What American car should I buy.
02-27-2009, 11:08 PM
#31
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: Bus Driver
Posts: 51
I've owned a Ford Fusion for almost three years now and highly recommend it. However if you live in Detroit they are a dime a dozen. More than one occasion I've walked up to someone else's car thinking it was mine.
02-28-2009, 04:28 AM
#32
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: BassTracker
Posts: 665
Hey all.
Moving to CA in a couple of months and want to buy a US built car. Needs to be a 4 door midsize sedan of ok quality with a 6 cyl engine. In the 25k price range.
I have been looking at things like Mercury Sable or Milan or Pontiac grand prix etc but I know nothing about the quality of these cars.
Are they ok. Would you buy one as a family car.
Any info would be appreciated.
Moving to CA in a couple of months and want to buy a US built car. Needs to be a 4 door midsize sedan of ok quality with a 6 cyl engine. In the 25k price range.
I have been looking at things like Mercury Sable or Milan or Pontiac grand prix etc but I know nothing about the quality of these cars.
Are they ok. Would you buy one as a family car.
Any info would be appreciated.
02-28-2009, 01:05 PM
#33
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 1
Incredible editorial from a Ford Dealer in the Pittsburgh Region…well written "Letter to the Editor" from Elkins
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
Editor:
As I watch the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right
between the eyes. The fate of our nation's economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are
completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation.
The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of
millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the
dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold
onto myths that are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must have overlooked that GM outsold
Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in
the U.S. GM was the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford
makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial
quality? Did you bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord. And for '09 Ford
introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the
Corolla and Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring to 1980. The only Big Three
bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've noticed the attempts Toyota and
Nissan have made spending billions to try to get a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight
years Ford's F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this market and when you see
the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford
alone has invested more than $22 billion in research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel,
clean diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift to American. Maybe it's the fact
that his state of Alabama has given so much to land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is
more concerned about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen. Shelby's disdain for
"government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early '90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million
incentive package to Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While the bridge
loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's $180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen.
Shelby, not only are you out of touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus emergency vehicles to the recovery
efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in
2010, many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford Motor Co. The company has streamlined
by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since 2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product
is excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for success. Ford product quality
and corporate management have improved light years since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally
and the best auto company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of Wall Street has led to a $700
billion bailout of the industry that created the problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions
to lavish resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion foreclosure relief and the whole
thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for 4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the
country's largest industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the culprits of the
problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched and is not necessary. Ford currently
has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business
with. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care and retirements. Chances
are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if
GM or all three go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and some forgiven debt
goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment, this would be much worse than a loan with the intent
of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big Three, a $25 billion loan is
definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you, Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to
misinform the American public and turn them against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I
must ask you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care and retirement benefits
for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the
future and create an economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this question not
in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
Editor:
As I watch the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right
between the eyes. The fate of our nation's economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are
completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation.
The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of
millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the
dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold
onto myths that are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must have overlooked that GM outsold
Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in
the U.S. GM was the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford
makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial
quality? Did you bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord. And for '09 Ford
introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the
Corolla and Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring to 1980. The only Big Three
bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've noticed the attempts Toyota and
Nissan have made spending billions to try to get a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight
years Ford's F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this market and when you see
the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford
alone has invested more than $22 billion in research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel,
clean diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift to American. Maybe it's the fact
that his state of Alabama has given so much to land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is
more concerned about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen. Shelby's disdain for
"government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early '90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million
incentive package to Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While the bridge
loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's $180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen.
Shelby, not only are you out of touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus emergency vehicles to the recovery
efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in
2010, many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford Motor Co. The company has streamlined
by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since 2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product
is excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for success. Ford product quality
and corporate management have improved light years since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally
and the best auto company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of Wall Street has led to a $700
billion bailout of the industry that created the problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions
to lavish resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion foreclosure relief and the whole
thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for 4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the
country's largest industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the culprits of the
problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched and is not necessary. Ford currently
has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business
with. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care and retirements. Chances
are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if
GM or all three go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and some forgiven debt
goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment, this would be much worse than a loan with the intent
of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big Three, a $25 billion loan is
definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you, Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to
misinform the American public and turn them against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I
must ask you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care and retirement benefits
for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the
future and create an economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this question not
in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
02-28-2009, 10:46 PM
#35
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: Bus Driver
Posts: 51
Incredible editorial from a Ford Dealer in the Pittsburgh Region…well written "Letter to the Editor" from Elkins
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
Editor:
As I watch the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right
between the eyes. The fate of our nation's economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are
completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation.
The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of
millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the
dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold
onto myths that are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must have overlooked that GM outsold
Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in
the U.S. GM was the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford
makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial
quality? Did you bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord. And for '09 Ford
introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the
Corolla and Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring to 1980. The only Big Three
bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've noticed the attempts Toyota and
Nissan have made spending billions to try to get a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight
years Ford's F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this market and when you see
the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford
alone has invested more than $22 billion in research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel,
clean diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift to American. Maybe it's the fact
that his state of Alabama has given so much to land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is
more concerned about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen. Shelby's disdain for
"government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early '90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million
incentive package to Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While the bridge
loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's $180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen.
Shelby, not only are you out of touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus emergency vehicles to the recovery
efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in
2010, many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford Motor Co. The company has streamlined
by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since 2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product
is excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for success. Ford product quality
and corporate management have improved light years since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally
and the best auto company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of Wall Street has led to a $700
billion bailout of the industry that created the problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions
to lavish resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion foreclosure relief and the whole
thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for 4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the
country's largest industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the culprits of the
problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched and is not necessary. Ford currently
has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business
with. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care and retirements. Chances
are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if
GM or all three go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and some forgiven debt
goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment, this would be much worse than a loan with the intent
of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big Three, a $25 billion loan is
definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you, Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to
misinform the American public and turn them against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I
must ask you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care and retirement benefits
for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the
future and create an economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this question not
in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
Editor:
As I watch the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming and frustrating fact hits me right
between the eyes. The fate of our nation's economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are
completely out of touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person in our nation.
The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of
millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur. No Mr. Shelby, you are the
dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and '90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold
onto myths that are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must have overlooked that GM outsold
Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in
the U.S. GM was the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford
makes the Fusion that were both rated over the Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial
quality? Did you bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats the Accord. And for '09 Ford
introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the
Corolla and Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring to 1980. The only Big Three
bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've noticed the attempts Toyota and
Nissan have made spending billions to try to get a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight
years Ford's F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this market and when you see
the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford
alone has invested more than $22 billion in research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel,
clean diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift to American. Maybe it's the fact
that his state of Alabama has given so much to land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is
more concerned about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen. Shelby's disdain for
"government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early '90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million
incentive package to Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While the bridge
loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's $180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen.
Shelby, not only are you out of touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus emergency vehicles to the recovery
efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in
2010, many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford Motor Co. The company has streamlined
by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since 2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product
is excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for success. Ford product quality
and corporate management have improved light years since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally
and the best auto company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of Wall Street has led to a $700
billion bailout of the industry that created the problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions
to lavish resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion foreclosure relief and the whole
thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for 4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the
country's largest industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the culprits of the
problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched and is not necessary. Ford currently
has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business
with. A Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care and retirements. Chances
are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if
GM or all three go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and some forgiven debt
goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment, this would be much worse than a loan with the intent
of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big Three, a $25 billion loan is
definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you, Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to
misinform the American public and turn them against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I
must ask you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care and retirement benefits
for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the
future and create an economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this question not
in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
03-01-2009, 08:37 AM
#36
Works Every Weekend
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,210
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.
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.
Ah, and one commentary on that article.... 'initial quality' don't mean sh** once your car isn't new anymore.. which is like.. immediately.
03-01-2009, 10:53 AM
#37
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: 737 Right
Posts: 955
Going back to the original question, I just purchased a Ford Edge and love it. Good performance, reasonable economy, lots of room for the family, excellent safety scores by various consumer reporting agencies. You should be able to find a used one within your budget.
I've test driven a couple of Ford cars lately (notably the Fusion and Focus), and I have to say they've come a long way. All felt like good, solid automobiles. If I didn't need the extra room, I probably would have bought a Fusion.
I've test driven a couple of Ford cars lately (notably the Fusion and Focus), and I have to say they've come a long way. All felt like good, solid automobiles. If I didn't need the extra room, I probably would have bought a Fusion.
03-01-2009, 11:13 AM
#38
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: USAF
Posts: 1,398
Incredible editorial from a Ford Dealer in the Pittsburgh Region…well written "Letter to the Editor" from Elkins
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost.
Fordland. Please feel free to forward.
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to produce products as cost efficiently.
While the governments of other auto producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and legacy debt, our Asian competitors
employ cheap labor. We are at an extreme disadvantage in production cost.
So why exactly is Detroit having problems, if their products and sales are so superior to the Japanese and Germans? If this author's views were actually taken for what they are, a bailout wouldn't be an answer, rather a complete reassessment of their labor/production costs. And what is this Asians employ cheap labor business?? Is he calling the Southern American non-union labor force cheap labor? How about realistic-priced labor. "Extreme disadvatage in production costs".... honestly here? Hello!!! Welcome to the free-market business-world!!! - or maybe this person is stuck in the 1950-60s protectionist mindset.
oh, and subsidies... how about every government vehicle contract! How many Toyota police cars do you see in the U.S.?
Then this person laments about politics and corruption - of course the UAW is completely free from any sort of this.
It's all about the Benjamins baby.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
