Car of the Decade?
- Thread starter mndsm
- Start date
Workdawg
NARWHAL
I do agree with the GT-R... but I think the real title has to go to the Prius.
I hate that car with a passion, but it certainly started the Hybrid movement into the mainstream. If the Prius had flopped, I doubt we'd be seeing Escalade and Suburban Hybrids today. At least those big truck hybrids actually make sense to produce.
I hate that car with a passion, but it certainly started the Hybrid movement into the mainstream. If the Prius had flopped, I doubt we'd be seeing Escalade and Suburban Hybrids today. At least those big truck hybrids actually make sense to produce.
LASERBLUE135
Active Member
WRX (no bias here)
but seriously, it basically started the turbocharged revolution. How many turbos today vs how many in 2002, how common was AWD vs today? It exploded Subaru as a brand into the mainstream. Now look at the company today. Over the full decade I'd be hard pressed to come up with one better car that welcomed so much enthusiasm. Note: the 2002 wrx was faster than most lamborghini countachs that were on our bedroom walls as kids. It brought real-real performance to the daily driver.
but seriously, it basically started the turbocharged revolution. How many turbos today vs how many in 2002, how common was AWD vs today? It exploded Subaru as a brand into the mainstream. Now look at the company today. Over the full decade I'd be hard pressed to come up with one better car that welcomed so much enthusiasm. Note: the 2002 wrx was faster than most lamborghini countachs that were on our bedroom walls as kids. It brought real-real performance to the daily driver.
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LASERBLUE135
Active Member
coming from a guy who owns a car that owes to the wrx for being here? Influenced you.
ZoomZoom Diva
New Member
WRX was already out there prior to 2000, perhaps not sold in the United States, but still in existence.
I also disagree the Mazdaspeed3 was out because of the WRX. The pocket rocket market has been well in place since the 1980's, including turbo models.
I will need to think more on a true "car of the decade," as I don't believe there were any truly revolutionary game changing vehicles in the past 10 years.
I also disagree the Mazdaspeed3 was out because of the WRX. The pocket rocket market has been well in place since the 1980's, including turbo models.
I will need to think more on a true "car of the decade," as I don't believe there were any truly revolutionary game changing vehicles in the past 10 years.
Workdawg
NARWHAL
I'm not really sure the MS3 was influenced by the WRX... Is the WRX a hothatch? The MS3 was aimed at the SI and the GTI, and it crushed them.
It's not anything like a rally car. FWD, hatchback vs AWD sedan... (FFS, the 2008 WRX looks A LOT like the MS3, not the other way around)
Even if you could come up with some good backup for your argument, influencing one Niche car segment is hardly worthy of "Car of the Decade".
I would argue that the MS3 is higher up on the list than the WRX simply because after it came out, all the other cars in the segment were forced to step it up. (Cobalt SS TC, WRX gained a bunch of power, Caliber SRT4 (lol))
It's not anything like a rally car. FWD, hatchback vs AWD sedan... (FFS, the 2008 WRX looks A LOT like the MS3, not the other way around)
Even if you could come up with some good backup for your argument, influencing one Niche car segment is hardly worthy of "Car of the Decade".
I would argue that the MS3 is higher up on the list than the WRX simply because after it came out, all the other cars in the segment were forced to step it up. (Cobalt SS TC, WRX gained a bunch of power, Caliber SRT4 (lol))
LASERBLUE135
Active Member
ZoomZoom Diva
New Member
While the WRX moved the AWD turbo small car slightly more mainstream, I don't consider it all that revolutionary or that it was a market changing car. FWD turbo is still the norm for the segment, which was a common choice in the segment 20 years ago.
If anything, the 1983 VW GTI is the revolutionary car that developed the hot hatch.
If anything, the 1983 VW GTI is the revolutionary car that developed the hot hatch.
LASERBLUE135
Active Member
OK, moving beyond the WRX...(I think I made a strong case), what do you think of the Prius or GTR?
The Prius was obviously a big mover of automotive market after its 2nd generation gained success. The first gen. tanked though, so remember that inovation does not necessarily mean anything without success. The 2nd gen came out in 2004 and created a boom of new engine manufacturing that will likely continue through the next decade and beyond. Its 3rd generation seams to be a perfect successor.
The GTR? As much as I freakin' love it...Well, it came out in 08, so its very short in terms of "car of the decade", and while it is innovative and successful I don't know if it really changes the game for automakers going forward. It doesn't look like car of the decade material.
The only other significant car that comes to mind is the Golf/TT that used the first dual-clutch in mainstream cars. That's a tranny that changed everything for a lot of people and moving forward will likely be on par with the hybrid engine of the Prius. It kind of forgotten today, but the transmission has changed more this decade than any other in history IMO.
The Prius was obviously a big mover of automotive market after its 2nd generation gained success. The first gen. tanked though, so remember that inovation does not necessarily mean anything without success. The 2nd gen came out in 2004 and created a boom of new engine manufacturing that will likely continue through the next decade and beyond. Its 3rd generation seams to be a perfect successor.
The GTR? As much as I freakin' love it...Well, it came out in 08, so its very short in terms of "car of the decade", and while it is innovative and successful I don't know if it really changes the game for automakers going forward. It doesn't look like car of the decade material.
The only other significant car that comes to mind is the Golf/TT that used the first dual-clutch in mainstream cars. That's a tranny that changed everything for a lot of people and moving forward will likely be on par with the hybrid engine of the Prius. It kind of forgotten today, but the transmission has changed more this decade than any other in history IMO.
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mndsm
I'M OFFENDED!
And this was what I was hoping to see. My take on it-
MINI- arguement has to be made here for proving a true subcompact could do without sucking in todays overly safe/heavy economy. Sure it's a little piglet, but I have a hard time believing there is more fun dollar for dollar out there. Plus the marketing scheme for it and overall brand loyalty, not to mention owner appreciation, is second to none.
Mazdaspeed Protege- Good looks, good performance, good price. It showed that even with more stringent regulations that all you needed was a turbo and some suspension to have some fun. Also gave Mazda a reason to start stuffing boost in everything, which is never a bad idea. Most of us here owe thanks to that car for birthing the ms3.
Prius- Yeah, this one has been argued to DEATH. Sure its carbon footprint is actually BIGGER than anyone wants to give it credit for (battery production on those things is quite toxic) but it proved that hybrids would be embraced by the masses. The fact that there is such a thing as an Escalade hybrid is all due to the Prius. Plus, who would have ever thought that you would need a blind person warning system?
Tesla Roadster- While barely in production, and hideously expensive, it proves that electric cars are a somewhat feasible goal in the near future. Couple that with good looks and outstanding performance (plus ALL the torque at 0 RPM) and you have a pretty cool car.
GTR- Yuck. I hate it. But- it goes to show how far technology has advanced. Sure, anyone can stuff a giant motor in a little car and make it fast. BUT- not everyone can stuff a really giant motor in a really giant pig of a car, stuff it full of electronics, and make anyone look like Mario Andretti.
WRX- yes, it reinvented the import revolution. My only hinderance there is the DSM triplets had already been on the US market for 15 years prior to that, and they were AWD and turbo... and the GVR4 before that, and the GTX before that..... it's not a new formula. Quite influential though, as it made Mistu take notice and bring us an Evo, which in turn made Suby bring us the STi. None of this is bad.
Mazda3- Mazda REALLY hit a home run on this one. Turned an entire segment for them from an also ran to the benchmark. Even in the N/A form, it's a brilliant car, and offered almost unparalleded value for the dollar. Put Mazda on EVERYONES' map.
MINI- arguement has to be made here for proving a true subcompact could do without sucking in todays overly safe/heavy economy. Sure it's a little piglet, but I have a hard time believing there is more fun dollar for dollar out there. Plus the marketing scheme for it and overall brand loyalty, not to mention owner appreciation, is second to none.
Mazdaspeed Protege- Good looks, good performance, good price. It showed that even with more stringent regulations that all you needed was a turbo and some suspension to have some fun. Also gave Mazda a reason to start stuffing boost in everything, which is never a bad idea. Most of us here owe thanks to that car for birthing the ms3.
Prius- Yeah, this one has been argued to DEATH. Sure its carbon footprint is actually BIGGER than anyone wants to give it credit for (battery production on those things is quite toxic) but it proved that hybrids would be embraced by the masses. The fact that there is such a thing as an Escalade hybrid is all due to the Prius. Plus, who would have ever thought that you would need a blind person warning system?
Tesla Roadster- While barely in production, and hideously expensive, it proves that electric cars are a somewhat feasible goal in the near future. Couple that with good looks and outstanding performance (plus ALL the torque at 0 RPM) and you have a pretty cool car.
GTR- Yuck. I hate it. But- it goes to show how far technology has advanced. Sure, anyone can stuff a giant motor in a little car and make it fast. BUT- not everyone can stuff a really giant motor in a really giant pig of a car, stuff it full of electronics, and make anyone look like Mario Andretti.
WRX- yes, it reinvented the import revolution. My only hinderance there is the DSM triplets had already been on the US market for 15 years prior to that, and they were AWD and turbo... and the GVR4 before that, and the GTX before that..... it's not a new formula. Quite influential though, as it made Mistu take notice and bring us an Evo, which in turn made Suby bring us the STi. None of this is bad.
Mazda3- Mazda REALLY hit a home run on this one. Turned an entire segment for them from an also ran to the benchmark. Even in the N/A form, it's a brilliant car, and offered almost unparalleded value for the dollar. Put Mazda on EVERYONES' map.
LASERBLUE135
Active Member
Are we looking at a value stand point? Cause if not the Veyron is definatly in there as well. The WRX, I'm sorry, has no place here. Turbo revolution my ass lol. Turbo cars were around LONG before the WRX. I feel the reason there are so many turbo cars today is because turbo technology has become part of the eco movement as well I.E. Ecoboost with word and what not.
LASERBLUE135
Active Member
I was thinking Veyron too, but its just a science project. Revolutionary? Yes, but going forward it doesn't seem to offer much. It actually could be car of the decade, but it depends on what the parameters are.
mndsm
I'M OFFENDED!
When I think "Car of the Decade" I think of a car that changed the game for everyone. A vehicle that when released, causes everyone to go WTF and immediately start building their version of it. The Veyron is an excellent candidate, because while no one will ever build a car that wild for the common man, it showed what the epitome of both elegance and all out brutality could do. I mean, super-classy interior, and was the worlds fastest car until the SSR came out. Problem is while it was an excercise in excess and the w16 is a gorgeous motor, it really isn't all that "revolutionary".... stuff a whole shitload of power in a swoopy body, and you're gonna go fast. There are some cool tweaks on it (The air brake is awesome) but nothing game changing. Sadly, the Prius really fits that bill the best.
ZoomZoom Diva
New Member
The problem I'm having is I'm not seeing a vehicle like the 64 1/2 Mustang, 1984 Caravan, 1986 Taurus, or 1991 Explorer this decade.
I can see Tom's points for the GT-R, the Veyron, the Mini, and the 3. I could also see the Scion xB as a real style/segment setter. The Prius is a little harder for me, because I see the changes as due to the market and not the product. I would also discount Tesla due to Honda and GM having EV programs already.
I can see Tom's points for the GT-R, the Veyron, the Mini, and the 3. I could also see the Scion xB as a real style/segment setter. The Prius is a little harder for me, because I see the changes as due to the market and not the product. I would also discount Tesla due to Honda and GM having EV programs already.
Yeah I think this is going to end up being the prius. As much as we all hate it, its true. Not everyone is as car crazy as we are, thus why they buy a prius instead of a diesel but it really did get the whole hybrid movement going. I remember when the 2nd gen prius came out there was an instant waiting list for one. That has to mean something.