Dirty Dozen: Biggest Auto Busts in the Last Decade - Page 4 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

North East Goon · 12-17-2009, 02:30 PM

What's the supposed gas mileage for a Jeep Liberty? Whatever it is - it's not very good.

Sliver · 12-17-2009, 02:32 PM

Combined city/highway for a 4x4 2009 Liberty is 17 MPG.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

Shazam · 12-17-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Now it's obvious you are joking...

Full disclosure: Aeneas is blind

COGENT · 12-17-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Hugely successful vehicle for Chrysler - one of the few successes they really had during the time it was manufactured.

It's a super versatile car - with the back seats removed, there is an absolute ton of cargo space. Only real issue is that its not that good on gas, and doesn't have much range, but otherwise I like it.

Fare Enough, everyone has different requirements when purchasing a vehicle. I just thought it to be gutless and it handled like a mini van. I also found the interior to be completely off the mark in the sense that the genre of the interior was complete different that exterior. Obviously it wasn't designed with me in mind.

Table 5 · 12-17-2009, 09:07 PM

And now for the opposite.....The Top 10 Forward Thinking cars of the Decade.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/t...of-the-decade/

There's definitely a few cars on here I dislike (still hate what Chris Bangle did to BMW with a passion), but hard to argue with their influence.

PIMking · 12-17-2009, 09:26 PM

When I sold cars we use to have big guys come and look at the titan and tell me that they want to look at the tundra. I just laughed and said "I hope you fit" I'm 5'10 and I felt like the cabin was way too small for me. Its ugly and better yet its a toyota".

Needless to say he came back to test drive again. He kinda looked like he had a leg cramp.

sclitheroe · 12-17-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COGENT

Fare Enough, everyone has different requirements when purchasing a vehicle. I just thought it to be gutless and it handled like a mini van. I also found the interior to be completely off the mark in the sense that the genre of the interior was complete different that exterior. Obviously it wasn't designed with me in mind.

Yes, if you droved it expecting a small or mid-sized sedan, its not. In fact, owing to the flat floor with the seats removed, it actually qualifies as a pickup, a technicality that Chrysler used to get it included with their trucks for calculating their fleet mileage specs - in the US you have to meet a certain minimum level of fuel economy across your product lineup in each vehicle category. I believe it was actually designed expressly for this purpose, because the big RAM trucks were not getting great mileage.

It is pretty gutless; it's also pretty heavy. The turning radius also sucks huge (it's really quite bad). The fact that my Chevy Venture full size minivan easily out-turns the PT is amazing to me. I do like the styling though, both outside and inside. Like I said, I think I have a thing for ugly vehicles, but I'm OK with that. There are a couple of styling cues that I really like, such as the push-button door handles, and the winged logo trunk release. I also like the steering wheel and instrument cluster. The placement of the cruise control stalk is great, and the wheel has spokes at 4 and 8 o'clock that are nice when driving with your arms on the armrests.

At the end of the day, I enjoy driving it.

COGENT · 12-18-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

And now for the opposite.....The Top 10 Forward Thinking cars of the Decade.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/t...of-the-decade/

There's definitely a few cars on here I dislike (still hate what Chris Bangle did to BMW with a passion), but hard to argue with their influence.

I have wanted an Infinity FX for so long now. IMO it was a completely unique/new design done right... and I love it!

I think Porsche creating the Cayenne was genius move. A friend of mine has one and it's a beautiful vehicle. (it's no PT cruiser though

)

Table 5 · 12-18-2009, 10:24 AM

Yeah, the FX is definitely a great design. I'm not an SUV/crossover guy, but after having driven a Murano, I have to say Nissan is doing some good things in that dept. Too bad their cars are mostly uggo these days.

Despite it giving the company a financial boost, I always hated Porsche for selling out to the SUV craze....I've always hated the Cayenne, and I always will.

4X4 · 12-18-2009, 10:38 AM

Yeah, I always thought that the Tundra was the ugly big brother to the dapper Tacoma.

And the avalanche? One of the ugliest trucks ever. Surprised the hell out of me when Honda copied the design with their truck (can't remember the name). That Honda truck looks ridiculous with a canopy on it.

Say what you will about vanity, but people are allowed to be vain about their cars, IMO. There's nothing wrong with driving an ugly car out of necessity, but if you've got the cash to buy something nice, obviously looks are going to play a part in your decision. My cousin bought an Avalanche. I now question his decisions.

automaton 3 · 12-18-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sliver

Well I think you'll have to back that up with some proof like I did. I'm sure as the engines in the domestics get bigger they don't get any better on fuel lol.

Do you really think a Tundra is worse looking than the Avalanche? If so, that boggles my mind.

I agree that it doesn't sound right, but the Silverado with the 5.3 is rated at 17 combined, the Ford with the 5.4 is rated at 15, the Dodge with the 5.7 Hemi is rated at 15...all from the same site that you were looking at.

That Toyota engine is quite powerful for its displacement though.

On the Avalanche, lol yeah have to agree its not pretty especially the early ones with the cheap plastic cladding. The people I know that have one love it, so it must have other redeeming factors.

Barnes · 12-18-2009, 11:18 AM

I saw one of those Honda 'trucks' at Burnco with its bed filled with soil and it looked like the back wheels would pop off and the bed sides fall off.

Sliver · 12-18-2009, 11:28 AM

Yeah I have a Tacoma for work as well. Hey 4x4 have you ever figured out what the "clutch start cancel" button is good for? I cannot think of a single application where I would use it and I snooped around a bit on Tacoma forums last year and didn't see a good answer there, either.

I disagree that it's fast, though. My daily driver has ~350 hp and my car before this was a modified Mustang so my expectations are probably too high, but I honestly think my wife's automatic minivan would blow the doors off my Tacoma.

FX is a nice vehicle and I like the sound of Nissan's 3.5 (I know some people think it sounds harsh at high RPM but I've never found that). I drove one for six months two years ago and the only reason I wouldn't buy one is because the interior is really small despite the huge overall outside proportions. It makes no sense at all.

Ford's 5.4 litre is an awesome engine. I had an Expedition with the 5.4 and it guzzled back gas like mad, but I never minded because it was such a pleasure to drive. Interesting tidbit - the FX35 gets the same fuel economy as a 5.4 Expedition...figure that one out!

Regarding the PT Cruiser - I have a soft spot for uber-practical vehicles, even if they're ugly. The PT Cruiser isn't aging awesome, but it was sharp looking when it came out and the price was really competitive. Another one of those vehicles that the "everyman" could buy and it still had some style. I don't think it would ever belong on an ugliest-car-ever list.

Teh_Bandwagoner · 12-18-2009, 11:33 AM

COGENT · 12-18-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

Despite it giving the company a financial boost, I always hated Porsche for selling out to the SUV craze....I've always hated the Cayenne, and I always will.

Lol I can see your point here. Does a sports car company really need to make an SUV? Did the world really need that? Obviously not. I drive an SUV so the Cayenne is something for me to admire in the class of vehicle I drive. I wonder how it would do on a camping trip?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnes

I saw one of those Honda 'trucks' at Burnco with its bed filled with soil and it looked like the back wheels would pop off and the bed sides fall off.

I remember hearing about the Honda Ridgline and how they decided to make the cab and box one solid unit rather than separating the two. You would think that if you had a load in the box and didn't have the flexibility of the 2 separate units that it would be pretty hard on the frame?

4X4 · 12-18-2009, 11:47 AM

I've used the clutch start cancel quite a few times, actually. Funny thing, I bought the highest trim package available (sans double cab), and then chintzed on the remote starter. So in the morning, I start my truck before taking my dog around the block. I can't get in the truck or else she freaks and jumps in too. So I reach in, turn the key, hit the button, then start the truck.

As for it's pick up and overall top speed, is yours a V6? And what about the tranny? Auto or manual? I can only speak for myself, but my truck is damn quick. I'm not a red light racer, but a few times I've wanted to get out in front, and the driver beside me anticipated it, and attempted to keep me back... Not happening. Same thing at cruising speed. Drop a gear and pin it... It's not a porche, but it destroys the other vehicles I drive from time to time, such as an F150, a Santa Fe, a Cherokee Ltd, and a Malibu. But again, those are all autos, and I do tend to drive like a granny when I'm in someone else's vehicle.

I dunno, what about you, Shantz? You find your Taco fast? I love the feeling of mine. Handles well, and goes like hell.

Sliver · 12-18-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

I've used the clutch start cancel quite a few times, actually. Funny thing, I bought the highest trim package available (sans double cab), and then chintzed on the remote starter. So in the morning, I start my truck before taking my dog around the block. I can't get in the truck or else she freaks and jumps in too. So I reach in, turn the key, hit the button, then start the truck.

As for it's pick up and overall top speed, is yours a V6? And what about the tranny? Auto or manual? I can only speak for myself, but my truck is damn quick. I'm not a red light racer, but a few times I've wanted to get out in front, and the driver beside me anticipated it, and attempted to keep me back... Not happening. Same thing at cruising speed. Drop a gear and pin it... It's not a porche, but it destroys the other vehicles I drive from time to time, such as an F150, a Santa Fe, a Cherokee Ltd, and a Malibu. But again, those are all autos, and I do tend to drive like a granny when I'm in someone else's vehicle.

I dunno, what about you, Shantz? You find your Taco fast? I love the feeling of mine. Handles well, and goes like hell.

re: clutch start cancel - well, there's my answer! I guess it is an interesting feature to be able to start it without being in the truck. Still kind of a weird IMO, but glad somebody out there is using it.

Yeah mine is the V6 Extended Cab 4x4 with a 6-speed manual transmission. Seems average accelration wise and I would even have smaller tires than you (don't have the TRD package) so it should technically be faster. Well maybe mine's a lemon that way or I might just be wanting too much out of it. All and all, it is the perfect small truck and is better than all the rest IMO. Maybe there's a chip or something I could get for it. If I ever see you at a set of lights I'll try and take you off the line.

4X4 · 12-18-2009, 12:03 PM

What about the 110 jack in the box? Do you ever use that? I do... I'm too cheap to buy a phone charger when I can plug an extension cord into the box and run it through the back window and charge my phone with a regular charger..!

Sliver · 12-18-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

What about the 110 jack in the box? Do you ever use that? I do... I'm too cheap to buy a phone charger when I can plug an extension cord into the box and run it through the back window and charge my phone with a regular charger..!

My welfare version doesn't have that feature.

What I find a bit annoying is the 9v jacks in the truck turn off when the truck turns off. Sometimes I'd like to keep my phone charging or the GPS charging when the truck is off but it won't let me.

Red_Baron · 12-18-2009, 01:58 PM

Definitely agree with the Ion, a couple I know had one and it was slow, handled poorly, was plasticky, and the worst was the center gauge layout. I'm not sure what my friends were thinking when they bought it. When they went to trade it in they were way upside down on their loan as the thing's value was close to worthless by the time it was 3 years old.
In my opinion, The toyota yaris should be on that list as well, gutless, no personality, and again, the center gauge layout-from the driver seat, it looks like 90-from the passenger seat it looks like 80...But then again, I don't do basic transportation well and probably would hate driving most cars in this segment.
The Element should be there too...
As for the STS Caddy, the biggest problem is that the CTS is such a good car and the larger luxury market has kinda dried up recently, I was surprised to see it in this list.