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10 Damn-Near Perfect Cars

wired.com/autopia -- There are some 1 billion cars on the planet, and when you get right down to it, they’re all essentially the same — a box on wheels propelled, more often than not, by an internal combustion engine. Get past the marketing and one’s as good as another.

There are a couple of sound designs that would last for ages. No car is perfect, but here are 10 that are damn close. They are designs that have stood the test of time, and if these 10 cars were the only 10 cars ever built, there would still be something for just about everyone.

We know you’re eager to get to the list and start flaming us. Before you do, bear this in mind: We aren’t saying these are the 10 damn-near perfect cars. You almost certainly have your suggestions that didn’t make the list.

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Submitted Mar 15, 2010 By: fordmexico

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Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,491 Points:633,840 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2010 4:38:37 PM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse COOL LIST!
jeepster4 Champion Author Kansas City Posts:4,269 Points:700,865 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 10:15:57 PM Ignore jeepster4 Report Abuse I'm not sure, but I bet that buying clapped out cook book versions of these cars when they are over 20 years old, was maybe not quite the same experience as buying a new high performance model. I'm thinking particularly of a 1965 fast back Mustang with 4 on the floor, a factory 279 C.I engine with 300 hp and a high performance suspension. If you ever had the fun of driving one of these across the South Western states, you might think twice about your comparisons to a mid '70's v6 with 100,000+ miles on the clock when you had it in high school. Yeah, I drive a nice conservative small SUV crossover now, but, then again, I'm no longer in my 20's.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:7,794 Points:874,860 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:04:06 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse profanity always helps enhance the popularity of a gasbuddy article KNAUGHT
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,163 Points:592,775 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 9:02:45 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse I can think of several cars that could have made it but didn't. It's one writer's list. Not mine...
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,163 Points:592,775 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 16, 2010 8:57:23 PM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse jeskibuff: not TODAY's sized families..
OriginalBudman Champion Author Barrie Posts:5,804 Points:1,235,725 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:49:10 PM Ignore OriginalBudman Report Abuse My father had one that made the list: the 1974 Mercedes 240D. They're right, it was bulletproof. One car that should have made the list was the Checker Marathon. Those cars were durable. Dad had one of those as well, a 1980 model, the civilian edition, not the taxi version.
jeskibuff Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,397 Points:435,355 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:12:20 PM Ignore jeskibuff Report Abuse Pete12 said: "I wouldn't buy any of these. You can't fit a family into any of them." Not true. I once saw about 20 circus clowns get out of a scaled-down VW bug, so a family of 4 should have NO problem! ;) You might have difficulty with the Ferrari or Porsche, though. I don't recall EVER seeing circus clowns getting out of either!
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:31,168 Points:1,258,670 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 2:02:05 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse I had a Mustang, and the term "damn-near perfect" doesn't come to mind. It was thirsty enough on fuel that, unlike the last four cars I've had, getting off the road wasn't because I needed a restroom stop.
Pete12 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,857 Points:772,680 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:46:55 PM Ignore Pete12 Report Abuse I wouldn't buy any of these. You can't fit a family into any of them.
Jarod13 Champion Author Virginia Posts:2,746 Points:607,070 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 12:18:02 PM Ignore Jarod13 Report Abuse DeepInOhio -- your absolutely correct, it's all subjective. Depending on the consumer's requirements and financial resources, just about any automobile is capable of making onto the "10 damn-near perfect" list. If and when the "perfect" vehicle is built that meets my criteria of dependability, reliability, cost effectiveness, energy efficiency and meets every other of my desires, then I will have found my "perfect" automobile.
bcb_albany Rookie Author Albany Posts:41 Points:84,260 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 8:49:36 AM Ignore bcb_albany Report Abuse Have to agree with @JimL1; there's a lot of cars on there that aren't fit for long-legged folks! I must say, though, the author did a fair job in compiling the list. I had almost forgotten about the EV1 and it's weird UFO shape!
LocalSpyGuy Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,774 Points:580,900 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 7:33:41 AM Ignore LocalSpyGuy Report Abuse Not sure if the criteria is which cars have been on the market the longest?
RdHogg Champion Author Houston Posts:14,705 Points:1,896,705 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 7:22:26 AM Ignore RdHogg Report Abuse Good Morning !!!
DerHahn Champion Author Illinois Posts:7,914 Points:1,110,910 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 7:01:53 AM Ignore DerHahn Report Abuse bring back the bug. affordable and easy to work on.
FuelOilOH All-Star Author Cleveland Posts:997 Points:544,785 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:59:39 AM Ignore FuelOilOH Report Abuse Everybody has their list. It's fun to see other peoples opinions.
rvn4me Champion Author Texas Posts:1,819 Points:519,800 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:52:01 AM Ignore rvn4me Report Abuse I will keep my diesel truck, thanks.
jeskibuff Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,397 Points:435,355 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:50:17 AM Ignore jeskibuff Report Abuse coughlin said: "I never liked Mustangs" It's one of the most over-rated cars out there. My sister and brother-in-law have a 1968 which was a restoration project done primarily by a neighbor. They take it to car shows regularly...pay $25 to $40 for an entry fee and win a cheap plastic $3 trophy that assures them they have one of the best cars on the planet. The last show nearly EVERY car entered won a trophy...20 car classes...5 trophies per class and a bit over 100 cars entered! EVERYONE'S A WINNER! WHEEE! They hang around with fellow MustStink owners who all help each other to maintain the myth that their cars are the best in the world and that Ford is the best car manufacturer EVER. I've driven that 1968 and it's just about as "fun" as driving a 1973 Pinto. It reminds me of a 1973 Gran Torino I bought just to tow a boat with: it has a wishy-washy suspension, crappy steering...overall, a HUNK OF JUNK! It's downright scary to take it over 60 MPH, plus it's a gamble that you're going to be able to complete a short round-trip before it breaks down again. It sounds mean with it's loud exhaust and looks relatively good, but as a pleasureable driving machine, it's WAY off the mark!
murushi Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,947 Points:584,180 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:48:31 AM Ignore murushi Report Abuse Hm... Honda Accord sounds like it might be my next "small" car.
REKEY Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,452 Points:692,575 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:46:13 AM Ignore REKEY Report Abuse What about the present day?
Skipper52 Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:2,356 Points:594,225 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:44:52 AM Ignore Skipper52 Report Abuse My list would have been a little different. But everyone has a right to an opinion.
JCUBE Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,407 Points:921,325 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:44:14 AM Ignore JCUBE Report Abuse Some of those listed are mighty expensive pieces of machinery, but I gues you get what you pay for, too bad there aren't more that would qualify like the '57 Chevy Bel Aire
arinkrat17 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,298 Points:325,960 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:43:33 AM Ignore arinkrat17 Report Abuse thanks for the info
TomT2Lee Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,470 Points:1,091,790 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:43:22 AM Ignore TomT2Lee Report Abuse The wide variation of human likes.
clement007 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,940 Points:841,050 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:43:06 AM Ignore clement007 Report Abuse Damn there is Ford in there.
ifallsguy Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,536 Points:719,200 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:42:10 AM Ignore ifallsguy Report Abuse Add Ford Ranger, and Subarus
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:17,900 Points:1,329,485 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:41:41 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse There were only one or two cars of that group I would ever consider as a vehicle to own. Ok, maybe three then.
JimL1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,949 Points:376,320 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:41:29 AM Ignore JimL1 Report Abuse The author has to be a little guy. I am too tall so I did not fit in a Honda Accord. I did fit in a Toyota Camry. So we purchased a Camry in 1993 and still own and drive it daily.
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,629 Points:352,545 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:40:41 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse Why all 10 not Volvos?
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:9,637 Points:1,880,660 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:40:31 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse I have found that the majority of vehicles on the road, if treated regularly with preventive maintenance will last for years on end.
LetItSnow All-Star Author Hartford Posts:521 Points:353,605 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:38:55 AM Ignore LetItSnow Report Abuse Interesting list and read - thanks fordmexico for posting it.
TheSnowstorm Champion Author Montreal Posts:4,283 Points:969,930 Joined:June 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:34:12 AM Ignore TheSnowstorm Report Abuse Something for everyone. Read the article, this is only any opinion of "near" perfect cars, not the end-all and be-all list. An interesting read.
Rick01 Champion Author Utah Posts:3,835 Points:1,376,065 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:33:01 AM Ignore Rick01 Report Abuse With regular service most cars made today will run to 300K. Buy what you need.
jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:1,987 Points:631,015 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:31:22 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse Any car now is very expensive to buy new.
Don1222 Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,009 Points:726,255 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:29:58 AM Ignore Don1222 Report Abuse Buy American MADE IN THE UNITED STATES. I had a Chrysler, 1990, that I drove over 400,000 miles with only normal maintenance.
billy44bo Champion Author Mobile Posts:3,113 Points:586,595 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:29:37 AM Ignore billy44bo Report Abuse you get what you pay for
Lukus Champion Author Halifax Posts:3,314 Points:673,865 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:27:45 AM Ignore Lukus Report Abuse If you had done this list last Fall you probably would have shown Toyota among the Near Perfect. How they have fallen.
fcdriver Champion Author Tennessee Posts:2,674 Points:564,795 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:27:31 AM Ignore fcdriver Report Abuse pefect? i dont know
turbosaab Champion Author Cleveland Posts:8,571 Points:1,398,090 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:26:34 AM Ignore turbosaab Report Abuse I only agree with one. The list is clearly subjective.
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,236 Points:1,007,010 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:26:24 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse I'll stick with what I have.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:3,507 Points:623,680 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:26:18 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse CONSUMER REPORTS comes about as close as you can get to sorting them out.1 Ford in top ten,and it's made in MEXICO.
USNChief Veteran Author Jacksonville Posts:253 Points:38,070 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:23:55 AM Ignore USNChief Report Abuse Slow cars, fast cars good list.
dhawk24 Champion Author Maine Posts:2,872 Points:637,505 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:20:52 AM Ignore dhawk24 Report Abuse Take care of your car and you will be fine. It may not be perfect, but if like it, who cares...
Masercal Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,610 Points:780,740 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:16:12 AM Ignore Masercal Report Abuse Most cars will last if they are maintained properly.
moody4u Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:2,830 Points:545,375 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:15:54 AM Ignore moody4u Report Abuse What no F-150's
jppezz Champion Author New Mexico Posts:3,438 Points:676,555 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:15:29 AM Ignore jppezz Report Abuse If you like the car or truck than you buy it. That simple.
DeepInOhio Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,810 Points:593,380 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:15:11 AM Ignore DeepInOhio Report Abuse It's all subjective.
cathevan Champion Author Manitoba Posts:2,121 Points:517,635 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:14:44 AM Ignore cathevan Report Abuse subjective call
danno27 All-Star Author Miami Posts:704 Points:400,955 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:10:59 AM Ignore danno27 Report Abuse Nothing in the group I realy care for. I'll stick with my bicycle.
Dale Jr. Champion Author Illinois Posts:11,095 Points:2,222,000 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:10:04 AM Ignore Dale Jr. Report Abuse There are boatloads of VW beetles in Idaho.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:10,163 Points:592,775 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 15, 2010 6:09:57 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse when we made them luxury couches for the 400 lb Joneses we've lost sight of the quality and the safety measures that we should have pursued the whole time. Instead, we added more and more gadgets so we don't have to do anything, can watch TV and text in the vehicle while not paying any heed to what we're supposed to do... DRIVE which is defined as moving from one place to another by using a self-propelled vehicle of some sorts.