Although it looks modern and generally expected to contend with other small sedans, the Chevrolet Cobalt doesn’t have that mass appeal, and it is also nowhere near the top of its class in comfort and performance. Furthermore, some experts complain about the tight space in the back seat. This car does, however, manage to impress car magazine editors about its fuel economy, which is better than most cars typically called small sedans.

Economy, and price; these are the two reasons why someone should consider buying a Chevrolet Cobalt. If you can live with what’s stated above, and if you’re in a tight budget, this car is perfect. It’s most suitable for casual drivers without high expectations on engine performance and comfortably luxurious interior. That’s not saying the Chevrolet Cobalt is bad in these areas, it’s just not good enough to be at the top. It also offers quite a quiet ride, and with its good suspension, perhaps you can forget about the cramped back seat.

Photo by resedabear

Photo by resedabear

The simple exterior design of the Chevrolet Cobalt seems to have found favor among most of the reviewers. It’s not stylish too, not if you compare it to other cars with bold, I’ve-got-something-to-say look. But its appeal lies in the fact that it’s not pretentious, nor is it overly proud. This car also offers excellent safety features. In fact, it is near the top in the safety category. Here is a website offering more info on the Chevrolet Cobalt.

This macho crossover is the Dodge Nitro, a dependable and purpose-oriented SUV. Most SUV’s offers plenty of cargo space, but this one offers more. It has an excellent towing capability thanks to its powerful engine. However, this SUV’s performance is rated as sub-par, with its truck-like maneuverability. All the same, it’s an excellent buy if you’re in the market for an SUV that functions like an SUV should, without the extra fanfare associated with other vehicles in the same class.

The Dodge Nitro is a typical Dodge, big and muscular with its masculine design. Its appeal lies in the fact that it looks strong and able to do any SUV task that you can think of. In some SUV’s, looking like one isn’t actually being like one, but the Nitro is one of those that performs the way its exterior design suggests. Inside, it is comfortable and classy, and its wide interior space gives enough legroom to even a tall individual. Rides inside the Dodge Nitro are filled with plenty of comfort and relaxation.

Photo by: Edgley Cesar

Photo by: Carlos62

One thing that can be said against it is that it just doesn’t perform on the road well enough to challenge those on top. It has enough to be good, but it’s not the best out there. For one thing, it drives like a truck. If that turns you on, then this SUV is made for you. Even when the road becomes twisty, the Nitro can still be fun to drive. Just don’t expect perfect stability and maneuvering and all is well. More about the Dodge Nitro here.

This is a car that’s near the top of its class, Affordable Performance Cars. Having its previous sporty looks toned down to appeal more to the general public, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is still a beast when it comes to power and performance. Its powerful engine gets a little more power compared to last year’s model. Handling is still crisp and sharp and the suspension is still excellent. Truly, this is a sports car disguised as an ordinary leisure-driving car.

Some see its look as a little too bland, having been redesigned to increase its appeal to the general masses. Some see it as an excellent direction, stylish but not bold and boasting. Either way, almost everyone liked the fact that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution retained its heart and soul, the thing under its hood. The interior design got an upgrade too. This time around, it’s more upscale, trendier, and as functional as the best in the market. The seats are comfortable. Leg room and head room are perfectly allotted for that even adults will appreciate the backseat. Although no tests were made yet, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution offers excellent safety features that should place it on the top half of the rankings.

Photo by: Gen Kanai

Photo by: Gen Kanai

Anyone up for a recreational racing, or a casual street race? If you show up with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, you’d probably get snickers. But once people see its terrific acceleration and cornering skills, and they witness the power resting inside, you’d be getting high-fives and taps on the back. Surprise, surprise. Check out a more detailed review of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution here.

The Hyundai Azera is capable of delivering solid performances. As an Affordable Large Car, it is an excellent buy, cheaper than most but it also gives some higher priced cars a run for their money. The general consensus is that if you can live without the thrills, then this car is for you. It’s not nearly as powerful as other more expensive cars, but what it lacks in power in makes up in offering a roomy interior, and a generally quiet and comfortable ride.

That’s not saying that the Hyundai Azera can’t run fast. It can, the power under its hood is enough to satisfy casual drivers and even drivers slightly gearing on fast sports cars. It has great handling capabilities, and its engine is just right for the car’s size and configuration. In fact, some reviewers said that it’s quite nimble and it’s fun. The Hyundai Azera can navigate city streets with ease.

Photo by: Haizal and Ernie

Photo by: grittycitygirl

The interior is opulent; it is after all a premium sedan. The design is stylish, and the seats offer relaxing rides. Factor in the quiet cabin even at moderate to fast speeds, and the roomy cabin, and you got yourself a sedan that you can ride in first-class fashion. Comfortable and luxurious, that’s how reviewers saw the interior of the Hyundai Azera. It’s not at the top on that category, but considering its price tag, it’s more than what you would expect. Here is a website offering a review on the Hyundai Azera.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder belongs to the class Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. It looks bold and sporty, like a sports car should. However, most reviewers claimed that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder lacks engine power to be considered as one, except maybe in it’s GT from. It’s more of a touring car, more suitable for relaxed driving and not for serious drivers who wants speed and power. It really is an excellent car, just not for the more passionate drivers out there.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is heavy; its curb weight affects its engine, which isn’t that powerful in the first place. Buying this car means getting that GT option which gives the Eclipse Spyder a more powerful engine and a sportier trim. The base option (GS) gets you a moderate 4-cylinder engine while the GT option offers a more powerful V6 engine. Test drivers who drove the GS around generally recommend getting the GT option. It’s worth it to shell that extra cash. Without it, the Eclipse Spyder is just a lavish touring car, not a sports car as its look suggests.

Photo by: Cramit

Photo by: dfrancis

The interior is satisfying, but not really high-end, both in terms of design and materials used. The design is functional though, no problems there. Legroom in the front seat is ample, anyone can get comfortable there. The backseat however in not for grown ups. It’s big enough to support grown-ups, but the space is just a little too tight to be comfortable in. Safety features are excellent for this car, getting an almost perfect score from tests by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Learn more about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder here.

What makes a vintage car? Most of the time, there are three characteristics that all vintage cars possess: a story, history, and custom coachwork. This 1935 Duesenberg SJ Town Cabriolet has all these. It’s just one of the 36 cars that were supercharged by its manufacturer. This car is probably one of the fastest and most elegant of its kind back in the 30’s. With only 36 built, seeing one is quite rare on that era, even more so now that more than 70 years has passed. To see one, I guess you have to hang out with millionaires and billionaires, or at least go where they go. With lady luck on your side, you might get a glance of one of the most expensive cars in the world.

Time Magazine featured the 1935 Duesenberg SJ Town Cabriolet in its cover in 1936. The caption, “The Costliest Car in the United States is the Duesenberg, a Cord Product.” How’s that for history? How much was it’s original price? Sources say it’s more or less 20,000 USD. In the 1930’s, that’s an astounding amount of money only for a car. That amount may not look that much now, but in the 30’s, that’s a lot of cash.

Photo by: Venom82

Photo by: Venom82

It was commissioned by Ethel Mars, heiress of Mars Candy Company. Sounds familiar? Mars candy bars are still around today. Yup, it’s that Mars. Ethel Mars requested a custom design and build. The elegant and stylish look of the exterior is just a part of the 20,000 USD cost, the interior and the engine complete it. I bet the interior design and the materials used were first class. With a car as expensive as this, it’s foolish to expect otherwise.

With the selling price of this car, one could’ve bought 4 Bugatti Veyron’s. Several reasons make it available only for millionaires - or more likely billionaires. Only 50 1931 Bentley 4.5L were made, this car being one of the 43 left from the 50 cars made. It has a boattail body, colored mostly green, with a supercharged engine, earning the nickname Green Hornet. Another reason is that this is just one of three wherein the coachwork was done by a fellow called Gurney Nutting, apparently one of the most famous coachworker in the 30’s.

This vintage car that sold for at least 4.5mil USD is said to have a leaky engine. Additionally, it has ripped seats, fading painwork, and a somewhat ratty top. Some of you might wonder why it was sold for so high a price when it isn’t perfect. Here’s the reason: being in the condition it is now, it’s more authentic, more original. Perhaps collectors don’t like retouches and restorations.

Photo by: peterhut. Note: Not the actual car, but this photo is of the same make and model.

It doesn’t have any history worth mentioning. Unlike other expensive vintage cars that won races, or were designed for a specific famous person, this 1931 Bentley is just that. But it’s rare, and it authentic, with all the scars of its more than 75 years of battle with time. It made the list of the Top Ten Most Expensive Cars when a UK vintage car collector named Bill Klein bought it for his wife.

The Nissan 350Z is one powerful car with an affordable price. It’s compact and light, which leads to an excellent power-to-weight ratio. It looks awesome too with its sporty exterior design. One will probably turn a lot of heads with this car. Onlookers should not take their eyes off this beauty, it accelerates so fast it’s here and then there in just a moment. Editors of car magazines were sure that the Nissan 350Z can beat the Mazda RX-8 and the Audi TT. What more can you ask for an affordable sports car?

The impressive power of the Nissan 350Z sent car reviewers buzzing with delight. Who wouldn’t be? Couple that power with tremendous handling and stability and you got an almost complete car. Almost. The interior design needs a bit more work starting with the materials. You see, the materials used in the interior of the Nissan 350Z are not something you’d be proud of. The cargo space is minimal as well. This has been a constant criticism on every compact sports car, so I guess this can be overlooked.

Photo by: superciliousness

Photo by: superciliousness

The Nissan excels in performance and safety measures. You want power? It delivers it with delight, the sweet hum of its engine like music to the ears. Maneuvering is easy, the wheel is very responsive. The cabin space offers lots of room to be comfortable. This car is a fun car to drive, no doubt about it. The following link will take you to a website with a thorough review and pricing info on the Nissan 350Z.

When veteran reviewers say that the Mazda MX-5 MIATA is “pleasure with a motor”, it’s definitely one that’s worth at least a little time to consider buying instead of going for another car in the same price range. The MX-5 also has a colorful history. In 2006, this car made it to the Guinness Book of World records as being the No. 1 selling 2-seater convertible in history. The Mazda MX-5 MIATA also won several prestigious awards in 2007 like one of the 10 Best Cars, and Most Fun to Drive award.

The newest version, the present Mazda MX-5 MIATA offers more power and muscle than its predecessors. Everything the previous models had is still present in this year’s model. The MX-5’s superb handling, excellent suspension, responsive and quick steering, and it’s affordable price remain unchanged, much to consumers delight. Looks like Mazda played a smart move keeping the newest reincarnation of the MX-5 as close to the previous versions as possible.

Photo by: cheekyspanky

Photo by: reflexer

Another feature than won a lot of praise from drivers is the power-folding hardtop. Sure, it’s not a new concept, but the Mazda MX-5 MIATA does it gracefully and functionally. Just flip a latch and press a button and the hardtop folds and deposits itself behind the seats, eating nothing of the cargo space in the trunk. This website offers the full specs of the Mazda MX-5 MIATA.

Check out the photos first before you read. Now tell me, if you have the funds, will you buy the Saturn Sky? I bet you will, in a heartbeat. Relax, I will too, and that’s not a bad thing. Who doesn’t want a car that looks like this? Look at it. The eye-catching front exterior alone makes jaws drop in awe. It’s sleek, it’s smooth, and it looks sportier than more expensive sports cars. This car is so sweet, so stylishly designed that people can’t stop looking at it. Car reviewers rated the Saturn Sky’s look so highly, most people paid no attention to the BUT that followed.

Yes, this car is not as perfect as it looks. In fact, it scored so poorly in terms of performance and drivability. It lacks the engine finesse to complement its looks. It accelerates poorly. At high speeds, the cabin is besieged by tiny tremors from the screaming engines. The engine has the power to probably satisfy some hard-core drivers but it’s a little rough and quite loud. This is not to say that the Saturn Sky can’t be fun. It can be if you can tolerate the rugged engine.

Photo by: Guth Family

Photo by: Matthew Anderson

Saturn is probably banking on winning over car buyers with the looks of the Sky alone. However, a few more tweaks on the engine and this car could’ve been a blockbuster. It’s an eye-candy, and for those who like their cars sweet, why not? I like mine sweet too, I’d grab this car fast if I can. More info about Saturn Sky here.