Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN
Originally posted by: Ornery
"The domestics sat back and laughed in the early 80's when Japanese cars were rising. Now look at the domestics getting ass-r@ped from all fronts in that sector."
Apples and oranges. What econoboxes were the big three offering in the early '70's? The brass was thinking the same way I was, "Who the hell is going to want to give up a V8 cruiser for these wimp-mobiles?" They misjudged the fickle American consumer, who flocked to these weenie-mobiles in droves.
The Big Three started offering the Vega & Pinto & and some other models in the 80s. They still lagged behind the Japanese. They were surprised how Toyota and Honda managed to put out new cars every 4 years when it took the Big Three almost 5 to 6 years to churn out new models. The average developing time for Toyota was considerably less than that of the Big Three while still maintaining high quality standards. The Big Three were so envious of the Japanese production techniques that they formed a research team to analyze them and report the info. I have posted a few lengthy posts regarding why the Big Three were lagging behind. No one responded to those so I didn't bother going in more detail. You can search for them and PM me about it. I'd love to discuss the causes of why the Big Three were suffering at that time. I find it to be an interesting topic. I'd do it here, but no one seems interested.
Can't say that about the full sized trucks, though. They're treading on our turf now, trying to build what we've been building for eons. I don't give a damn what Japan, Germany or Korea puts out there, so long as it's fulfilling the market for full size, full framed, V8 vehicles. That would mean our consumers finally came to their senses again!
So what you trying to say is that the correct choice for consumers are large, inefficient, RWD V8 cars while FWD, V6, unibody cars can provide the same interior room (Altima is as big inside as the Crown Vic), more power than the V8 cars (Again, Maxima/Altima/Accord are more powerful than the Grand Marquis/Crown Vic), and reliability?
I really don't see why you think cars such as the Crown Vic and Caprice are superior to their Japanese counterparts and why the consumers of today should embrace them. Not everyone can afford the gas to fill up those beasts or the inpracticality of driving those cars on congested tiny streets and parking lots. Its fun watching those in full size cars trying to manuver and park in crowded lots (those in Scarborough who are familiar with Pacific Mall know what I am talking about). Its bad enough that the general drivers can't park Accords, I'd hate to see them park the Grand Marquis.
As for reliability, those that buy Accords & Camrys usually keep them for over 10 years and have to replace very little parts. My friend's 1988 Camry just rolled over the big 300k km mark and its still running smooth. He finally replaced the tie-rod connector piece whihc cost $30CDN and got it replaced in 10mins. He is still on his original CV boots/connector and pretty much everything except the battery/tires/brakes/fluids are original. So there goes your 'expensive to maintain' idea.
As for safety: I have two first hand experiences to account for the safety of these so-called tin cans. My family's 91 Corolla was rear-ended by a Ford F150 truck travelling at around 60km/h. We were untouched. Sure the rear end got crumpled, but nothing occured to the occupants (us). We got it fixed (yeah it was declared totalled, but we got it fixed for cheap and still used it since we couldn't afford another car at the time). Another story: My dad was driving the 240SX on the highway at fast speeds (~130km/h) , when he hit black ice, lost control and hit the guard rail. Then he swept across three lanes and hit the guardrail on the other side. He hit another car in the process too. Quite a horrific crash, the car looked like a mangle of metal. But you know what? The interior was untouched (apart from the airbag deploying and leaving that white powder stuff everywhere), and my dad walked away withouht any injuries..not even a cut or bruise. That's how safe these so called 'tin cars' are.
Btw wasn't your Lincoln or Grand Marquis (I forgot) declared totalled after it rear ended a Mustang at 15 mph?? And the Mustang was practically untouched you said. I'm not to make light of the acciden, but just saying that a large full-framed car like that got totalled in an accident that was fairly small.
