Here in the Midwest, November is when it’s time to settle in for the long slog through winter. Sunlight? There’s not going to be much of it for the next three or four months, and Seasonal Affective Disorder can be a real problem for many people. Fortunately, sun lamps and vitamin supplements aren’t the only ways to combat weather-induced ennui.* These five cars will put you back in good spirits. Wondering why they’re all affordable vehicles? Well, seeing a Lamborghini Gallardo crusted with road salt’s just going to depress you all over again, now isn’t it? These cars can go out and play on the crappy roads, be washed off, and ready to go again tomorrow.
1. Mazda Miata. It doesn’t even matter which generation of Miata you’re talking about, all of Mazda’s little roadsters have been like automotive anti-depressants since day one. Though you might want to take it easy in the snow; this lightweight, rear-drive roadster tends to float on top of drifts rather than plowing through them.
2. MINI Cooper. Like the Miata, the MINI is stylish and tiny and not afraid to have attitude. It’s also a great twisty-road buddy. The sun doesn’t have to be shining for the MINI to put a smile on your face.
3. Volvo XC70. Volvo’s big all-terrain wagon will make winter driving effortless and stress free, thanks to sure-footed all-wheel drive and a stylish, comfortable interior that keeps the chill out.
4. Ford F-150 FX4. One sure-fire way to fight depression is to get busy, and the F-150 is like a vehicular cheerleader, urging you to find a task and tackle it. This truck’s all about doing things, and it’s difficult to sit around feeling sorry for yourself when there are things to tow and haul.
5. Nissan NX2000. On a budget? Nissan built the NX2000 from 1991-96, and it was considered one of the best-handling cars available during its short reign as Nissan’s junior sports car. You can pick one up for half the cost of a new car these days, and enjoy entertaining front-wheel drive performance in your very own modern classic.
* Though this is intended to be a lighthearted article, Driving Fans knows that Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real, serious problem for many people, and a car’s not going to cut it as a solution for everyone. For medical information about the symptoms and causes, take a look here and here. For information about diagnosis and treatment, talk to your doctor.
