the 8 was lumped in the UNRELIABLE category.
Oh well.....to me, shes still PERFECT!!
- Irish
Oh well.....to me, shes still PERFECT!!
- Irish
#40
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It looks like they made the list then assigned these categories (like best sports coupe and best muscle car) as afterthoughts. I hope they're not creating "classes" to compete in that leave out some true top 10's.
The list grouped by company
Acura RL, Acura TSX
Audi A6 Quattro, Audi S4 Quattro
BMW 3-series/M3, BMW 5-series
Buick Lacrosse (WTF?)
Cadillac STS
Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevy Impala SS, Chevy Malibu Maxx*
Chrysler Crossfire Convertible, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, Chrysler 300/300C Hemi
Dodge Magnum
Ford Five Hundred, Ford Focus, Ford Mustang
Honda Accord, Honda S2000
Infiniti G35
Kis Amanti, Kia Spectra
Lotus Elise
Mazda RX-8, Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata
MB C55 AMG, MB CLS500*, MB E320 CDI, MB SLK AMG*, MB SLK350
Mercury Montego*
Mini Cooper S convertible
Pontiac G6
Porsche Boxster*
Saab 9-2X
Saturn Ion Redline
Scion tC
Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback
Suzuki Forenza, Suzuki Reno
Toyota Camry Solara Convertible, Toyota Prius
VW Passat TDI
Volvo S40, Volvo V50
* met eligibilty for the test but exmples were not available for eval.
I think they need to keep a true top 10, then best of the rest in unrepresented categories.
The list grouped by company
Acura RL, Acura TSX
Audi A6 Quattro, Audi S4 Quattro
BMW 3-series/M3, BMW 5-series
Buick Lacrosse (WTF?)
Cadillac STS
Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevy Impala SS, Chevy Malibu Maxx*
Chrysler Crossfire Convertible, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, Chrysler 300/300C Hemi
Dodge Magnum
Ford Five Hundred, Ford Focus, Ford Mustang
Honda Accord, Honda S2000
Infiniti G35
Kis Amanti, Kia Spectra
Lotus Elise
Mazda RX-8, Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata
MB C55 AMG, MB CLS500*, MB E320 CDI, MB SLK AMG*, MB SLK350
Mercury Montego*
Mini Cooper S convertible
Pontiac G6
Porsche Boxster*
Saab 9-2X
Saturn Ion Redline
Scion tC
Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback
Suzuki Forenza, Suzuki Reno
Toyota Camry Solara Convertible, Toyota Prius
VW Passat TDI
Volvo S40, Volvo V50
* met eligibilty for the test but exmples were not available for eval.
I think they need to keep a true top 10, then best of the rest in unrepresented categories.
Last edited by G-ReX; 12-12-2004 at 03:59 PM.
#41
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Originally Posted by TybeeRX-8
Did anyone else catch the little "blurb" about the upcoming RX-7, 2 seat with a300 hp rotary???? It's in the bit about the next Miata, which will NOT have a rotor motor option!
#43
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Originally Posted by irish8
Nice!!! I love my 8 more and more everyday!! On a sad note, I just read the latest issue of "Consumer Reports"...the 8 was lumped in the UNRELIABLE category.
Oh well.....to me, shes still PERFECT!!
- Irish
Oh well.....to me, shes still PERFECT!!
- Irish
Needless to say, I echo your sentiments about the 8. I love my car, and am just itching for the weather to warm up again.
Last edited by doccable; 12-07-2004 at 06:41 AM.
#44
10Best Cars: Best Sports Coupe
Mazda RX-8
January 2005
The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will.
Consistent with previous Mazdas wearing RX badges, the RX-8 is propelled by an engine lacking pistons and valves. Mazda put itself on the U.S. sales map with the rotary engine back in 1970, and the RX-8’s 238-hp (197 with an automatic transmission), 1.3-liter twin-rotor Renesis is the latest edition. Like other naturally aspirated rotaries, it’s a little short on torque but long on smooth and a pleasure to live with.
There’s more. Not only does the RX-8 deliver exceptional sports-car pleasure, but it’s also capable of delivering it to more than two. The rear seats can accommodate two adult-size passengers, in comfort, and the rear demi-doors, à la Saturn quad coupe, make the RX-8 easy to climb into and out of. Wow. A practical sports car. What’ll they think of next?
Mazda RX-8
January 2005
The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will.
Consistent with previous Mazdas wearing RX badges, the RX-8 is propelled by an engine lacking pistons and valves. Mazda put itself on the U.S. sales map with the rotary engine back in 1970, and the RX-8’s 238-hp (197 with an automatic transmission), 1.3-liter twin-rotor Renesis is the latest edition. Like other naturally aspirated rotaries, it’s a little short on torque but long on smooth and a pleasure to live with.
There’s more. Not only does the RX-8 deliver exceptional sports-car pleasure, but it’s also capable of delivering it to more than two. The rear seats can accommodate two adult-size passengers, in comfort, and the rear demi-doors, à la Saturn quad coupe, make the RX-8 easy to climb into and out of. Wow. A practical sports car. What’ll they think of next?
#45
Originally Posted by doccable
There's the problem - Consumer Reports. They haven't a clue when it comes to sports cars. Now if you're talking about "Blue-hair-mobiles" such as the Crown Vic or LeSabre... :D
Needless to say, I echo your sentiments about the 8. I love my car, and am just itching for the weather to warm up again.
Needless to say, I echo your sentiments about the 8. I love my car, and am just itching for the weather to warm up again.
#46
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Originally Posted by StewC625
I find it it interesting that the Nissan 350Z didn't even make the nominee's list.
The nominees are only new (or substatiially updated) cars and cars that made the list last year. The Z was on the list in 2003, but punted off last year.
Also- the catagories were an after-thought. Look at what they called the 3-series. "sport luxury sedan". The 3 series could have legitimatly won every catagory on the list with all its variations.
#47
After reading G-Rex's post, it's good to see Chrysler putting up some good vehicles. I used to think it was a mistake that MB bought them. Since the Crossfire, and better yet the 300C, we might see them making more tracks in the future. Kudos DC.
#48
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I like how the magizine just made up the categories of best wagon and best muscle car. Those categories weren't there any other year that I can remember. Looks to me like their playing favorites this year. The Mustang should have be been in the sport coupe class with the RX-8.
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You're Correct...
Originally Posted by ZoomZoomH
my recollection is that C & D don't really 'categorize' cars that they select on the list, and this categorization on this year's list is more for giggles than anything else
You'll notice, for example, that five of the ten categories are "sedans" of one kind or another. There is no SUV or Van category. Furthermore, there appears to be an effort to include cars at a variety of price points. No doubt to avoid selecting nothing but luxury/exotic/German/etc. vehicles. (Sedans are big this year, yielding a surfeit of candidates.)
A more accurate comparison would not limit the eligible participants to new (or significantly changed) models. Since the purpose of publications like C&D is primarily to promote the latest/greatest offerings from auto manufacturers, however, such a comparison would not be in their best interest, especially if it turns out none of the current crop are significantly better than the cars they replaced.
All in all, it's nice to see the RX-8 recognized as a significant vehicle in terms of its qualities, even if the category in which it is placed (after the fact) doesn't technically apply to the car since it's not even a coupe.
Just remember that when the RX-8 is not recognized next year it doesn't mean it's any less special, just that it's no longer the latest flavor of the month.