For the vast majority of consumers, a smooth-shifting automatic transmission is the gold standard. Detroit caters to the least common dominator, except in the relatively rare high-perf models. But ...

Many cars have an Achilles' heel: an issue that can come without warning and can strand the vehicle. For C2s and C3 Corvettes, it's the rear wheel bearings. For C5s and C6s, the automatic shift cable ...