The freedom of the road can be the perfect antidote to the constraints of a family. Let dad have days to himself with one of these expressive cars.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
The new BMW 328i lets dad be simultaneously responsible while having a bit of fun. Its new turbocharged four cylinder engine gives the car 245 horsepower, enough for sprightly acceleration, but a respectable 30 mpg average. BMW handling and a load of connected cabin tech complete the package.
This Porsche is for the dads who crave sublime sports car performance. The Cayman R's stiff body gives it unparalleled handling, and Porsche pulls 330 horsepower out of its 3.4-liter flat six cylinder engine.
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 would seem to be all about raw power and gangster looks, but this heavy duty sedan adds an extra dimension in the form of a luxury interior. Dad can win pinks at the drag strip while surrounded by opulence.
Urban dads will appreciate the funky Evoque. Equally at home in the Whole Foods parking lot or at the weekend ski lodge, Land Rover built off-road prowess into the Evoque.
Dads who look wistfully at tractor-trailer rigs heading down the highway can dream along in their own diesel truck. Boasting a bit more comfort than a Kenworth, the ML350 Bluetec has a soft ride that makes the highway miles go by like nothing at all.
Help dad into the new millennium with the Ford F-150, which takes advantage of modern technology to improve every aspect of its operation. The turbocharged Ecoboost engine gives it tremendous power and better fuel economy than a typical V-8, and its four-wheel-drive mode includes informational apps to help negotiate tough off-road situations.
