Letters to the Editors
Send a letter to the editors

Subject: Confessions of a Car Salesman
From: anonymous

Just finished reading "Confessions of a Car Salesman," and it's a work of art. I loved it. I spent about three years in the industry, more as an experiment, after my early retirement. I was in four different dealerships in three years. Your guy Chandler was dead on the mark. He should win a Pulitzer. I'm printing the piece to share with my friends, mainly to educate them. They hear me tell it, and they think I'm making it all up, [because] it's so bizarre. Thanks for all you do to advise consumers of the pitfalls, ploys, & traps. Keep up the good work.


Subject: Confessions of a Car Salesman
From: awonpat

I read the insightful article "Confessions of a Car Salesman." I found it to be very useful. I plan on buying an SUV relatively soon, and I had a question regarding one of the points [the author] made. In his article, he states to contact the 'Fleet Manager.' How do you know when you contact the dealer, if you're really getting the Fleet Manager? Do a lot of people use this method? What is the best way to contact him/her? I've been to the prospective lot's homepage, but it didn't give the Fleet Manager's name. In fact, no Web page I've been to lists the Fleet Manager's name.

It's very easy to contact the Fleet Manager at a dealership. Just call the main number and tell them you want to speak with the Fleet Manager. At smaller dealerships, they might have someone who doubles in some other capacity and is also the Fleet Manager. At larger dealerships, there might be several Fleet Managers. You might also try asking if the dealership has an Internet Manager. Again, sometimes the Internet Manager doubles in another capacity.

If you want to be completely sure you've reached the right person, when they come on the line, just say, "Are you the Fleet Manager/Internet Manager?" Keep in mind that many sales people at dealerships spend a lot of time away from their phones. Therefore, you can even ask the receptionist if the Fleet Manager has a cell phone number you can call. If you keep getting the Fleet Manager's voice-mail, punch "0" and tell the receptionist to page the Fleet Manager.

Good luck with your car shopping. — Chandler Phillips


Subject: Teen Driving Series
From: anonymous

Thanks so much for the important articles on the dangers facing teen drivers. As parents of 16 and 17 year olds, we make our kids maintain a 3.5 grade point average and pay half of their insurance costs. That may seem harsh, but if they are caught speeding or cause an accident, it makes a little more impact when they have to pay the higher insurance rates. We let them get their permits at 15 and had them drive in all kinds of circumstances for a year before they took their driver's test.


Subject: Testing in Snow and Ice
From: jjuly4

I can't help but wonder that in all the different car reports that I have read, I never see anyone test drive cars in the snow and ice and give a report on the cars' handling, safety, traction, etc. Since I live in the Northeast, this is a big factor in choosing a car. Any insight into this issue?

Because Edmunds.com is based in Southern California (which generally has sunny, dry, mild weather) and because we generally have a particular test vehicle for only one week, our ability to put any given test vehicle through variable weather conditions is limited.

However, our long-term test program enables us to provide some commentary on how our vehicles handle in snow and ice, because they are used for the occasional weekend trip to Lake Tahoe — and some of them spend a few months in Detroit with our Detroit editor, John Clor. In particular, you could check out past updates on these long-term vehicles for wintertime reporting: Isuzu Rodeo, Cadillac Seville, Ford Ranger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Xterra, Volkswagen New Beetle. Our long-term Lincoln LS is on its way to Detroit and should be interesting to follow since it has rear-wheel drive (check out the upcoming February 2000 update).

Another way to find out how well a vehicle handles in snow/ice is to visit Town Hall discussions for a particular vehicle — owners will usually discuss winter handling traits.

Finally, if you want to ensure that you purchase a vehicle that handles capably in winter weather, try to time your purchase for this season. Then, when you test drive it (preferably a nice long test drive), make sure that you have the opportunity to drive it on snow-covered and/or icy roads. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Cars/SUVs for Tall Guys
From: dave.johnson

I often read throughout your reviews or discussion groups comments indicating how irritated the writer is about their fit in a vehicle. I think this keeps getting worse because automakers keep making leg/body/headroom smaller and smaller.

I've also found that the leg/body/headroom numbers for each vehicle really don't mean much. Based on how the dash and console are constructed, how the doors slope into the cabin, how the seat is, etc., one car may feel better to taller people than another.

Larger cars aren't necessarily an answer either. For example, four-door sedans aren't a refuge. They limit the seat travel so they can report higher back-seat legroom (like most people care).

I'm 6'3" and haven't found many cars that fit well. The best I have found is the Acura 3.5 RL (they allow the front seat to travel all the way to the back seat).

Can you do a story, or provide me with some information about cars/SUVs that suit taller people better?

We could, but you've already addressed the problem. Because height and weight measurements fail to take into consideration consumers' wide range of body types, and because leg, head, shoulder and hip-room measurements that are provided by automakers must be taken with a grain of salt, it's really up to the individual car shopper to determine whether or not a given vehicle is comfortable. It's a trial-by-error process, and those of us who are excessively tall or short, fat or thin wind up doing extra legwork during the buying process. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: BMW Car Handling & Performance
From: Stephen Rajkumar

My friend who tested the new 3.0-liter BMWs tells me that the 530i handles better than the 330i because it is heavier. I disagree, because the 330i has a [weight distribution closer to 50/50], lower drag co-efficient and is quicker. Which one of us is right? A comparatively lighter car will tend to have better performance...won't it?

According to your email, your friend said the 530i handled better than the 330. Acceleration and a low coefficient of drag have nothing to do with how well a car handles turns. Suspension tuning, braking ability, steering responsiveness, weight distribution, tire size, rubber compounds, track width, road surfaces and a driver's ability all come into play when it comes to handling. Since the 530 weighs more, is dimensionally larger, less balanced and rides on the same size tires as the 330, my bet is that the 330 is the better handler all things considered equal. — Christian Wardlaw.


Subject: Torque Steer
From: botbar

[Your editors] state that the Saab has "severe torque steer." Can you please let me know what that is in laymen's terms?

Torque steer is the tendency of a high-powered, front-wheel-drive car (such as a turbocharged Saab 9-3 or 9-5) to pull to one side under hard acceleration. While torque steer is a shortcoming of Saabs, it doesn't make them unsafe to drive — and you'll quickly adjust to the personality of a Saab. Still, it does take away from performance (which can be disappointing, given the vigor of the turbos), and many automotive journalists (like ourselves) would rather have a BMW, Audi or Mercedes in this price range.

Some people like the unique personality of Saabs, though, and you certainly won't see many of them on the road (except in New England and maybe California). If you're considering a Saab, take a long test drive, and you'll find out whether the handling bothers you. — Erin Riches


Subject: Defining "Value"
From: Anonymous

My friend and I want to know how you come up with your ratings section. We were looking at a 1997 Honda Civic DX, and noticed it only received a 3.9 for Value, yet your own review stated the following: "The Civic has few shortcomings, aside from its anonymous personality. Hondas tend to be on the expensive end of the scale when new, but over time, they are a far better value than most of their contemporaries. The Civic is no exception to the rule. It is a car for people who don't enjoy repair garage waiting rooms. It is a car that holds its resale value better than most of the cars it competes with. It is a car that easily endears itself to its owner."

I use Edmunds all the time and until now have always trusted the information I see. It is clear to me that there is either an error here, or poor ratings system. Please clarify for me how your ratings system works, and if it is supposed to contradict your own reviews.

Our "value" rating is based on nationally averaged theft rates, parts costs, insurance rates, reliability and versatility. The Civic is popular with car thieves, has a higher cost for parts than average, suffers from higher insurance costs than other vehicles in its class (due, in part, to theft rates, parts costs and the youthful ages of owners) and is classified as a subcompact sedan or coupe (2001 was the first year it became a compact). Excellent reliability keeps the Civic from scoring lower than it already does.

Now, consider the less tangible components of value in the minds of most consumers. Typically, "value" means lots of features for the money, good resale value and low initial purchase price. People also find "value" in reliability, crashworthiness, interior comfort and fuel economy. As you can see, it is difficult to define "value." Our ratings system looks at specific, measurable parameters to define value for the purposes of our ratings system. Our editor who wrote that the Civic was a good value qualified in the text that he was defining "value" as reliability tied with resale value.

I can see why you might be confused on this issue, but the source of the confusion is with the definition of "value." For ratings purposes, we need to look at objective, quantitative data. For editorial purposes, we can look at the wide range of subjective opinion when defining "value." — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Nissan Quest Crash Ratings
From: piggyjp

I read your review on the 2001 Nissan Quest, [and] you quote on Quest safety as "subpar." However, you have also listed it as very good on crash test in the safety spec section. I went to the NTHSA and see that the 2001 Quest [has] received five stars in three of the four rated areas (just as the Toyota Sienna). Please share some more info on your safety review [with regard to] how you rate that as subpar compared to other mini- vans.

The Quest received a "Poor" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 40-mph offset crash testing. Specifically, the IIHS found the Quest (and its twin, the Mercury Villager) deficient in terms of structural and safety cage performance in a crash, with the crash dummy suffering severe left leg and foot injuries. Seatbelts, airbags and head restraints also received poor or marginal ratings. Of the six test parameters measured during the offset crash test, Quest received only a single "good" rating, and that was for chest injury. The Toyota Sienna, in contrast, is the IIHS "best pick" for a safe minivan, rated "good" across the board except for some lousy head restraints. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Hyundai XG300
From: loshmail

In your comments (pro & con) [about] the Hyundai XG300, you mention predicted resale value as a con. Please elaborate on this since I'm considering this car for purchase. What do you expect to see the market do with this car in the next 3-4 years?

According to the Black Book Official Residual Value Guide, dated January - March, 2001, a Hyundai XG300 is expected to retain 51 to 52 percent of its original value after two years. Compare that to a Honda Accord EX (61 to 63), a Toyota Camry (56 to 59), a Nissan Maxima (58 to 61) or a Pontiac Grand Prix (54 to 61).

After five years, the Hyundai retains 32 percent of its original value. The competitors fare as follows: Honda Accord EX (42 to 43), Toyota Camry (36 to 38), Nissan Maxima (35 to 38), Pontiac Grand Prix (34 to 39).

Hyundai still hasn't lost the stigma attached to the brand when the unreliable Excel was sold here by the hundreds of thousands. Furthermore, Korean cars in general lack the ability to hold their value as well as most competitors, despite improved quality. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Long-term Sierra Steering "Clunk"
From: anonymous

The clunking in the steering wheel [of your Sierra] is the steering knuckle. They go bad pretty quick. I have a Silverado and that's what needed to be replaced on mine.

Our Sierra received a new steering shaft this month, and now drives good as new...at least as far as the steering and front suspension are concerned. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Long-term PT Cruiser
From: txmrlevine

I read a lot of your reviews and the one by Lisa Kim is unbelievably horrid towards a great little car. I guess she's a minority view, seeing as the car walked away with a SLEW of awards from the NAIAS. Or maybe she knows more than most of the automobile industry leaders and critics. I, too, would probably review a car very poorly if I did not like what it looked like and someone MADE me drive it. The doors are a breeze to open for anyone with opposable thumbs. That is retro-style push button. She probably never saw these before. What is she, 10? You had a neanderthal give the review. GO let her get in her big LEXUS for 50K. Sounds like that is what she is used to. Anyone with half a brain can see you get a lot of value in a car like the PT. OH and BTW - IT LOOKS AWESOME.

Yes, the PT Cruiser is an important vehicle; in fact, we here at Edmunds.com voted it the Most Significant Vehicle of 2001.

But does that preclude criticism of the car? Only if you think that the PT Cruiser is a perfect vehicle in every way. And if it were, then by definition, everyone would have to agree that it is a perfect car, wouldn't they? Well, unfortunately, a manufacturer has yet to build the perfect car; until then, there's always going to be something that bothers one person or another (especially a persnickety bunch like us).

It was my personal experience for the month that the PT's idiosyncrasies override the charm of the vehicle. Others felt differently, as stated in the Long Term Update. No, I don't claim to know more than the automotive community at large, but opinions diverge. Many people think it looks awesome. Still many others don't. Is one group wrong, and the other right? In such a subjective matter as styling and seat comfort, it is my opinion that all views are valid. You may disagree with me on this. — Liz Kim

PS - Me go club me some grub now. Grunt.


Subject: Fan Mail
From: anonymous

On the way to somewhere else, I ran into an article [Liz Kim] wrote titled "Top 10 Features of Commuter Cars."

Generally, most article writing — especially about something like automobiles — is dry as dirt. Thank you for having a sense of humor and for not being afraid to bring it out in public.

Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, would be proud. I was entertained. Thank you.


Subject: Infiniti G20
From: ndt02

Your review obviously was done by a driver how doesn't know how to utilize the quick shift overdrive button, also you can get either the touring or the luxury model with cloth or leather. There is also quite a bit more that the car offers than you mentioned, including extended service intervals, side impact air bags NOT ON SENTRA cost extra on competition, different design interior and exterior more European sporty design, load limiters and pretensioners on seat belts YOUR STAFF PROBABLY DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS standard tether anchors, full shoulder lap seat belts in rear, homelink tran., cd and cassette, I could continue for a while longer but I think you get the point. Never mind the point GET YOUR FACTS CORRECT IF YOU INTEND TO SERVE THE CONSUMERS.

Yes, you're right, we've got the Infiniti G20 pegged all wrong. According to Nissan, the Sentra includes a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and three-point belts at all seating locations, as well as pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seat occupants. You can also get side impact airbags on GXE and SE models. The top-of-the-line sound system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer. That said, your argument for spending as much as $10,000 extra on the G20 is European styling, a different interior and longer service intervals? Are you kidding? I also see that you've conveniently forgotten our advice at the end of the review. For the same coin as the G20 commands, you could select the 222-hp Maxima. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: Japan-Euro Biased?
From: brucesteed

I have been a big fan of Edmunds.com for quite some time now, and I wish to tell you what a great job you do from reporting on new vehicles to offering used car pricing guides to your long term road tests. I must say, excellent job. There is but one point I wish to discuss with you.

I notice that in your new vehicle reports and in your long-term road tests that there seems to be some negative bias toward American vehicles, especially those from General Motors.

I work for one of the Big 3 performing competitive analysis, so I've tested just about all of the vehicles that you have. Although there are some foreign models that exceed American standards, I feel that most American-made vehicles hold their own against (if not flat out beat) their counterparts from overseas.

I often notice that complaints about foreign vehicles are stuck at the bottom of the article, whereas complaints are the first thing listed in an article about an American model. As the reader reads the article, the early complaints create a negative bias throughout the remainder of the article.

You also seem to be a lot more picky about trivial things with American models and overlook some significant wrongs on foreign ones, such as placement of cruise controls and such.

I have always driven American -made vehicles, more specifically Chevrolets. Not entirely out of loyalty, but because I have had very good luck with every one I've owned. I can't say I will never stray, but I do like to stay with what I know. My Chevys rarely see trips to the dealer for repairs, and they seem to last forever. It's not uncommon to have fenders fall off from rust before needing to make one major repair. All I am saying is that with the trouble the American automobile industry has seen as of late, we don't need negative advertising. All vehicles have things wrong with them, just please don't make the little things seem huge with your presentations. By the same token, don't downplay a flaw on a foreign vehicle. All I ask is fair treatment for both sides.

If you had performed long-term tests on our 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1999 GMC Sierra, and were actively involved in researching reliability over a 10-year period, you might feel differently. Our editors don't care what kind of car people buy. We do care that our testing results in solid, honest, unbiased recommendations based on our findings. Unfortunately, given our experience, many domestic vehicles fail to match the standards set by competitors from overseas. That doesn't mean our patriotic streak isn't secretly pulling for the Yank each time we do a comparison test. — Christian Wardlaw


Subject: You Guys Don't Suck
From: anonymous

Just writing to let you know I enjoy your site. I just finished reading some of the letters to the editor and found some of them to be quite humorous, though it's even funnier that you guys posted them! Though some people make good points, I think that your original way of reviewing cars and casual writing style provide both entertainment and a decent review of the given car. Keep up the good work. Oh yeah, and you guys don't suck.