Have you driven a Ford lately?

[Table 5]

Hey Im not saying that all American cars handle like boats, but in general the emphasis usually seems to be placed on flat-out muscle. I'm a guy who generally prefers small great-handling cars though, so I'll gladly sacrifice some horsepower for corner-fun. For me, the domestic choices are pretty few and far between....whereas almost every European company has many models with above-average handling.

And yes, Top Gear is one of my favorite shows. Great stuff! I haven't watched that episode, so I will have to take a look when I get home for sure.

[COGENT]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Hey Im not saying that all American cars handle like boats, but in general the emphasis usually seems to be placed on flat-out muscle. I'm a guy who generally prefers small great-handling cars though, so I'll gladly sacrifice some horsepower for corner-fun.

Agreed. My friend has a new EVO and it is incredible... there is nothing in America that even comes close to comparing to a car like that... they just don't make it.

I would take that car over a Challenger any day.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by COGENT

Agreed. My friend has a new EVO and it is incredible... there is nothing in America that even comes close to comparing to a car like that... they just don't make it.

I would take that car over a Challenger any day.

well since this is a Ford thread, I should point out that both a 2009 EVO (I assume you were in a 2009), and a 2010 Mustang GT, sure it's newer, but my point is still valid, both pull 0.95 Gs on the skid pad.

So yeah, they do make it.

[Red_Baron]

Originally Posted by COGENT

This certainly has some truth to it but it's also a common misconception. You've mentioned Top Gear so I am sure you saw the Top Gear America Muscle Cars Road Trip. The quote "Well done fat man from Kentucky, this is a masterpiece" kind of argues your point. However, it also shows how bad America cars can handle (Challenger).

Now given, this is the opinion of TV show and these are the best America has to offer but I think some credit is due.

HaHa, just watched all 3 parts. I was LOL when he put the Caddy in the ditch doing a burnout or some "11's"

[COGENT]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

well since this is a Ford thread, I should point out that both a 2009 EVO (I assume you were in a 2009), and a 2010 Mustang GT, sure it's newer, but my point is still valid, both pull 0.95 Gs on the skid pad.

So yeah, they do make it.

Sorry, but they don't.

If your looking at power, of course Ford makes it but I was referring to the category of car. The Evo is an all wheel drive, 4 door vehicle that pushes out impressive power and is arguably one of the best handling vehicles in the world. There is nothing American made that compares to that... however, I'm not sure there has to be.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by COGENT

Sorry, but they don't.

If your looking at power, of course Ford makes it but I was referring to the category of car. The Evo is an all wheel drive, 4 door vehicle that pushes out impressive power and is arguably one of the best handling vehicles in the world. There is nothing American made that compares to that... however, I'm not sure there has to be.

Hmmm, 4-door fast American car that can handle. I can't really think of one either in that class.

I have an AWD 340hp 300C but it handles like a giant bag of dicks. Straight line, passing, passenger comfort, etc. is awesome. But I'm also waiting for the transmission to fall out or explode since it is a Chrylser lol.

[burn_this_city]

Chrysler has had terrible transmissions for years..

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by COGENT

Sorry, but they don't.

If your looking at power, of course Ford makes it but I was referring to the category of car. The Evo is an all wheel drive, 4 door vehicle that pushes out impressive power and is arguably one of the best handling vehicles in the world. There is nothing American made that compares to that... however, I'm not sure there has to be.

Clearly I'm not looking at power, as the lateral acceleration numbers should make obvious. I was making a point about handling. Is the lateral acceleration number the final word on handling, of course not, but it certainly is important, and the fact that the Mustang matches the EVO is pretty impressive.

[COGENT]

you're right, the Mustang is very impressive. I had one for 3 years (just a v6 though) before I got my escape and I had an absolute blast in it... not so much during the winter but the time on the dry road made up for it.

[Dynamic]

Never drove a ford but me and the wife bought a 2010 Equinox. I was dead set on a Rav4 or a CRV but they were more expensive and felt way cheaper. Never thought I would ever own a domestic but I do now.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Well comparing a Corolla (specific model) to Ford (an entire brand of cars/trucks) makes no sense at all.

How about a 500+HP GT500? I think that might do it for you lol.

Yeah of course. I was actually going to write that maybe a Mustang or GT500 would be the obvious exceptions, but thought it was obvious enough to omit from my post. Guess I should have specified.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I hope you're over 25 or otherwise I automatically hate you.

Wouldn't you hate someone over 25 still getting free cars from their parents more?

[henriksedin33]

Originally Posted by dre

I bought my wife a focus, and she loves it. It handles great. Some
civic lovers even told me that if you put an H on the focus, you could
sell it for $6000 more.

The difference, IMO, is that in 15 years the civic will be pushing 250k and running like a top, while the focus will likely be in a junkyard. Of course if you're not planning on keeping it that long its not so important, but this is why you're going to take a hit (comparatively speaking) on the resale.

They're definitely getting better, don't get me wrong, but IMO American cars are still built in a semi-disposable fashion compared to their Japanese and even German counterparts.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by henriksedin33

The difference, IMO, is that in 15 years the civic will be pushing 250k and running like a top, while the focus will likely be in a junkyard. Of course if you're not planning on keeping it that long its not so important, but this is why you're going to take a hit (comparatively speaking) on the resale.

They're definitely getting better, don't get me wrong, but IMO American cars are still built in a semi-disposable fashion compared to their Japanese and even German counterparts.

I dont think anyone keeps, or plans to keep vehicles that long anymore. I have a 1979 Ford Truck, and 84 Mustang, I cant imagine any brand new vehicle lasting that long.

My sister's 02 Jetta is already junk and my friend's 06 Avalanche has more Injured Reserve time than Peter Forsberg.

Not to say that the Fords are of some incomparable quality, but more that new vehicles are built to be junked within 5 years.

[Red_Baron]

Originally Posted by henriksedin33

The difference, IMO, is that in 15 years the civic will be pushing 250k and running like a top, while the focus will likely be in a junkyard. Of course if you're not planning on keeping it that long its not so important, but this is why you're going to take a hit (comparatively speaking) on the resale.

They're definitely getting better, don't get me wrong, but IMO American cars are still built in a semi-disposable fashion compared to their Japanese and even German counterparts.

I know of at least 3 people with 250,000 plus on a focus and the only reason they look shabby is due to the dents and misuse over that time. As for every honda seems to drop a transaxle around 170,000 and I've seen quite a few balancers come apart on these things as of late. They are not the same car as they were in the 80's.
Time will tell about the focus as my wife's has over 100,000 and shows very minimal wear and tear despite my wife's disgusting laziness when it comes to cleaning it.

[COGENT]

Originally Posted by henriksedin33

The difference, IMO, is that in 15 years the civic will be pushing 250k and running like a top, while the focus will likely be in a junkyard. Of course if you're not planning on keeping it that long its not so important, but this is why you're going to take a hit (comparatively speaking) on the resale.

I think your point here WAS valid throughout the 90's and into the early 2000's but no one can say that the car they have right now, regardless of the make, is going to last till 250K... there is just no proof.

Honda has always made great, long lasting vehicles... no question. However, as a few have already stated so has Ford and I think they have had no choice but to get back to making quality, functional vehicles. Probably why they are starting to make money again.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Wouldn't you hate someone over 25 still getting free cars from their parents more?

Nah, nothing grinds me gears more than privileged little turds who get everything handed to them and don't appreciate it. If you're still getting that stuff at 25, it's more pathetic than aggravating.

[Clever_Iggy]

I've never owned a domestic car and probably never will, but Ford has changed my perceptions. I've been hearing really good things about several of their models the past few years and the fact that they are running their business without the crutch of the federal government actually means something to me.

[dre]

Originally Posted by henriksedin33

The difference, IMO, is that in 15 years the civic will be pushing 250k and running like a top, while the focus will likely be in a junkyard. Of course if you're not planning on keeping it that long its not so important, but this is why you're going to take a hit (comparatively speaking) on the resale.

They're definitely getting better, don't get me wrong, but IMO American cars are still built in a semi-disposable fashion compared to their Japanese and even German counterparts.

My brother is on his second engine with his 92 Honda, and my parents
are on their second engine with their 2001 Acura 3.2 TL. My parents are thinking of buying the new SHO Taurus in the spring.

I think with good maintenance most cars will do well. I managed to get a new 2009 SES fully loaded, leather seats for $18700, I think that is hard to beat.

[Table 5]

I really wish Ford would give us the more contemporary designs of their cars though.

Why do we have to buy this Focus...



When we could get this Focus....



Come on Ford, we like good looking things too!