Well, it’s that time of year again when we reflect on 2024 and sift through the good, the bad, and the not-so-ugly.  

I’m down across the board from 2023, having tested just 47 cars—five fewer than last year. In total, that adds up to a whopping $2,821,974 worth of vehicles. I also managed to drive 2,000 miles less than I did in 2023, totaling 18,735.8 miles, which breaks down to an average of 360 miles per week with a respectable average of 37.4 mpg. Surprisingly, I even spent $182.75 less on fuel, totaling $1,510.11.   

Overall, it’s been a pretty uneventful year. We only took one road trip back to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the annual National Acura Legend Meet. This time, we rolled in a 2025 Acura TLX Type S, racking up 1,377.3 miles on its odometer. Not reported on the site, I also traveled to Connecticut, where I rented a 2024 Audi A5 Sportback—not really to my surprise, it was quite a joy to drive, even with its base 2.0-turbo engine. Who knew the roads of New Haven could be so entertaining?

This year, I celebrated SIX SPEED BLOG’s 10-year anniversary by getting a 2024 Toyota RAV4 Woodlands Edition and looked back on where it all started with a 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited. And unfortunately, I also had to report damage to two media vehicles this year—both hit-and-runs while parked. So, all in all, it’s a good place to get started: 

Ugh, Paperwork!

With a beastly 2024 Toyota Tundra on loan, someone decided to give me more than just a love tap—let’s call it a cheeky little spanking.  

In stark contrast, our time with a 2025 Subaru Legacy was a bit less dramatic. While parked at an In-N-Out, someone took it upon themselves to add a little extra paint to the side. How generous!  

The Driveway Princess

Since I’ve already covered that the Acura TLX saw the most amount of asphalt, let’s talk about the one that saw less of the road and more of the driveway. Unfortunately for the 2025 Mazda MX-5, I only managed to record 31.3 miles. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy driving it; it just served as a cheerful reminder that I should probably hit the gym more if I plan on piloting something that low to the ground. It is after all a fit man’s kind of sports car. 

How Did They Muck It Up This Badly?

On the opposite end, both the Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster and C 43 share a common flaw: their new engines and transmissions. It’s no secret that AMG is leaning into the world of four-cylinder engines, touting incredible technology and hybrid performance. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm translates into a driving experience that’s more jarring than enjoyable. Most of the problems stem from their transmissions, feeling like a teenager driving a stick for the first time—lots of enthusiasm, very little finesse. Dual-clutch transmission have been around for nearly three-decades now, you’d think the company that has over 200 wins in Formula One should be able to figure out how to engineer a transmission. Which makes me wonder what on earth they’re cooking up over there to serve us this garbage.   

I’m Sorry, Why Is This So Good?

In 2023, I had the pleasure of testing a Toyota Crown Limited, which was as ordinary as a Tuesday afternoon—nothing really set it apart except for its styling. But then Toyota decided to up the ante with the Platinum model, featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid max system that turned this car into a sleeper on the streets but a freak in the sheets. It reminded me of the Ford Taurus SHO, a vehicle that quietly suggested it didn’t mind breaking a few laws that easily blended in at the mall.  

Grinning From Ear To Ear!

This year, Ford truly stole the show with two delightful, grin-inducing machines: the Ford Mustang GT and the Ford F-150 Tremor. The real star of the show? What lurked beneath the hood. Both vehicles boasted the notorious Coyote 5.0-liter V-8, making them more intoxicating than a wild Mom’s night out and reminding us that sometimes, the only thing better than horsepower is the look on your neighbor’s face when you start it up at 6 AM. 

When Money Is An Object… 

The cheapest vehicle I tested this year unfortunately hasn’t even been posted yest. Unless you’re reading this after January 8th, 2025, in which case, surprise! The 2025 Buick Envista arrived in a Sport Touring trim at a wallet-friendly $29,070, beating the runner-up, a Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, by a cool $1,740.

At under $30,000, the Buick Envista is especially special because it is actually quite good with a peppy three-cylinder turbo engine that has a cute little engine snarl when pressed, fantastic nimble handling, and more technology than a public high school.

No, I’m not a Sugar Daddy!

2023 was quite a costly affair, with four cars gracing my driveway that each cost over $100,000. This year, the manufacturers reined it in a bit, having only tested two vehicles over six-figures: the underwhelming Mercedes-AMG SL 43 Roadster, which can set you back a staggering $125,800, and the fabulous Infiniti QX80 Autograph at a more modest $112,590.  

Sipping Fuel and Draining My Wallet

When it comes to fuel economy, the competition gets tougher every year, especially with so many vehicles now sporting EV or hybrid assist technology.  

I was surprised to discover that the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle on my list was the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with all-wheel drive, boasting an impressive 31.8 mpg.  The Buick Envista came in second place at a fuel-sipping 29.8 mpg average.

As for hybrids and EV assist systems, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid stole the spotlight with a remarkable 47.6 mpg. Coming in at a close second was the all-new Toyota Camry at 46.0 mpg.

(Disclaimer: Electric Vehicles & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles were not included in this consideration. Why? Because I make up the rules as I go along.)

On the flip side, the worst MPG honors went to the two vehicles that brought the most joy, and they were so close to tying it’s almost tragic. The Ford F-150 Tremor came in at 16.3 mpg, just edging out the Ford Mustang GT by a mere 0.1 mpg. And to Ford’s credit, they killed it this year offering some of the most entertaining vehicles I tested this year including the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ford Explorer ST (which has not yet been posted, unless you’re reading this after January 15th), both boosting the Bronco Raptor’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with over 400-horsepower.  

Fairwell, 2024

As I reflect on the past year, it’s always interesting to see how each vehicle stacks up. There are often some surprising results, reminding us that expectations can be turned on their head.  

As I prepare to welcome 2025, I have a fairly intriguing roster in the works. I have another driveway showdown—because I have to keep coming up with engaging content on models that arrived last year with no model change differences. Additionally, I’m looking forward to the all-new redesigned Chevrolet Equinox and the much-anticipated Volkswagen ID. Buzz. But let’s temper that enthusiasm a bit; as we all know, plans can change faster than a car can go from 0 to 60.  

While the likelihood of spotting these parked in my driveway in 2025 may be slim—I am nonetheless eager to witness the arrival of some exciting new contenders. The Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, Honda Prelude, and, in a somewhat ironic twist, the new Dodge Charger EV, all have my attention. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky, but I won’t hold my breath.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my readers who continue to engage with my nonsense. It truly means a lot. Without your support, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. Thank you again for your support and wish you all a wonderful and Happy New Year!