31st Jul 2013, 22:00
The "automotive press" consists of more than just sports car enthusiasts. It also consists of media, either in print or online, which conducts reviews of new cars.
One of my biggest issues with them is certain comparisons they make when reviewing an unpopular model, if the car in question happens to be a domestic vehicle. For instance the Grand Marquis, which is at the center of this discussion.
It seems as though when a comment is made regarding the Mercury's interior volume as compared to its exterior dimensions, or its usefulness as a family hauler, comparisons are immediately made to Japanese sedans a la Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Yes, one would expect the Grand Marquis to have a little more interior room than it does when you consider how big the car is on the outside. But in that case, why not mention the interior volume of the Taurus? The Buick LaCrosse? The Chevy Impala, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger could also be mentioned in a comparison scenario.
However, almost any automotive article on this car or its siblings makes some sort of comparison to a Toyota or Honda, thus further drilling into everybody's mind that EVERY American car was designed during the Carter administration, and that buying foreign will ALWAYS be a better choice. It gets somewhat irritating after a while.
1st Aug 2013, 12:00
I'm not sure why anyone would compare a solid, luxurious Mercury Marquis to a tinny Accord or Camry. They are in a whole different category. Some people, myself included, just prefer smaller cars. Of course I'd opt for a better built domestic such as the Ford Focus or Chevy Cruze.
2nd Aug 2013, 15:51
That's correct. Most all of the items mentioned were strictly optional only on even luxury models in the 50's. Our classic 1955 Pontiac does not have power brakes, power steering, power windows or air conditioning.
3rd Aug 2013, 12:55
The commentor stated luxury models such as Cadillac and Lincoln. Pontiac is not a luxury make. I do believe that most if not all the items mentioned were standard equipment on the flagship Cadillac and Lincoln models from the mid-50s up.
4th Aug 2013, 17:41
12:00 -- AMEN. I have two close friends who like small cars. One bought a new Focus (in 2006), the other bought a used Chevy Cobalt last year (also a 2006 model). Neither person has had any issues with their cars, other than normal maintenance ex. brakes, etc.
People have to get out of the 1982 mentality that American cars = bad. I spend it where I earn it, thank you.
6th Feb 2016, 04:38
I absolutely agree! I have owned 2 Grand Marquis and just bought a 1998 Town Car as a second car (I always wanted one!). I love it! I love the ride, and the inexpensive repairs on it even for being a 17 year old car! My 98 Town Car will outlast most of the newer cars on the road! I have 178,000 on it, and it will go another 178! The bias of the "expert" car reviewers really makes me angry! I have owned 25 cars due to being in sales, I drive 3-400 miles a week! I have had Bonnevilles and Chrysler mini vans that all went over 200k miles! And I still sold them in good running condition!
7th Jan 2017, 04:35
Wow, one of each of the hundreds of thousands of Cruze and Focus models on the road. That is a great sample to base broad generalizations on!
7th Jan 2017, 13:59
Well Pontiac is gone, but I owned a totally loaded supercharged Bonneville. It was indeed a very luxurious and a totally loaded full size car. More dash displays, leather interior and rode great. I would also add the Park Avenue. Maybe Acura or Lexus would be better compared to the ride and luxury comparisons. Not a Camry or Accord, but a step up with luxury well optioned amenities in their upscale line up. But I would rather own a new Audi than any of the ones mentioned. Just bring your wallet.
22nd Jan 2013, 11:50
You are so wrong. Power windows, radio, A/C, power steering, power brakes, automatic transmissions have all been standard on the higher end Cadillacs, Lincolns, and Chryslers since the mid-1950s.
Also, the older cars are still on the road, running like the day they were first bought.
The reason why you don't see a lot of older vehicles with past 100,000 miles, is because people were obsessed with upgrading to a newer car every 2-3 years.