Oh yeah....... What year/color combo?

 

All Mazda cars

 

The original '98 E0, with the Cosworth wheels, in black.

I was actually in the market for an Audi A4 with Sport Package at the time, but on a lark, I stopped by a local Ford dealer. About 30 seconds into the test drive, I knew I was going to buy the SVT, ( the motor alone offered far better performance than what Audi offered)...and negotiated a deal the same day.

 

pm sent

 

The last of the Oldsmobiles were great cars, and some great deals were found on them after Olds was killed. Its a shame because GM made a complete turn around with Olds and then killed Olds. I thought the Bravada was the best looking of GMs midsize SUVs. The Aurora had lots of style inside and out and should still be around. And the Intrigue was about to get the Aurora V8 as a option.
In 1998 Olds was the 7th best selling domestic name plate with 261,986 units more than Chrysler, Saturn, Cadillac, Lincoln, Plymouth, and Eagle.
In 1999 Olds total sales were 281,989 remained 7th.
In 2000 before the announcement was made to kill Olds, Olds was the 8th best selling domestic name plate at 216,801 total sales more than Cadillac, Lincoln and Plymouth. That was without Olds flagship the Aurora
In 2001 total Olds sales were 173,694 which was more than Cadillac, Lincoln and Plymouth
In 2002 total Olds sales were 118,179 which was more than Lincoln and dying Plymouth and the Intrigue was phased out.
In 2003 total Olds sales stayed above 100K with 103,073 which was still above Lincoln, despite having no midsize Intrigue, and other models starting to phase out.

Another car is the Bonneville GXP, I drove one at the Auto Show in Motion and I loved it.

 

I was gonna say that.

I would like to exclude the RX8. For power reasons. But then again nothing at a Mazda dealer offers comperable power for its size.

I fell in love with the 6 at Mazda-Rev-it-up. Chevy needs a program like that for the next Camaro ir even Cobalt.

 

Depends on what you mean.

Older cars, I'd say the Thunderbird SC, easily. It's suspension system is still advanced & sophisticated today (see signature! )

New cars? I'd say the Lincoln LS V8 sport.
It's everything an SC was, but feels smaller than a Camaro, and is surprisingly quick!

If Ford ever brought the price in line to where it should have always been (no more than $32,000 starting), and Lincoln didn't have such a old, country club image, the thing would be easily selling far more and be better known than it is.

Runner ups:
*Ford Mustang Bullitt: quicker than the GT, despite having the same engine. Cobra brakes!

*The new GTO: That's changed greatly the past 8 months as people actually drove it, bought it, and told people about it.

*Lexus IS300: Outstanding high performance, RWD sports sedan that isn't very well known.

*Finally, the Chevrolet Impala SS (yes, the current one). Everyone knows a Grand Prix GTP is very quick & moddable. Impala SS is just as quick and just as moddable. Plus it's stealthy, cheaper, and probally less to insure.

 

GM's full-size G-van is highly underrated by everyone except commercial users. While minivans sell fairly well compared to minitrucks and mini-SUVs, it seems like most people who profess to "need" a large practical vehicle would rather have a child molestor move in next door than buy a full-size van. Where as the full-size vans from the Big Three used to suck quite badly, the past two generations of the G-van are great. Add the AWD, GenIII V8s, and left-side door of the lastest model, and there's absolutely no reason not to consider one.

In general, I think the lineups of Mazda and Subaru are underrated, but I'll also include the exception of the RX-8 as other posters have pointed out (I don't think it's all that exceptional). In the small and midsize markets, both have decided not to take on Honda and Toyota head-to-head, and frankly I think the world's a better place for it.

In the used-car market, my fav is the GM B-body wagons. The TBI-engined cars are kinda weak in the power department but run forever. The LT1 cars offer 260 HP stock, and all the potential mod potential of any other LT1 car. A few suspension mods and a proper wheel/tire package yields the same (or better) handling as an Impala SS. Then there's the 8-person seating, flat-folding 2nd and 3rd row seats, and the ability to haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Oh, and then there's the rather good mileage, too. Too bad the supply of "clean" models is drying up after 9 years since the last one rolled off the line.

The Geo Metro offers fuel economy that's basically unmatched by any current compact, now that 2800 lbs is apparently considered a reasonable curb weight for a "small" vehicle.

Now that the supply of retired 9C1 Caprices is drying-up, the P71 Crown Vic doesn't look too bad for those looking for old police cruisers. I'd be looking to ditch the 4.6 for a 351 or something else worthy of a big car, though.

 

G... T... freakin O

Easily the most unfairly judged car in recent memory.

 

That's true.. people are just starting to realize how much of an awesome car it is. Hell, I'm even jumping on the bandwagon, I'm going to try and get an LS1 GTO down the street for 20K

 

CHP is unloading tons of 'em. You can pick up a 2003/4 for $4-5K, and some instances less. They rehab & paint them before they sell, so you are buying essentially a ready to go, no repairs needed car.

With Maurader parts, you should be able to bolt in a Cobra engine,and be good to go for under 10 grand.

 

2003+ would be the way to go, in 2003 most of the chassis and suspension was re-engineered which made them handle half way decent. Then in '04 the 4.6 got 250 hp, but they don't feel any faster than the previous models, still not enough torque down low in this motor.

 

I love Oldsmobiles.

We have an older full size van, and it has been one of the most versatile vehicles we have owned. Nothing takes to long driving trips for a family like a van.

I want a 9C1 Caprice so bad it isn't even funny.

 

GTO - Love that car. But I think it would have done better with a different name. Too many expectations to meet with that name and I think some people wouldn't have been happy unless they saw an exact replica of the "old" musclecar.

I think the GTO is a VERY nice car and will probably buy one someday (that is saying unless the Camaro doesn't come out first! - and a refined one at that.)

 

I was just reading somewhere that they are getting a Duramax option.