you can't seriously say that the Escort, Focus, or Cavalier was any better. In that class, Honda and VW rule IMO.

 

Well the only other vehicles Ive owned were 3 hondas and 1 suzuki but motorcycles dont count. I never have and never would say those cars are better. Domestic cars in general are ****.

 

Just saw an AP article saying that the UAW is only talking to Ford right now. They walked away from GM and talks with Chrysler are slowing down to a stop. Ford right now is the only 1 out of the detroit 3 that looks like they will survive. GM possibly can, but they need to turn alot of stuff around and cut costs.

Chrysler should be done. Government never should have bailed them out in the 70's. All they have done is buy other companies (Jeep, AMC, Eagle) and use those companies technology to help themselves. Heck the Prowler wasnt even Chryslers own idea, it was Chip Fooses idea that Chrysler bought the rights to. And look how Chrysler needed Mitsubishi to help them during the 80's and 90's build cars and trucks.

Fords vehicles have gotten alot better over the past few years. Most of the cars have been proven to be more reliable than even Toyota and Honda, they have more safety ratings (with the help of the Volvo division) and their cars and trucks are starting to get better fuel economy. Chrysler cant say anything, but GM can only say about fuel ratings right now. Plus Fords trucks are way much better than any Dodge or Chebbie with all the new stuff Ford has been implementing on the trucks (Tailgate step, integrated brake controllers, side step at bedside, modular engine)

 

That was not even a bailout, just loans that Chrysler paid back quite a few years early actually!
Like any company does? It is not like the Prowler was a huge money maker for them. Ever heard of the Ford Pantera? Made by De Tomaso and imported and badged as a ford. Also much like Ford with volvos safety equipment, or the many ford vehicles running around on volvo or mazda platforms, and vice versa.
They are still doing it to this date. Ford Edge, Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan are all made on a mazda designed platform.
In initial quality.
Why would Chrysler or Chevy want to the Modular engine, when they already have their own modern, high performance V8 engines, they also both happen to be physically smaller, ligher and more powerful then the Modular series as well. The Dodge's also have the integrated brake controller, as well as a 5 link coil spring rear suspension on the 1500s. The chevys have the best mileage. Neither the Dodge or Chevy need the tailgate step or side steps because they don't have the rediculously tall bed rails, or the extremely high rear end.

 

It will be interesting to see how the link coil rear suspension holds up under frequent use and abuse. But I definitly agree that neither Dodge or Chevy should be envious of the modular, and yes the Fords rear-end sits way higher than necessary. "Chrysler can't say anything"; four door extended cab, dual sliding doors on minivans, both chrysler firsts. Then there was the Cummins, you don't see a whole lot of people lowering Powerstrokes into Dodge trucks, but you'll find plenty going the other way.

 

Chrysler was able to bring themselves out of bankrupcy with their K platform and 2.2/2.5L engines which were NOT mitsibishi designs. They did sell captive imports just like ALL of the domestic automakers, and they did source the 3.0L v6 from mitsu, but it's not like Ford never did it. How about the Mazda and mitsubishi transmissions used in some ford trucks? how about the Probe,festiva, Aspire, and mercury Villager van? All outsourced in some way.