Letters to the Editors
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Subject: Where Have You Gone, Edmunds?
From: S. & S.

We have been readers of your books and subsequently avid visitors to your website. Though we may not have agreed 100% of the time with your opinions, it was still clear to us that they were objective judgments based on time spent in the cars. We can't help but notice that the reviews of vehicles which used to be poignant and sometimes even biting have been toned down quiet a bit in the last year. We begin to wonder if it is just coincidence that the new tone in editorial seems to accompany a lot more ads by the auto makers. Please tell us you have not sold out and become another MotorTrend. Please tell us there is a good reason why the edge was taken off the reviews and they are all very vanilla these days.

Folks like us used to look up to you, Edmunds, as an anchor in an auto world full of fluff and hype. We know we are not alone in our thinking when we say, "BRING BACK THE ATTITUDE!"


Subject: Edmunds name and attitudes
From: S. Potter

I read the letters about your publication's preference for BMWs with some amusement. Most of your correspondents have missed your true colours entirely.

Your publication is clearly staffed by left-wing L.A.-basin residents and most of your comments reflect this assumption. Your leftist tendencies come through clearly in your continuing attacks on SUVs, branding them the icon of unacceptable consumption. Yet your image-conscious L.A. attitudes crave BMWs and Mercedes even though many of them are nearly as wasteful as an SUV in the city. Sounds like the many "public socialist, private capitalists" I left the UK to escape.

You also moan when test cars are automatic because of reduced performance. Never mind that the average U.S. motorist does not want to shift gears especially where you are based. Never mind that regardless of the transmission any vehicle contributes to the disgusting filth for which your city is so famous. Your agendas are so mixed it's unreal.

Am I qualified to comment? Having owned many types of vehicle, including BMWs and SUVs, I think yes. I owned a BMW 320 in the UK and found that it was very well built and refined. It also had the worst engine/auto box match-up it has ever been my displeasure to drive.

I have owned three SUVs since moving to the U.S. and have found them all very useful when retreating into Nevada's mountains on rough tracks to escape narrow-minded folk like so many of your staff. Yes, MY SUV GETS DIRTY. If your publication appears not to see the point in SUVs, it may be because most of your staff have never lived anywhere where they are truly useful. So please do not condemn then on sight as clearly most of your staff are not competent to comment. I agree that many have been sold as a fashion fad. So have many things other than cars. It is all part of living in a free society.

Please play fair and do not set yourself up as the all-seeing eye of motoring. You have the right to express and disseminate your opinion in this free society. However, the kindest thing I can say about your publication is that it is fairly informative but very parochial. A more honest site address would be http://www.leftyLAcarreview.com. Hardly catchy, but I bet the domain name has not been taken.

Speaking of missed points, it seems a few have slipped by you. We don't "condemn SUVs on sight," just the ones driven solely in a warm climate on paved roads (which happens to be all the ones we "see" in L.A.).


Subject: Your Pick of the Best Cars & Trucks
From: G. Craven

It appears that your group is foreign car crazy. If you've been around cars and trucks as long as I have, you would know a little bit about them. Foreign cars cost much more to maintain. Parts are much more expensive. Their steel is junk. Honda's rear axles rust out and break off.

Can you people understand that foreigners bombed us 9/11 and you still contribute to the billfolds. Get real, buy only Ford and GMC vehicles that are made in America by Americans for Americans. The money stays here in America. If you thank the foreign cars are so good, then move to their country.

True American people don't need people that buy foreign cars and trucks.

I would like to see all foreign car companies pay double the car price as import fees, to help the American employees that lost their job because you tell people to buy foreign junk and take their job away from them. GMC just announced closing several plants because too many people are buying foreign vehicles.

It's time for you to be Americans again. Stop helping the Terrorists with our money.


Subject: Honda Accord history
From: S. Clouston

John DiPietro's Honda Accord Generations article brought back a funny memory. When the Accord was introduced, I was living in Lincoln, Neb. The car was in tremendous demand; dealers could not begin to keep any in stock. The local Honda dealer dealt with the problem by acquiring cars in a less-than-desirable color, namely orange. It wasn't real bright orange, more like a slightly burnt orange, but still pretty gaudy and not most people's first choice. But they bought them like crazy anyway, and orange Accords were all over town. During that first year, it was unusual to see one that wasn't orange.

So it was all you burnt-orange Accord buyers that closed those GM plants! For shame! —Ed.


Subject: 30 Best Vehicles
From: Anonymous

As usual, there is this despicable smell in the air. What gives with companies ran by people who forget to look at American made vehicles. I believe your report is biased and probably not very well researched. Obviously, for many years the American public has had a great love affair with foreign cars, but to barely be able to mention an American made car is rediculous. It is a shame that such bias coverage makes to the Internet. You just succeed in continuing the farce that you know more than the average American and they continue to believe that foreign made is better.


Subject: Auto Reviews
From: Ken

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your auto reviews. Although I now drive a dreaded SUV, I am a car enthusiast with enough experience to know that any bias of yours toward what the uninformed consider "foreign" cars is simply pragmatic. A few years ago, I decided to try an actual "American" car, a new Saturn SW2, in search of honest, friendly dealer service for a change. It turned out to be a poorly built vehicle, along with service that was, interestingly, as deceitful and incompetent as any I've experienced with Japanese brands. So now I'm back with Toyota; at least the product itself is designed and built with pride.

Thanks for the great work: The thorough short- and long-term testing, the artful writing, and most of all, the honesty! ( and let the ninnys drive their Buick Skylarks).


Subject: Who are you kidding?
From: G. Kunz

Although I certainly respect your views, your [Editors' Most Wanted] looks like a review from the "Trendy" and "Snob Appeal" section of our society. I certainly would put my Corvette, Lincoln Navigator, Chrysler Town & Country, Chevy 1500, Ford F-150 (Harley Edition) and Monte Carlo up against any of the auto's you mentioned as the "best". Maybe you also ought to consider which of the foreign automakers, you so kindly heap all your praises on, contributed to the disaster funds to the same extent as our "American" automakers did. For what it's worth, the VW Passat, Mercedes and Nissan Altima owners I know, don't share your same opinions.


Subject: Most wanted?
From: R. D. Davis

My wife and I were just in a wreck yesterday morning, and I have to tell you that your most wanted list sucks. You guys think you are so smart saying that all these foreign cars are so good. We hit a guy broadside in a 2001 Ford Tauris and other than minor injuries we are both home and doing fine. We had just traded our 2000 Mazda for the Tauris and I feel that saved our lives. I grew up in Michigan in the late 60's and early to mid 70's, I remember you guys saying how much better Japanese cars were then, and you were probably right. But I also remember how much damage that caused the economy for that area. That has all changed, and my accident yesterday proved that to me if not to anyone else. The thing is, I don't want the economy hurt again, only this time for false reasons. The number one car in my book is the Ford Tauris, MADE IN AMERICA!

While the Taurus does earn excellent crash-test scores, it's certainly not the only midsize sedan to do so. Though the Nissan Altima, our Editors' Most Wanted pick for midsize sedan, has yet to be tested by NHTSA, the honorably mentioned VW Passat has received the same five-star front-impact rating as the Taurus. —Ed.


Subject: Best Cars
From: Anonymous

You have to be kidding or Chrysler must have someone in their pocket to rate a Chrysler Sebring ahead of a Honda Accord. I am in the business and all you have to do is look at an auction sheet or drive them and you would have to be out of your mind to rate a Sebring over an Accord. Chrysler has one of the highest maintenance stable of vehicles made today. Just ask any Service Writer at a Chrysler dealership. Just look at their Loyalty rating. A common expression is, I owned a Chrysler product, once. Your list lost all credibility with that choice and how about the Toyota 4Runner as opposed to that moving recall machine called a Durango. Be sure and ask anyone who owned a Dakota about their mechanical problems. Leaving the Tundra off leaves you alone with the other publications making similar lists. I have to be sure and avoid your publications. How many advertising dollars did Chrysler guarantee you?

About as many as those "foreign" automakers did. —Ed.


Subject: most wanted
From: D. King

All I can say is "sheeesh". Passion guided your picks? What about common sense, reliability, resale, and safety? Being guided by passion and not science is NOT an attribute to me! I am someone who is looking to spend $30,000 in hard earned cash on a vehicle, and I am interested in making an intelligent choice.

Do any of you read consumer magazines? Your choices were not even given "honorable mention" in the magazines who spend their time and invest their money in the science of evaluating automobiles. What about these cars interested you — their looks, the way they felt behind the wheel, or the amount of money their manufacturer paid your company?

I am a passionate person... and I'll admit to allowing passion to play a part in my decision. However, you may as well suggest that someone take the models who fit their price range and their style and pull a model from a fish bowl. Best of 2002? I think not... and your choices have made me rethink my respect for your company. I'll not be consulting with Edmunds when I purchase MY new vehicle.


Subject: test
From: J. J.

My reasons for writing are three fold. First, I find your vehicle reviews and car data very helpful. Second, I read the "letter to editor" section and noted that you seem to have many trash talking disgruntled readers. I thought I would express my gratitude and appreciation for your work with a hearty "good show lads and lasses."

Third and most important, I noted that there is no review for a Nissan Maxima six-speed SE. Though I realize it has not been redesigned like the Altima and that you cannot review every vehicle which comes out every year, it has been revamped enough to change the driving experience. Perhaps it should even be used instead of the Infiniti I35 in your next comparison since the maxima will more than likely accelerate better and has most of the same options anyway. But I'm just trying to find numbers for it like 0-to-60 and quarter-mile and even see if its handling has changed with the new changes that have gone through it.

Thanks for your time.

You're in luck — we just finished driving a lovely 2002 Maxima SE with the six-speed manual last week. You can expect a Road Test Follow Up to appear on the site in late February or early March. Thanks for the compliments. —Ed.


Subject: Entry-Level Luxury Sedan Under $40K
From: Anonymous

I fully agree with your choice of the BMW 3 Series! But I do not support your honorable mention at all. Come on now, Audi A4? I know it's a great car, but when compared to the Lexus IS 300, the Lexus beats it in all aspects! (E.g. — style, interior function powertrain, steering, handling and definitely BRAKING!) Do you guys also take "maintenance" into consideration? Because everyone knows that German made cars such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have HIGH maintenance costs. But Japanese made cars such as Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura have GREAT and LOW maintenance costs when compared to their "brothers from another mother." I'm not trying to pick a fight here, but I seriously think you made a big mistake at the honorable mention spot. No doubt that the BMW 3 Series is the BEST "entry-level luxury sedan under $40K," but you have to admit that the Lexus IS 300 deserves AT LEAST 2nd BEST, 2nd BEST or HONORABLE MENTION (as you guys call it)! Thanks for listening to my two cents!


Subject: Christian Wardlaw and Kalamazoo
From: B. Cohen

I read Edmunds every day and I love it, but nothing struck me so much as reading the Fiesta article by Christian Wardlaw. I live in Kalamazoo, and though I am a CMU graduate, its very exciting to know that one of Edmunds very own went to WMU and lived in Kalamazoo. On top of that, he has shed light on the mystery of the field of Fiestas you can see from US-131. I have always wondered what the story with that was. Thanks, Christian for clearing that up.

My friend Tom here at work and I are certified car nuts. We love all types. Edmunds is by far my favorite Web site. Keep it up, and FIRE UP CHIPS (that's just for you, Christian)!


Subject: re: SANTA FE
From: G. Pavic

First, I need to thank you for your excellent Web site that provided me with so many valuable infos since I started 3-4 years ago using your site. Forget that blue or black book. You are the best.

But, the reason I'm writing, OK, typing, is the review of the Hyundai Santa Fe. Those people simply scared everybody away from Santa Fe.

I traded 91 Benz 190-2.6 for that sci-fi SUV and I love it. I tested Escape, X-Terra, RAV4 and CRV. Guess what made the cut: A/T with four-speed shifter (Shiftronic-BMW) and V6 24 valves DOHC. Good enough for my urge to reach 100 mph, without spending load of $$$ on gas. Cheap plastic? So what. It's simple, functional and don't need PhD to figure it out. All I want is to have fun. And it's pretty, cute, tough looking, all at the same time.


Subject: Insensitive Statements in Self-Serving Article
From: A. Fortenberry

I thought the opinion voiced by Christian Wardlaw concerning the fatalities related to Firestone tires was not only in poor taste, but insulting to the numerous families who have suffered deaths due to the faulty tires and subsequent attempts to cover up the problem by Ford. As an owner of a 1999 Ford Explorer (or "Exploder" as it is commonly called), I know full well the extent to which Ford will ignore or lie to their customers to try and save a buck. Although the vehicle itself has been a reasonably good truck (except for the half dozen or so recalls for defective parts/design), my experience with Ford in terms of customer support leaves something to be desired. Ford is not a company I can trust.

I realize that one of the goals of car reviews is to help promote the vehicles being reviewed. However, unqualified opinions such as "But because we live in a society unfamiliar with the concept of personal responsibility, Ford and Firestone have taken all the heat" are inappropriate. I find Mr. Wardlaw's apologist comment both insensitive and asinine.

By the way, I enjoy reading and researching on Edmunds.com. This is the first time I've sent email to you, and it's a shame that it has to be of a negative nature.


Subject: Subaru Baja
From: PJ Tincher

I do not give a rat's puckered little pat-toot about Detroit in the winter. But I do care about groundless trashing of a vehicle that I think is timely and will be useful in the real world. I believe that your editors and writers' opinions are generally far from the mark and [your coverage of the '02 NAIAS] is no exception. [You wrote that the] Ford Expedition will be acclaimed, the Subaru Baja will not — this sort of opining sets the stage for the very thing that your half-wit reviewer is predicting. Ford makes lousy cars and SUV's, but because they make the usual garbage turned out by the Big Three, your band of idiots acclaim them over better made, more sensible and attractive vehicles. The Subaru Baja is exactly what is needed — all-wheel drive with pickup bed capability. And it comes from a company that prides itself of well-made, long lasting vehicles. Which is the exact opposite of Ford, which prides itself on its ability to talk about quality ad nauseum but continues to make vehicles that are not nearly as reliable as their foreign competitors and are frequently dangerous to drive.

Your writer's "prediction" is the crap I have come to expect from Edmunds in this area. You lose credibility with every passing day. And I predict that your quirkiness will spell your doom.

I'm losing track again. Are we biased toward or against American cars? —Ed.


Subject: 2002 GMC Envoy defect
From: V. Plaza

I just wanted to let you know that your decision not to recommend the GMC Envoy was a wise one. Unfortunately, I did not heed that recommendation and bought one, so now I have to live with that mistake. No, I don't think that the vehicle is a terrible vehicle. But I do believe that there are better vehicles in this segment and price range.

A case in point is a defect on the rear door of the vehicle. On this rear door, there is a plastic moulding piece that goes around the area where the license plate is mounted. This plastic piece touches and scrapes off the paint from the rear door! After a number of visits to the GMC dealer, I've come to find out that GM has decided that this type of scraping is allowable and that they have no plans to do anything about it. GM Customer Relations also can't do anything about it.

So, here's a $30,000+ vehicle running around with the paint scraped off on the rear door! And GM's position is that it's okay and they're not going to do anything about it.


Subject: GM Bashing
From: Anonymous

I haven't written you guys in a while but when I saw your ridiculous comments regarding the Trailblazer winning Truck of the Year at the auto show I had make a comment. You guys are hell bent on trashing any GM product at any opportunity possible. That is the first time I have ever seen an article that slams a vehicle while simultaneously telling you it just won a prestigeous award. That is unbelievable. The Envoy and Trailblazer have been praised by all other members of the automotive press, have won numerous awards and have been selling well yet your publication has nothing positive to say other than "nice engine". Then you try and discredit the award and the journalists who voted because you don't agree with the decision. Now what makes you guys any more qualified to determine the worthiness of a vehicle than all those journalists who voted in Detroit? (Please! We only have a limited amount of space for Letters to the Editor! —Ed.) Why is it that your comments seem to contradict the findings of everyone else who reviews these SUVs and many other GM vehicles? Every time you review a GM product you basically say "a good engine that is stuck pulling an ugly, cheap piece of crap." If that applies to all GM vehicles then it should apply to a car like the Altima, a car that you have praised and endorsed. If you are impressed by a car with 240hp and cheap plastics then you should go check out the Grand Prix GTP, it has been out for years. Has GM kidnapped your children or fired some of your relatives? I don't understand how any journalists can devote so much time to putting down one company, even the guys at Car & Driver probably think you go to far. Give it a rest.

Let it be known that if we have in any way incurred the wrath of "the guys at Car & Driver" we most sincerely apologize. —Ed.


Subject: BMW's are unreliable
From: J. Holiday

I bought a used '91 BMW 318. I made most of the mistakes when you buy a used car, no warranty, not adequately inspected etc. The thing broke down monthly for the 9 months I owned it; and it was expensive to work on. It was towed twice due to breakdowns. The cylinder head had to be replaced and it cost a small fortune. The BMW had many electrical problems. The windshield wiper motor failed as well as the power steering unit.

No doubt the thing was fun to drive, looked great and handled nicely.

I traded it for a used '95 Prizm Lsi. The Prizm has been completely reliable for the past four years.

When you people rave about BMW, I doubt you have had to put up with one on a daily basis.

Actually, we leased a '99 328i and lived with it for two years. You can read our long-term test about it.


Subject: BMW salant
From: Damon

I read the letters from people out there crying about how you favor BMWs so much. Please tell them to SHUT UP. The facts are that BMWs are superior cars in every respect ( Handling, engineering, comfort, power, and resale). The car company that always seems to present a bold and fun product is BMW. The one I wanted was the X5 but I couldn't afford it, so got the 328ci instead. I have had the car for three months now, and every time I get behind the wheel I start smiling. The car is just fun.

I agree not everyone can afford a BMW. That still doesn't change the fact that they are superior products. You guys do a great job being objective.


Subject: BMW: Highly overrated
From: N. Heslop

I was very disappointed to read your reviews of the BMW 3 series in particular. This is a small car, with comparatively few luxury / convenience features (standard), small trunk, high cost of optional equipment and yet you continue to rate these cars so highly. Don't they lose points for:
1. No legroom front or rear
2. Small underpowered engines
3. Cheap interiors
4. Small trunk
5. High cost of optional equipment.
Are all these sins forgiven because their handling is OK (Except for the M3 of course, which is a really expensive sports car). We, your readers are beginning to seriously question your objectivity.

We called BMW and asked if all sins should be forgiven because their cars handle "OK." They said "yes." Then we asked them if we should be concerned that our readers are beginning to seriously question our objectively. They said, "no." —Ed. (Note to our first letter writer: Is this enough 'tude for you? —Ed.)