Mercedes quality is improving, but the cars aren't functional as they
used to be. I find the CLS rather ugly, tiny windows, submarine like.
I'm surprised at how many find it beautiful. And the functional Mercedes
of the 80s would never make such a compromised-function style design.
Road manners are fine, some of the tanklike firmness has been softened.
Agreed all, the command systems are a mistake in my opinion.
MB made a huge mistake giving up their heritage and it will take time to get
their good name back.
BMW's styling is now at least controversial, but solid and well built
with excellent handling and class-leading dynamic qualities. Maybe
overkill with electronic steering and a bit too much stuff inside. I'd
like to see them go back to functional.
The much maligned 7 series is absolutly beautiful inside, but why oh why do
they continue with I-Drive.
Well I will not likely ever have to seriously weigh the pros and cons of 7
series ownership, however if I-drive is ever sorted out it could be a great
idea--simple look and simple control.
Audi has had questionable reliability in the past. The interiors are
some of the best in the business. Cars feel like planted German cars to
me. Handle well, quattro is great.
Audi is on a HUGE quality kick--since 02 they took a page from Toyota and
figured out that quality saves money--when they have less rework and when
they have less warranty expense.
That said I am still putting of the purchase of the A6 my wife loves (just
like my old bosses yacht inside, can we please get it?)
Lets see what happens as the 02's and 03's enter the used car market....
Volvos handle better, look better, use quality materials (with some
exceptions), plastic was first used by Mercedes in the 80s--I remember
the S class using plastic on the lower bodies. I think Volvo is fine,
the s40 is very understated and goes well, so is the xc90, but I miss
the visibility of all of the European cars of the 70s and 80s. Spotty
reliability, especially early s80, s60, and some issues with s40s and
xc90s.
Inexcusable mess, the mass airflow issues, but the s60 is unique and does
seem to radiate a intrensic goodness (posted by a volvo owner from the volvo
group)
Jaguar is hard to guage. Jaguar is in a rut of sorts, I don't find the S
and X to feel like sumptuous Jags of the past. Only the XJ feels this
way. There's more Jag components in the Ford platforms, so maybe Ford
learned its lesson that Jag can't have too much Ford content.
Just look at a real Jag I.E. a XJ and tell me that somewhere you dont have
visions of asking Vikksbury to bring you a large whiskey and soda after you
arrive back in Jolly Old after nipping off to the continent for some amusing
tryst with a saucy chestnut haired beauty before you head home to the hearth
and Aga....
I like the Saab 3, but the other Saabs are questionable. I hope this
very individual brand gets back to being unique, but I'm not counting on
GM to keep it this way. Losing the hatchback loses at lot of
individuality and carrying capacity.
Very true, however the 9-2 shows some promise.
Now if GM could do a deal with Alfa and sell a rebadged and reworked 159 as
the next 9-3.
If one day I wake up next to oh, say Ally Sheedy or Michelle Peiffer or
Debra Winger
VW's feel great, but the new Jetta looks Corolla-like in some ways,
inside and out, and they've softened the handling a lot. New Passat
looks like it will overtake Camry/Accord quality.
Agree they make a good design, but how the hell did they have that coil
issue?
What the hell were they thinking with the new Jetta? Corolla like? How
about Elantra like?
The new Passat looks like they are going way over for the German Buick
look--a bit overdone and luxe at the expense of performance.
Alfa, Acura, and Audi seem to have a better blend of performance and luxury.
If they correct their long term quality issues--so bad Audi split their
quality department from VW and bring out the new Karman Giha whatever they
call it the simple roadster they will be on a roll with the Electrra 225
Passat, the Elantra Jetta, the Miata roadster...gee how about the 1980's
version GTI in a modern guise? For less the 25?
Overall, European cars are still desirable, Japanese cars keep them on
their toes. Also, some Japanese cars, like Infinity M45, which used to
have pathetic interior and exterior styling, now has wow styling and
feels more cutting-edge than the more conservative European designs.
Very true, also look at the price value that Acura gives--everything is
standard, they are not #1 in any thing but they are # 2 or 3 in
everything...and they charge the least too! Why the 330 costs 40 or more?
Well hey if they get it more power to them!
But, new Mercedes S looks good,
I disagree, but hey thats what makes it interesting.
The e350 seems true to the MB history however.
BMW took chances,
And they still make a very nice car, however the M45 and the TSX seem to
have a better handle on the mid sized and compact sports sedan
equation--Price is a big part of it!
Volvo's s40 has some
The 40/50 will be historic, along with the new 7 and the a6 for cars that
have design inside, serious statement design.
The slim stack is so lovely and elegent in the 40/50, the simple dash of the
7 series, albeit with the dread I-Drive, and the opulant luxury of the A6
Audi's A6 is wonderfully modern and integrated.
Competition is yielding interesting designs.
Very true, and hey the Kia is a good transportation box.
It is the flavor of the car that will be sold in the future.
Bland vanilla Toyota/Lexus
Edgy BMW
Sporty Infiniti
Prudent Acura and Volvo
and hey, they make some trucks in the USA that are not too bad....
