Brand Advantages
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
deep breath:
the "other guys" first.
Cadillac STS/STS-V (full-size luxury sedan)
1) Takes the German's on at their own game- high performance and luxury with an American attitude. Unique Cadillac styling ads some flavor to a generally bland class grouping.
GM Suburban, Yukon, Escalade (full-size SUV)
1) Handsome, if dated styling has aged well. Still wears the "old" Chevy front end
2) Ride quality and acceleration set class standards
3) Durability/Reliability set class standards
4) Combination of low ride height, narrower body, and tight turning circle= mommy-friendly kid hauler
5) Dash design, while dated, is functional and user-friendly
GM (full size, FWD sedan)
Chevy Impala
One of the best balanced cars I've ever driven- nice compromise between ride, handling, performance, and gas mileage. Equally happy in a rush-hour commute, slogging through slush, or hammering down a back country road. The car's endearing by merit of the lack of glaring faults, rather than compelling virtues.
Nissan Altima (mid-size sedan)
Like the styling, like the performance (3.5), competitively priced. Japanese reliability without the snooze factor.
VW Golf/Jetta tdi (compact sedan)
Astounding fuel mileage makes hybrids look like gas hogs. If I had to commute 100+ miles/day, this is what I'd do it in.
Ford:
Mustang (sports coupe)
To me, a no-brainer. Reasonably priced package with a unique, loveable bodystyle.
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car
Traditional American design, refined to the nth degree. As durable and reliable as they are economical and comfortable. If i couldn't afford a STS, this is what I'd drive. oh wait, I do.
Ford Explorer (mid-size SUV)
The largest selling SUV for good reason. Like the Impala, it's claim to fame is the lack of glaring faults, rather than extraordinary virtue. Add in a reasonable price tag, and it's no wonder mom's of America love this truck.
Ford Ranger (compact pickup)
Possibly my favorite current Ford product. An object study in practical design at an affordable price, with class-leading durability and reliability. The Ranger doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, and continues to deliver on everything it promises to be- a faithful, trustworthy long-term work horse.
Ford SD pickup (full-size pickup)
If the Explorer is a study in compromise, the SD is the opposite: This is the truck that Ford does best, and Ford continues to show they understand who buys their trucks, and why.
the "other guys" first.
Cadillac STS/STS-V (full-size luxury sedan)
1) Takes the German's on at their own game- high performance and luxury with an American attitude. Unique Cadillac styling ads some flavor to a generally bland class grouping.
GM Suburban, Yukon, Escalade (full-size SUV)
1) Handsome, if dated styling has aged well. Still wears the "old" Chevy front end
2) Ride quality and acceleration set class standards
3) Durability/Reliability set class standards
4) Combination of low ride height, narrower body, and tight turning circle= mommy-friendly kid hauler
5) Dash design, while dated, is functional and user-friendly
GM (full size, FWD sedan)
Chevy Impala
One of the best balanced cars I've ever driven- nice compromise between ride, handling, performance, and gas mileage. Equally happy in a rush-hour commute, slogging through slush, or hammering down a back country road. The car's endearing by merit of the lack of glaring faults, rather than compelling virtues.
Nissan Altima (mid-size sedan)
Like the styling, like the performance (3.5), competitively priced. Japanese reliability without the snooze factor.
VW Golf/Jetta tdi (compact sedan)
Astounding fuel mileage makes hybrids look like gas hogs. If I had to commute 100+ miles/day, this is what I'd do it in.
Ford:
Mustang (sports coupe)
To me, a no-brainer. Reasonably priced package with a unique, loveable bodystyle.
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Lincoln Town Car
Traditional American design, refined to the nth degree. As durable and reliable as they are economical and comfortable. If i couldn't afford a STS, this is what I'd drive. oh wait, I do.
Ford Explorer (mid-size SUV)
The largest selling SUV for good reason. Like the Impala, it's claim to fame is the lack of glaring faults, rather than extraordinary virtue. Add in a reasonable price tag, and it's no wonder mom's of America love this truck.
Ford Ranger (compact pickup)
Possibly my favorite current Ford product. An object study in practical design at an affordable price, with class-leading durability and reliability. The Ranger doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, and continues to deliver on everything it promises to be- a faithful, trustworthy long-term work horse.
Ford SD pickup (full-size pickup)
If the Explorer is a study in compromise, the SD is the opposite: This is the truck that Ford does best, and Ford continues to show they understand who buys their trucks, and why.
Last edited by polarbear; Mar 16, 2005 at 01:36 AM.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Good Choice 73Fastbackv10
The Crown Vic is well underated, especially with the Handling package, transforms the car.
As you mentioned it is extremely relaible, if you are after a cheap car, just pick up a used one with a few k's on it, with be cheap motoring for many years to come.
Also you can pick up very cheap parts for them if some thing does go wrong.
The Crown Vic is well underated, especially with the Handling package, transforms the car.
As you mentioned it is extremely relaible, if you are after a cheap car, just pick up a used one with a few k's on it, with be cheap motoring for many years to come.
Also you can pick up very cheap parts for them if some thing does go wrong.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by 73Fastbackv10
Back to the original post, my vote is for the Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
1.) With legal seating for 6, it can carry more passengers than any other car and most SUVs.
2.) The trunk can hold a 31" TV or a BBQ still in the box and still close.
3.) Body on frame construction and its shear size make it one of the safest cars on the road (verified, unfortunately, by me)
4.) Body on frame design also isolate the interior from suspension and tire noise, giving it a very quiet ride.
5.) It can be had with 2.73 gears that are rated at 25 mpgs on the highway. I observed 27.4 mgs during a road trip to LA. With an intake and dual exhaust conversion, it will easily see over 30 mpgs despite the 4200 lbs curb weight.
6.) It dominates the police and taxi sells.
7.) Many have been known to go over 500,000 miles.
1.) With legal seating for 6, it can carry more passengers than any other car and most SUVs.
2.) The trunk can hold a 31" TV or a BBQ still in the box and still close.
3.) Body on frame construction and its shear size make it one of the safest cars on the road (verified, unfortunately, by me)
4.) Body on frame design also isolate the interior from suspension and tire noise, giving it a very quiet ride.
5.) It can be had with 2.73 gears that are rated at 25 mpgs on the highway. I observed 27.4 mgs during a road trip to LA. With an intake and dual exhaust conversion, it will easily see over 30 mpgs despite the 4200 lbs curb weight.
6.) It dominates the police and taxi sells.
7.) Many have been known to go over 500,000 miles.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Gray's Creek, NC
I might be going out on a limb here... but I think the 4.6 in Ford trucks doesnt get enough recognition.. from a reliability stand point. I own a 1999 F150 4x4 Off-Road Reg. Cab with the 4.6L. This truck has 134,000 miles and not one trip to the shop, except for a major tune up. Mind you the truck was with a leasing company as a logging truck, so it hasnt been babied, but the oil was changed every 3000, and PCV changed every 3000, and trans fluid changed every 30K. But I know alot of guys witht he 4.6s in their F150s and their gettin about 170K before anything is going wrong and some a little higher than that. No this engine cant pull very well and it accelerates fairly poor in a 4x4, but if you dont have a need for stump jerking power, reliability is what youre looking for. Just my opinion...
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