RICE'S TOP 10 CARS OF 2000
Date: 9/20/2000
By: Rice
I admit, I'm only 19. I'm Asian. Hell, my online handle is "Rice". You're bracing yourself for something more like the top 10 fixed up Honda's rather than top 10 "cars" per se, right? Omg, in retrospect, I cannot believe how well I fit the stereotype. Ahem, I'm happy to exclaim that you will not see a single Honda in my list... that is, if you don't count Acura's as Honda's. Anyways, I'm getting ahead of myself here.
It wasn't until I got my license 3 years ago that cars began interesting me. A quick disclaimer is in order: I am in NO ways an expert. If you grill me on engine jargon like the effects of DOHC or valves per cylinder, I'll answer you with a face so blank you'd think I don't speak English. I am judging these 10 cars by layman's tastes... in particular, mines. It's not ranked in order of "good"-ness, but rather in order of "dammit gimme the car"-ness. Hope that clears some things up. =)
These following cars are judged by their overall appeal to me, which mean it's heavily biased. Brand name, exterior looks, interior looks, handling, horsepower, etc. all factor in. Oh, and these cars must be at least semi-affordable. Meaning more than at least 1% of the population can afford it. Sorry, no Ameritech McLaren F1 Supercars on this list..... nor is the Batmobile. =P
Without further ado:
#10: Infiniti I30
Engine: 3.0 L, 227 horsepower V6
Price Range: ~$30,000
Desired Color: Soft Cashmere
I've always been a big fan of the Infiniti I30. It's looks are plain, but crisp, and every inch of the car radiates quality. At first I wasn't a big fan of the 2000 model, but eventually it's grown on me. I've actually had the pleasure of driving an I30 once, and all I have to say is "Baby, I'm in love". The black leather seating was fittingly comfy, and the wheel turns effortlessly thanks to its superior power steering. Ambient driving noise was virtually non-existent, and its power was well distributed during acceleration. Even though it is classified as a mid-luxury sedan, it's clear the I30 is seriously underrated by most people.
#9: Ford Mustang GT
Engine: 4.6 L, 260 horsepower V8
Price Range: ~$22,000
Desired Color: Smooth Silver
My first sports car love, the Ford Mustang, still resides in me today. As the original Pony car, the Mustang's come a long way since the '64 Fastback classic. The galloping horse icon has become an American classic. It's been most recently featured in Gone in 60 Seconds. Remember Eleanore, the fiery NOS turbocharged Shelby Mustang? Whew, that was a doozy. The first model I came in contact with was the old '97-'98 rounded rear-lights. The new 2000 model with the more throwback angular design is my current favorite. Its rugged, chiseled look makes it feel powerful and sporty while backed up by a monster V8 and 260 horses. You can tell this car is not just all talk, it can walk the walk.
#8: Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Engine: 5.7 L, 350 horsepower V8
Price Range: ~$40,000
Desired Color: Cherry Red
The most appropriate
term for the 'Vette is American Muscle. One look at its huge 5.7 Liter displacement and a
V8 engine pumping out 350 horses and you know you're in for some serious POWER. And
whaddaya know, the new Z06 model is friggin' slick. I cannot count the number of times a
'Vette has burned me on the freeway, but instead of getting mad, I just oogled at its
magnificent power and beauty. The car's like a tamed beast, just waiting for the owner's
command to unleash its full potential. As a matter of fact, the 'Vette beat out the twice
as expensive Dodge Viper to win this spot in my list. Why? Simply because it's more
refined than its all brawn, no brains counterpart.
#7: Lexus IS300
Engine: 3.0 L, 215 horsepower V6
Price Range: ~$35,000
Desired Color: Blackidy Black
New to the US
market is Lexus's IS300 mid-luxury sports sedan, aimed straight for the BMW 3-series crowd
of buyers. Guess what car beat out which in this particular top 10 list spot? Lexus's
clever ad wizards came up with the slogan "Sufficiently Radical", and boy did
they nail it. Right off the get-go, I fell in love with the IS300. Although it's been
parading around in Japan for a while as the Toyota Altezza, the US model has more horses,
pushing it up over the 200 barrier and topping BMW's 3-series (except the magnificent M3).
The kicker is the awesome interior (click to enlarge) sported by the IS300. Metallic
pedals drilled with racing holes grace your feet as you drive, and the shifter is coated
in shiny chrome. Oh man, I can barely control my salivating glands. If you didn't know
this was from Lexus, who would've thought the Japanese would be so capable of competing
with the Bavarian goliath?