Hooniverse Asks: Which automaker is getting it right?

Jeff Glucker

/comment

Comments

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

When visiting the Burbs, dress appropriately… . . . #volvo #chicago #travel

A post shared by hooniversejeff (@hooniversejeff) on


Every recent Volvo I’ve driven has been as good, or even better than the one before it. From the styling to the performance on over to the luxury and technology delivered at a given price point, Volvo is doing it very right at the moment. The cars and utility vehicles are lovely. There are wagon options available. In the cabins, you’ll find a how-to manual on luxurious simplicity. I find myself nodding along with approval with every new or refreshed model being released.
Even with the entry-level XC40, I walked away impressed. My wife, daughter, and I shuffled around the greater Chicago area one long weekend recently while visiting friends. Inside there’s a surprising amount of space in every zone, including the rear cargo area. The driving dynamics are fine for what the XC40 is and the styling is stand-out without being odd or offensive.
Volvo, right now, is offering up some great machines on a number of levels. Which other automakers are doing it right at this point in time?

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 64 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

14 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: Which automaker is getting it right?”

  1. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    Volvo was my first thought, too, as soon as I read the title. Very little to criticize, there. I also think Kia is checking most of the right boxes these days. Quality and dependability are up, styling is good, prices are still reasonable.
    Mazda is spiritually/philosophically setting good targets. I just wish their market share would increase so they could invest more in their lineup.

    Reply
  2. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Alfa. Building a lovely sedan that is sure to rapidly depreciate right into my garage in the next few years.

    Reply
    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      I think the traditional scudetto grille looks much better between round headlights, as in the ’50s-’70s models. I like the new Giulia, not not its looks.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        I don’t disagree. Lovely in this context is relative to current competition. In general, new car stying is terribly bland.

        Reply
      2. Toaster Avatar
        Toaster

        This. Imagine the Giulia with the triple headlight treatment of the 159.

        Reply
  3. Fred Avatar
    Fred

    Morgan. Is there another company that can’t make enough cars (and trikes) to meet the demand? Bonus points for not succumbing to the money making lure of SUVs.

    Reply
    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      You got me thinking about how a Morgan SUV would look like. A six-wheeled wooden shed with a tweed bench?

      Reply
      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Stout_Scarab_2.jpg/1024px-Stout_Scarab_2.jpg By i_am_jim – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67467183

        Reply
        1. Sjalabais Avatar
          Sjalabais

          Everything on the Scarab-to-Dymaxion-range would be fully acceptable. Time to break the cool scale.

          Reply
    2. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      Because the ash lumber mills deserve support!

      Reply
    3. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Who will have the balls to make a three wheel SUV? My money’s on Tata.

      Reply
  4. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Honda has been on a roll again lately, particularly with the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and the unfortunately slow-selling Ridgeline. Now if they can only do something about Acura…

    Reply
    1. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      I really admire Honda’s engineering, but their designers take a decidedly ’90s-Pontiac approach to making things look “sporty”. Acuras are boring, yes, but at least not ugly.

      Reply
  5. MattC Avatar
    MattC

    KIa/Hyundai : Generally cohesive design language / Brilliantly intuitive interiors (yes knobs still have their place) / Reliability / Excellent at hiding low cost interior parts away from touchpoints
    Chevrolet Cohesive design language (sedans) / Interiors are vastly better than the past
    Volvo: They are checking all the right boxes/ Interiors are outstanding / (my main concern is long term reliability of twin charged engines)
    Mazda: On point with some of the best exterior language / Interiors are nice

    Reply