People buy cars for different reasons today than they did just a decade ago. Gone are the days of 95-cent gallons of gasoline. The buzz words buyers use include "practical" and "fuel-efficient." For those who actually enjoy driving, there's something missing in this clinical, low-cost-of-ownership style of car shopping: the fun they want to have in their cars. Consumer Reports recently produced a list of the most fun cars to drive, and it included some pleasant surprises among the entries.
Volkswagen made a big showing in CR's estimate. The German automaker won a slot in four of the seven categories. The Eos convertible, with a classic summer-driving look, is sleek and high tech. The Golf made an appearance in the small car section. The company that brought us the ever-adorable Beetle has kept the spirit of fun in a wide range of models.
American makers held several places in the report as well. Chevrolet's
Corvette Z06 was the only domestic car line to place in the top five most fun sports car list. It would have been shocking if that classic vehicle had not made the list.
Fun can mean more than just the driving experience, though. It may include making a statement about yourself, expressing your personality through the look of your vehicle. Custom paint jobs have become big business and a detailed form of art all in one. What could be more American than a pickup truck with a beautiful custom paint job?
Customizing a vehicle can mean more than just the exterior paint. While extreme makeovers for a vehicle are certainly possible, the number of options and upgrades available right from a dealership can completely change the driving experience.
One of the simplest and most enjoyable options in modern vehicles is the input jack for a digital music player. In earlier years drivers were limited to the music on the radio, or whatever music they could put on cassettes or CDs. Modern auto stereo systems frequently allow input from iPods and other external digital devices. They turn your vehicle into a concert hall in which only your favorite tunes ever play.
Convenience upgrades are another big item. While remote starters may not sound indispensable they offer a huge advantage: using them lets you adjust your car's climate before you get in. Nothing ruins a driving experience like sitting down on hot leather seats while wearing shorts. A few minutes with some mild air conditioning running can make a world of difference in hot climates. In cold climates it's just the reverse: running the car for a few minutes on a cold winter morning can gently warm the vehicle so snow just slides off.
Hands-free cell phone connectivity makes driving more fun and safer for those who need to stay in touch while on the go. Many states now prohibit using cell phones in moving vehicles unless a hands-free system is in place. Chatting with friends safely is tons more fun than getting a traffic ticket. Even in states where talking on cell phones while driving is legal, it's still much more fun to use a hands-free system. It saves you from craning your neck to keep a phone in place.
While choosing a vehicle that meets your practical needs is always a smart buying move, it doesn't mean you'll be stuck with a humdrum car. Buy a model with some spunk. Make it look the way you want. Treat yourself to a few entertaining upgrades. Your practical car may surprise you with how much you love to drive it.