A few notes, as I've test-driven the bulk of this list:
1. The new Civic is amazing, especially on the tech side of things - you get TACC with LSF, which is radar cruise (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control) that keeps you a set distance away from the car ahead of you (aka Adaptive cruise control), along with stop & go traffic support (LSF = low-speed follow), so you can do the radar cruise thing in traffic jams too. Glorious feature. Also, the Accord is nice, but when I leased my '13 Civic, I went in for an Accord & liked the Civic so much better that I walked out with the Civic.
I test drove a Touring Civic right a couple weeks after they hit dealer lots. Overall I liked it but the deal breaker was the loud road noise. I also did not like the throttle tip in although that is something I'd likely get used to.
2. I've driven both the V6 & 4-cylinder Mustangs. The 4-cylinder is way more fun thanks to the turbo. The 6 is solid, but I really really enjoyed the 4-cylinder.
I love the features and power for the price, but I feel like I would regret buying a Mustang a few weeks after getting one. Such a touch decision.
3. If you're going to get an automatic Mustang, you may want to do it this year. Ford is switching over to a 10-speed automatic next year. I have yet to drive an automatic transmission above 6 gears that I like. I've driven 8 & 9-speed transmissions and I hate them. Crappy response & poor throttle mapping. Lag. Yuck. I haven't tested Ford's 10-speed, but I don't imagine it will be much better.
4. If you're looking at the Colorado, have you seen the new ZR2 model? Oooooooh man!
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/11/15/2017-chevy-colorado-zr2-diesel-off-road-multimatic-spool-valve/
I've heard about it but I don't do hardcore offroading so its capabilities would be lost on me.
5. I'm a huge fan of the Forester. My wife has one with EyeSight. Absolutely fantastic. By far the best CVT I've driven. EyeSight is wonderful if you drive highway. Fantastic visibility. Super peppy throttle. Not luxury by any means, very utilitarian design, but feels like it will last forever. I didn't like the Outback nearly as much, didn't feel as roomy, but my dealership never gets in the 3.6's & I suspect it would be a lot more enjoyable with that engine in it. But you can't go wrong with the 4-cylinder Forester. For 2014 & newer, one of the best cars out there imo. I know what you mean about the practicality image, but after a few weeks you'll quit caring because it drives & rides so nice, is so easy to get around in thanks to the visibility, EyeSight works so awesome, etc. I really should have gotten a second one instead of my Jeep.
Yeah I actually meant the gay image. It's still near the top of the list though. I've taken my mom's 2014 on a few semi-long trips and do like it.
6. Haven't been impressed with the glitches or support from Jeep. Got pretty burned on my current ride (Renegade) & it has really turned me off to FCA vehicles. Just my experience. Lots of people get them & have zero issues.
7. Kia makes really great cars. Not on your list, but they are pretty fantastic. Their new van is amazing. Love their Soul, which is now available in Turbo (design-wise, obviously not for everyone tho!).
I've never been a big fan of the Soul, aesthetically anyway. And since the last girl I was going out with drove one and they make me think of her it's a total no go.
None of their other vehicles really speak to me other than the Sorento. Maybe the Niro will spark some interest.
8. Anything you get new or used from Toyota will be fantastic. iirc they have a pretty great CPO program & really good lease deals as well. Although Honda is up there in terms of quality & features these days too.
Some things to think about:
1. What is your max budget?
Probably whatever a new 3.6r Outback Limited w/ eyesight costs which I think is the most expensive vehicle on my list. I had gotten a 2016 model down to like ~33k new before TT&L and travel.
2. Buy or lease?
Buy.
3. How long do you want to keep the car for?
Probably at least 10 years. Obviously life events could change that (e.g. if I get married and needed something different).
4. What's important to you? What features are "must-haves"? For example, my next car must have an EyeSight equivalent, especially with the new low-speed follow feature. Although I don't drive far, I spend upwards of 2 hours in traffic per day at times & that would be enormously beneficial for me. I'm also hooked on passive keyless entry, remote start, 3G features, etc., although that can be added to any car aftermarket with a Compustar or Viper system. 5-star safety is a must (I've been hit several times & am a big believer in crumple zones, airbags, seatbelts, etc.). Good visibility is a really nice feature. Comfort is a big feature...I fit really well in the Renegade & Mustang, for example, but disappointingly did not fit very well at all in the new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (horrifically cramped for my height & long legs).
I don't need push button start, remote start, or keyless entry. An Eyesight system would be nice but isn't required. I used to spend around 2 hours per day (~75 miles roundtrip) commuting for 4 years. Right now that is down to 35 minutes per day (~10 miles round trip), but I don't see my commute staying that short for more than a couple years or so. I still drive a lot since I take frequent road trips so a quiet, comfortable ride is very high on the wants list.
Currently on my list:
1. Ecoboost Mustang
2. Honda Ridgeline (redesigned 2nd-gen model, although it's on its first model year & I've already been burned buying glitchy first-year models!)
I test drove one and wasn't impressed with the amount of wind noise coming into the cabin. Otherwise it was nice but my is it pricy unless you get the base model. Doesn't look that great either.
3. Colorado ZR2 (diesel or gas, love the aesthetics!)
Mix of requirements for me...I love love love AWD on my current vehicle; it has made snow driving
completely painless. I'd have to get snow tires for the Mustang & be more careful about driving, for sure. I definitely want TACC, especially with LSF, but LSF is just starting to trickle down this year to normal-priced cars, so I'll have to wait another year or two to see in them in the vehicles I'm interested in. A truck would be awfully nice, especially since they're as comfy as cars these days (at least the new Ridgeline is!). I don't really ever want to buy a first-gen car again tho, so the Ridgeline is out until next year because of the redesign. My plan was to buy a car & keep it for 10 to 15 years, and there's no way I'll be ending 2017 with my pile of garbage Renegade, so now I have to figure out something new. Bah, cars! Haha.
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