Are all cars losing their soul?

[03AZAccord]

For a differing reasons I have had a few rental cars the past month or so.
One a Toyota Corolla S and the other a GMC Terrain. I understand, not the best cars in the food chain!
However both seem to share a bland experience.
Both are civil, engines/noise/transmissions/ride quality could almost be interchangeable. The Toyota actually has a little power, not so with the GMC!
Mediocre to ok sound systems. Not great. The GMC ergonomics are horrid coming from a Honda or Acura, which I have under my roof.
It seems like manufacturers don't want to offend so there is nothing that stands out in any way. Everyone is moving to the center.
Even our '10 TSX seems to have taken a step in this same direction although not as drastic.
My older '03 Accord still seems to communicate some feeling or emotion.
Am I just losing touch or does anyone else notice this same thing happening?

[GoLowDrew]

Because people are loosing interest in cars. Cars are now consider an appliance , to be used, and comes with a replacement cycle.

Cars and driving has become a nasty chore. Crazy people, mad traffic, and cars cost as much as a house now. And if you got a mint Integra Type R, count it as "stolen," it's only a matter of when.

It's not like the old days where a car means freedom, lifestyle, fun. So yes, the spirit is gone.

It's now about getting from point A to point B, without being hit by someone texting, or making you bust out your gun because someone tried to run you off the road, while giving you the bird.

What people are interested in are cell phones and iPads. That's where the interest and excitement are.

[ElectricFuzz]

Drive something other than a Corolla or Terrain if you want "soul".

[4G63attack]

Originally Posted by ElectricFuzz

Drive something other than a Corolla or Terrain if you want "soul".

KIA Soul

[03AZAccord]

Originally Posted by ElectricFuzz

Drive something other than a Corolla or Terrain if you want "soul".

I understand and agree that neither of these vehicles are meant to be "fun."
Also agree with GoLowDrew that too many people just want A to B anymore!
Seems if you want soul you'll be paying at least 35 or 40 grand for it. Even at that level I'm starting to wonder!

[4G63attack]

Originally Posted by 03AZAccord

I understand and agree that neither of these vehicles are meant to be "fun."
Also agree with GoLowDrew that too many people just want A to B anymore!
Seems if you want soul you'll be paying at least 35 or 40 grand for it. Even at that level I'm starting to wonder!

$40k I would have the Caterham 7 (AKA Lotus Super 7) thank you very much

[poorboyaccord]

since when is a corolla a fun car? try drivin a nissan gtr or a audi r8 or somthing,these days its all about mpg, to the higher percentage of the U.S. mpg is what sells a car these days. thats why when see new car on the lot, the first thing you will see on the window sticker is the mpg in huge numbers, city# highway#

[4G63attack]

Originally Posted by poorboyaccord

since when is a corolla a fun car? try drivin a nissan gtr or a audi r8 or somthing,these days its all about mpg, to the higher percentage of the U.S. mpg is what sells a car these days. thats why when see new car on the lot, the first thing you will see on the window sticker is the mpg in huge numbers, city# highway#

The corolla was fun once upon a time AE86. who has deep pockets to buy a GTR, R8, or GT

[ElectricFuzz]

Originally Posted by 03AZAccord

I understand and agree that neither of these vehicles are meant to be "fun."
Also agree with GoLowDrew that too many people just want A to B anymore!
Seems if you want soul you'll be paying at least 35 or 40 grand for it. Even at that level I'm starting to wonder!

Cars are meant to get you from point A to point B. Most "fun" cars aren't practical either.

There are a few cars for under $40K (or even $30K) that can be fun to drive: Miata, BRZ/FR-S, Mazdaspeed 3, 370Z, GTI, WRX/STI, Civic SI, etc.

Originally Posted by 4G63attack

KIA Soul

[jshaw]

edit: sorry

[04blkpearlcoupe]

Originally Posted by 03AZAccord

For a differing reasons I have had a few rental cars the past month or so.
One a Toyota Corolla S and the other a GMC Terrain. I understand, not the best cars in the food chain!
However both seem to share a bland experience.
Both are civil, engines/noise/transmissions/ride quality could almost be interchangeable. The Toyota actually has a little power, not so with the GMC!
Mediocre to ok sound systems. Not great. The GMC ergonomics are horrid coming from a Honda or Acura, which I have under my roof.
It seems like manufacturers don't want to offend so there is nothing that stands out in any way. Everyone is moving to the center.
Even our '10 TSX seems to have taken a step in this same direction although not as drastic.
My older '03 Accord still seems to communicate some feeling or emotion.
Am I just losing touch or does anyone else notice this same thing happening?

I think part of the problem is that entry level cars are getting heavier because they keep making them slightly bigger/roomier with each redesign and the horsepower numbers are not keeping pace with the added weight.

I remember back in the 80's and early 90's how entry level cars had a lot of pep and go (or so it felt), like their engines would effortlessly race to the redline, and you'd feel it lurch you back even though they were slow compared to today's cars, but its probably because those cars didn't weigh much back then and I think the gears were shorter too because those old 4 cylinders had very little torque so they had to make up for it with shorter gearing. They also got better gas mileage!

[poorboyaccord]

well i guess everybodys terms of fun to drive are different,but i can garantee a kia soul or a toyota corolla wont be any more fun than my i4 accord,now my brother g37s on the other hand,now thats a fun car. too me.

[Jesse H]

I've never considered any man made object to have soul, much less a FWD family appliance like an Accord. Some cars are fun and interesting, but soul? Nah.

[Pete240z]

Originally Posted by 04blkpearlcoupe

I think part of the problem is that entry level cars are getting heavier because they keep making them slightly bigger/roomier with each redesign and the horsepower numbers are not keeping pace with the added weight.

I was going to say the same thing. All those airbags and options weigh a lot.

We had a 1994 S10 Blazer that was a speed demon with 200hp. Our replacement Trailblazer with 270hp is a slug.

[03AZAccord]

Ok, The parade of loaner cars continues. Took my wife's TSX in for service. Needed to order a part so I got to sample the sweet fruits of a 2012 TL!
WOW! This is what I am talking about. Thing has personality. Not to mention nuts! Seems the Honda DNA got lost a little with the Gen 2 TSX but is alive and well in the TL. I want one!!! Been a while since a car made me laugh and smile when you punch the thing!