BMW Z4 Roadster

Read any auto-related online news story or blog, pick up the newspaper on your way home from work, or catch the evening news on TV, and everyone is saying basically the same thing: “Automobiles are too expensive to drive. Leave the car at home.”

While I understand that conservation is important and gas prices are much higher than we are used to in North America, whatever happened to driving a car for the best reason of all—pleasure?

Somewhere between “fun, fun, fun, 'til her daddy takes the T-bird away” and getting from point A to point B, we lost sight of what it means to enjoy the simple things in life, including mobility.

One of life's greatest pleasures is the experience of having the wind in your hair, sunglasses on, behind the wheel for no particular reason other than to drive. Even today, when you add it all up, driving is still one of the least expensive ways to get where you want or need to be. Here are some of my choices for going nowhere fast and loving every minute of it.

Audi A3: Audi's subcompact A3 Sportback five-door hatch is featured as the A3 2.0T FrontTrak with front-wheel drive (FWD), or as the A3 3.2 S-line Quattro with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2.0T employs a 2.0-liter four-in-line engine with turbo charger and intercooler, plus Audi's FSI (fuel straight injection) to make 200 hp with manual six-speed stick or Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic. The A3 3.2 Quattro S- line packs a 3.2-liter V6, worth 250 hp with the DSG. Every car also has substantial safety equipment, including an electronic stabilization program (ESP). The new A3 Titanium Package adds 18-inch titanium-color alloy wheels and cabin trim in "Piano Black."

BMW 3 Series Coupes and Convertibles: Compact-class coupes and convertibles from BMW present fresh designs riding on an expanded rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform. Models are badged as 328i and 335i RWD for coupe/convertible, plus two AWD coupes; the 328xi and 335xi feature BMW's xDrive computer-controlled AWD equipment. The 328i and 328xi stock a 3.0-liter in-line six with 230 hp through a manual six-speed or six-speed electronic automatic with Steptronic manual shift control. BMW 335i and 335xi use the in-line six with twin turbo-chargers and direct fuel injection. They zip with 300 hp through the six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic.

BMW Z Series: BMW's two-seat Z4 roadster convertible and hardtop coupe come out of a BMW plant in South Carolina. The coupe, looking long and low and quick, features a curvy hardtop covering the cockpit and a spoiler integrated into the tail. For juice, Z4 3.0si Coupes and Roadsters draw from BMW's 3.0-liter in-line-six engine, which delivers 255 hp with a six-speed Getrag manual stick or optional six-speed ZF Steptronic automatic. The Sport Package on the Z4 3.0i Roadster bumps up to 18-inch wheels and adds taut sport suspension settings and the Sport Driving Mode gear.

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang: Ford's pony car, riding on a rear-wheel drive (RWD) chassis, is a sporty, two-door hardtop coupe or convertible. Ford builds the sportster in two trims. Mustang V6 stocks a 4.0-liter plant pumping 210 hp, while Mustang GT pulls from a 4.6-liter aluminum V-8 that reaches 300 hp. But special editions apply, like the Mustang GT California Special, with its unique fascias and door stripes. New gear ranges from standard side-impact air bags, to optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and 18-inch wheels for the V6 coupe.

Ford Shelby Mustang: Mustang's performance models go by the name of Shelby Mustangs, after racing legend Carroll Shelby. To mark the 40th anniversary of the original "King of the Road" Shelby Mustang, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR is the most powerful production Mustang ever, thanks to a 5.4-liter V8 supercharged to achieve 540 hp. The body, inspired by classic Shelby KR Mustangs, shows a carbon composite hood, unique striping, and 18-inch wheels. Also new is the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT coupe or convertible. It packs a 4.6-liter V8, modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts, and generates 319 hp.

Nissan 350Z: Nissan's Z cars are a sleek, two-door, hatchback coupe or curvy roadster convertible. Each shows knife-edge keen bodywork, and each stocks the VQ35HR V6 engine spiked to 306 hp with manual transmission models. The 350Z roadster splits into three models in 2008, with the coupe adding five trims including the NISMO 350Z. It wears an aerodynamics package with front fascia and chin spoiler, side skirts, underbody diffuser, and a wing on the tail. The NISMO Z also gets Brembo brakes and RAYS lightweight forged-alloy wheels. The latest paint chip for both coupe and roadster is "Nogaro Red."

Life is stressful for many reasons. So spend the time and a little extra cash to experience freedom on the open road. Perhaps the Who said it best in the song “Going Mobile”:

"Out in the woods, or in the city, it's all the same to me. / When I'm driving free, the world's my home, when I'm mobile."

Enjoy the open road for a change. It just might put a smile back on your face.