10 Cars That Make Us Thankful

Ford Mustang Boss 302

This all-American badass proves that the modern-day muscle car is very much alive and kicking butt. What a relief, because just a few years ago its future looked bleak. Ford's Boss 302 is the latest addition to the Mustang lineup. Its 5.0-liter 444-horsepower V8 engine sits right between the 412-horsepower engine in the Mustang GT and the supercharged 5.4-liter 550-horsepower V8 of the Shelby GT500. It's $7,000 more than the GT and $8,000 less the Shelby — and worth every penny. With adjustable shock absorbers, beefed-up brakes, racing seats and other go-fast parts, the Boss is as close to a race-ready Mustang as you can get straight from the dealer.

Read:  2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 — Road Test

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima brings sporty flair to a vehicle category often dominated by blandness. Honda and Toyota might have more clout with the average consumer, but those who care about more than just getting from point A to point B will want an Altima 3.5 SR, with its 270-horspower V6 engine, taut suspension and 17-inch wheels. You don't have to go all out to have fun in an Altima; the base 4-cylinder engine is plenty punchy. Heck, even the Altima Hybrid offers more fun than its competitors, albeit at the expense of being less fuel-efficient. Plus, the Altima has a clean, uncluttered cabin and cool looks that are sporty without being too aggressive.

Compare: Nissan Altima vs. Ford Fusion vs. Volkswagen Passat

Mazda Mazda3

Mazda is like the BMW of Japan. Superb driving dynamics are at the core of every one of its cars, from the little MX-5 Miata roadster to the large CX-9 crossover. As other automakers bloat their small cars with more gadgets and fluff, Mazda continues to hone a simple formula: make quality cars that are a good value and fun to drive. This is immediately apparent from behind the wheel of a Mazda3. The seating position, steering wheel, pedals, controls and visibility are all good to go. The vehicle responds predictably and positively to every input. Its 4-cylinder engines are gutsier than most in its class; there's even a 263-horsepower turbocharged version.

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BMW M3

Nobody does sport sedans like BMW. Other automakers have come close to knocking the BMW 3-Series from its pedestal, but none has yet succeeded. The current BMW M3 only solidifies this domination. It sounds and acts like a supercar on the racetrack, yet it is eminently more practical, not to mention more affordable. It is uncanny how easy the M3 is to drive with abandon. It always turns in sharply, brakes immediately and changes gears instantaneously. In fact, the M3 lulls you into thinking you're a better driver than you really are. BMW all but invented the performance-sedan segment decades ago. To this day it reigns supreme.

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Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

A 556-horsepower wagon that laps a racetrack as well as it hauls groceries is so wrong that it's just right. The Cadillac CTS-V wagon keeps hope alive for a future not entirely overrun with politically correct cars. So, soccer moms and dads, ditch the minivan or crossover and get one of these with a stick shift and Recaro racing seats. If you feel the need to rationalize the $63,215 price tag, rest assured that wagons are nearly as practical as crossovers of the same size. They're just way more fun to drive and usually more fuel-efficient. We say usually, because the CTS-V's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine is actually a guzzler.

View Slideshow:  Manly Machines

Jeep Wrangler

What kind of idiot would pick a Jeep, you ask? We would! Consider what the world would be like without one. Do you really want every so-called sport-utility vehicle on the road to be like a Nissan Juke or Toyota RAV4 — urban assault vehicles with no off-road capabilities whatsoever? That's where things seem to be headed. But the Wrangler is an SUV that not only still lives up to the abbreviation's definition, but one that helped create the category. You can drive it straight off the dealer's lot and into the wilderness to crawl over boulders and wade through streams. Yes, there are things not to like, such as its Tonka Toy styling and coarse engines, but not much; plus, a new V6 engine is on tap for 2012.

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Volkswagen Golf / Jetta TDI

Hybrids have hogged the spotlight as far as eco-friendly rides go. But the not-so-dirty secret among those in the know is that diesel-powered cars are a great alternative. This is particularly true of smaller diesels such as the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDI. Their exhaust emissions are clean enough to comply with federal regulations without the need for convoluted and costly exhaust-gas treatments required on larger diesel vehicles from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others. The Golf and Jetta TDI are not only more fuel-efficient than their gas-powered equivalents, they also offer amazing torque, which makes them fast off the line and fun to drive. How many hybrids are actually fun to drive?

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Audi A7

Audi calls it a "5-door coupe." But coupes have two doors, not four doors plus a hatchback. Whatever you call it, the A7 is sexy, a big car with sultry lines that draws stares from everyone. The restrained and unadorned exterior is a departure from cars of other luxury brands. So is the signature huge front grille. This car is unique in an industry filled with things that look and feel the same. And with a supercharged V6 engine mated to a 7-speed transmission, it has the moves to back up the stunning good looks. There are two glaring faults, though: A car this big shouldn't have only four seats, and the controls are overly complicated. Nobody's perfect.

View Pictures:  2012 Audi A7

McLaren MP4-12C

As one of the most successful Formula One racing teams of all time, McLaren is no stranger to building fast cars. But it hasn't built a road car of its own in years. Now here's the MP4-12C to shake up the supercar establishment; it's both faster and more fuel-efficient than some of the competition. It has the mind-boggling technology we've come to expect from McLaren, such as a rear wing that stands upright when the brakes are applied to help slow the car down. The best part is that the MP4-12C is just the opening shot of a larger salvo to follow.

Bing Images: McLaren MP4-12C

Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder

It has been years — perhaps even decades, some say — since Ferrari has put out a truly gorgeous, timeless car. The current 599 Maranello, California and FF are alluring, but they somehow lack the harmony and subtle beauty that once defined every Ferrari. Fortunately, that tradition is once again alive in the new 458 Italia. The recently unveiled convertible version, the Spyder, only adds to the Italia's appeal. It is as much of a joy to drive as it is to behold. And with the top down, the melodious sounds of its V8 engine are all the more audible.

Read Blog:  First Look: Ferrari 458 Spider

For more information on any vehicle in this slideshow, click the links below:

- Ford Mustang Boss 302
- Nissan Altima
- Mazda Mazda3
- BMW M3
- Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
- Jeep Wrangler
- Volkswagen Golf
- Volkswagen Jetta TDI
- Audi A7
- Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder

Compare: All 10 cars

Matthew de Paula wanted to be an automotive journalist ever since reading his first car magazine in grade school. After a brief stint writing about finance, he helped launch ForbesAutos.com and became the site's editor in 2006. Matthew now freelances for various outlets.

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