you know the sayin.."some old habits are hard to break"
What Car Maker Has The Most...
- Thread starter Zee09
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JHZR2
Staff member
I can’t say that we have any brand loyalty. Certainly not aligned to one dealership, salesman, etc.
The thing I’ll say about Honda is that we did rigorously compare vans and both agreed that the odyssey was the best of the group. Sienna and town and country were in the mix, but the odyssey hit the most high points. And then I liked the simple interfaces, clean design, etc. enough to buy the accord. I probably would have otherwise bought an E-class diesel (assuming the rear seat fit rear facing infant seats with us comfortable up front). But the accord’s “half price” and high MPGs were compelling at the time.
I would never have thought of us as a multiple-Honda household. Never in a million years. And who knows what will come next… probably whatever van has the best hybrid system and MPGs. But I will say that there was a simplicity and clean look to the interiors, not fancy, but clean and functional, that won us over for now.
I’d shop Toyota but every exterior is gawdy. I’m more and more afraid of euro brands because of the excessive cost and complexity of upkeep (and with three very active kids no time to deal with it). American brands are fine by me if they’re American made, but they need to have something compelling. Some of the GM cars are, but otherwise not much (besides overpriced pickups) is of interest.
I’ll say that Subaru is consistent. If one likes their cars, then next ones probably aren’t that different. Sort of like how I liked the consistency between the odyssey and accord. I’ve always wanted to like/but subaru, but just haven’t been compelled. Maybe if they can use Toyota’s hybrid system, with Subaru’s awd, and not the godawful ugly Toyota “SUV” car designs… keep the subaru wagon form factor… I’d consider one.
Odyssey was a great van actually. Had some quirks (4 PS pumps later, yes the last one I finally put Amsoil in and kept it overfilled, so it went 100K+)). But never stranded. Just stupid electrical stuff and broken plastic.
We're currently on our I think 6th or 7th Toyota so far, so pretty loyal. I'm even on my second Tacoma even though the first ones frame was to the verge of rotting out. We've had a couple different brands over the year, but keep coming back to a Toyota...
I drive a Jaguar X-type AWD, at my PA home. It's pretty good in the snow, but my Boss' Outback is clearly a step above when it comes to overall prowess on steep, snowy, icy, long PA hills and driveways. Like it or not, Subaru provides known winter performance. Other brands offer all sorts of AWD setups, many of which fall very short in real world conditions.
I'd like to see the brand loyalty by location and climate. I think that would speak volumes.
I'd like to see the brand loyalty by location and climate. I think that would speak volumes.
Zee09
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I am in the corner of MD. DE. And a walk across the street is PA.
Here for me the AWD Mitsubishi sports are the equivalent to your Subaru.
Rock solid and no drama.
That part of PA isn't quite as bad in snow. In my part where there is more snow there's alot more Subaru's, but mostly just 4WD trucks... No one brand sticks out really.
Zee09
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I hated driving my big trucks in snow. F250-350.
Never seemed sure footed and no road feel and when in 4wd they fought the road.
The Sports were far more confident and easier to drive.
That's why I've liked both my Tacoma's; quite nimble in the snow in 2wd or 4wd depending on the situation. The Liberty is pretty dang good in the snow too as it has a smaller footprint.
Zee09
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Yes nimble...far easier to drive.
My parents are on Subaru number 3. No else offers an affordable wagon with incredible AWD. 1990 Legacy Wagon~>2000 Forester~>2015 Outback.
I’m loyal to no brand but have come full circle back to American brands sort of.
I feel most all brands are generic now, except the luxury brands with superior paint and materials.
As far as Subaru MANY years ago we purchased one new, never again will I buy that brand, think it’s more a cult status for loyalty. It was the worst new vehicle I ever owned. Slowly over time everything just deteriorated, including the exhaust after 60,000 miles, was glad to get rid of it.
I feel most all brands are generic now, except the luxury brands with superior paint and materials.
As far as Subaru MANY years ago we purchased one new, never again will I buy that brand, think it’s more a cult status for loyalty. It was the worst new vehicle I ever owned. Slowly over time everything just deteriorated, including the exhaust after 60,000 miles, was glad to get rid of it.
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all offerings with the engine pointing the wrong direction simply can’t compare.
in the 80s audi kicked in everybody’s door and then subaru swooped in to establish themselves as the economy awd kings
I'm not so sure the crankshaft direction really matters all that much. There is a lot to a good AWD setup and getting power to each wheel when it's usable (this last part is key). Remember, the conventional differential takes a for-aft driveshaft and converts the power 90 degrees, and has done so for well more than a century. We can move power around without difficulty, or much loss.
