Crossovers Rock,Actually

 They're all over the place,they sell like hot cakes,and I used to hate them. I'm talking about Crossover SUVS and why my opinions on them changed. I used to think any SUV that wasn't good off road wasn't worth anything,but then I realized it's a sport utility vehicle. Being a rugged car/truck is only part of the equation,driving good and looking cool live up to the promised "sportiness." Not to mention,some models (Mostly Peugeot,DS and Lexus products) are actually quite good looking and (based on what I've read) have great driving dynamics. Plus even the so-so ones have cool names like "Rogue" or "Escape",so there's that,too. The one I most desire is the Isuzu VehiCROSS,it's cool looking (Yes,I went there),seems to drive pretty well,and is capable off road. (I plan on hauling my bike around quite a bit.) So yeah,I love crossovers now. Deal with it.

Random Essay: Why you should talk about your car like a ship or a train

    "It is well built,unique,artistry in motion." These can all be said about cars,seafaring ships,and steam engines. So it is not a stretch that cars should not only be given an elaborate name,but be referred to using feminine pronouns,unless it is an exception, something like "Herbie" or "General Lee." But why is this not as common as ship and train nomenclature? The answer is that people do not understand that cars are every bit as impressive as other vehicles. 

    Whereas a boat or a steam locomotive are known for their outside beauty,it is what is on the inside that counts for a car. The amazing engineering that makes these machines possible is taken for granted. From the suspension to the frame,to (most importantly) the engine,cars and trucks are true engineering beauty. There is a certain point when something becomes so well built that going without a name or being called "it" will simply not do. The vehicle has become art. Therefore elaborate names and referring to the mode of transportation as "her" are the solution. 

    To conclude,it is the marvel of engineering that is the automobile deserves to be talked about like a boat or steam locomotive because of how impressive they are. They are well built,have many of the same qualities as eachother,and should garner the same respect. So female pronouns and distinctive,individual  names should be the new normal for cars. Conversely,"it" and going without a name does not do autos justice at all. 

top 5 best Minivans

 

Some may dislike them,but I personally find these road trip queens to be awesome. That's right: We're talking about Minivans! Also included are my notes on where I'd road trip each of these boxy beauties.

1. Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle- Not the average soccer mom van,this one has the fanciest interior that I've ever seen in a vehicle of its class. Diamond stitched leather and matching pillows will for sure make this one quite the comfortable ride. Road Trip Note: Get your kicks on Route 66,cause here I come.

2.  Oldsmobile Silhouette (Second Gen)- Unlike the first "Dustbuster" Silhouette,this one has gained a more formal look as well as actual build quality,meaning less break downs and no more random trim pieces falling off. Road Trip Note: I think the Rocky mountains are very pretty; time to go to Colorado.

3. Dodge Grand Caravan (Fifth Gen)- The car my mom owns and one of two cars I'm learning to drive on,this is about as straightforward as they come. It doesn't need very many fancy high-tech gizmos to make itself useful as a family hauler. Road Trip Note: I have road tripped it (twice). 

4. Chrysler Town And Country (Third Gen)- This is the car my grandmother used to own. I remember how spacious the interior was,mostly. Road Trip Note: I think Maine would be a cool place to see.

5. Plymouth Voyager (first gen)- The minivan that started it all,I would so drive this 1980s boxy-mobile. I just really like it. Road Trip Note: Might as well drive it through Michigan,where most of the great American vehicles are from.

Top 5 best Ford Products

 Welcome to this series of lists that go over my top 5 cars from each of the American big three (but the cars themselves don't have to be American).

1. Lotus Cortina (Mk1)- It's part Lotus,part vintage Ford,all awesome. I can't stress enough how much I adore this car.

2. Lotus Escort- I like this one for the same reasons I like the above car. It's just smaller.

3. Rs500 Cosworth- This thing is absolutely amazing. It's got an engine made by my favorite producer of engines,and is quite the race car because of it.

4. Rs200- Expect European Fords. It's one of the best rally cars I've ever seen.

5. Mustang McLaren M81- This is the best pony car ever made in my humble opinion. It's got a great suspension and nicely tuned engine,both done by McLaren.

(final version) Top 5 Pixar Cars characters

Here is the final version of my list of favorite (and least favorite) Cars characters. The rules are largely the same,except comic characters are now allowed as well. So,let's get started.

(Best)

1. Herbie: A cameo by my favorite fictional character of all time? Yes please!

2. Shu Todoroki: I love LMP race cars quite a bit. I also dig the dragon inspired paint job.

3. Rusty and Dusty: It's just good ol' Click and Clack doing what they do best: Cracking me up. Plus I like how one of them is Tom's infamous Dodge Dart.

4. Lewis Hamilton: One of my favorite racing drivers of all time playing himself. That's just epic.

5. Carla Veloso: Another Le Mans Prototype racer. Not much else to say.

(Worst)

1. Mia and Tia: These two are so annoying. They're the only Cars characters I downright hate.

2. Harv: No car to go along with the voice? That seems like wasted potential. 

3. Minny and Van: These two are just so stupid. I'm losing brain cells just from writing about them.

4. Francesco Bernoulli- I really do like F1, but this character is so unlikable. I just can't.

5. Wingo- I like Japanese cars,but I don't like it when they're completely riced. If it weren't for the smaller spoilers lining the inside of his big wing,I'd probably tolerate his design. 

Top 5 Best Racing Cars

 Here are my top 5 favorite race cars,but with a catch: I'm picking one from each of my favorite series.

Le Man's: Morgan Plus Four- My favorite car company and my favorite motorsport,it's that simple.

Formula 1: Lotus 79- It's aerodynamics are awe inspiring. The fact that it's a Lotus also helps.

Global Rallycross: Volkswagen Beetle- My favorite production car is the Volkswagen Bug. So of course this beast was going to make it on the list.

NASCAR: Hudson Hornet- My favorite American car ever was also a no-brainer. The nickname says it all; the thing is fabulous.

GT Racing (counting subclasses): Lotus Exige- Lotus is one of my favorite car companies,thanks  to their lightweight cars that always knock it out of the park. This one is a great example of why I like them so much. 

Top 5 Best Camaros/Firebirds

 I made a list of my favorite Mustangs,so why not be fair and give Ford's crosstown rivals a chance to bring their best as well?

1. Pontiac Pegasus- It's got a Ferrari engine and transmission,but with a modified Trans Am body and interior. I love it.

2. Turbo Trans Am- Smokey and the Bandit II,anyone? It may not be the fastest but it does have style.

3. Catfish Camaro- I love this thing due to its aerodynamic body and easy to tune engine. It really is a good car.

4. IROC Camaro- It's light and has good handling,the two things I want from a sports coupe,even if it's a muscle car. I really like this one.

5. 1967 Camaro- The car that started this legend. It is a classic,in every since of the word.