MS3 voted one of 12 best cars under 30K

[Donas64]

Just picked up the new issue of Road & Track.

Congrats to MS3 owners. Some of the other cars on the list were

Impreza WRX
Cooper S
Cobalt SS (much better car than many give credit and it handles too)
Scion TC with TRD package
Mazda MX-5
Civic Si
Solstice GXP
VW GTI
350Z
Mustang GT
Lancer EVO

Thats some excellent company to be in

So congrats MS3 owners.

 

[AJ33]

Wow, I wouldn't have placed the Cobalt on the list. I rode in one and was not impressed.

 

[Donas64]

I frankly think the cobalt SS is a decent car for the cash. It's not perfect but the Ecotec is a proven motor and as a total package it works. With a little tuning, the cobalt ss could be a beast.

 

[msp35]

Cobalt SS, you mean the scion TC. WTF was that thing doing in there?
I think they said under 30k to keep the ms3 from running away from the competition.

 

[Donas64]

Cobalt SS, you mean the scion TC. WTF was that thing doing in there?
I think they said under 30k to keep the ms3 from running away from the competition.

Yeah for real. The Scion tc is propbably the least fun to drive car on that list. Granted it's got the TRD package which means it's supercharged. I'm looking forward to reading the article after I get off work tonight.

 

[m1ndless]

The scion is actually a pretty fun car to drive, and it was voted the most reliable car this year.

 

[Donas64]

The scion is actually a pretty fun car to drive, and it was voted the most reliable car this year.

Turbocharged or not, the scion is the last car I'd choose to drive on that entire list. I test drove one stock and it's very well equipped and solid, but overall the styling is too chunky and it's FAR too heavy. The driving dynamics were just blah. It was quicker than my P5 but nowhere near as fun to punt around.

If the cobalt SS had as nice an interior as the tC, I'd pick it over the scion everytime.

Please note: I'm not bashing the scion. Just stating an opinion. Last time we talked about scions I remember a huge flame war breaking out.

 

[sandspeed]

I got to ride in a friend's cobalt ss and I was very impressed with the car. He has mods done to the engine but that thing moved really well and the interior wasn't to bad either. If they made a 4-door cobalt ss that would be even better imo.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

four door cobalts are ugly as dirt

btw, congrats sander on seeing your car in this months issue of mazdasport

 

[sandspeed]

four door cobalts are ugly as dirt

btw, congrats sander on seeing your car in this months issue of mazdasport

WooHooo, I didn't even realize it was released yet.!!Sweetness(first)

this is true, the cobalt is definantly not a show stopper but I was impressed with the power. It did ride like crap imo compared to the extremely well-balanced msp suspension.

 

[Donas64]

I got to ride in a friend's cobalt ss and I was very impressed with the car. He has mods done to the engine but that thing moved really well and the interior wasn't to bad either. If they made a 4-door cobalt ss that would be even better imo.

I think the Cobalt just looks better as a 2 door. Same way the 4 door Civic Si looks very ugly. If anything they could do RX-8 style doors. A lot of people sleep on the Cobalt SS. It's one of the best affordable quick cars out there now. the Transmission seems to be of good quality, the handling is quite competent and the ecotec is known to be a durable motor. And I rather like the styling:

Lose the bing wing, replace it with a more sublte aero spoiler and I'd rock one!

 

[CorkSport]

Cool list. I wish I had my MS3 by now.
No where near a Chevy fan but those Ecotecs and the trans have been shown to produce A LOT of power for racers. I would guess more than any 2.0L Mazda out there.

 

[Donas64]

Cool list. I wish I had my MS3 by now.
No where near a Chevy fan but those Ecotecs and the trans have been shown to produce A LOT of power for racers. I would guess more than any 2.0L Mazda out there.

Thats what this is for:

 

[Gaboost]

Last time at the track a saturn ion redline(same engine as the cobalt) blew BOTH his engine and transmission. No idea of mileage or mods but I hope he was still under warranty.

 

[Donas64]

Last time at the track a saturn ion redline(same engine as the cobalt) blew BOTH his engine and transmission. No idea of mileage or mods but I hope he was still under warranty.

Musta been a bad day for him. But I've heard nothing but good things about the Cobalt SS.

 

[CorkSport]

Thats what this is for:

Agreed. I just have to convince them to deliver mine still. Check in hand, willing to spend hard earned US dollars, they just can't seem to get the car out of California.There are a few racers out there making big power with the MZR engines as well.

Just don't agree that personal preference should detract from a capable powertrain with plenty of potential such as Chevy has provided. Unless you do not plan on modifying the car, in which case the potential is irrelevant.

 

[Donas64]

Agreed. I just have to convince them to deliver mine still. Check in hand, willing to spend hard earned US dollars, they just can't seem to get the car out of California.There are a few racers out there making big power with the MZR engines as well.

Just don't agree that personal preference should detract from a capable powertrain with plenty of potential such as Chevy has provided. Unless you do not plan on modifying the car, in which case the potential is irrelevant.

I agree completely. I mean I won't say I'm a Chevy fanatic but I know a good well built car when I see one. And I would in no way be embarassed driving a Cobalt SS..After I'd switched out that ridiculous spolier for something more tasteful anyways. With a little investment in mods, I can see those Cobalt SS's making some BIG numbers.

If I had to list the 12 cars in order from my favorite to least faveorite it would have to be:

350Z
Impreza WRX
Lancer EVO
MS3
Cobalt SS
VW GTI
Solstice GXP
Mustang GT
Civic Si
Cooper S
Mazda MX-5 (at least until the new MSM comes out)
Scion TC with TuRD package

The subtle Z restyle just looks HAWT!

the Z is everything I like about the Mustang GT, but just done better.

Unique looks, 300+ HP V6, Slick Trans, nice handling! under 30K for the Base Model (which is all I would need), where do I sign!

 

[Donas64]

Just finished reading the article and the Z was proclaimed the winner followed by the evo and then the stang. I'd have ranked the stang lower but a 300 hp 320lb feet torque V8 for under 30 large is hard to pass up. And while I like the Evo a lot, those things cost an arm and a leg to maintain and keep running in peak condition.

 

[Donas64]

You guys think that there are any cars that deserve to be on this list that they forgot to add?

How about the Acura TSX? Those start at 28,900

 

[CorkSport]

I agree completely. I mean I won't say I'm a Chevy fanatic but I know a good well built car when I see one. And I would in no way be embarassed driving a Cobalt SS..After I'd switched out that ridiculous spolier for something more tasteful anyways. With a little investment in mods, I can see those Cobalt SS's making some BIG numbers.

If I had to list the 12 cars in order from my favorite to least faveorite it would have to be:

350Z
Impreza WRX
Lancer EVO
MS3
Cobalt SS
VW GTI
Solstice GXP
Mustang GT
Civic Si
Cooper S
Mazda MX-5 (at least until the new MSM comes out)
Scion TC with TuRD package

The subtle Z restyle just looks HAWT!

the Z is everything I like about the Mustang GT, but just done better.

Unique looks, 300+ HP V6, Slick Trans, nice handling! under 30K for the Base Model (which is all I would need), where do I sign!

Well since my dealer just called me 10 minutes ago to tell me he finally has my car I'm going with the MS3.
Love the Z but I like the more refined look of the Infinity better.
Mustang is very capable with tons of aftermarket. I am curious where the GTO falls in (other catagory or?) kind of hooked on those. I still have pics of my dads '66 GTO from when I was a kid.
Can't disregard the EVO either, love 'em.
MX-5 would have to be Speed version or turbo'ed. These cars are constantly amazing me though I never gave them much consideration in the past.
Guess I don't realy have a favorite.