Automotive Thanksgiving

While most people will be gathering around a sumptuous dinner today, giving thanks for all the wonderful things and people in their lives, CR took a few moments to think about all the things we’re thankful for in the automotive world. While not as tempting, say, as mashed potatoes and gravy, our automotive thanks list is still chock-full of low-carb morsels.

Grab a plate and take a look:

Jake Fisher: I’m thankful they FINALLY brought the Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX STI to the United States, which we have been enjoying now for years. I’m thankful for reliable and affordable used sports cars, like the Mazda Miata and Toyota MR2. I’m thankful that Chevrolet and Ford never killed the Corvette or Mustang. (They came closer than you might think.) I’m thankful for street-legal, 500-hp cars. And, most importantly, I’m thankful to have access to a closed track without speed limits.

Tom Mutchler: I’m thankful that there are well over 200 different vehicle models on the market. It gives consumers lots of choice—and it makes this job a whole lot more interesting and fun.

Ryan Pszczolkowski: I am thankful for heated seats and telescoping steering wheels.

Gabe Shenhar: On those freezing early winter mornings, when everything I touch is cold, I’m thankful for a heated steering wheel. What a treat! This welcoming feature is available on very few cars including BMWs and some Nissan/Infiniti vehicles, but it does warm my hands and heart.

Mike Leung: I’m thankful for the gasoline that powers our cars and gives drivers such freedom. And with that, I’m also thankful for stability control.

Gene Petersen: There is a host of features that I’m thankful for in new cars and trucks. I’ve become spoiled with the soothing warmth of seat heaters, especially in cars with leather seats; those with multiple levels of warmth adjustments are the best. Also, I find backup cameras to be extremely valuable—particularly in dark, crowded parking lots. They’re a necessity in many SUVs and wagons, but useful in some of the sedans that we’ve tested, too. My most thankful feature, though, is satellite radio—there’s nothing more enjoyable. Both Sirius and XM provide high-quality sound and have enough channels to take the boredom out of long, solo drives.

Mike Quincy: I’m thankful that they don’t make ‘em like they used to. Ever try stopping a 1965 Mustang on a wet road?

What are you thankful for in the automotive world? Share your Comments below.