http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2009/10/68501095/1
This week, Drive On is been trying to figure out what some auto reviewers hate so much about the Honda Insight. In the first few months after introduction it hasn't sold well, at least compared to the larger and more expensive Toyota Prius.
Yet we find Insight, pictured above, to be a perfectly fine and pleasurable car. A 40-plus mile-per-gallon hybrid. Less than $20,000. What's not to like? Based on those factors and the fact that it drives nicely, we think the Insight is underappreciated -- unfairly overlooked by the public in a crowded field of hot cars. There must be others, we thought. So we sought out the engaging Karl Brauer, editor of Edmunds.com and Karl on Cars, for his quicko list of the five most underappreciated cars. Here's what he came up with:
1. Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Better than a Prius in every way except fuel mileage by a tiny amount, and its lower price still gives it the overall cost advantage for decades.
2. Mazda5. The only true MINIvan on the market, with plenty of space and great entry/exit with those sliding doors, plus fun-to-drive and decent mpg.
3. Ford Fusion. Its starting to get respect but still isnt as well received as Accord or Camry but its just as good.
4. Hyundai Elantra. It competes with power names like Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3, but this car is a solid choice more people should consider, same goes for new Kia Forte.
5. Suzuki Kizashi. This model isnt even out yet, but its shockingly good and I know Suzuki will be in an uphill battle to have it taken seriously.
This week, Drive On is been trying to figure out what some auto reviewers hate so much about the Honda Insight. In the first few months after introduction it hasn't sold well, at least compared to the larger and more expensive Toyota Prius.
Yet we find Insight, pictured above, to be a perfectly fine and pleasurable car. A 40-plus mile-per-gallon hybrid. Less than $20,000. What's not to like? Based on those factors and the fact that it drives nicely, we think the Insight is underappreciated -- unfairly overlooked by the public in a crowded field of hot cars. There must be others, we thought. So we sought out the engaging Karl Brauer, editor of Edmunds.com and Karl on Cars, for his quicko list of the five most underappreciated cars. Here's what he came up with:
1. Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Better than a Prius in every way except fuel mileage by a tiny amount, and its lower price still gives it the overall cost advantage for decades.
2. Mazda5. The only true MINIvan on the market, with plenty of space and great entry/exit with those sliding doors, plus fun-to-drive and decent mpg.
3. Ford Fusion. Its starting to get respect but still isnt as well received as Accord or Camry but its just as good.
4. Hyundai Elantra. It competes with power names like Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3, but this car is a solid choice more people should consider, same goes for new Kia Forte.
5. Suzuki Kizashi. This model isnt even out yet, but its shockingly good and I know Suzuki will be in an uphill battle to have it taken seriously.
