2004 Motor Trend Car of the Year. What are they thinking?

[Racer 007]

So, I just got my new Motor Trend in the mail this afternoon and I notice that its 2004 COY time. Great. I love this issue. Last year it was the Infiniti G35. Great choice and a very sweet car that I thought was a pretty decent choice. So, I start reading through the article as I never jump forward to see who won so I can make my own decision.

Which one of these cars do you think should wear the Golden Calipers for 2004?

Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A8 L
BMW 5 Series
BMW Z4
Cadillac XLR
Chevrolet Malibu and Maxx
Chevrolet Aveo
Chrysler Crossfire
Ford Freestar
Jaguar XJ8/XJR
Mazda RX-8
Mitsubishi Galant
Mitsubishi Lancer/Ralliart/Evolution
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Quest
Pontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac GTO
Scion xA
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza/WRX/STi
Suzuki Verona
Toyota Camry Solara
Toyota Prius
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Phaeton

Basically, IMHO, I pretty much felt that the COY should be the Phaeton. Very expensive yes but probably the best vehicle by far in all aspects. Followed closely by the Cadillac XLR.

Guess what it was.












A FUCKEN TOYOTA PRIUS
http://motortrend.com/motor/oftheyear/car/112_04_coy_prius1_s.jpg

WTF were they thinking? Anybody have any opinions or gripes about the decision? 60 MPG in the city just doesn't endear me to this idea.

[papilonious]

tree huggin bastards!

[detpac]

Volkswagen Phaeton

That is one sweet car.

[Racer 007]

If you are as upset as I am, write to Motor Trend at this address.

Motor Trend Mail
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

or you can e-mail them at http://www.motortrend.com/corporate/contact/index.html

Here is what I told them:

I have been an avid MT reader for many years and a subscriber for a few and I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am with your decision for the MT04COY. Of all the cars you have to pick from, none of them were able to usurp the Prius from all of the testers minds? What were they thinking? I'm not going to tell you what should have been picked as your testers are (cough, cough) "professionals", but come on. I feel the Phaeton, XLR, or the GTO would have been much better choices. Heck, I would have gone for the Malibu over the Prius. Unsure of what tree hugger slipped your testers a lifetime supply of granola bars and falafel, but your tried and true readers won't be so kind with this horrible decision. Two lumps of coal in all of your stockings this year.

[last_in_line]

it seems like theyre trying to be politically correct.

[TTAngel]

What car should wear golden calipers? Why the hell would you want golden calipers on your car anyway? Is this some new fad that I haven't seen or something? Actually, golden calipers might improve the Prius' looks a bit. Like a hood ornimant. Probably drop the highway mileage though.

[papilonious]

I hope TTAngel isn't being serious....

[Shawn96VR-4]

Mazda RX-8

Absolutely love that car's styling, the fact they had balls to bring it back, the HP per L, the rotor is extemely cool, and the commercials rock. My car doesn't hug me :(