As a lifelong car enthusiast, my passion for automobiles began in my childhood, evolving from Hot Wheels and miniature racetracks to modifying my own car and driving it on real-world race tracks. Today, as an adult, I’ve turned my love for cars into a career, driving new vehicles and writing about them. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of behind the wheel of a wide range of cars, from pickup trucks and SUVs to sedans and sports cars. Here are five of my all-time favorites.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
My first real taste of supercar speed came with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. When I began my automotive writing career, it was one of the first high-horsepower cars I got behind the wheel of, and there was no going back. The SLS AMG was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 that produced 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. That power output might not seem impressive by today’s standards, but over a decade ago, it was a real powerhouse. The Corvette of the era, for example, used a 6.2-liter V8 that nearly rivaled the SLS in size, but it had to make do with over 100 fewer ponies.
The 6.3-liter V8 under the hood of the SLS was an absolute riot. It made fantastic noises, produced insane numbers on the speedometer, and absolutely devoured gasoline. I was able to achieve single-digit fuel economy with a heavy right foot while driving the SLS. More than just powerful and thirsty, though, the SLS was stunning to look at and nearly perfect as a Grand Touring car. The SLS was comfortable on long highway road trips and had a large-enough trunk for a few duffle bags, which many modern mid-engine supercars can’t boast.
I never got the chance to drive the gullwing version of the SLS with its exploding door hinges, but the convertible felt pretty special, even without the vertically-opening doors. The SLS AMG remains a timeless classic, a car that embodies the spirit of the supercar era.
Jeep Sandstorm Concept
Years ago, at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, I drove a topless concept version of the Jeep Wrangler and immediately chatted up the Jeep executives in attendance. “Build this rig, exactly like this, with a manual, and I promise that I’ll buy one.” The concept, known as the Sandstorm, was one of many engineering exercises/showcases on display that year during the annual off-roading pilgrimage to the Utah desert.
The Sandstorm was powered by a 6.4-liter V8, riding on massive 39.5-inch all-terrain tires, and you could row your own gears via a six-speed manual transmission. The Sandstorm was a baja truck of sorts, with the rear doors sealed shut and the top chopped off, covered only by a beefy roll cage. The Sandstorm’s exhaust note was raw and visceral, the open-top design lacked any protection from the elements but it provided a bit of whimsy, and the six-speed manual provided a real driving connection with the concept – hence my expression of willingness to buy one.
Unfortunately, Jeep never built the Sandstorm for the masses, but they did come close with the Wrangler 392. It uses the same 6.4-liter V8, putting out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft, and it’s about as close as the buying public can get to the Sandstorm, minus the manual transmission, of course. Jeep has put some pretty wild concepts together since the Sandstorm, including my favorite from EJS 2025, the Bug-Out, but none quite as thrilling.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
For a little over 20 years, Cadillac has been producing sedans, coupes, wagons, and even some SUVs with big power and a luxury vibe, badged with a big “V” on the back. The best of the best from GM’s luxury division get the V designation, while the ultra-special run of modern high-performance Cadillacs are set apart as Blackwing models – adding even more spice to the recipe. And in my opinion, the current CT5-V Blackwing is the pinnacle of all Cadillac V products, making it one of the best four-door performance machines I’ve ever driven.
The CT5 is a potent luxury sedan on its own, but the latest CT5-V Blackwing is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 668 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to make the CT5-V Blackwing one of the fastest sedans on the market. The CT5-V Blackwing also comes with a host of performance features, including a magnetic ride control system, adaptive dampers, and a unique exhaust system that produces a deep, throaty growl.
The CT5-V Blackwing is not just a fast car; it’s also a luxurious one. The interior is trimmed in high-quality materials, and the seats are incredibly comfortable. The CT5-V Blackwing also comes with a host of advanced features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch center touchscreen, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
The CT5-V Blackwing is a car that embodies the best of Cadillac’s luxury and performance. It’s a car that’s perfect for those who want a luxurious sedan that can also handle the twisties.
BMW M3 E46
The BMW M3 E46 is a car that’s close to my heart. It was the first car I ever drove that was badged with an “M” and it remains one of my favorite BMWs to this day. The E46 M3 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six that produces 321 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like a lot by today’s standards, but it was a real powerhouse when it was new.
The E46 M3 is a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that’s both fun to drive and comfortable to live with. It’s a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that can handle the twisties but also has the space and comfort to take the family on a long road trip.
The E46 M3 is a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that’s both fun to drive and comfortable to live with. It’s a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that can handle the twisties but also has the space and comfort to take the family on a long road trip.
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT is a car that’s been a part of American automotive history for over 50 years. It’s a car that’s been through a lot of changes over the years, but it’s always been a car that’s been fun to drive. The current Mustang GT is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to make the Mustang GT one of the fastest cars in its class.
The Mustang GT is a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that’s both fun to drive and comfortable to live with. It’s a car that’s perfect for those who want a car that can handle the twisties but also has the space and comfort to take the family on a long road trip.
The Mustang GT is a car that’s been a part of American automotive history for over 50 years. It’s a car that’s been through a lot of changes over the years, but it’s always been a car that’s been fun to drive. The current Mustang GT is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to make the Mustang GT one of the fastest cars in its class.
Conclusion
These five cars represent a journey through automotive history, from the supercar era of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to the off-road thrills of the Jeep Sandstorm Concept. Each of these cars has its own unique character and charm, and they all embody the spirit of the automotive enthusiast.
Whether you’re a fan of luxury and performance, off-road adventures, or classic American muscle, there’s a car on this list for you. So, grab the keys and hit the road – the open road awaits!
FAQ
What is the best car you’ve ever driven?
That’s a tough question to answer, as I’ve had the pleasure of driving so many amazing cars over the years. However, if I had to pick one, I’d say the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It was my first real taste of supercar speed and it remains one of my favorite cars to this day.
What’s the most fun car you’ve ever driven?
That would have to be the Jeep Sandstorm Concept. The raw power of the 6.4-liter V8, the visceral exhaust note, and the open-top design made for an unforgettable driving experience.
What’s the most luxurious car you’ve ever driven?
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is hands down the most luxurious car I’ve ever driven. The combination of luxury and performance is simply unmatched.
What’s the most affordable car on this list?
The BMW M3 E46 is the most affordable car on this list. While it’s no longer in production, you can still find them on the used car market for a reasonable price.
What’s the most powerful car on this list?
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the most powerful car on this list, with a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 that produces 563 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
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