16th Sep 2011, 17:36
Sadly the age of large American cars is over. 2011 marked the end for the Cadillac DTS, Buick Lucerne, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis. These were the last few models that held out with some remnants of the past glory (some more than others). The imports like Lexus have permanently left their impact. The cars we drive now have more in common with the Japanese imports than any American car of the past. With the cost of fuel soaring and no relief in sight, not to mention the preposterous standards the EPA is setting, we will probably all be driving sub-compacts like the rest of the modern world in 10-15 years. It is really very unfortunate that the modern American car is thought of as nothing more than a convenience appliance. There was a time when the automobile was something special to be proud of. I will always think of that time fondly.
16th Sep 2011, 14:37
16th Sep 2011, 11:52 is correct - these modern luxury cars are far worse and enormously more costly. Most drivers nowadays have never ridden in or driven a full sized traditional body on frame V8 sedan, so they really don't understand. Even the Oldsmobile Delta 88s I had ('82 and '84) were better than a modern luxury car, though not technically a luxury brand.