GM and Ford losing grip

[xaoshaen]

The G35 is a damn nice car. The Camaro and Mustang are obviously not in its class (one good reason they cost half as much), but the 500 and the Monte Carlo compare more favorably.

Nissan has been known to produce a few clunkers of their own, too...

[Narrock]

All my previous cars were American. The last one before my current one being a 91 Chevy Corsica. I had more problems with that car than you would believe. It kept burning out alternators, which apparently was a really common failing for the model. In the 5 or so years I owned it, I replaced the alternator 4 times. It also had really crappy brakes that wore out in nothing flat, and needed frequent replacements of the calipers, etc.

When the time came to get a new car, I was so utterly fed up with it, and wanting a great handling car with AWD, I went and got myself an Audi A4. Never been happier with a vehicle, ever. Not that it hasn't had it's own issues, but never anything major, and certainly nothing like the continual alternator/brake issues. When the time comes for me to get a new vehicle, you can be damn sure I'll look first at another Audi. Not to mention, there's basically NO US-made vehicles that are even remotely competitive in the sport sedan class, compared to things like Audi, BMW, etc. If I was buying a minivan (ugh, I'd absolutely look at a station wagon first), I'd likely look at different manufacturers than I would for a car for my own use.

I have no interest in buying Japanese, however, I simply don't care for the styling on most of them. About the only exception would be the Subaru WRX, which not only looks good, but has unparalleled performance and handling at its price point. Show me a US vehicle with equal performance, similar good looks, and an equivalent price, and I'd consider it, if I was going to buy a WRX. At this point, I'm not aware of one.

I agree with Toss here too; if the US automakers want to reclaim the lead, they need to go bigtime into alternative fuels and hybrids. Just think of the cash to be made by the first company to bring out a hybrid SUV with sufficient power to tow most trailers/boats/etc, and yet at the same time get half again or more gas mileage compared to normal SUVs. Hell, make a partnership with major agri-business consortiums and the independant gas station franchises, and make high performance diesel vehicles designed to run on biodiesel, and get their partners to make the fuel available at places like WorldGas, Rotten Robbie, etc.

-Arlos

/concur

From 1999 to 2002 I leased a brand new Audi A4. Consumer Reports wouldn't give it a recommendation because of "reliability" issues. Consumer Reports is turning into a bunch of knuckleheads that should leave their opinions to appliances and electronics. That car was the best car I ever drove. The quattro AWD system was unparalleled, the car handled incredibly well in the curves, it was pretty quick, and I never had any problems with it whatsoever. It hurt to give it back at the end of the lease. The new body style is... /drool My '05 Corolla S is nothing in comparison to the Audi A4.

[Rust]

I rented a Ford 500 this week, it's a nice car, but the engine is gutless.

But it was nice to drive as long as you didn't expect power. Comfy, nice looking, roomy trunk. Just no cojones.

--R.

[Tuggan]

the fivehundred is faster 0-60 than your standard common chrysler 300, the one without the hemi.

plus its not being marketed towards the same crowd, its for the older folks. overall its so fucking boring to look at, i dont know what ford was thinkin. the 'command seating' is pretty nice though, you really feel like youre driving something alot bigger.

[Harrison]

OMGZ IT CAN GET TO 60 FASTER THAN ANOTHER CAR

I am so going to buy it so people don't pay attention to my tiny cock.

[Diekan]

The 60's series of Dodge owned... but modern American cars are pure shit. I've already detailed the problems I've had with them in a previous post.

This country is already so completely fucked it's doomed to fall... the big motor companies falling is just another nail in a coffin lid that's already been laid on top the casket.

[Tuggan]

indeed, the ford fivehundred is totally made compensate for small penis syndrome.



at least know what youre talkin bout big guy.

[Harrison]

the fivehundred is faster 0-60 than your standard common chrysler 300, the one without the hemi.

I was commenting in general to the quote on it being faster than the Chrysler 300 to 60.

If that is a deciding factor in why you buy a car, you are retarded.

[Captain Insano]

The G35 is a damn nice car. The Camaro and Mustang are obviously not in its class (one good reason they cost half as much), but the 500 and the Monte Carlo compare more favorably.

Nissan has been known to produce a few clunkers of their own, too...

Not anymore.... There isn't a Nissan I wouldn't drive all the way down to the sentra and say its not a nice car. Their new trucks are also very sweet and better than the F150 I might add.

[Narrock]

It will be interesting to see what people start saying about this new car from GM:

http://www.pontiac.com/apprentice/?cmp= ... 2B473521S0


Body looks decent. The dashboard looks dated, and cheap. They should have also given it a bit more HP. My prediction is that it won't be a big winner for GM.

[xaoshaen]

The G35 is a damn nice car. The Camaro and Mustang are obviously not in its class (one good reason they cost half as much), but the 500 and the Monte Carlo compare more favorably.

Nissan has been known to produce a few clunkers of their own, too...

Not anymore.... There isn't a Nissan I wouldn't drive all the way down to the sentra and say its not a nice car. Their new trucks are also very sweet and better than the F150 I might add.

Care to guess how many categories they "won" in the Least Reliable Sweepstakes for 2004? Not all Nissans are as well made as the g35/350z.