This would qualify as my second list of cars that must be owned or driven by an enthusiast. This is my Super 4 list. While I am giving my opinion on great four cylinder powered vehicles, please understand that I have picked the four best that I have some experience with. Since age 9, I have been hooked on the likes of Road and Track, Automobile, Auto Week, Motor Trend and that clever British gent Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear. For a short time my love of cars led me to sell them. I worked in a handful of dealerships, and spent the rest of my time visiting and driving my competition. I’ve personally owned vehicles from 10 different brands. Yes, I know, look at my profile; I had a bad addiction for a while, much more expensive than drugs…

So, let me get out of the way for those of you who are going to protest my glaring omissions; I haven’t driven the latest Audi direct injection 4 cylinder, it looks to be fantastic, but the older models I drove (looking to buy) I just didn’t find them exciting. Lancer owners, sorry, I drove one, hated it. Acura RSX’s are nice, so are the Honda Civic Si, but when you have the S2000 as an option, there is no point and there is no comparison, monetary gap aside. My lack of long term experience with Mazda Miata is the only reason why this is a list of four and not five, I really like the evolution of the Miata MX-5. Saab’s are also a tough one to leave off this list, but I am sure it’s just a matter of spending a few hours behind the right one. VW’s, while extremely popular with those who have to own something German, let me just say my experience in the car industry will bar me from every owning a VW, sorry. Lastly, a Dodge Neon is a Dodge Neon…I do not care if they put the Viper motor in it; the SRT4 is still a Dodge Neon.

Addendum: I have experience with the following makes. Brands in bold signify working knowledge with at least five models; Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, Geo, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, International, Isuzu, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mini, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Porsche, Saturn, Scion, Toyota, VW.

Please Enjoy and by all means, leave me your favorite Four Banger in the comments section. Thanks.



