AutomobileMag Forums

You've seen our 2007 All-Star Awards. What ones did we miss? Tell us your favorites, and we will post the top ten results on February 15, 2007, making them our online reader all-stars!
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/0701_2007_all_stars  

My vote is for the Audi RS4.  I have not had the pleasure of actually driving one of these fine automobiles, but I have been able to sit in & hear one being thrashed on the track (Lime Rock Park in CT during the ALMS weekend last July).  

Nice choice, owdydood. There are some members of the staff here that might still be crying when we go home at night because that lovely ride missed the list.  

I'd love to see the Honda S2000 in the top ten.
Granted, it's niche car, standing alone between the group of under 30k sports car such as the MX-5, Solstice/Sky and below the group of 40k+ cars like the Boxster, BMW-Z4, Vette, etc.

It's a true driver's car offering performce similar to the expensive boys as mentioned but at 10-15k less.

I think it's 8 yrs of production says a lot to the original success of the design and mechanics. They still make for an exciting to drive roadster today !  

The F430.  Any list of 'Top Honors Autos' is overtly remiss without it.  As an ex-owner of three Corvettes, I was more-than-humored by the statement in that article where a  Corvette led a pack of "snarling Ferraris".  Had it not been for a couple of (unintentional?) late season 'shunts', the dark-green '05 Olive Garden Maranello 550 would have been champ in it's rookie year!  Oh!  That was with a one litre engine displacement handicap, PLUS smaller intake restrictor and a 100lb weight disadvantage!  The team probably deduced that in '06 they would have to run with only three wheels, and decided the ROI impractical.  It's been this way for 40 years in sports-car racing: write the rules so Ferrari doesn't even show up.  This past season found an F430 in the small engine (GT) class where, when the team got the set-up correct, as they did occasionally - could outpace the Corvettes in GT1. Now, we're talking a 2.7 litre handicap.  Yes, the Ferrari is mid-engined, which a true sports car has to be: form follows function, remember?   Sorry, I normally don't respond to these chronic auto-drivels, but do realize everyone thinks their car will beat that Prancing Horse.  You can find Ferrari on the Formula One grid every other weekend if you want to try. (Where the landscape's flat)  

MkV GTI.   I'm biased, I'll admit.   I own a slew of vdubs (including 2 Fox wagons!).  But with 20k on my GTI's clock, my only complaint is the lack of rubber available in 225/40-18 xl.   The car is surprisingly roomy, the engine is pure beauty, the dsg is much better at shifting than I am, and those plaid seats...  man.   I've no doubt that, given more freedom from its engine management, the 2.0T FSI would've eliminated any hint of "zoom-zoom" from your pages; nevertheless, I think the GTI, even at 200 horses, is an A chassis, A class, All Star.  

I've got to say all the listed cars are really great cars and you can argue for the validity of another being a better choice etc.  But I got to say all these selections are leaders in their segment.  

But you should have giving the standard Corvette listed with the z06 and the same for the Cayman with the Cayman s.  

I still think those are great cars also.  But I am surprised to not see either the civic si coupe or sedan sure the Mazda speed 3 might be faster but I doubt it having better dynamics than the si I’m sure it was a close call unless the Mazda speed three is really that much better it sure is more practical If I was buying a car this year I probably would try it before I purchased my 2006 civic si I purchased in January and I just love it.  Both a good selection and it's just amazing what kind of cars are out anymore.  I’m also surprised to not see either the wrx sti or lancer evolution 9 both incredible cars.  I owned a 2003 wrx and have driven several evo's and my god it's a hoot but to kiddy for 32k so I’m waiting on the evo x and corvette c7 but in Ohio the evo may be the better suit for me sorry to rant and keep up the good work.    

I'd like to put in a vote for the Tesla Roadster.  Not only is this a great looking and performing vehicle, but it represents a significant beginning towards a major shift in automotive technology.  

I can't believe that you put the Honda Ridgeline in this group. I do think a Honda belongs here - the S2000 - a lot of sportscar (in the truest sense of the word) for the money. The Ridgeline is different - and polarizing. If any pickup truck deserved to be in this list for excellence and innovation, it should have been the Nissan Titan. This "True Truck" is giving the Big three a run for the money in size, power, styling and utility. We up here in the northeast recognize a poseur when we see it. The Ridgeline is exactly that. Odd proportions. Quasi-carlook and feel. Nobody who lives in the city needs one and anybody who lives in the country laughs at it. If you love Hondas, at least put the right one at the head of the pack.  

I agree that the Ridgeline does not belong in this group. It is not a car, not even a "boring car". It's a derivative design (think Chevy Avalanche).  

You missed the Mazda MX-5. It's more sports car than most sports cars costing twice as much.  

Agreed, the S2000 is a great ride. I almost bought one except it frightened my wife too much, so I had to pass. I don't think that it will ever make the list because it is an eight year old design and it's not "fresh" enough, even though the incremental changes have made it a better car.  

I still can't figure out what you guys were really going for as far as 'all-star' means. The criteria here are undetermined. I fail to see how the Honda Ridgeline is an 'enthusiast' car. Your list, while containing some good cars, is more noted for the cars that it left out. I'm picking up my new 4-door GTI tonight and I was surprised that didn't make the list (especially since it's your car of the year). Other notable cars that are not there:

Mini Cooper S
Honda S2000, Accord, Civic Si
Audi RS4, RS6
Ferrari F430
Porsche GT3
Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago
BMW M anything/everything
Mazda MX5, RX8
Subaru WRX, WRX STI
Mitsubishi EVO
Nissan 350Z
Ford GT

I'm sure I've left a few out, too.