I’ve been working as an automotive journalist for over ten years now. I’ve been putting cars through their paces for nearly a decade, writing articles and doing research for TV shows.
And now my editor has given me one simple task: find the ten most significant vehicles of the decade. Sounded easy at first, but it proved quite a bit harder than I thought.
In fact, when I look back on all the road tests I conducted (each journalist tests at least 50 cars a year, often twice as many), a few luxury vehicles come spontaneously to mind, two or three sports cars, and that’s about it. I was actually the one who drew up the list you’ll find on auto123.com.
But what about all those honest, efficient sedans that don’t take your breath away when you get behind the well but that deliver the goods as promised? Those dozens of sometimes bland, often uninspiring models that are nonetheless extremely popular and appeal to the majority?
So I decided to make another list, this time omitting the most dramatic models. I’ve limited myself to the sedans and other family vehicles that are the opposite of exotic and that, it must be said, represent the logical rather than emotional choice.
1 - Toyota Camry: This one isn’t about passion. But the Camry does have certain flair, is efficient and has a history of satisfied customers since the beginning.
2 - Honda Civic: Once again the best-selling car in Canada, and one of the most stolen. It probably has something that I just don’t get.
3 - Toyota Corolla: The equivalent of your living room sofa. It will get you where you want to go without any thrills, but confidently and precisely.
4 – Ford Taurus (previous generation): We’ve heard a lot about the new and exciting Taurus. But the old Taurus had its own fan base too. A great rep’s car, reliable and efficient.
5 – Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt: This rejuvenated duo isn’t a model of sophistication, but it’s very flexible and affordable. A logical choice, and one that has been made in the thousands.
6 – Hyundai Sonata: Nothing special to say here. Sometimes so bland that it features a brown and beige interior. But it will do you the incredible favour of getting you to your destination with ease.
Obviously, this list could be longer. What about you – any special models come to mind?
And now my editor has given me one simple task: find the ten most significant vehicles of the decade. Sounded easy at first, but it proved quite a bit harder than I thought.
In fact, when I look back on all the road tests I conducted (each journalist tests at least 50 cars a year, often twice as many), a few luxury vehicles come spontaneously to mind, two or three sports cars, and that’s about it. I was actually the one who drew up the list you’ll find on auto123.com.
But what about all those honest, efficient sedans that don’t take your breath away when you get behind the well but that deliver the goods as promised? Those dozens of sometimes bland, often uninspiring models that are nonetheless extremely popular and appeal to the majority?
So I decided to make another list, this time omitting the most dramatic models. I’ve limited myself to the sedans and other family vehicles that are the opposite of exotic and that, it must be said, represent the logical rather than emotional choice.
1 - Toyota Camry: This one isn’t about passion. But the Camry does have certain flair, is efficient and has a history of satisfied customers since the beginning.
2 - Honda Civic: Once again the best-selling car in Canada, and one of the most stolen. It probably has something that I just don’t get.
3 - Toyota Corolla: The equivalent of your living room sofa. It will get you where you want to go without any thrills, but confidently and precisely.
4 – Ford Taurus (previous generation): We’ve heard a lot about the new and exciting Taurus. But the old Taurus had its own fan base too. A great rep’s car, reliable and efficient.
5 – Chevrolet Cavalier/Cobalt: This rejuvenated duo isn’t a model of sophistication, but it’s very flexible and affordable. A logical choice, and one that has been made in the thousands.
6 – Hyundai Sonata: Nothing special to say here. Sometimes so bland that it features a brown and beige interior. But it will do you the incredible favour of getting you to your destination with ease.
Obviously, this list could be longer. What about you – any special models come to mind?