Posted on 07/17/2006 5:57:40 AM PDT by JamesP81
I just looked at the V-6 numbers: 210 HP (and 240 torque). I don't remember the torque rating, but in the mid-80s through the early '90s, the Mustang V-8 put out only about 225-240 HP, so the current V-6 is competitive in quickness to past V-8s (with much better gas milage). I'm sure the torque numbers are a bit less, though. However, we have about that rating in our Honda Accord and its nothing to sneeze at.
You mentioned GM not making Camaro anymore and could not afford a 'vette. Me too...pst the GTO is great. But move quick this was the last year of the Aussie versions. The Camaro and GTO will be back in 2009.
I gotta tell you that my 96 Camaro is the most reliable car I have owned in awhile. Almost identical drivetrain. Those GTOs are very very very good build in Oz. They are the family man's 'vette. The 04s are a good deal.
I agree. Such as supporting a corrupt union that wants a more socialist American and that strongarms their employees into voting straight Democratic ticket while funneling millions of dollars to socialist-minded candidates such as Hillary Clinton, Al Gore and John Kerry.
You buy Nissans and VWs and you're concerned about GM quality?!?!
Nissan finished behind every single GM nameplate other than Saab in JD Power's 2005 Dependability Study (#25 of 37). VW finished #34 of 37. In fact, Nissan finished below every traditional "American" brand except for Jeep.
Mercury beat Honda in JD Power's dependability survey....
But you make a very good point. Go for a brand that actually can do things better than average. Those are Lexus, Porsche, Lincoln, Buick, Cadillac, Infiniti, Toyota, Mercury, Honda, Acura, BMW, Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler (in that order, according to JD Power)
Subaru finishes below average.
Only GM, Ford, or DCX nameplates they beat are Volvo, Jaguar, Dodge, Mercedes, Jeep, Saab, and Land Rover...
"Mercury beat Honda in JD Power's dependability survey.... "
Is that initial quality? I would be more than a little surprised if over a 5 year period, any Mercury was more reliable than an Accord.
I like the drive and feel of American cars. But I like reliablity more. The thing that tips the scales for me is: The Accord is made in Ohio. GM and Ford are almost hurting themselves setting up manufacturing outside the US.
I'll take the Honda.
Only problem is that while they may believe it, they aren't executing it.
Toyota had the second highest number of recalls of any manufacturer last year (measured by % on the road)
Only Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, Honda, and Acura end up above average. Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubisihi, Suzuki, and Isuzu are all below average.
Mercury actually beat out Honda and Acura and almost tied Toyota (195 to 194) on JD Power's dependability study...
I don't base my car purchases on what some report says. I base my purchases on how those cars perform for me while I own them. I've owned mostly VW's and Nissans over the years and haven't had one bit of trouble with them. In fact, after I'm through with them, they usually go to my kids who drive them for a few more years. I'm from the old school. If something works for you...don't change.
You do realize that the list you provide a link to is a list combining sales and domestic content, right? It isn't purely domestic content.
And the only "Japanese" vehicles on the list are the Camry and Sienna. The other 8 are all Fords and Chevys.
That explains things a bit more -
But "entry level purchasers" are buying Escapes, Explorers, F-series..... It doesn't matter that they have no need for it - they buy them anyway...
Case in point - look at the very high rate of failures on Honda Accord automatics from 98-01.
Not many people hear about that one....
My 9 year old Ford has caused no real problems.
The past two years I've averaged $190 a year in maintenance and repairs, and I've done plenty of maintenance with new brake pads, and those sorts of things that wear out after 100k.
My 8 year old Camry has caused no significant problems, but it has cost about $1000 a year in maintenance and repairs with the same mileage....
The parts on the Camry are often 2-4 times the price of those for the Taurus.
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