Happy Thanksgiving! What Vehicles Are You MOST Thankful For In 2016?

Happy Thanksgiving, Spies! We're SO thankful to have you visiting our site. Without you guys and girls we wouldn't have a readership and we're glad that we have so many dedicated fans.

Thank you.

That said, 2016 has been an interesting one for me. Although I can't go into detail, I was involved in a mass transit accident and since then I have not been using that mode of transportation. My little Volkswagen Golf has come through in a big way. I now use it daily for my commute to and from the Big Apple when I do not have a press vehicle. I am very thankful to have it in my garage. Aside from a couple bent wheels and a software reflash over the past five years, it's been a great ride.

So, I pose a question to you, my friends: What vehicles are YOU most thankful for in 2016?

TheSteve - 11/24/2016 3:26:44 PM

+4 Boost

Hard to say "MOST", but a noteworthy car that comes to mind...

I'm discovering and exploring the Porsche 718 Boxster (not mine). Gotta say I love it. I wish they had retained that sweet-sounding 6-cylinder engine, though. Otherwise, the "base" car by far exceeds what "S" models were offering a few years ago.

I love the classic, sincere, non-trendy styling. Love the intuitive and readily-accessible analog gauges and switch-gear. The handling and feel are superb, as you'd expect. The only questionable thing is that 4-cylinder sound.

MDarringer - 11/24/2016 4:39:01 PM

+1 Boost

I'm smitten with the LC500 because it faithfully translated the concept to production and I think it's gorgeous.

The problem with picking one vehicle is that there are so many that are truly great efforts.

TomM - 11/24/2016 6:20:43 PM

+2 Boost

It seemed to me that you were referring to a vehicle that you owned - and therefore would be one I owned. And there are two that really came in handy this year. First - my Chrysler Mini-van - which has been a people mover and things mover supreme - with My Brother, his two sons, my Sister, and me (I built a new home in Florida this year) moving to new digs - and me without a pick up for the first time since I can remember -the Chrysler was great for moving those things that you did not want a mover to touch - much less move. With the seats down (I have all stow and go)- I was able to put a whole bedroom set in the back once - and I am sure I saved lots of crystal from breaking. It can actually take af 4x8 piece of Plywood flat on the floor - and even take a full size Mattress and Foundation when angled slightly too. AND on 6 trips to Florida and Back - I am averaging about 32 MPG LOADED. It will never replace my cars for regular driving - but it proved I had no real need for a pick up.

The second Vehicle that I am thankful for is my John Deere 140 HP Diesel Tractor to which I have connected an 80" wide - 36"+ high - commercial double auger snow blower. I do not get snow removal where I live and am responsible for clearing the road to the middle line along my property - and with its heated cab - it is a quick job.

MDarringer - 11/24/2016 10:58:51 PM

0 Boost

If we're confining ourselves to everyday cars...

The company car that I respected most--of previous ones--was the Ford Fusion. It's unobtrusively perfect when battling the 405 and it's not bad on the eyes either.

I have tremendous respect for mainstream cars that give their owners truly the best, so when a manufacturer is dismissive of people on a budget and treats them with contempt, I am harsher than harsh on that company.

TheSteve - 11/24/2016 11:45:58 PM

+2 Boost

TomM: There's a LOT to be said when we love our daily driver :-) I'm still smitten with mine.

TomM - 11/25/2016 8:50:18 AM

+3 Boost

TheSteve - Actually - My Daily Driver is a first generation Ford Fusion Hybrid - a company car - and due to be replaced. It has been remarkably trouble free - has gotten good gas mileage - but is not something that I would consider FUN to drive - I hate the CVT - and the brakes are something to get accustomed to. My LAST company car is projected to be a Volt - although I doubt I can fit inside it - and I will likely get a Malibu Hybrid instead (all company cars are "green") - just as my first was to be a Prius but I could not get into the thing well at my height. But - as a car that I bought to haul my Grandchildren around in - the Chrysler Mini-Van sure has been in use all the time - and is much better than I expected it to be.

This year is going to be interesting - since I will be getting a new company car - and also it is time to replace my Mercedes too. I would normally replace that with a newer S-Class 12 Cylinder - but MY Boss has a Phantom (Rolls) he is trading in and IF the new Phantom comes out - I may end up with it instead. Will decide when and if the new Phantom comes out

Agent00R - 11/25/2016 6:32:21 PM

+3 Boost

Wow, great story on the minivan, Tom. Thank you for sharing!

TomM - 11/25/2016 7:16:01 PM

+2 Boost

I would like to add one more thing - the NEW feature that I find myself the most thankful for - The Rear View Camera. It should have been on cars years ago. I actually had to pay for the DVD Screen and Player in order to get it on my Chrysler Mini-van at the time - but I am happy that this will be required equipment of future cars. I cannot imagine owning a mini-van or SUV/CUV/Truck without having it today - a clear vision of where you are going and what you are close to when going backwards is just plain fabulous.