I recognize that not everyone views cars the same way I do and it really is just a tool for the bulk of the population. That is why I say, shop for the tech and features you think you'd enjoy because every car maker is putting out mostly the same thing in this segment.

I readily admit that cars are my weakness when it comes to fiscal responsibility. I enjoy driving. Fast cars, great handling cars, off road vehicles, trucks with power and big v8 engines, and mechanically interesting cars. But a few years ago I was in need of a car (after frying the engine of a really fun E46 bimmer) and I thought "I should be responsible and embrace being a responsible dad for a few years". Got myself a Ford Fusion. It was a great car... and I was done with it within a few months. I had a long commute and the car put me to sleep (figuratively, not literally). I had to get out of it.

So I got something supercharged and never looked back.