There's nothing wrong with practicality!
Safety was was a major factor in CR's favorable report on the S2000. It feels good to know that (God forbid) you get in an accident that theres a car that won't disintegrate around you, and still have some of the best handling, economy, and grin for the buck fun. Not to mention killer looks.
CR's report was also a big factor in talking my wife into buying one.

 

CR doesn't accept advertising dollars from the mfg. wonder why the 350Z isn't on the poster?

 

I just don't get this "no power around in around town driving"! What are they comparing it to? And "Ordinary"?? How can anyone call our S ordinary?

When I drive around town and shifting before VTEC, I notice that I am still out in front of 95% of the rest of the traffic. Maybe it's because I never drove any super torque monsters or something, but I think my S delivers just fine in day-to-day daily driving....

 

I'm with you Luft46. I don't get it either. When I give a little gas in whatever gear at 3.5-4K RPM, I feel something happening. Maybe not 'nads gnashed in a vice pressure, but sumthin'.

I can only guess that once you VTEC, anything else however impressive is ordinary by comparison.

 

Looks like the CR advertising division knows how to sell magazines.

 

I don't think they said "no power", just that the engine is "ordinary in normal driving". Before VTEC the engine (not car) is ordinary. Which may be just fine as you say.

And as to being out in front, hey that's a matter of how aggresive we drive. Can do that in an ordinary Accord or Civic too, right? But if some 6 cylinder Accord, or even Bonneville floored it, you'd have to take it up over 7000 to stay ahead, right?

CR has changed. I recall when they wrote "buy the smallest engine offered, it is adequate for the task". Now, I see them driving sports cars and actually complaining if they understeer!

 

Because they had a choice... And used their heads to make the right one....

 

I too am amazed by CR's change to where they can actually evaluate a DRIVER'S car. Time was, as FCGuy noted, small engines are fine; cars are just appliances. I was very impressed at their check-marking our car as Best! This calls for two toasts: one for our car-- fun AND kitchen sink practical, and two,-- for CD for finally getting it. PS I still don't buy this "it's slow around town & only fun on a track" that I read in all the mags. My personal experience is completely the opposite.

 

I don't think CR has reported on the 350Z yet. They don't recommend something they haven't tested. I've always felt that if you read their car reviews regularly, you will understand their approach to testing cars and be able to glean real information from their reviews. I also think they have changed a bit. I was surprised to see them even testing sports cars at all a few years ago, and pleasantly surprised to read reviews focused on driving.

As much as they seem to dislike SUVs rolling over, I guess taking a vehicle through their avoidance manuever at high speeds must have opened their eyes!

 

I think that CR had to change its approach to testing cars in order to keep up with their audience. The "appliance" approach may have been good during the 50s, 60s and 70s, but todays car buyers demand more, are richer and have more choices. I think they've realized that they need to test a car based upon what it is, not based upon generalized
set of standards. That was a problem in the past.

That they used the S in the ad, I would expect no less. It's a great car, a beautiful car, and a Honda. It is every thing that they stand for and it is up to date.