11Fan

For what it's worth, while waiting to pick up one of my Fords from the Service Department (routine maintenance of my Freestyle), I happened to look at the sticker for one of the Shelbys. On it was a US Built Percentage statement. I forget what it was exactly but something like 90% US Built. I don't know if all manufacturers state that but may be worth a look.

My former boss now runs Ford. Another reason why I am sticking with them, and as Winged Wheeler stated, Ford does not intend to take a bail-out.

Speaking of Ford, they used to sponsor Phil Mickelson. Way to go at Riveria today Lefty !!

oicur12

thanks all for the input,

Oldage84. Impala looks to me to be a good choice - good value for money, not too expensive etc. Its just such a move away from what I usually drive - nissan 200sx or bmw 130i. But having a bub in the backseat changes everything.

Now if only I could get a part time corporate job based in socal . . . . king air maybe . . . .short hops around in the sun . . . . enjoy the views from 25000' instead of 40000'. Keep dreamin.

Thanks again.

FDXLAG

Could this have something to do with our environmental and safety Nazis? Our do you think Ford just figures we don't want good looking and efficient cars?

Not to worry we voted for change:

Auto team drives imports | detnews.com | The Detroit News

VAviator

I have no idea what Ford is thinking, but I don't see how environmental and safety restrictions cause a company to build ugly cars. I have to think the European Fords could be made to fit our higher standards. Look at all the beautiful cars we get from so many other manufacturers that meet our standards. Ford can make good looking fuel efficient cars, but for whatever reason they don't find them fit to be sold in their own country.

As for that article... "The vehicles owned by the Obama administration's auto team could reflect one reason why Detroit's Big Three automakers are in trouble: The list includes few new American cars."

This is one of the dumbest comments I've read lately (and that's saying a lot considering how much as been written on the Colgan crash.) Implying that the American car companies are in trouble because a few government officials chose to buy foreign cars is completely asinine. If anything, it should be yet another example of how the Big Three have failed to build cars Americans want. These officials are bright people making good money and what do they choose to buy - not American.

FDXLAG

Actually the environmental rules (as they impact cost) are the exact reason ford can't expect their 3 cyl diesels to sell here and ironically it is a very clean engine.

I have no problem with limousine liberals buying whatever car they want.

I prefer to think of this as another example of how the BIG 1 limits the cars the big three can make that people want to buy. Did you miss where ford is recalling people because the 2009 F-150 is selling nicely?

VAviator

That's one engine and doesn't excuse them from not bringing stylish cars to their own market. And if they can produce a 60mpg diesel, I think they can probably build something similar with slightly less mpg at a reduced cost. To Ford's credit, the new Fusion Hybrid will be the most fuel efficient hybrid in it's class by a long shot. If they'd only build the European Mondeo here with that engine, I'd buy one.

Diver Driver

I drive a Saab 9-3, it's been a great car. Has nice getup and go and is reasonably priced, despite being a foreign brand, it is owned by GM.

VAviator

I've never owned one, but I've always loved Saab. Don't think they'll be owned by GM much longer though. There's lots of talk about GM selling them off soon. Wonder who will pick them up.

Along those lines, and the original spirit of the thread, you could go with a Volvo. They've been owned by Ford for a while. Don't think they are built here, but the profits come back, right? Guess it's a similar dilemma to buying a Mazda or Nissan built here but owned back in Japan. Maybe it depends on who you want to benefit - the workers or the owners.

oicur12

Nissan. Volvo. Saab.

All great cars - I once had a nissan.

BUT, I want to drive an American car. With horns on the front grille. Maybe not.

I have taken a fancy to the dodge charger V6. Slightly used with about 10000 miles on the clock for about 20k. Looks a treat but I know nothing of the quality.

And then theres the Chrysler 300 V6. BIG car but looks nasty. Any good?

Ahhh, too many to chose from.

rotorhead1026

I've had Dodges (and Plymouths). I had a few more small problems than a Japanese car would have, but they never let me down and were a LOT cheaper overall. Didn't start to show their age until 150k plus.

Ford trucks are rather well built, if you want to go that route. Extended cab, perhaps?

Sounds kinda like a pilot's love life ...