Best In Class: Recent Episodes
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Two unqualified car-obsessed guys share their thoughts on when cars hit their peak moment of desirability. All opinions belong to the hosts and in no way are shared with anyone anywhere.
Remember Mad Libs? It’s okay neither did Andrew. Well this week Veronica takes into the zany world of advertising much to Steve’s dismay. We are all Creative Directors this week, or at least we think we are. Veronica takes us into the pitch room for brand partnerships with your favorite auto brands. Will we actually help Ferrari, Fiat and Lexus? Did we do well enough to sell the client? Steve says no.
This week we get serious with some proper car buying advice. But first, we share our weekends, Veronica goes to a super secret pre-Pebble car show, Steve goes to comic con, and Andrew goes deep into Subaru land. And then we argue over the best new car under 50K and have very different opinions. And none of them are useful.
This week we celebrate the world's game - fútbol! Or as we yanks call it soccer. Fresh from the World Cup we decided to see what cars we would choose if we won the championship in 1982! Veronica @verns73scout goes the pasta route - pure carbs, while Andrew @aircooledturtle hates horsepower unless it’s an Aston, and Steve @cah_toons goes hi-dollar of course and hires a driver. Did we choose the rides of champions?
This week Veronica @verns73scout takes the helm on a journey of nostalgia. Steve @cah_toons wasted his money on posters instead of learning to read and Andrew @aircooledturtle learned to drive in the desert, and how to flip a car on your own street. Veronica has a crash story that beats all of ours and you can still visit the scene of the crime to this day. Hop in and see if our ten year old selves would be impressed with our cars today.
This week we are talking about the best road trip you’ve been on or wish you had. You’ll need to choose a car, have a route and defend your choice. Veronica has a strong anti-road trip policy, Andrew once again keeps it all-American while Steve takes more of a global view. Who is right? And what are your road trip rules?
This week we are all trillionaires and have decided to choose what car brands we should bring back to the world. Veronica opens up about her George Clooney fandom, Steve goes full colonial and Andrew brings back an American Icon. It’s an international battle this week as we head into the Fourth of July. Follow us on Instagram @bestinclasspodcast and let us know which brand you want to bring back!
This week Andrew goes full Born in the USA with stories from NASCAR San Diego. Then the three of us show how little we know about classic car prices (except for Steve) and attempt to give advice on the best values on BAT. Veronica finds her dream Gucci spec car and leaves us all wondering what in the world “bunky” means. Who did the best?
Happy Father's Day! This week we take you back to the 90s, an era that Andrew was never a part of. We each choose three cars from the 90s and battle over why Steve chose the best ones. Veronica shares her approach to classic car non-driving, Andrew chooses a dream house without a garage, and Steve shares what he would call his pet Cheetah. Get your votes in and let us know what you think of our choices.
Veronica joins the pod! And now we are three. This week we learn all about Veronica’s International Scout and try a new game. We select one dealer inventory and each of us has to pick the ultimate two car garage and defend it to the death. Do you choose a Gullwing and a plane? Or an Alfa and a one of a kind Asardo? Listen in and make your choices.
The Podcast is back! Wtf is a Franklin? Introducing our new sponsor, Demand Motorsports, and Adam's replacement, Andrew. Yet another Porsche guy! We take a look at the Porsche 944 and discuss the future of Best in Class, Steve's new car, and Andrew's automotive history.
Friend of the pod Diego wants to get a different car. It's apparently time to get rid of the Ford Maverick he currently daily drives and get himself a sporty car. But he has - of course - a few rules. More than a few actually. So he gives Steve and Adam the requirements and the arguments commence!
The Italian stallion is no more, the Magnum P.I.-mobile has gone to the Hawaii in the sky, Enzo's finest is fertilizer.
It's true - Steve's precious Fancy Fiat suffered a small case of major fire damage and now she's gone. Apparently that's what it takes for us to resurrect this podcast.
We've got the full story of "the incident" today, along with exciting news of Adam's new DIY garage space opening in West LA: https://www.wanderwellsociety.com/
In what may or may not be Best in Class's final episode, Steve and Adam are swapping keys to their cherished rides to finally see who has the better car. For more than three years they have been insulting Ferrari and Porsche on just about even episode, and now it's time to see if either can stand their co-hosts' car.
It's been a fun and educational ride for all of us here at Best in Class, and we want to thank everyone who came along for the ride. We might be back with an episode here or there if inspiration strikes, so stay subscribed on your favorite app for that day when we pop back into your ear holes.
So many car brands have come and gone over the ages, with some dying during our lifetimes. Edsel, DeLorean, Scion, and more have all shuffled off this mortal coil. But which one was the best? How would we bring back them back today? And which one of these defunct brands did Steve have a direct hand in killing? That's this week on Best in Class.
Most people have a car. Some have two. But not you, because you're a dreamer and doer and shaper of destiny. You have multiple cars, and you always want more. You might even have a dream garage full of cars you have fantasized about. Well, Best in Class is here to upgrade those dreams with our definitive list(s) of the best five-car garage possible. Buckle up, we're dishing painful truths this week.
Japanese kei-jidōsha, or "kei" cars are micro cars sold only in Japan, and just about the cutest branch of the automotive industry. These diminutive rides feature all the tech and safety of a normal passenger car, but in a bite-sized wrapper. With these forbidden fruits increasingly being imported onto our shores under the 25-year rule, it is the duty of Best in Class to inform you our listening audience which kei car is the very best.
While the 70's produced icons, and the 80's had some hits, the 90's were perhaps the golden era of concept cars. Designers had figured out the perfect ratio of fantastic to realistic, plastic molding technology meant new shapes were possible, and OEMs were flush with cash. But which of these works of art was the best?
Liv is a recent convert to the automotive lifestyle, having only fallen into it a year ago. It's been a whirlwind year so far with offroading, mechanical adventures, Cars&Coffee events, and a cross-country trek. This week Steve and Adam catch up with her to see how her first year as an enthusiast has gone, what she has learned, and what she wants to do next.
Toyota is revealing the new 4Runner today, so on this episode Best in Class we look back at the SUV's past and decide when generation was its very best example. Somewhere in there Steve also brings up his 308, but that's typical.
The Steve of a decade ago was a different person. He took fancy trips. He drove interesting cars. And he wore shoes. This is the story of Steve's epic European road trip when 10 years ago he watched F1 in person, drove his dream cars, and lived the continental lifestyle.
We all have to die sometime, so why not go out with some style? But do you shove off this mortal coil in your dream car? Or your first car? Or maybe your enemy's car to take it with you? All valid options. Buckle up, because this is going to be a dark episode!
The Broadmoor International Pikes Peak Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo - or as we call it Pikes Peak - is an utterly fascinating, utterly terrifying, and utterly American race that takes place every year up a Colorado mountain. If you've never experienced The Race to the Clouds, we're here to tell you just how special it is.
Kit cars inhabit an interesting place in the automotive lifestyle - often ridiculed, sometimes longed for, but never ever respected. Are there any good kit cars out there? Is it worth building your own car? And what do you do with all those leftover bolts? To help us answer these questions, we've enlisted kit car owner Diego to tell us what's what.
We're back with another one of our window shopping episodes where we trawl the local (and not so local) car ads to find the best car you can buy this week for a paltry $15k. We even brought Warren on so we could hear his rediculous idea, and boy was it a doozy!
You got yourself a BMW 5-Series. Congratulations. Shame you didn't work just a little bit harder so you could afford the big boy 7-Series. Oh well, someone has to file all that paperwork and fill out the PowerPoint slides. But at least you bought the right 5-Series by following Best in Class's recommendations, right?
The Land Rover Discovery - or Disco to the fans - was an attempt to move downmarket and get more people into the British car brand. Many people bought them, but then they too learned just how unreliable Land Rovers are. So the plan worked, I guess? This week Steve and Adam explore the history of the car Adam just acquired for $2000, and find out just how big of a mistake he made.
One of our loyal listeners is turning 50, and as such she asked us to help her pick out a fun car to buy for her birthday. The catch? It also has to be 50 years old. So Steve and Adam went on the hunt for the best car from 1974! The results, as you would expect, were mixed.
It's been too long since Adam has been to the DMV, so to correct that he went out and bought a car today! The only way to find out just what a heap of rust it is (or isn't) is to listen to this week's Best in Class!
Henrik Fisker is responsible for some of the most beautiful cars of the last 30 years. He's an entrepreneur and electric car enthusiast, but also a serial failure who has seen the inside of many courtrooms. So is he an automotive huckster, or a misunderstood genius? We'll find out this week on Best in Class.
The Lamborghini Jalpa was completely overshadowed by its big brother the Countach, but this hard-charging bull deserved better than that. At the very least, it was faster, better, and prettier than its direct rival - Steve's Ferrari 308. So if this car is so good, why haven't you heard of it? And is there a best version?
It's the beginning of a new year, so it's time for us to come back from our month vacation, debut a new recording system, and tell you gentle listeners what fun cars are coming this year!
The Honda Prelude looked like a million bucks, but unfortunately only went like thirty bucks. This parts-bin special sports car debuted several new technologies and even humbled supercars in some tests. So it must be kinda good, but which is the best? And will Adam trade his motorcycle for one? That's this week on Best in Class.
We've all been in taxis. If sitcom TV is to be believed, half of us were born in the backseat of one during a storm/traffic jam/zany adventure. And every city, country, and culture has it's own version of the for-hire car. But which one is the absolute best? And do they all smell like a wet junkyard cat?
Koenigsegg is the only Swedish car company that doesn't make safe cars. It also makes cars that go 250+ mph. And their wares cost more than $1 million each. It's the best Swedish supercar maker there is! And the only one! Today in Part 2 we explore the cars of Koenigsegg and which one is Best in Class for your lifestyle needs.
Koenigsegg is the only Swedish car company that doesn't make safe cars. It also makes cars that go 250+ mph. And their wares cost more than $1 million each. It's the best Swedish supercar maker there is! And the only one! But before we find out if they are any good or not, first we have lots of history and inventions to cover! Welcome to our very first two-part episode.
Vinfast is the best-selling car maker in Vietnam, and they've been pushing heavily to enter the US market. However, every western journalist who has tested one says they are horrible. Can Vinfast make a go of it in America? Or will the fizzle out like so many other new EV brands?
You're a rosy-cheeked 16yr old shopping for your first car, but which one do you buy? A cool sports car? A tough 4x4? Or a reliable commuter? Well don't worry, Best in Class is here to solve this problem for you! We've got all the first car advice you'll ever need.
The Dodge Charger has some of the cheapest horsepower available for the modern car buyer, and the classic Charger is an icon of the pony wars. They also have a modern reputation for being magnets for hooligans and new army enlistees. But are they any good? And do think Warren is going to show us photos of his skiing trips? You'll find out this week on Best in Class.
The Ferrari F355 from 1995 is known as the last hand-built Ferrari, which is great but it also means it comes with all the big bills that hand-built cars come with. Want to replace your drive belt? Engine out. Want to change change the oil? Engine out. Want to fill up your washer fluid? You better believe that's engine out...
Since the 1960's, Ford has been a dominating force in the world of offroad racing - The Baja 1000 in particular. So it was only natural that they would introduce the world's first purpose-built offroad racing truck and create a brand new market segment. But is the Raptor any good? And can Steve get his dog in one? That's this week on Best in Class.
Today we are debuting a new show format called "my new car" where we meet the new owner of some classic or notable car. Our good friend Rashod just purchased a 1969 BMW 1600, and we get the full who, what, where, and most importantly why he is diving into the world of classic cars for the first time.
We've talked BMW and Mercedes, so it's only fair we eventually got to the third German carmaker - Audi. The A4 is their bread and butter seller, and represents one out of every five cars they sell. But is it any good? And which one do you want to buy? Well we're here to answer those questions and more.
Bristol was a car company for 75 years but sold fewer cars than the number of shirts you probably own. They were also universally lauded as excellent vehicles. But also terribly ugly. Were they actually any good, are they worth anything now, and is Steve's Land Rover already broken?
The Porsche 928 was supposed to launch a new era for Porsche, instead it merely launched in-car phones and psychedelic interiors. Planned to replace the 911, this large rear end of a car merely faded away instead. Are there any good ones to be had, and can we get Warren out of his Ferrari for one? All this more and on this week's Best in Class.
Are convertibles the best car idea ever, or a deathtrap meant only for balding single men? Why not both?!?! Today we look at the best new convertibles available this year, while also arguing about the very nature of the convertible (do targa's count?) whether you can pick up a date in one, and we reveal Steve's sordid Porsche past.
Steve has just come back from Monterey Car Week and is going to give us the report on what was on the Pebble Beach lawn, all the big hats and pocket squares, and the auctions. We also pick the best, worst, and strangest auction results from the week.
The Saturn brand was meant to reinvent car buying and manufacturing, but instead it lasted only 25 years and it's parent company GM went bankrupt. How did Saturn start? Were they any good? And what convinced Adam's family to buy one in 1996? All that and more on this week's Best in Class.
We're casting our shopping net around the interwebs to find the best used car available right now for $15,000. Steve picked a car, Adam picked a car, and our guest host Erika picked a car. Now they will battle to the death to see who is the Best in Class car shopping champion!
The 7-series is BMW's flagship that previews the design, features, and technology that will not only trickle down to the rest of the brand, but to the entire car world as well. These cars are packed with the latest bells and whistles, and as such are sold only to the titans of industry. But are they any good? And will Steve ever be able to afford one?
First of all, sorry about that title. It had to be done. But seriously, what Canadian car companies do you know about? Did you know they used to be the second-largest manufacturer of cars in the world? Did you know there were 11 different Canadian car companies at one time? And did you know that Steve just got back from Canada? Hence why we're talking about it this week...
Mansory is a (in)famous car tuner out of Germany that likes to take some the best and most luxurious cars in the world, and slap on garish bumpers, absurd wings, and downright ugly leather. Bought exclusively by people with more money than taste, there is not such thing as a Best in Class Mansory. But is there a worst?
Mercedes is known for producing luxurious and comfortable cars, and strangely also the AMG GT - a no-nonsense sports car that can turn any driver into a hero. Mercedes rarely makes sports cars, so we of course had to cover this ride AND bring in some expert advice. Friend of the show Warren had the opportunity to drive all the versions of the car recently, so he helps us figure out which one was the best.
Steve got mad at Adam's Subaru joke on our last episode so as punishment Adam now has to host a whole episode on the Outback. So you have to suffer too...
To celebrate Father's Day, instead of calling our dads or giving them a gift, Steve and Adam are going to argue what the coolest dad car is, talk about the cars their dads owned, and how they taught them to drive. Makes sense to me.
We've got a new format for today's show: we're casting our shopping net around the interwebs to find the best used car available right now for $10,000. Steve picked a car, Adam picked a car, and now they will battle to the death to see who is the Best in Class car shopping champion!
Did you know that the Plymouth Laser was the last sports car the brand ever made? Did you know that Tina Turner was the spokeswoman for the launch? And did you know that we (kina) already covered this when we talked about the Eclipse? We'll we're taking another swing at it in honor of the passing of the Queen of Rock & Roll.
Friend of the show Diego recently bought a very nice Datsun Roadster for his commutes up the coastal roads of Southern California. As an advertising man, he has a lot in common with Steve, but as a compassionate human being he has a lot more in common with Adam. But what's the deal with his car? Are tiny Datsun convertibles any good? And did Diego buy the right one? We'll find out today on Best in Class.
In honor of Mother's Day (well a day late, like all good sons), we're talking about the best mom car in the world. Is it an SUV, a mini-van, or a sports car? And what does Steve wish his mom drove when he was going up?
What's better than an (almost) free truck? Our guest host Warren had that experience with his truck and he's here to tell us all about it. Along the way, we'll argue over which generation was best, pulling the space shuttle, and how to reach 1 million miles. Also, Steve bought a new car...
Steve still hasn't chosen his next car, despite so many great suggestions from Adam to just get a Honda Odyssey and be done with life. No, despite the logical choice before him, he continues to search for a new ride for his Great Dane. And he might be buying this car in the next 24 hours! So naturally, Adam is going to try to talk him out of it.
Beyond the MINI Clubman, Steve is also looking into buying a Land Rover LR4 for his dog to destroy. A very different car for sure, but somehow more Steve in it's British-ness, luxury, and excessive weight. And of course Adam is here to tell him all the ways he is choosing wrong.
The MINI Clubman is the oddball in the MINI lineup, and Steve is the meatball of the Best in Class partnership - so it's a match made in heaven. Steve is on the hunt for a new dog car, and the Clubman is looking like the answer. Predictably, Adam is here to tell him all the ways in which he is wrong...
We made it to 100 episodes! I'm not sure how, why, or even where, but 100 have been recorded and broadcast (well 101 if you count the accidental re-record of Panamera...), so what better time to cover the car that started it all - the Ford Model T. Plus Steve tells us about his ancestral homelands.
The current music video and tiktok selfie king is the Lamborghini Urus - first of the super SUVs. It's brakes are bigger than most cars' wheels, it's as fast as a sports car, and uglier than burnt Picasso. But is it any good at being an SUV? What about being a Lamborghini? And will Steve shove his dog in the back of one as his new car? That's this week on Best in Class.
The Fiat Panda is the Italian poster child for "cheap and cheerful." Known to be aggressively simple to manufacture, run, and maintain, it is as much the car of Italy as the 500. But is it any good? And will Steve's dog fit in the back? We get into all that and more this week, without somehow talking about the Porsche Panamera again...
The Porsche Panamera just might be the first four door sports car. Not sported-up sedan or sporty saloon, but actual sports car. Purpose built from the ground up to carry four passengers with inhumane speed around corners. So why did it take Porsche so long to come out with it? Which one is the best? And can we get Steve to trade his Ferrari for one?
Steve doesn't believe Adam is any good at being a racing driver, so he's brought in an experienced BMW racer to teach Adam a thing or two, and to discuss which BMW race car was the best of all time. For some reason, Steve is allowed to have an opinion on this, despite never having been to a race track.
The VW Thing just might be the weirdest mass-market car ever attempted. Decidedly unattractive - anti-aethestic even - with no creature comforts, and a price the well exceeded the normal Bug. They never caught on, but now they are classics because of their quirks. But are they actually any good? Steve is gone today, so Adam has enlisted VW expert Reed to help sort through the history of the Thing and decide which one is Best in Class.
The modern world is built on international cooperation and globalization. Cadillac was there first in the early 80's when they came out with the Allante. Proudly built over two continents, this was supposed to keep Cadillac on top of the luxury market for another decade. Instead, it was another nail in the coffin of Cadillac's demise. And we're here to detail every precarious step.
The Volkswagen Jetta is widely regarded as the big brother of the fun, plucky Golf - and with good reason because it's true! The Jetta was originally just a Golf with a trunk. But is it actually any good, and are there any generations worth getting? Adam and Steve are on the case to try to liven up this very boring car!
Jaguar famously leaned into their bad-boy reputation with the "Good to be Bad" advertising campaign featuring famous British movie villains shilling for the new F-Type. So is the F-Type a car only fit for a sociopath, or can you enjoy one too? And which is the best one for the professional race car driver? That's this week on Best in Class.
The Pontiac Fiero has a rich and storied history as a terrible car that is most famous for being the base of numerous questionable kit cars. But is that sordid reputation deserved? Was the Fiero ever a good car? And can Adam talk Steve into ditching his Ferrari for a replica? All that and more on this week's Best in Class.
Let's get this out of the way upfront - The Dino 206 is not a Ferrari. It's a Dino. Enzo refused to call it a Ferrari, and Steve won't ever let us argue with Enzo, so we won't call it one here. But is the almost Ferrari any good? Well, we got a perspective owner to chip in on this one and let us know what's so special about this sub-brand car.
The Hindustand Ambassador has been called "the wheels of India" and has served as transport for taxi riders and Prime Ministers. It lasted for five decades and was based on 1940's British technology. Sounds like a sure-fire hit! But which one is best? And will Steve trade in his car for one? That's this week on Best in Class.
The Delorean DMC-12 had such a tumultuous life that whole movies and books have been written about it's short two year life. But beyond all the drama and rumors, are the cars any good? Is it possible to get away from the Back to the Future references? And is there a Ferrari connection Steve can talk about? To get the answers to these questions, we enlisted current owner Geoff and then just heckled him. It's a good time!
The VW Type 2, or bus, is an icon around the world. Over 6 generations, it has sold millions of examples and been the ride of choice for everyone from hippies to terrorists. But which one is the best of the best? To help us find out, we enlisted an actual expert and owner to sort through this vehicle's 70 year history. What will Steve, Adam, and Sean pick as their Best in Class?
Ah the Mazda RX-7. Too strange to live, too rare to die. Adam owned an RX-7 when he was way too young to appreciate it, too dumb to fix it, and too poor to keep it for long. Ignoring that he bought one, are they any good at all? Is there a single model in the three generations that won't leave you stranded on the side of the road? All that and more on today's Best in Class.
The Ferrari Mondial has been described as the cheapest way into a Ferrari, the ugly duckling, and worse than the car it replaced. And those are all true. But it was also Ferrari's best seller at the time. So what is going on here? This week we've enlisted current Mondial owner Dave to help us understand the least-loved Ferrari and perhaps gain some appreciation for it. Or perhaps not.
We've finally come to the last car in Adam's fleet - the venerable BMW 2002. And yet, Steve conveniently couldn't make it this week so our special guest turned into a guest host! Matt will help us get down into what the best BMW 2002 of all time is, as well as making fun of Steve since he's not here to fight back...
The International Harvester Scout was arguably the first American SUV ever made. The model also only lasted 20 years before the whole company went out of business. So if it wasn't good enough to save the company, is the car any good? And which one is the best one? We've enlisted guest host Rashod to help us sort it out this week.
The Toyota Yaris was basic transportation for millions of people, and that it about it. Or is it? Are there any redeeming features to this cheap-as-chips vehicle? And why are we talking about it right after Diablo? What the hell? We'll try to answer that this week.
If you had a car poster on your wall in the 90's, the odds are you had an extra large one of the Lamborghini Diablo. If you didn't have any posters, you certainly "drove" a Diablo in Need for Speed or Cruisin' USA. It was a car of the moment in the Clinton years. But what about today? Could it be used around town without falling apart after 30 years? Steve and Adam are on the case today.
The Morgan Motor Car company started in 1909, and hasn't changed so much as a light bulb since then. Their cars are still handmade, quite weird, and built out of wood. They are truly a automotive basketcase. But hey, it's Steve's birthday so we'll cover them anyway...
Ferrari has come out with their first 4-door, AND their first SUV. Although they won't call it an SUV. And two of doors open backward. And the order books are already full. But beyond all those quibbles, it's big news! Adam and Steve have poured over all the official information, unofficial leaks, and pure rumor to give you our first episode on a car that we haven't even seen yet. What could go wrong?
For one fine moment, you could walk into a Chrysler dealership and pick between a PT Cruiser, a Dodge Magnum, and a Chrysler Crossfire. During this halcyon day of the Pentastar brand, Germany was calling the shots in the form of now-owners Daimler-Benz. The Crossfire was the first product of this German-American marriage, and boy was it a doozy.
Adam is back from his Vacation, and Steve is obviously upset. A perfect time to cover the original American supercar, the arguable cause of the Great Depression, and the most expensive pre-war car ever to be sold. Of course we can only be referring to Duesenberg! Which of these 1920's monsters is the Best in Class, and is Steve's Ferrari really slower than one?
Guest host Erika Canfijn sits in for Adam (as he takes a well-deserved vacation) and joins Steve to discuss the other Camry, the not-quite-Accord, the fabulous Nissan Sentra. If you haven't owned one, you've ridden in one. But is it any good? And which is the best? All that and more on this week's Best in Class.
If you haven't heard of Devin, you're not the only one. This extremely rare manufacturer of cars - some say kit cars - only survived a few years and didn't make a lot of headlines. But in those scant years, they racked up enough wins on the race track to create a legend and pique the interest of our guest today. Reed will take us through what a Devin is, what makes it special, and why his is Best in Class.
Is the Chrysler PT Cruiser peak 2000's automotive design, or one of the worst automotive designs? Can't it be both? It's our 75th episode and to celebrate we are delving into this boomer favorite wagon to see if there's any version worth getting. Spoiler alert - there is not.
1969 brought the venerable Nissan Skyline GT-R to life, but it took another 30 years and a video game to catapult the car nicknamed Godzilla from local Japanese acclaim to worldwide recognition and desire. So which of the 5 generations is the best GT-R? And how ridiculous will Steve look getting out of one? That's this week on Best in Class.
The Chevrolet Nova started life as a simple trim level, but graduated to it's own car before turning into a badge engineered Japanese-American hybrid. With that kind of tortured past, was it ever any good? And is the Nova just an also-ran to the Camaro and Mustang? And did Steve's Ferrari ever get fixed? All this and more on today's episode.
The Porsche Cayman is only for those that can't afford a 911. But that said, which one is the best one if that is all you can buy? We roped in current owner Derek to walk us through the OTHER poor man's Porsche to tell us why we should consider the Cayman, and whether or not he can get Adam to admit that it is kind of good.
Utes (or utility vehicles) are almost a meme of Australian car culture. They survived there - and only there - from the 1950's up to a few years ago, while the US only got the El Camino and the Ranchero car-trucks. So what made the Aussie's love their Utes so much? And how do we get one here in America? All that and more on this week's Best in Class.
The BMW M2 has been described as the most basic BMW M car available today. It has also been described as the most fun. Coincidence? We think not. And joining Steve and Adam in that opinion today is the brand new owner of a BMW M2 Competition, Charlie! He's going to tell our hosts why they are oh-so-wrong to pick anything else over an M2.
The classic British roadster exemplified in the MGB is one of the best selling classics of all time. It lasted 18 years, 3 generations, and more than 500,000 sold. And to find the best one, we actually tracked down an owner! Jenn is going to walk us through her 1979 example and tell Adam and Steve why they picked the wrong cars as Best in Class.
The Plymouth - and later Chrysler - Prowler arrived at a very unique point in history when Titanic ruled the box office, you were secretly listening to NSYNC, and Y2K was a real concern. But the world didn't end and the Prowler lived on for five glorious years. But which one is best, and how good would Steve's hair look blowing in the wind as he drove one around? All that and more on this week's Best in Class.
The Suzuki Jimny has conquered mountains, trails, and streams around the world over it's four generations, but can it conquer the hearts of Steve and Adam? And which generation was the best for the little offroading brat? All that and more on today's Best in Class.
The Dodge Ram has always played third fiddle to Ford and Chevy. Even in it's best years, it only manages to sell half as many trucks as the leaders. But is the Dodge Ram secretly the Saab of the truck world, destined to be bought by those to want something just a little more rebellious? And where they ever any good? Today Steve and Adam get to the bottom of the Ram.
The Hummer came out at a very distinct time in American history - when bigger was better, gas was cheap, and global warming was something only Europeans cared about. It managed to live through a recession, 3 generations, and is now coming back as an EV. But are any of them any good? And can Adam get Steve to trade his Ferrari for a classic Hummer? That's this week on Best in Class.
The Porsche Panamera finally brought the dream of a four door Porsche to reality, and helped save the brand from financial oblivion. It was (and is) also blisteringly fast. But is it just a modern-day 928, destined to fall out of favor and be a forgotten Porsche? All this and more on today's Best in Class.
If Lamborghini was founded as the anti-Ferrari, then the Miura was the car that first took the fight to Enzo in a serious way. This was Lambo's first big hit, and what it hit it was. The Miura turned into the template for just about every supercar that has ever followed, and even coined the term. But which Miura is best? And can Adam talk Steve into trading in his whole collection for one?
The Lotus Elise has spent it's entire life being a featherweight superhero, often out-punching much more expensive competition. But can it out-punch Adam's aversion to British cars? And is Steve really considering trading in the Fiat for one? All that this week, along with guest host Auggie as we explore this pint-sized roadster.
The Alfa Romeo Spider was made famous by Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, but did you know that Dustin's uncle is the reason the car was used at all? If facts like that aren't enough to entice you, we also have a special guest host this week with current Spider owner Carter! So listen up as Steve, Adam, and Carter argue over when the Alfa Spider was at the top of it's game.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser was a triumvirate of mid-level sports cars that was aimed at filling a fuel-efficient hole in Chrysler's model range. It lasted 4 generations, and has now morphed into an SUV. But were any of them any good, and either way which one was the best one? That's this week on Best in Class with Adam and Steve.
The Lincoln Town Car became synonymous with chauffeured trips from the airport and prom nights everywhere. Not bad for the mid-range Lincoln, but is it actually any good? And which model over it's 30-year run was the best. As always, that's what Steve and Adam are here to argue over on this week's Best in Class.
The Chevy Astro Van was the only rear-wheel drive mini van, the first US-built van with all wheel drive, and the only van that could tow a boat. It also was Adam's car for a period in the early 2000s. Today's episode is all about Steve making fun of Adam's van, so it's a good one.
The Toyota Supra debuted in 1978, but hit it big in the late 90's as the star of video games and the Fast and Furious franchise. Does it deserve it's cred? Were the earlier versions any good? And is the new one a Toyota or a BMW? Steve and Adam are going to argue all of this out this week on Best in Class.
The Land Rover Range Rover started in 1969, and has been a luxury stalwart ever since. But back where it all started, we have what we now call The Classic. And The Motoring Club's Michael Rapetti owns one, so he's joining us today to discuss our back rent for the podcast studio, these old Land Rovers, and a world record event he has coming up soon!
The VW Karmann Ghia was a German businessman in Italian drag. It brought high style to the lowly VW Bug. But did it make it better? Was it a sports car? Was it desirable? And do you want one now? And why is Adam is angry? Let's find out this week on Best in Class.
Is the Jeep Wrangler America's 911? Is it for heroes or villains? And are you a Barbie Jeep owner or a Patton? All these questions and more as Adam and Steve dive into America's 80-year old offroading king, the Jeep Wrangler.
The Chrysler Lebaron is a famous car for all the wrong reasons. Was it every any good? Did it ever drive well? How rich was the Corinthian Leather? Today on Best in Class, Adam and Steve delve into the famous K-car and see which one was best.
The Mercedes Geländewagen started life as a military troop transport, and has ended up as a Rodeo Drive Kardashian transport. How did we get here? Are they any good? And how many wheels is too many? All this and more this week on Best in Class as we explore the iconic Gwagen.
The Mistubishi Evo has a reputation for being driven by vape-smoking, Red Bull-chugging, mall kiosk-managing hooligans. As such, Steve and Adam have never owned one. But we know someone who has! Even better, she was a world-class co-driver and X-games participant. Jen is going to teach us about the rally Evo and put Steve in his place in this week's episode of Best in Class.
We've (somehow) made it to 50 episodes, so here's something special for your ear holes.
Which Fiat 500 is the best of all time? Clearly not Steve's, but since he owns one, he's required to argue for it on this week's podcast. So listen up while Adam makes Steve question every decision he's ever made on this week's Best In Class.
The Lexus LS changed the entire automotive industry, created a brand, and took up a permanent parking spot at every golf course in the world. But which LS is the best version, which comes with handbags, and do you have to be in the Yakuza to drive one? All this and more and today's Best In Class.
The Lamborghini Gallardo came in more flavors than gelato, but is it any good? And which Gallardo is best? And are you a rapper or an actor if you have one? Today's Best In Class dives into the baby Lambo and figures out the hard questions.
The Honda Accord has been a hatchback, a 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, and a wagon. It has sold all over the world, and won quite a few races. But which Accord is the best of all time, and can we get Steve to trade in his Fiat 500 for a Honda? All this and more on today's Best In Class.
Is the Chevrolet Camaro an also-ran to Ford's Mustang, or is it a performance car in its own right? Is it safe to buy one on from a bad neighborhood? And do they come with free tank tops? All these questions and more as Adam and Steve dive into Chevy's pony car.
Are you team barn door or team tail gate? Do you want two doors, three, or four? And exactly how much towing do you plan on doing? These are the questions you'll have to decide for yourself if you are looking into Suburban ownership. Luckily Steve and Adam have most of the answers for you already.
The Citroen 2CV was built for rural peasants, became a cultural export, and even pissed off the Nazis. But which model is the best? And what does Steve's French accent sound like? All this and more on today's Best In Class.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was the first 4X4 SUV with an airbag. Is that why it has lasted 5 generations and reliably sold 200k examples almost every year? Possibly... But which version is best? Today there is a guest to help decide that, and to make fun of Adam and Steve's choices.
The Vantage is Aston Martin's entry-level vehicle, and has carried on with the brand since the 70's. But is it any good? And which one is best? Which one is worst? And how could Steve have picked such an ugly car this week? All this and more and this week's episode.
The Tata Nano was the cheapest car in the world for 10 years from 2008 to 2018. What does that kind of cost-cutting get you? What do you give up (hint, it's disc brakes), and is it any good? And which of the 21 versions was the best? Today Steve and Adam are leaving behind luxury cars and getting cheap and cheerful.
The Bentley Mulsanne is like a Rolls Royce without the stiff upper lip and with an actual racing heritage. But is it any good? And why did they look exactly like a Rolls Royce in the 80‘s and 90‘s? Steve and Adam are here to figure out these hard questions and make fun of each other in this week‘s Best In Class.
The Rolls Royce Phantom is arguably the best car in the world. But which one is the best in history, which is the worst, and will Steve every achieve his British dream of owning one? All that and more and today's Best In Class.
Alfa Romeo has a long and storied history, and the Giulia is no small part of that. But are they any good? And if they are, are they still Alfas? What about the new ones? And do you think Steve knows how to drive on a track? We delve into these questions and more this week on Best In Class.
The Subaru WRX is your best choice for alienating your friends and angering the local police. But if those are your goals, which is the best one? Adam and Steve are on the case, as well as what vape flavor best matches the STI, on this week's Best In Class.
The Toyota MR2 lasted three generations, sold hundreds of thousands of examples over three decades, yet is often overlooked when there are discussions of Japanese sports cars. Why does everyone forget about the MR2? And which one was the best of the bunch? Today Steve, Adam, and expert guest Aaron will argue their way to the answer.
The Nissan Z is an affordable Japanese sports car that has gone from aping the Jaguar E-type, grew up into a twin-turbo Porsche fighter, and then devolved into a street takeover mainstay. But which of these disparate Zs is the best? Steve and Adam dive into this, along with guest hosts and current owner Jeremy and Erika.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been THE standard for luxury cars since the 70's, as well as providing earthly transportation for various dictators, heads of state, and despotic rulers. But which S-Class should you buy if you happen to be in the market? Steve, Adam, and guest-host Chet will hash it out this week as we find the Best in Class.
The Audi TT sparked a design revolution in cars that brought us the New Beetle, Ford GT, and dubiously the Dodge Neon. But which one is the best TT? And are you better off just getting a Golf? Steve and Adam are on the case this week!
The Buick Roadmaster is last great American sedan / wagon ever made. But which one is the best one? Are any of them worth it? And do you have to buy New Balance sneakers when you get one? Steve and Adam are all over these and other questions as they discuss which Roadmaster is Best In Class.
The Jaguar E Type is arguably the most beautiful car ever made, by arguably the most unreliable car maker ever founded. Is it worth buying, and if so, which one is best? Steve and Adam are on the case this week to find which Jag you should fill your garage with.
The BMW M5 can be seen as an autobahn cruiser, or a poser's almost sports car. Which one is it, and which M5 is the best ever? To find that out, Steve and Adam have invited an actual EXPERT and current M5 owner named Sarah on to today's Best In Class.
The Honda and/or Acura NSX is the best JDM supercar to every grace this planet (take that GT-R), but which is the best one? Which one most distills Japan's style of car making? And will Steve ever win one of these arguments? That's what we're here to find out.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is either the best off-roader every built, or a Land Rover knock-off you only buy if you it's all you can afford. But which one is the best? And what's the deal with these big things? That's the mission for Adam, Steve, and guest-expert Dow on today's episode.
The Pontiac Trans Am is the meth-dealer's choice for rides these days (even though they stopped making them in 2002), but is that the best of the breed? Are any of them worth getting in the first place? And can the Trans Am ever escape Smokey and the Bandit? Today on Best in Class, Steve and Adam are attempting to find out.
The Lotus Esprit is a bond car. And an unreliable car. But is it a good car? And which one was the best of the breed? Today Adam, Steve, and Lotus-expert guest host Matt argue with each other over this boat-like sports car.
The Jeep Wagoneer has the choice of rides for Hamptons elites, movie stars, and East-coast hipsters for decades, but which is the best version to have? Adam and Steve have your answer, and a fair amount of Predator trivia, this week on Best in Class.
The air-cooled Porsche 911 is somehow equal parts posermobile, quality investment, driver's car, and the predictable choice. But which early 911 is best. To help answer that, Steve, Adam, and guest host Gabe dive in to the air-cooled world.
The BMW M3 is the benchmark when it comes to sporty sedans. But which one is the best of all time? And why do Steve, Adam, and special guest host Rashod sound like they are recording from a fish bowl? You'll get some of these answers in this week's episode.
We know we know, the Camry sucks more than a black hole, and is more boring than watching golf. But Steve and Adam are going to crack some eggs of knowledge right over you and make this interesting. Somehow. We hope.
Ferrari 308 owners have an obsession with Magnum P.I. Steve owns a 308. Those facts do not contradict each other. But which 308 is the best one to buy? We delve into that, and Steve's life choices, on this episode of Best in Class.
The Porsche Cayenne has a reputation for being the wife's car - and Adam should know since his wife has one - but is that deserved? And which Cayenne is the ultimate? Steve and Adam argue it out for your listening pleasure.
The Maseratir Quattroporte is a four-door Ferrari to some, an unsaveable money-pit to others. Who's right? Everyone of course. But which one is best? Well Adam and Steve can help you there...
The venerable Lada came out of Soviet Russia, conquered the world, then quickly rusted away amid a chorus of jokes. But surely this terrible brand produced one good car? Steve and Adam are here to try and find that one good car, and not anger any dictators along the way.
The Porsche Boxster is your entry-level into owning Stuttgart's finest sports car manufacturer, but is it a real Porsche? And is it just a hairdresser's car? And most importantly, which Boxster is the best Boxster? Steve and Adam are here to find out.
Trucks are the best selling segment in the American vehicle market, and the Ford F-150 is the best selling truck in the best selling vehicle segment. And which one is the best F-150? Steve and Adam have opinions that were hastily arrived at after a thorough 23 minute Google search.
Jaguars are known for being unreliable, comfy, and owned by the best kind of bad people. And the XJ is Jaguar's four-door money pit aimed at luring drivers away from the BMW 7 series and Mercedes S class. Did it ever succeed, are they worth buying, and which is Best in Class? Let's find out this week as Steve and Adam continue to reach the edges of their sanity.
Today on Best In Class, we are arguing about the Audi R8, which one is best, and whether or not it is just a Lambo in a sensible suit. As always, our opinions are not only truth, but truth that has been arrived at rashly.
Which Honda CR-V is the best? Do you care? Is there even such a thing for such a soccer-mom mobile? Today on Best In Class we've got the surprisingly fun answers to this question no one asked.
The official car for astronauts and step-dads, the Chevrolet Corvette is America's sports car. It's been around since the 50's, but which 'Vette is Best In Class? Adam and Steve will yell at each other until they come to the conclusion - or at least you agree with one of them.
For some reason we are talking about the Ford Escort. Maybe there's some exciting things to know about his pint-sized car. Maybe it was the forerunner to lots of cars you love. And maybe Steve thought he was picking a different model and is getting confused in his old age. Either way, we'll tell you which Ford Escort is the best of them all!
Was the Golf GTI the first hot hatch? No, certainly not. Did it come to define that segment? Absolutely. And for that, it deserves praise, adulation, and dissection by Steve and Adam on which was best, which was worst, and whether we'd rather have one of these or a cheap Chevy Spark.
The Ford Mustang was first introduced in 1964, kickstarted the pony cars, and waxing in and out of favor with the general public (ahem Mustang II). Currently, the youths love to take them beyond their limits when crowds are around, and people are getting run over. Is this a good thing? And which Mustang is the best of all time? Adam and Steve are here to answer this, and many more questions you have about the Mustang.
It adorns bedroom posters, stars in movies, and takes up a slot on quite a few of our bucket lists - but is the Countach all it's cracked up to be? And when was it at its best? That's what Steve and Adam are here to help you figure out.
It was a cheap people's car not built by Nazis. It was owned by rockstars and school teachers. And it starred in a few blockbusters. But which original Mini, or German MINI, is Best in Class? Steve and Adam are here to tell you, or at least try to convince you.
The Dodge Viper is one of America's only supercars. It was also built out of truck parts and cheap plastic. Was there ever a good one? Was there ever a bad one? Adam and Steve have some thoughts on the Joe Dirt of cars.
The SL line is Mercedes' longest lived nameplate, which means Steve and Adam have plenty of generations to choose from as they argue which one is Best in Class.
Bonus - Here's the hilarious Roger Federer commercial mentioned in the episode:
https://youtu.be/t6JlFV-Bva8
Did the BMW 3 Series invent the Yuppie, or did Yuppies create the BMW 3 Series? And which is best - a boring 3 or an exciting 3? Adam and Steve argue it out again this week as each decides which 3 Series is Best in Class.
The Ford Bronco has gained fame and notoriety throughout it's many generations, but which model is best? As always, that's what Steve and Adam are to here figure out. Join us as we discuss OJ, the new Bronco, and questionable advertisements from the past.
In the inaugural Best In Class episode, Adam and Steve discuss, argue, and shout about the Mazda Miata. Each host picks their favorite iteration of the famous Japanese roadster and lays out the reasons why their pick is the best example of the Miata, and should be considered Best In Class.