This week, we’ve been looking at cars fifteen years old or newer. We’re going to cap off the week with a straight four-way shootout between them, no weird scenarios. Just pick your favorite. I can’t get too weird with things today, because next week I’m trying something new and silly. (You’ll see.)
Our fourth pairing yesterday was four-door trucks, and for a number of reasons, the Ford F-150 beat out the Ram 1500 by more than two to one. The Ram had a salvage title, a few strange modifications, and all the baggage that unfortunately comes with the brand. It was all too much, and the Ford cruised to an easy victory.
I guess that’s the right choice. I don’t care. I’m a Chevy truck guy. But the Ford would be fine. I guess.
Right, let’s take a second look at the week’s winners.
2014 Fiat 500
This little brown Fiat beat a dusty-pink Chevy Spark on Monday by a country mile. And apparently someone agreed with you all, because it has long since sold. But we’ll keep it in the running here anyway. It’s a turbocharged model, with a six-speed automatic that saps away some of the fun, but we’ll forgive that.
The Italians are known for their stylishness, so it’s no surprise this car is flashier inside than your typical small car. I quite like it, but I would worry about keeping that off-white steering wheel clean. I’ve liked these cars ever since they were introduced, and now that they’re depreciating a bit, I wouldn’t be surprised if one found its way into my garage eventually. But I would insist on a manual.
2016 Mazda CX-9
Family-sized crossovers are not my favorite cars, nor are they many of yours, from the sounds of it. Tuesday’s Showdown between this Mazda and a Buick Enclave resulted in a chorus of “meh” from the comments. The Buick didn’t stand a chance when it came to votes, though; even with this car’s high mileage, it won by a lot.
I’ve never driven one of these, so I can’t comment on it, but I can say I don’t like its successor, the CX-90. I rented one last year, and it drove me nuts with all its nannies. I imagine this one has fewer things to nag you, but I bet it’s every bit as dull to drive. Oh well, you don’t buy a car like this for fun.
2012 Toyota Prius
It’s hard to believe the Toyota Prius has been around for more than two decades. It’s now the old standby in the hybrid market, and according to you all, it’s still the top pick. I put it up against a Hyundai Ioniq, seven years newer and with fewer miles, and this Prius mopped the floor with it. It makes sense; classics are classics for a reason. If you’re in the mood to watch Casablanca and someone suggests Ishtar instead, you’re going to politely decline.
This photo actually represents the interior view of a Prius that I’m most familiar with: the back seat. And I imagine I’m not the only one. These cars are very common with ride-sharing services. I’ve driven a first-generation one, but I haven’t driven one since then. Am I missing out? I doubt it. I do admire the fuel economy these get, though.
2013 Ford F-150
Speaking of being number one in its segment, the Ford F-series has outsold every other truck, and indeed every other vehicle, for years now. Does that make it the best? Well, that depends on what you need a vehicle for. If you’re a contractor and you’re constantly hauling tools and supplies around, it’s probably perfect. If you work in the inner city and need to parallel park all the time, a full-size truck is the last thing you want. (Trust me on this.)
However, the F-series is not a one-size-fits-all vehicle. It’s offered in a dizzying range of specifications for just about any purpose, from no-nonsense work trucks to luxurious near-Lincolns. This FX4 model is the sort of thing you might pick if you want something nice for everyday use, but have a small boat or camper you want to tow on the weekends.
So that’s our show for this week. It’s no secret that I’m not a huge fan of newer cars, but I tried to give them a fair shake. I definitely know which one of these is my favorite, but what about you? Make your choice, and I’ll see you back here on Monday with a new twist on our game. Have a great weekend!
The post Choose A Modern Marvel: Fiat 500 vs Mazda CX-9 vs Toyota Prius vs Ford F-150 appeared first on The Autopian.
