quote:
Originally posted by moving2:
BlueWorld- so what you are saying is that you value NVH quality over engine/drivetrain reliability. I would say you are in the minority on that one.
First of all, I do not agree on the ride/handling/fit/finish of domestics vs. japanese imports. It varies vehicle model to vehicle model. Comparing your minivan to a truck-based SUV is not a fair comparison. Ford's Freestar is a very quiet and smooth riding vehicle, very comparable to the Odyssey. Ever ridden in one?
Yes. And also a Chrysler Pacifica. We really liked the exterior styling, but the interior fit and finish and junk plastic interior, along with noodlely loose steering and ride quality on both were pathetic compared to even our then six year old Odyssey.
quote:
Originally posted by moving2:
My definition of quality is no major mechanical failure in 150-200K, and the Escorts made it. The Acura CL, Acura TL, Honda Accord, Honda Oddysey did not. I think most people would rather ride in and fix a domestic vehicle with a few squeaks/rattles (there are often TSBs on these things on both domestics and imports) than be stranded on the side of the road with a failed transmission, only to receive a bandaid fixed tranny that will likely only last another 70k.
Like I said, if that's all you care about, and are oblivious or don't care about the rattles, sloppy steering, loose handling, and cheap low end plastic junk interiors, then you are absolutely right in passing on an Acura/Honda.
quote:
Originally posted by moving2:
Honda's vehicles with trannies doomed to fail are better than Ford/Chevy's vehicles with squeaks/rattles? Sorry, but your argument makes little sense, and is a perfect example of the double standard many people have when it comes to import vs. domestic quality.
Yes they are, unless you are oblivious to the squeaks/rattles/sloppy steering/cheap interiors.
It only seems like a double standard if none of these matter to you. Believe it or not, there is no shortage of people to whom these things matter the most, and no shortage of people who only keep their cars for 3 years/40k miles.
If you're only going to keep a car for three years, give me the one that's tight from the start.
Also 'doomed to fail' is gross exaggeration with a 12% initial field failure rate and a 2% field failure rate for the rebuilds, and the vast majority of failures didn't result in 'stranded by the road'.
quote:
Originally posted by moving2:
BTW, I own a '97 Lexus LX and a '92 Ford Aerostar. Both have been very reliable.
If you don't see a night and day difference between these in terms of ride/handling/fit/finish you
- have lemon of an LX
- or bought a used LX that the previous owner(s) totally trashed
- or just can't tell (or care) the difference
I know people who think a Buick LaCrosse is just as good a car as an Audi A6 having driven and ridden in both, and are completely oblivious to the things that are so blatantly obvious/matter to me that I think they must be high on crack.
I only wish I was one of those people.