Letters to the Editors
Send a letter to the editors

Subject: Econosport Sedan Comparison Test
From: William

Referencing the Econosport Sedan Comparison Test, the performance figures for the SVT Focus seem extremely off from all other publications. You quote the SVT Focus as having a 0-60 time of 9.1 seconds. How can this be when most every car reviewer has this car doing zero to 60 from the low to high 7s? Motorweek has it at 6.9 seconds.

Can you explain why your 0-60 times for this car are so slow? Didn't your reviewers suspect a faulty car?

Given that the car was only a half-second slower than the last SVT Focus we tested we didn't suspect any problems. A number of factors can result in different results compared to other publications, so we stand by our numbers. — Ed.


Subject: Top 10 Cars with the Worst Residual Value for 2004
From: Alex

I have read the articles and forums on the Edmunds site for a number of years, and consider it the best auto publication, bar none. It is because of my high opinion of Edmunds that I have to express my concern over the article on 2004 cars with the worst residual value.

My concern is that some cars on the list — like the Chevrolet Aveo, or the Malibu Maxx — are new for 2004. How can their resale value be accurately predicted 5 years down the road? True, these cars are from manufacturers with traditionally low resale values. Perhaps the predecessor models of these cars (like the Malibu "Classic") had low resale values over the number of years. However, in the interest of accuracy, I would suggest separating on the list cars that have been around and are known to have low resale, from those that are new and are *expected* to have low resale.

My suggestion also applies to other forward-projecting lists such as the lists of vehicles with the best resale value.


Subject: Full-Size Truck Comparison
From: David

Your recent "full-size truck comparison" seemed obviously biased in my opinion & friends of mine whom read the article. Relegating the '04 Ford F-150 to 3rd place is like saying Jessica Simpson isn't gorgeous! Simply from the standpoint of endless possible configurations for ALL truck buyers & Ford's longtime outstanding durability reputation in the truck world, I'd say your article seemed to help others get a piece of Ford's well-deserved share of the pickup truck market. Well, after hearing many reports of Nissan's quality problems w/the Titan & knowing Dodge's longtime lack of quality reputation, this article did not keep me away from my local Ford dealer. I purchased an '04 F-150 Lariat (2/04) and am so impressed w/it (I drove all competitors' trucks…except Toyota…ugly styling & too small!) that I'm ordering a small fleet (25-30 units) of '05s for my business. Thanks for hearing my opinion on this matter. Until Edmunds becomes less biased & focused on redistributing market share I will no longer visit or recommend this once very good auto site.

You're right, our comparison was biased — biased toward the truck with the best performance, biggest interior and most usable cargo bed. The fact that the F-150 is offered in a regular cab model is meaningless and we have suffered from few quality problems with our long-term Titan test truck. If the F-150 works for you then enjoy, but we pick our winners objectively based on standardized testing, not some desire to equalize market share. — Ed.


Subject: Top 10 Features for Commuter Cars
From: Bryant

I love Edmunds articles in general. However, in the "Top 10 Commuter Car Features" article, I am surprised one key feature was left out of the top 10.

It's clear that the article focused more on convenience features such as two power points, or steering wheel-mounted audio controls. But how could you leave out something like ABS and side airbags? A "commuter vehicle" operates when there are the most cars on the road, and hence the highest likelihood of getting into accidents. Furthermore, the other features that you pointed out in the top 10, such as "good fuel economy" and "compact exterior" imply that a commuter vehicle's size will be smaller, hence further addressing the need for added safety features to minimize injuries in an accident.

Please explain how the editors of Edmunds consider the convenience of well-designed cupholders a more important feature than ABS.

The purpose of the "Top 10 Features for Commuter Cars" list was to focus strictly on convenience features. Safety features are important — important enough to merit their own list, and indeed, we've already completed work on a story that addresses this topic. Take a look at our "Top 10 Safety Features" list. — Ed.


Subject: ELD vs. VDC?
From: JD

I have been shopping for a truck and have decided on the Titan. My only question to you is: can a truck have both the Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) and a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) features? I e-mailed Nissan USA but they never responded. One service manager at a Nissan dealer I asked said, "I think you can only have one of the two and not both." He was not 100% sure of his answer. What is the difference between the two features? Which, in your opinion, if you were buying a Titan, would you rather have on the truck?

According to our information, the Titan can't be ordered with both VDC and the locking rear differential. A locking differential is intended for maximum traction during serious off-roading while the VDC system is more of a safety feature that will maintain control during evasive maneuvers. Deciding on which one is more important is up to you. — Ed.


Subject: Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles
From: Matt

How can you not include the Suburban/Yukon XL. A minivan can't come close. My family travels quite a bit up and down the East Coast for youth hockey. Winter and summer. We've had to drive in snow conditions, rainy conditions and extreme heat. We've owned several vehicles and a minivan can't touch a Suburban. Four bucket seats, a full bench seat behind that plus plenty of room to haul your gear. I even noted on a recent trip to Destin, Fla., every night when we went to dinner, there were noticeably more Suburbans and Yukon XLs there than about any other make. It rides like a luxury car and seats seven comfortably. The Suburban is the road trip vehicle.


Subject: Consumers' Most Wanted
From: B

I've read that the Toyota Camry was the best-selling sedan in the USA. Is that not the truth, and if it is why didn't you list it? Thanks for your answer.

The Consumers' Most Wanted survey indicates the cars people want to buy, not necessarily the cars they do buy. More often than not the Camry is chosen because of practical considerations not emotional ones. — Ed.


Subject: Thank you, Edmunds.com!
From: Johnny

I have been visiting your Web site for over a year now to check out future cars and review possible cars that I might buy. To make a long story short, I bought my first car with the help of the knowledge your Web site has given me. I couldn't have done it without Edmunds.com! From the True Market Value price that is almost exclusive to your Web site, to the "how to negotiate with the dealership" section…you make it so easy for people who are in the market for a new car. After negotiating for several hours for a price with the dealer, I signed a deal that was for the exact amount you posted as the True Market Value for the vehicle. I knew I got a great deal because I was the only one smiling at the dealership after I signed all the papers…hahahaha!


Subject: Most Wanted Picks
From: John

You guys are terrible! You pick cars like you are all Democrats. I'll bet you all have "Vote for Kerry" bumper stickers on your foreign cars. Look around and notice that we still have American cars in America. There, now I feel better; have a great weekend.

Other than our "Don't Vote for Nader" bumper stickers, we keep our politics out of the decision-making process. — Ed.


Subject: Passat Question
From: Ken

I read your recent review on the Diesel Passat: very interesting and that comparability w/the Prius might be along the lines of apples and oranges. I'm an analyst at a small, private investment firm and had a general question about Volkswagen for you. Any input you have would be greatly appreciated and only used for internal purpose. I've heard some feedback in Europe that Volkswagen's quality advantage is diminishing somewhat relative to other European carmakers (the others are "catching up" rather than VW getting worse). I wondered if you have an opinion on VW's relative quality advantage versus other manufacturers (anywhere, not just in Europe) given all the reviews you do and insights you've gathered from other people. I look forward to hearing your insight and greatly appreciate any time you can spare to help.


Subject: Passat TDI First Drive
From: Jim

Very nice article about the Passat TDI.

In relation to pollution — my TDI New Beetle running B100 BioDiesel pollutes 1/3 that of a Toyota Prius Hybrid (both getting 50 mpg on average). In 2006 when ULSD fuel is mandatory, they all will be inline with or better than their gas counterparts. It also accelerates 0-60 in under 7 seconds with an inexpensive Wetterauer chip.

Bottom line — yes, it can be cleaner than a Hybrid and yes, they can perform.

We'll be posting an article on the use of biodiesel shortly as there's growing demand for information about this type of alternative fuel. — Ed.


Subject: Lightning vs. SRT-10 Article
From: Kerry

Hmmm…let's see…with a power-to-weight ratio of 10 to 1 in the Dodge and 4 to 1 in the Ford, and given the fact that the Ford is saddled with a 4-speed automatic and the Dodge has a 6-speed manual, I would expect the Dodge to pull out much more than a .4-second lead in both 0-60 and the quarter-mile.

I would say that Ford is sandbagging — if it had been equipped with a manual, acceleration times would have been a wash, or the Ford would have won. It's making more like 450 hp right out of the box, regardless of what the spec sheet says.

This should have been mentioned in the test — just sticks out way too much to not mention.


Subject: Honda Element
From: Kristin

I'm confused about your listing for the Honda Element. When I talk with the dealers they tell me the Element is available in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive versions, yet your listing says AWD (which I assume is all-wheel drive) and 4WD. In your listing, the AWD is more expensive than the 4wd. What's the story? I'm confused.

You're confusing front-wheel drive (FWD) with four-wheel drive (4WD), with FWD being the equivalent of two-wheel drive. Hope this helps. — Ed.


Subject: Selling Your Car
From: Abe

I found Mr. Reed's article to be very useful, but I have concern that's gnawing at me as I prepare to sell my car.

I've heard about scams involving phony cashier's checks. How do I protect myself if the buyer hands me what looks like a proper check for the purchase price, and only days after I deposit it do I find out from the bank that it was a fake?

The easiest way to avoid any problems is to have the buyer accompany you to a local bank to make sure the check goes through. If they won't agree to that it's a pretty good indication that you might have a shady seller on your hands. — Ed.


Subject: BMW 645Ci Review
From: Bruce

Please do us all a favor and lay off the excessive styling comments!

I'm the first to admit the new BMW 7 and 5 Series sedans aren't what they used to be in terms of styling, but that's beside the point.

The point is it doesn't take reading a professional review for someone to decide whether they like the looks or not. They don't need you for that, and frankly, your opinion isn't worth a bit more on that topic than that of the 21 y/o receptionist who doesn't know anything about cars. So quit wasting time and space and trying to slant people away from the car based on your personal styling preferences. I'd much rather see you actually analyze how a car drives, or comment on real-world pricing, or any of a dozen other things than trying to slam a car for its styling when 9 out of 10 people out there would choose a 545i convertible over a Miata or any of the "good-looking" cars you tout.


Subject: Jeep Cherokee History
From: Randy

However I noticed an omission I thought I would point out. In the Jeep Cherokee history by John DiPietro, there is not one single mention of American Motors that I could find or even a nod. Since the little Cherokee, the 4.0-liter six, the 2.5-liter 4 were all designs of AMC engineers and Chrysler was able to use these basic designs from 1987 till 2001 era…they must have not have been too bad!

Wouldn't it seem their originator would deserve a nod or at least a casual mention? It's not as though Jeep operated of its own accord as some kind of mystical phantasm. They were part of American Motors from 1970-1987. Maybe the best move AMC ever made.


Subject: Mitsubishi
From: Anonymous

It's obvious your writers have a "dislike" for Mitsubishi vehicles. Do you own stock in Toyota?

You frequently make comment about the "underpowered" Diamante, comparing it to the Acura TL, among others. I have one question…where do you plan to use that 270 hp with the Acura? Your writers must have very high insurance rates from all of the speeding tickets.

I'm the owner of a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. I have had no problems with the car. I enjoy driving it and in my eye, it's a far better-looking vehicle than the Acura TL, (just a high-priced Accord). My best friend owns a new Acura TL and it has a very small and cramped interior, plus a harsh ride. Maybe guys who go for the high-powered engines are trying to make up for some "shortcoming" in their anatomy.

Hmmm…given that the TL is selling in record numbers while the Diamante was just discontinued by Mitsubishi it looks as though you're in the minority on this one. — Ed.