True Alignment
AUTOMOBILES HAVE BEEN AN IMPORTANT part of American culture for decades. In fact, much of our relationship with the car was formed after World War II, when Americans gained a sense of freedom and independence that had been reined in during those war years. That fierce hold on owning, driving, and making a statement with our autos is still deeply ingrained in our culture.
What we choose to drive can speak volumes about our personality. Let’s check out some of the following rides with an eye for the personalities they might portray and my top likes and dislikes.
2015 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL
Personality: Butch. Tough. Capable. Environmentally conscious. Helpful.
Likes: The RAM EcoDiesel is the only light-duty diesel engine available in the full-size truck market. It tows better than the gas-powered competition (max. 9800 lbs), has great fuel economy of up to 28 mpg on the highway, and a super-quiet operation not normally associated with diesel engines. Moreover, you can even get auto-start and an air suspension with accessible entry mode that makes running boards basically unnecessary. The key with the EcoDiesel is the fuel efficiency and impressive hauling capability.
Dislikes: Like in the past, diesel engines have always commanded a price premium and the RAM 1500 is no different. Expect to add several thousand for the diesel option, plus the need to upgrade to a higher model grade to get the look of the gas engine RAMs with the dual exhaust … flashy wheels, etc.
2015 MINI COOPER S HARDTOP AND 4-DOOR
Personality: Fun. Cute. Sporty. Trendsetter. Creative.
Likes: The MINI Cooper S is in its element on the curvy mountain roads of Colorado or nipping into the city for some weekend shopping. These small cars are comfortable to drive while balancing the sporty feel with true functionality. The new 4-door option makes the backseat usable even to those over 6 feet tall. The folding back seat will also let you stock up on those things you want and still get them home.
Dislikes: In the 2-door, it’s hard to get into the backseat and in the 4-door version, the pillar between the front and rear doors makes it hard to get in and out of from the front seats. The suspension may seem harsh to those not versed in sports-car handling and it isn’t adjustable. Finally, you pay a premium for these cars when optioned up with our test vehicle tipping the scales at more than $34K.
2015 TOYOTA AVALON LIMITED HYBRID
Personality: Reserved. Thoughtful. Environmentally Conscious. Analytical.
Likes: The Avalon is the largest 4-door sedan you can get from Toyota and the most luxurious. It’s a vehicle that gives ample room for rear passengers while allowing for better-than- average fuel economy at 21/31 mpg city/hwy with the Hybrid. The Avalon does a good job of passenger comfort and gives you the luxury features you deserve in this class without shouting your success from the rooftops. The styling is also improved over past generations.
Dislikes: The driving experience is less invigorating than Toyota would like you to believe. The front-wheel drive setup is noticeable with the weight of the Avalon giving the steering sensations a numb feeling. The interior styling, while improved over previous generations, still lacks that quality of finishes that make you feel like you’re in a luxury car — even if you’re paying luxury prices. And let’s face it, this just isn’t as radical a drive as their advertisements would suggest.
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