Cars Etc.

OWNING a car in Seattle isn't like owning a car in New York or L.A; our priorities are different. We proudly hand our Toyota keys to the Canlis valet, and at no point have any of us felt insecure stepping out of a Jag or BMW at Pacific Place. What works in Bell Town works on Beacon and in Bellevue. But what really sets us apart is the huge diversity of demanding terrain found in Seattle and around Western Washington. Within a few hours or so from the city you can visit four active volcanoes, two mountain ranges, an ocean, a desert, a rainforest, alpine meadows, vast coniferous forests, and the fabled scablands. Not to mention the legendarily steep hills downtown. While we aren't quite as steep as San Francisco, when was the last time they had snow? What impresses the L.A. auto-journalist won't necessarily be worth a can of Stumptown's finest to the savvy Seattleite.

So through the lens of the Pacific Northwest, what is the perfect car? Or rather, which car will get you there and back again a hobbit's tale in relative comfort, safety and maybe with a hint of style? I suppose I'll try to find out.