2021 BUYER'S GUIDE - HATCHBACKS

 #1 - HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R

Let's not beat around the bush: The Honda Civic Type-R is an absolutely phenomenal  performance hatchback. Honda took no shortcuts on the way to upping the already impressive driving experience of the Civic. Put pedal to the metal, and you will be instantly be met with volcanic acceleration that will zip you to 60 in 4.9 seconds, and, should you decide to fly through a back road, the Type-R will show incredible handling that can make mincemeat of even professional tracks, such as the Nurburgring, where it set a blistering time of 7 minutes, 43 seconds, smashing the previous record for a FWD car, set by a VW Golf. Though the Type-R seems to be a heck of a racer, it doesn't sacrifice practicality. It has probably the best shifter in the world, as it provides several different modes, such as Comfort, Race, and Sport. Gas mileage is decent, and there is plenty of cargo space. Also, it only costs $37K, a bargain compared to, say, a Renault Megane, which starts at $50K.  All things considered, the Civic Type-R is the best hatchback out there, and one I'd buy with my own money.

#2 - HYUNDAI VELOSTER N

To be completely honest, the dazzling Hyundai Veloster has a strong case to take the #1 spot: It is a whopping $10K cheaper than the Civic, boasts comparable driving dynamics, and looks far better. However, sub-par interior materials that looks straight-out cheap hold it back from greatness. Although it costs significantly less than the Honda, you still can't excuse the mediocrity of the infotainment system, the uncomfortable seats, and clearly inexpensive materials. Fix that, and you've got a winner. It truly is a wonderful driving machine, and a beautiful one also. 

#3 - VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI

Given the low amount of hatchbacks Americans buy, the segment is surprisingly loaded with undeniably great cars. The Volkswagen Golf, although not as exciting as the Civic or Hyundai, is excellent regardless. Unlike the Honda and Hyundai hatchback's wild designs, the Volkswagen has a elegant, business-like appearance. Though it doesn't look nearly as quick as it's competitors, the Golf can keep up with anyone, thanks to it's phenomenal 2.0L Turbocharged engine that pulls it to 60 in a admittedly average 5.7 seconds. Not that the Golf is average, by no means. Where the Veloster fails (Cheap interior) , the Golf boasts the nicest interior in the market. Where the Civic fails (Overdone styling), the VW possesses an unmistakably attractive look. Even though the Civic Type-R and the Veloster N are more fun, the Golf is a great option, and should be considered among anyone interested in a thoroughly well-done hatchback. 

2021 BUYERS GUIDE - SEDANS

 #1 - HONDA ACCORD

    Comfortable, efficient, safe, stylish, practical, and also well-handling, the Honda Accord has been the best family car in the world for the better part of a century. The Hybrid impresses with nearly 50 mpg, the Sport wows with its snazzy engine, and the Touring has credible luxury and refinement. Whatever Accord you choose, you can be sure that you'll be purchasing nothing less than the golden standard of competency, starting at $24K.

#2 - HYUNDAI SONATA

   Hyundai vehicles are underrated. There's no way around it: People just don't buy enough Hyundais, or even Genesis or Kia cars, which are also produced by Hyundai. The Sonata is only the most recent success by the Korean brand. It shines in every area a sedan should: Sporty tuning, comfortable inside, attractive styling, good fuel economy, and clever space-management.   Some facts about the Sonata: It has an impressive 33 combined Mpg, the N-Line performance variant pumps out 290 horsepower, and the base model will cost you $23K. Though the Sonata is a tremendous effort, there is a reason it wasn't able to take the #1 slot: It needs more power! Unless you opt for the pricier N-Line, the Sonata will take it's time accelerating. Not a big issue, and Hyundai definitely has a relevant car to offer the world in the Sonata.

#3 - KIA K5

    Mechanically similar to the Hyundai, the Kia K5 is the replacement for the admittedly fine Optima. However, as you might have heard, Kia are done with fine. In the Telluride, Soul, Stinger, Sorento, and Rio, Kia have some of the best cars in the world, no less. The new K5 is on the upward trajectory that the whole of the brand is on, thanks to a remarkable engine, stunning looks, and a luxurious interior that has no place on a $23,490 sedan. It is propelled by a world-class 180 horsepower 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, and has a little mean streak that make the K5 one of the most enjoyable cars you can buy at such a low price. Gone is the anonymous styling of Kias of old, as the K5 boasts a undeniably hot design. With those funky headlights, chic red bucket seats, and black trim, the K5 is easily one of the best sedans out there. While it cannot compete with the all-round excellence of the Honda Accord, the Kia is a lot more fun, and a lot cooler, so you have to weigh all the factors. 

#4 - TOYOTA CAMRY

   Toyota, for decades, was an enthusiast-driven brand. However, in the last decade or so, Toyota have not had an interesting car to offer. Fortunately, the Japanese firm have had a change in priorities, and realized that, to compete with the up-and-coming Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Genesis, etc... , there would have to be some exciting things coming out of the Nagoya Toyota factory in east Japan. Soon after this revelation, the legendary Supra made it's return, along with a 302 horsepower RAV-4. They also make the 86 sports car, which, to be honest, is absolutely fire. In 2020, the Camry was overdue for a redesign, and boy did they redesign it. It is nothing like the previous generation, which had no personality. Boasting hot new sheetmetal, exotic-looking tires, striking red bucket-seats, and even a rear wing, the Camry finally has some much needed life in its bones. While it is a massive step forward for Toyota, the Camry still has some shortcomings that land it in 4th. For one, it is not as fast as it looks, with sub-par acceleration a noticeable flaw. It also is a tad expensive, landing at $26,040, more than $2000 more than the next-priciest, the Honda Accord. All things considered though, the Camry is a big success, and should be considered by anyone looking for a efficient, comfortable, and reasonably stylish sedan. 

#5 - MAZDA 6

   Though it looks and drives like it is a lot more expensive than $24K, the handsome Mazda 6 only goes as far as it's unimpressive engine takes it. Powered by a turbo 2.5L Inline-4 engine that is neither powerful nor efficient, the Mazda 6 is a letdown by a brand that has gotten a reputation for making lively cars and SUVs.

3 Nameplates Just BEGGING To Be Brought Back

 Chevrolet Bel Air:

For decades, the Chevrolet Bel Air was an American favorite. Available in coupe, sedan, and convertible form, it was the perfect choice for the average American worker. The model pictured is from 1955, yet still looks gorgeous today. If Chevy could bring it back, perhaps even as an electric, there would surely be customers. To be honest, Detroit doesn't offer a single impressive sedan under 30K. The likes of the Malibu, Cruze, MKZ, and the Continental, not to mention the discontinued Chrysler 300 and 200 cars, are all very aging cars, and simply not on the same level as, say, the Honda Civic and Accord. A new for 2022 Bel Air would be a game-changer for Chevrolet.

Ford Thunderbird:

Resurrecting the Thunderbird would be a very similar situation: Giving the American people back a legendary car, from a company that has not a single competent sedan to offer. You might even argue that the Thunderbird nameplate holds more significance and legacy than the Bel Air. Even better, the Thunderbird took on many forms in its life, making it very easy for Ford to stick the name onto a product. Ford recently reintroduced the iconic Bronco and Lightning names, why not do it with the Thunderbird?

Honda S2000:

Though not as ancient as the American icons previously discussed, the S2000, discontinued in 2009, is a favorite among car enthusiasts. Very similar to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Honda packed plenty of fun in a little package. Barring some hot-hatches, Honda doesn't really offer an affordable sports car. Toyota has the 86 and Supra. Mazda, the Miata. Ford and Chevy have the Mustang and Camaro. Nissan will sell you the Z. If Honda brought back the S2000, gave it some of the flair you find in a Civic Type-R, a effortlessly beautiful design like the red model pictured, if would be a absolute home-run.

Greatest Car From Every Brand!

                                                    ACURA: INTEGRA GSR TYPE-R

                                          ALFA ROMEO: GIULA QF  

                                            ASTON MARTIN: DB11

                                                AUDI: R8 V10

                                          BENTLEY: CONTINENTAL

                                              BMW: M5

                                             BUGATTI: VEYRON 

                                              BUICK: CENTURY

                                             CADILLAC: CTS-V

                                   CHEVROLET: CORVETTE STINGRAY

                                            CHRYSLER: LHS

                                                 CITROEN: C4

                                             DODGE: VIPER

                                               FERRARI: F40

                                           FIAT: 124 ABARTH

                                           FORD: SHELBY COBRA

                                               GENESIS: G70

                                                HONDA: NSX

                                                 HUMMER: H3

                                           HYUNDAI: VELOSTER N 

                                               INFINITI: Q60

                                            JAGUAR: F-TYPE R

                                            JEEP: WRANGLER

                                             KIA: TELLURIDE

                                              

                             LAMBORGHINI: HURACAN PERFORMANTE

                                        LAND ROVER: DEFENDER

LEXUS: LFA

LINCOLN: NAVIGATOR

LOTUS: EXIGE

MASERATI: GRANCABRIO

                                          MAZDA: MX-5 MIATA

 

                                               MCLAREN: F1

                                      MERCEDES-BENZ: S-CLASS

                                           MINI: COOPER GP

                                              NISSAN: GT-R

 

                                          PAGANI: ZONDA R

                                              POLESTAR: 1

                                        PORSCHE: 911 TURBO S

                                              RAM: 1500 TRX

                                    RENAULT: MEGANE TROPHY RS

                                      ROLLS-ROYCE: PHANTOM

SUBARU: BRZ

TESLA: MODEL S 

TOYOTA: SUPRA GR

VOLKSWAGEN: GOLF R

VOLVO: S60

NOTES:

Obviously, this was a lengthy project, and I might pick a different Porsche, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Honda, etc.., if you asked me tomorrow. For the most part, however, I think I'm right on with my picks. Do you agree or not? Please comment down below, I always love to hear your opinion!