These Are The Foreign Market Cars You'd Buy If They Were Sold In The U.S.

Perusing your responses to the question my friend José asked yesterday has allowed me to confirm something I already long suspected: cars are just better outside these United States. What follows is a list of forbidden wagons, hatchbacks, miniature off-roaders and recreational vehicles that you wish you had the opportunity to buy here at home. If you never stopped to take stock of everything America's been missing out on, this one's going to be particularly agonizing. On with the agony!

GR Yaris. There's probably already a tune to take it up to the GR Corolla power levels. I'm sure this thing would be an absolute riot.

OR The Focus ST. Not as hot as the Yaris, but probably won't beat the shit out of you on a daily basis.

Suggested by: MrMcGeein3D and others

spaceship van pls

Suggested by: foolio

I would trample a parade of orphans to put down a deposit on an E if Honda decided to do the right thing and bring it here.

Suggested by: The NSX Was Only In Development For 4 Years

The Suzuki Jimny. It's my current go-to in those rare situations when the answer isn't "Miata".

Suggested by: UpNorthOz and others

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. I'm not much of a Hyundai products fan, but I can make an exception for something that's equal parts functional and good looking. This car is for the parent that hasn't completely fallen into the bland SUV/midsize sedan pit of mediocrity.

Suggested by: paradsecar

I'd want a LandCruiser 70 with a diesel V8.

Also, my example aside, I find it extremely telling that so many of the vehicles are quirky and quick small sedans/coupes or are now-unobtainable station wagons.

Suggested by: TheSchrat and others

Hymer Venture S

Side note: yes, you can build something like this. My friend did, and it kicks ass. You can also save a lot of money doing it yourself. But you shouldn't have to, if you don't want to.

Suggested by: FusiliJerry

The VW California Camper van. I grew up with the original Eurovan in the early 90s, and it was pretty much the perfect vehicle for family road trips. Incredibly cool to sleep up top and with a fridge, water tank, and stove a place you could reliably live as you travelled the continent. Recreating those old memories with our own child in a new model would be fantastic.

Used Eurovans are old, tired, high mileage, unreliable and rusty – and still selling for a mint. Older VW camper vans have all the same problems but with more years and miles and less inherent safety added in. And there's really not a lot else like it on the North American market – which is shocking, given that we're essentially the land of the family road trip.

Suggested by: TheWalrus

FIAT

PANDA

A simple and inexpensive car that does what it's designed to do with no complaints or frills – something that doesn't exist in the US market anymore.

Suggested by: crunchwrap

Still waiting for the day they announce it for the US market.

Suggested by: LilXanos

RS3 Sportback but 'Mericans hate hatches or something.

but then at least give us the RSQ3 we love SUVs

Suggested by: ausgezeichnet and others

Honda S660 – mid engine, rwd, 6 speed manual, 1800 lbs

would get a turbo bike engine swap eventually

Suggested by: CMyers

I know their looks are polarizing, but Toyota Alphard or Lexus LM. America needs a people mover that doesn't look like a weird bulbous cloud on stilts.

Suggested by: aznriptide859

I'll be at the Mazda dealership today to buy one new after trading in the sedan

Suggested by: KngT- 60% of the time, it works every time