Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence
As we head into the final weeks of yet another year, that means it's time for everyone to pick out their favorites. In this business that means its time to select cars, trucks and SUVs of the year. Over at Popular Mechanics, the editors have put together a list of vehicles that they feel exemplify excellence based on a number of characteristics. For example, the list opens up with what they consider the most off-road capable – a likely easy choice this year with the launch of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The technical innovation prize went to the new Remote Touch System that appeared in the Lexus HS 250h and RX this year. This joystick control provides haptic feedback when the cursor hits a selection button on the screen. As a result it's not as fiddly as a conventional joystick might be, allowing the driver to keep more attention on the road. Check out the full list of automotive excellence at Popular Mechanics's web site.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
askroon 9:42AM (10/30/2009)
Looks like they made up their minds before they did any kind of tests... I mean, how can you say that the SVT Raptor is the most capable off-road compared to, say, a Land Rover or Jeep? And the best luxury car is a 335d??? Seriously? This is kind of why I stopped subscribing to Popular Mechanics years ago.
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Greg Aryous 10:24AM (10/30/2009)
The category is for "NEW" vehicles for this year and the Raptor was best "High-Speed" off-road capable truck for the year. You must admit, the Raptor is indeed one awesome truck and deserving of the award and just gets better when the 6.2L Boss V8 comes available in a few months...
BigDumbFace 10:25AM (10/30/2009)
These are usually 'of the year' type things. And they did drive the cars they chose.
They drove the new 335d and liked it. The diesel is quiet at highway speeds and very torquey. So 'best' luxury vehicle of the year? I can see it.
And c'mon... like anyone driving the Raptor hasn't said it kicks ass off road. So long as they've never had more fun off-road, they get to use the subjective term 'best' all they like.
askroon 8:18PM (10/30/2009)
OK, well, guess what..? There is a brand new Land Rover LR4 out this year, and I'm pretty sure it is by far the better off-roader.
JD 10:08AM (10/30/2009)
I don't know if the Raptor is the most capable off-roader (that has to be proved) BUT, it doesn't have to be to belong on this list.
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mk15 10:54AM (10/30/2009)
It's finished the 631-mile Baja 1000, so that's gotta count for some off-road credibility.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-r-completes-inaugural-run-of-baja-1000/
Franz 10:09AM (10/30/2009)
Why don't you just write "every import sucks"? Seriously... this is the summation of all your contributions to Autoblog: Imports are crap, American cars rule, Canadian chicks are smarter than US "street walkers" and you're a bloody racist. You are the consummate troll.
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Avinash machado 10:25AM (10/30/2009)
I guess they mean the most capable off-roader among the cars\trucks launched this year. It is a car of the year award not an all times award.
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iijohn88ii 11:40AM (10/30/2009)
I'm a die hard Ford guy and love the Raptor (who would have guessed that "coincidence"?) and to me, yea I think it deserved its title of "most off-road capable".
Sure the Land Rover can do it all to, but I think the Range Rover and Raptor attract totally different kinds of off-road enthusiasts. Firstly, If I had an $80,000 dollar Range Rover, I wouldn't want to take it off Road. The dang things to expensive!! Replacing parts would be like paying mortgage to a $100,000 house. That's why I think the Lexus LX models (The more expensive brother of Toyota's Landcruiser) is a waste. Yea, its bad ass, but ye-ouch on that price tag.
The Raptor is a more affordable (yet still pricey) off- road vehicle. Ford enthusiasts know that 5.4 is a tough "SOB" and trust it, and the sound of that 6.2 makes you smile! Plus this truck has a TON of awesome features that you MUST respect!
Link for the Raptor... http://www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor/
And it does NOT compete with the "Ram Power Wagon", which to me is the one that competes more with the Range Rover. The Ram Power Wagon, Range Rover, Land Cruiser are all great, but there more rock climbing, hill climbing, things where your speed stays low, the Raptor is more of a BA-HA kinda vehicle. High speeds, sand dunes, going air born... just reminds me of say Nissan's NISMO package.
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iijohn88ii 11:43AM (10/30/2009)
Still loving the Jeep Wrangler...
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PauloBecker 12:04PM (10/30/2009)
That truck makes me horny.
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Dan 12:59PM (10/30/2009)
Worse list ever. How can you say Best "High-Speed" off-road capable truck. High-Speed and off road really don't go together at all. All off road is slow and if you are going fast off road, then most likely you really aren't off road but more a nice flat well planned out dirt road.
Best off road - Land Rover, Jeep, 4 Runner to name a few.
Best luxury car - What did they just test the first one they saw with leater seats?
Best Performance - You have to be kidding. Is the Govt now controlling PM too?
The only one that makes the most sense yet can still be debated is Most Versatile Car.
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one2gamble 1:54PM (10/30/2009)
Have you ever been in the sand, the desert? There is plenty of high speed off road.
Dan 2:01PM (10/30/2009)
Yes I have, but also depends on the desert. I was in Moab and was climbing vertical rock walls. If they said "Best Off Road Racing Truck" or "Best stock truck for Baja 1000" then I would agree. Im not bashing the Raptor, I just think the title is wrong.
90% of actual off road driving is up hills, mud, sand, river, you name it. If you are talking flat desert driving then give me the Subaru!
Mr.TiredOfEconomicDownturn 3:12PM (10/30/2009)
Off topic but, ever wondered that the Raptor looks awesome when dirty, and not so good-looking when clean?
I think this is a good enough excuse not to wash the car. :P
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JDM Life 10:04PM (10/30/2009)
Love the HS.
Saw one downtown blacked out. Looked very good and other people was looking at it also.
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