Our top 10 autos of 2005

MarketWatch ^ | Dec. 24, 2005 | Ron Amadon

[george76]

Everything from a Ford GT and an Aston Martin Vantage, to a Mitsubishi Raider pickup and a Mini.

Now it's time to cull that list down to our 10 favorites.

All of these cars share a common trait -- they were all fun to drive in the extreme!

So return your seats to the upright position, and fasten your safety belt. Here are our personal top ten best cars of 2005.

Car of the Year: Corvette Z06. The performance buy of the year -- if anyone can say such a thing about a car that will set you back about $70,000. All the same, consider: a 7.0-liter V8 that produces 505 horsepower and rockets this more lightweight Corvette to 60 in 3.8 seconds, not to mention tremendous handling, good feedback, a driver-friendly interior and a sexy shape that still turns heads...

Best Sports Car: Mazda MX-5...

Biggest Surprise: Pontiac Solstice...

Bigger-Bucks Sports Car: Porsche Boxster S...

Best Sedan: BMW 330i...

Best Family Car: Honda Accord...

Best Wagon: Audi A4 Avant...

Proof That Detroit Ain't Dead Yet: Ford Mustang 5.0...

Best Uber Alles Car: Ford GT...

[Jeff Head]

My number one pick.

[Lurker]

Put some duallies on the back, a big 'ole diesel engine in the front, and make it a Dodge and you've got my vote.

Merry Christmas my friend!

L

[george76]

Your truck looks good.

That magazine left off their list many other good car choices.

[Hardastarboard]

Ford Mustang 5.0

Unless this is a misprint, it's proof in black and white that the authors know little about cars. The 5.0 hasn't been produced since 1993. The new Mustangs have a 4.6 liter three valve engine.

[Jeff Head]

Over time, I will add a heavy-duty Deer Guard, four taller, more agressive treaded tires, a spray on bed line, some running lights, and (sooner) a bug guard and window vent/visors.

I've owned and driven all of the three major pu's...ford, chevy/gmc, dodge...and the Z71 package on the Chevy ranks right up there with the rest in terms of 4X4, handling, hauling, etc. You can say pretty much the same about all three these days.

Merry Christmas to you my friend...God's very best to you and yours.

[Jeff Head]

Thanks...they probably were not looking at the 4X4 or pu market.

[bpjam]

If you can make that truck look more like the new Acura TL I'm with you.

[Larry Lucido]

Best car for my money in 2005 was still my 2001 Taurus SEL.

[Jeff Head]

hehehe...hopelessly different. Both good at what they were built far.

[Jeff Head]

hehehe...hopelessly different. Both good at what they were built far.

[null and void]

Colt 1911A1...

[BlueStateDepression]

Although this isn't a 2005 out of the factory, I would offer that for the money and the quality I would rather have one of these!

[speedracerx]

I agree with the Vette. Unreal performance from a US manufacturer. GM will probably kill it off in favor of another truck or SUV, or a plastic FWD sedan.

Wonder why a Toyota or Lexus didn't make the list?

[Lurker]

That's going to be one sweet ride my friend.

Thanks for the good wishes, but some day I think the Good Lord has already blessed me far beyond what I deserve.

L

[Jeff Head]

Great vehicle!...but for my purposes, it needs more ground clearance, room to carry more people, and four wheel drive...all of which could also be had in that time period.

[Jeff Head]

Same here...far more than I could possibly ever deserve or warrant.

[george76]

You are correct.

Mustang GT

4.6L OHV 24V V8 (281 cu. in.)

Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm) 300 @ 5750

Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) 320 @ 4500

Compression Ratio 9.8:1

http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/mustang/features/specs/

[speedracerx]

You mean like this?
http://www.wardvwracer.com/files/Dodge_3500_SLT_8_31_05_a.jpg

[blackie]

This is my daily driver: