# Best looking recent cars? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 29, 2004, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737 "2004-09-29T22:26:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2004, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/21 "2004-09-30T21:48:04Z")
> [@Bippy the Beardless](#): > > I was going to say Mazda’s RX-8 but I’m having second thoughts about those strange rear doors, still they always look good on the road when I see one. Dude! Those doors only make it cooler! Suicide doors, even fake ones, make any car 100% cooler. (I say fake suicide doors, because, AFAIK, for them to open, the front door has to be open as well, wheres original suicide doors could be opened independently.) ---
**Author:** ![Heart\_On\_My\_Sleeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/77aa72/32.png) [@Heart\_On\_My\_Sleeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heart_On_My_Sleeve)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2004, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/22 "2004-09-30T21:52:16Z")
Okay, linking virgin going to attempt a link. My favorite is early 2000’s [Mercedes-Benz SLK 230](http://www.autohm.com.cn/chexing/Mercedes-Benz/2001SLK230K.htm) Also, another vote for the Murano. ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2004, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/23 "2004-09-30T22:01:04Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > I find that the [Sparrow](http://www.myersmotors.com/) has a kind of futuristic spac-pod look to it that I find irresistable. Wow, what a fascinating product and website. (it is for real, isn’t it? I’m gonna be sooo embarrassed if it’s some sort of subtle whoosh) That’s the type of thing I need since my daily commute round trip is around ten miles. Hmm, doing a little [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corbin\_Sparrow]research I see the product has been produced but the company went bankrupt and was just purchased by an Ohio businesssman. And the car had an unfortunate tendancy to catch fire. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![No\_Disguise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9f8e36/32.png) [@No\_Disguise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Disguise)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2004, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/24 "2004-09-30T23:09:27Z")
Are you guys on crack? 20+ posts and no Ferrari mentions, and only one Aston Martin? [Ferarri 360 Modena](http://www.caradisiac.com/media/images/le_mag/mag144/ferrari_novitec_1_big.jpg) Its replacement for 2005 looks great as well. [Aston Martin Vanquish](http://wallpaper.net.au/wallpaper/automotive/Aston%20Martin%20Vanquish%202%20-%20800x600.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/25 "2004-10-01T03:08:09Z")
Of cars recently or currently on sale in Canda, I like: 2nd-generation Toyota Prius. Cool and practical. Latest Suzuki Aerio, with the sharper-edged styling. Cool and practical. Smart fortwo. Cute and attention-getter. Chrysler 300C. Has a massive slightly-chopped look that the latest Rolls-Royce tried for and failed to catch. 🙂 Toyota Echo hatch. As good-looking as the sedan is awkward. Honda Insight. Cool in a techie kind of way. Chevy Impala. Lincoln LS. Cadillac XLR. I also vote for the Prowler, the Thunderbird, the Murano, the Impala SS, and the Crossfire. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/26 "2004-10-01T03:11:17Z")
Oh yes, and the Mini. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Tony\_Montana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/278dde/32.png) [@Tony\_Montana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tony_Montana)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/27 "2004-10-01T03:45:46Z")
What was that Ferarri Tom Cruise was driving in _Vanila sky ?_ OMFG that’s a beautiful work of art. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/28 "2004-10-01T04:02:52Z")
> [@The\_Raven](#): > > Howyadoin, > > [Lincoln Mark VIII](http://nightsky.home.texas.net/markviii/mycar.htm) > > [Mercedes S430](http://www.prestigecar.ch/S430.jpg) > > [1st gen Infiniti Q45](http://productioncars.com/photo_gallery/pics/infiniti_q45_1992.jpg) > > [Infiniti G35 coupe](http://www.6mt.net/images/gallery/craigdred11.jpg) > > [Lexus SC400](http://us1.webpublications.com.au/static/images/articles/featurepics/0062.jpg) > > [1988 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe](http://www.geocities.com/maxxracecards/Homepage/nazarethspeedway.htm) > > [Cadillac CTS-V](http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/232004142359.jpg) > Dittos on the 92-97 Caddy Seville, I like 'em so much I bought two of em! > > -Rav I would add to this list: - New Auston Martin DB9 - New Jaguar SK - New Mazda RX8 - New Mazda Miata - New Monte Carlo - 1998 Turbo Supra - Mid 90’s Mustang Can’t afford the Aston Marton so I’m building an 88 TurboCoupe 5.0L 6 spd. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/29 "2004-10-01T04:11:35Z")
It was a few years ago, but when I first saw a Mazda Miata, I got a hardon, drooled on myself and nearly ran into a pole in the drive-up lane. The latest BMW roadster is a joy to behold. I like the Chrysler Crossfire, however, I’m miffed that it’s on an obsolete Mercedes platform, and I think the chrome stripes are a little “1956 Pontiac Sky Chief.” As I’ve said before, I like the PT Cruiser. I can’t really call it a recent car, though. It’s a retro car, with the soul of a car that was a hit before your mother was born. ---
**Author:** ![Sharky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@Sharky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sharky)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/30 "2004-10-01T04:23:43Z")
> [@Tony Montana](#): > > What was that Ferarri Tom Cruise was driving in _Vanila sky ?_ OMFG that’s a beautiful work of art. According to posts in this [IMDB message board thread](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0259711/board/nest/11097524) it’s a [Ferrari 250 GTO](http://www.1motormart.com/gallery/62ferr01.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/31 "2004-10-01T04:42:32Z")
THese came to me pretty easily, Ferrari 360 Spider [Honda S2000](http://www.honda.ca/HondaEng/Models/S2000/Overview.htm) ---
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/32 "2004-10-01T08:26:20Z")
A few years ago, I’d never have thought Hyundai would make it to this sort of a list, but with the Sonata, I’m convinced. It’s not an original design, with plenty of Jaguar influences, but it works just fine. I don’t care much for the new large-ish grill on the 2004 model, but it’s a small complaint. The pre-Bangle BMW 5 Series is a great looking car, as is the 3 Series (again, pre-Bangle). The Ferrari 355 and 456 are their best-looking recent efforts. Saab 9-3 Aero. ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/33 "2004-10-01T10:38:59Z")
The new BMW 635csi. The original late 70s/80s one is one of my all time favourite cars, but now they’ve gone and made it better. [link to piccy](http://www.in.gr/auto/parousiaseis/foto_middle/ae_new_BMW_6_Series_677_04.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/34 "2004-10-01T10:48:32Z")
Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me much pleasure to bring your attention to the car that everyone will be talking about in a few years in the States: [The Smart Car](http://www.smart.com/-snm-0135145948-1096468706-0000022616-0000000036-1096627615-enm-is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/mpc-en-content-Site/en_EN/-/USD/SVCPresentationPipeline-Start?Page=issite%3a%2f%2fsmart-Site%2fsmart%2ecom%2fRootFolder%2fsmart%2fmodelle%2fsmartcitycoupe%2epage) You heard about it hear first. My Mini fixation for the last 10 years has been nudged out of the running. They are so _cute_ and _tiny_ that i could put one in the back of my Suburban as a spare car. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/35 "2004-10-01T13:19:25Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > * * * > > ## Originally Posted by Bippy the Beardless I was going to say Mazda’s RX-8 but I’m having second thoughts about those strange rear doors, still they always look good on the road when I see one. > > Dude! Those doors only make it cooler! Suicide doors, even fake ones, make any car 100% cooler. > > (I say fake suicide doors, because, AFAIK, for them to open, the front door has to be open as well, wheres original suicide doors could be opened independently.) You are correct, **bouv** , that the front doors have to be open for the rears to be opened. Similarly, the rear doors have to be shut before you can close the front ones (as I have to remind some passengers… :smack: ) I know this because I have an RX-8, and they do look damn good, especially [from the front](http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/rx8images/pages/dscn0905b_jpg.htm). (That’s not mine, BTW) ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/36 "2004-10-01T15:14:50Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > The Smart Car. You heard about it hear first. Already on sale in Mexico. [On sale in Canada](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=239572&highlight=Smart) as of the 4th of October. The October 2004 issue of Wired has a two-page article about it in which it is mentioned that Smart will be promoting the car throughout the States over the next while, but the first model to [Officially Enter](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5217861/) will be the Smart Formore, a mini SUV, not the Fortwo which is the cute tiny one. However, there are a number of distributors who are apparently going to ttry to bring the Fortwo in greymarket and homologate it themselves to meet US specs. [sub]Might as well change my username to **smartiac** …[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/37 "2004-10-01T15:26:27Z")
The Smart Cabrio is the coolest of the Smarts, IMO. [Road test with pics](http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?previews/previews_story.php?id=32580) ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/38 "2004-10-01T15:50:12Z")
Smarts have been on the roads here for about 5 years. Nippy little things. The Coupe they just brought out is indeed a cool looking car. Do they show Top Gear on BBC America? Thats well worth checking out if they’re repeating it over there. They gots them a cool wall for motors. Aha! [the Cool Wall!](http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/coolwall/) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/39 "2004-10-01T18:59:49Z")
I like the new Monte Carlo, except for the front end. Those bow-tie headlights are a bit too silly. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2004, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737/40 "2004-10-01T19:24:15Z")
**Paul** ASAIK the BBC does not show Cool Wall. However, that link is just da bomb. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-looking-recent-cars/266737.md?page=3)