Cars America Can't Live Without
Certain automobiles have become as ingrained into the country's psyche as apple pie and baseball, making them truly indispensible. What if some of them were to disappear?
Should Detroit's automakers be propped up or knocked down? With General Motors and Chrysler lapping up federal cash like it's soup at the poorhouse, the question sparks discussion on both sides of the debate. But even opponents of an auto industry bailout acknowledge what will be lost if these companies and brands go away — good middle-class jobs, for starters. America's industrial base, already weakened, would take another hit. In fact, GM recently announced it would sell or shutter the underperforming Saturn and Hummer brands by the end of this year.
Beyond the human and economic toll, we'd also lose cars. Sure, new models come and go, and always have. Few people shed a tear when the Pontiac Aztek or Ford Pinto were sent to that big scrap heap in the sky. Yet the automotive landscape wouldn't be the same without certain cars, those rides that created unforgettable memories and inspired fierce loyalty from their owners.
"Cars represent more than pure transportation for an awful lot of people," says McKeel Hagerty, chief executive officer of Hagerty Insurance, the nation's leading insurer of vintage and collector cars. "They're not just about mileage or sales numbers; they're about the culture and brands that are really important to us."
In March, Hagerty surveyed nearly 1,000 clients, asking them what American cars they wouldn't want to live without.
The highest-ranked model, the Chevrolet Corvette, comes as no surprise. Ever since its 1953 introduction, the Corvette has been the quintessential American sports car. "It's America's Ferrari," says Hagerty.
Other winners on the list include fun rides with knockout styling, heritage or both, such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Saturn Sky roadster; pickup trucks with irreplaceable utility, namely the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram; critically acclaimed newer models such as the Cadillac CTS and Chrysler 300 sedans — all vehicles that spark pride and prove that Detroit, when it puts its mind to it, can compete with the best.
Whether you agree with them or not, here's our take on Hagerty's list of the top 10 vehicles that Americans simply can't live without.
Chevrolet Corvette
From the 430-horsepower basic 'Vette to the $105,000, 638 horsepower ZR1, this machine is arguably the best American sports car ever built. True Corvette connoisseurs treat their rides as part of the family, not just four-wheeled friends. When the 'Vette was introduced in 1953 it was an instant sensation. Original production models carried a $3,498 sticker price and all 300 were sold. But it didn't become a true favorite among car buffs until the classic Sting Rays emerged in the 1960s. (Did you know that "Sting Ray" was originally two words? It didn't become one until the '70s.) After suffering long fallow periods in the '70s and '80s, the Corvette roared back with the fifth-generation C5 model of 1997, and it's improved ever since. Today's Corvette can go toe-to-toe with the typical Ferrari — at a fraction of the price.
Ford Mustang
Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Mustang is one of the most beloved rides on the road, and possibly the best value in the sports car market. Although Ford will probably never again sell 608,000 Mustangs in one year, as it did in 1966 when seemingly every American had to have one, the new 2010 model is sweet. The 'Stang's improved interior and handling, plus a bump to 315 horsepower for the V8 GT trim, come just in time for the Ford to take on its reborn rivals, the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro.
Chrysler 300
Whenever you think Chrysler might be sunk it pulls a hot-selling rabbit out of its hat. The company that invented the minivan and cab-forward LH sedans made magic again with the 300, a sinister, chopped-roof sedan that dazzled buyers young and old, urban and suburban. It helps that the 300 is more than a pretty face: The slick-driving Chrysler benefits from extensive Mercedes-Benz technology, including a rear suspension borrowed from the E-Class sedan.
Ford F-150
Its unbroken 26-year streak as the nation's best-selling car or truck — easily whipping the Accord, Camry, whatever — speaks for itself: Americans love their pickups. All-new for 2009, the F-150 is as eager to please as ever, offering a dizzying range of choices in engines, cab layouts, bed lengths and more. With its class-leading capacity, user-friendly features and pleasant driving dynamics, the F-150 remains one of the easiest half-ton pickups to live with on an everyday basis. And with the wide range of available body styles, trim levels and equipment, you're sure to find one that meets your needs.
Dodge Ram
The bad boy on the block is now considered to be the best performin