Cars We Didn't Think We Needed Until We Drove Them

On Episode 28 of Between Two Pumps, Mike Musto, Terry McGean, and Terry Shea talk about the cars that completely changed their minds once they got behind the wheel. From a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with the Pontiac 400 and a four-speed to a first-gen Toyota Tacoma that unexpectedly became a family favorite, the guys dig into the cars that proved their assumptions wrong.

The conversation covers an unlikely love affair with a high-mileage Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ, eye-opening experiences with Japanese performance cars, the BMW E36 that made a believer out of a muscle-car guy, and a Ferrari 308 that was far better than its reputation suggested. Mike also recalls driving the outrageous Dodge Viper ACR Extreme at VIR—and discovering just how capable the most intimidating version of the Viper really is.

Plus, the guys get into the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ, classic Alfa Romeos, and why sometimes the best automotive experiences come from cars you never expected to love.

What car completely changed your opinion after you finally drove one?