Letters to the Editors
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Subject: Use of Your Web site
From: John

Folks,
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED your Web site. I've never bought a new car before, so I was totally intimidated about entering into the process. Also, I HATE negotiating with people, and was expecting to get taken advantage of when I bought a new car. Because of your Web site, however, I was armed with an extremely effective and easy-to-use strategy. Negotiation was painless, and I got a great deal on a great car.

Thank you so much and keep up the good work! I recommend you to all my friends.


Subject: Audi A4 Long-Term Test
From: B. L.

I am the owner of a 2001 Audi A4 2.0 in Hong Kong (to be more precise, apart from the engine, this is the same B6 model sold in the States). In particular, my car has the same color — Denim Blue — as yours. I noticed that in your long-term tests, you keep saying that Multitronic is quite unpredictable in terms of acceleration. After driving for more than one year and over 13,000 kilometers, I found that your problem might be caused by the multiplate clutch, not the CVT itself.

In my own experience, the multiplate clutch requires about one second to engage after you take your foot off of the brake pedal. Before the clutch engages, there is only limited coupling between the engine and the gear. If you press the gas pedal at this time, the car should not move like other cars with torque converters or manual transmissions. Obviously you will try to press the gas pedal a little bit more, imagining that the car will move faster. However, this is usually the time the multiplate clutch engages and so the combined effect is the arrival of a surge of power, the same kind you have mentioned quite a number of times.

I try to keep this "one-second rule" in my mind and this works quite well. Please let me know if you agree with me or not.

I learned from www.audiworld.com that Audi is putting the multiplate clutch with a manual gear box in future cars to make a semiautomatic gearbox, but I am afraid it will suffer the same problem as the existing Multitronic.


Subject: A4 Review
From: Robert

I noticed a statement that I don't believe is entirely correct in the September review of the Audi A4 long-term test vehicle. Edmunds states that the driver cannot listen to the stereo without having the engine running or the key in the "on" position. However, I have found that on both my 2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T (Monsoon stereo) and my mother's newly purchased 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro (Bose stereo) that you can operate the stereo/CD player simply by pushing the stereo's power button while the car is completely off and with the key in OR out of the ignition. I'll admit that this does seem a bit illogical, but it does seem to work. I have not tried leaving the stereo on to see if it will shut itself off, but I have been told that it will automatically shut off after one hour.

I completely agree that the auto-off headlight feature is sorely absent in a car of this class. I would also add that the HomeLink transmitter should be standard equipment on a car that lists for over $38,000, in my opinion. My mother's car was a demo and she was able to negotiate a fair deal, but the car was not equipped with the HomeLink option even though the car was a high-end A4.

I'm an avid Edmunds user and fellow car enthusiast.


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Ed

Certainly the cars/trucks you have selected are all nice vehicles. Your classifications leave a little to be desired, though — Honda Civic in the same class as a Corvette? A tiger and a horse both have four legs but are two entirely different animals. A Civic coupe and a Corvette both have two doors, but….

Price classes I must challenge also, and some of your assertions.
1. Passats can get very expensive — $30K for a V6 (without AWD). Putting the Passat into the $25K-and-under class is misleading. The most you can pay for an Accord is $26K (without the nav system) and large discounts are already the norm — at least in Rochester, NY. You just get an awful lot more for your money with an Accord. And a more reliable vehicle — which is a very important feature for most people in this class. Now, if you had a sport sedan class….
2. More on pricing: The Honda Odyssey LX is still about $25K — certainly the biggest bargain in a quality minivan. And I don't believe the Kia Sedona starts as high as $22K. Even so, comparably equipped, the Honda is very little more than the Kia — no reason AT ALL to purchase this brand name. And to imply that Odysseys go for $29K is stretching a bit — perhaps there are dealers who charge this much, but that is above retail.

Thanks for listening, and by the way, why so few road tests lately?

I'm not sure how you're getting a Corvette and Civic coupe competing with each other in our Most Wanted voting. The Civic competes in the "Coupe Under $15,000" category while the Corvette is in the "Coupe Under $45,000" class. And, of course, both of them won their respective categories. As for Passats and Accords, we like both (ergo their Most Wanted and Honorable Mention placement in the "Sedan Under $25,000" category). However, even a base Passat in the low 20s would be more desirable to most of our editors than a loaded Accord costing $24,000. The reasons go beyond equipment or features and relate to interior materials, road feel and overall driving pleasure. Honda Odysseys can easily cost over $29,000 if you get an EX with the DVD navigation system and leather, but we agree that the Kia is a screaming deal even when it's loaded with options and costs $22,000 (it starts at just over $19,000 with destination charge).

As for our recent road test rate, what can we say? Even we take a slight break during the holidays. Hopefully you've noticed the flood of vehicle evaluations to hit the site since January 1. — Ed.


Subject: EVO vs. WRX
From: Christopher

In response to your recent letter regarding the WRX and the EVO, I was baffled by your apples-to-oranges comparison. First of all the WRX was never intended to compete with the EVO, these cars weren't even introduced within the same year. Your comparison of these two is like comparing the WRX with the current Lancer; there is no comparison. The STi was developed for this reason, to compete with the EVO, so I fail to see the relevance of this article. In fact, I think it has given a jaded perspective of the WRX's accomplishments, which include the greatest bang-for-your-buck value to date!!! The WRX was the leader in opening up a big can of worms, an introduction to performance for drastically less than most folks are used to. At least compare the WRX to the S2000 or something worthwhile and founded in logic and hard data; Mitsubishi hasn't even released the final stats on its EVO, and to this Subaru hasn't given us the stats on the STi either.

Second, I'd like to point out your embarrassing admission that the EVO clutch was stiff…well boys, welcome to the wonderful world of performance vehicles and driving. Try hopping in a Porsche C4S, then go back to the EVO and you'll think it's a cakewalk. Furthermore, if you're going to make the point that more horses equal a stiffer clutch, and that the EVO will have more horsepower than a 911, I know for a fact that the Porsche Turbo-S is a much easier clutch to operate than the C4S, and the Turbo is around 250 more horsepower. I can honestly say, after reading that statement, I won't be reading any of your articles again. Go back to testing luxury cars, and telling us about the cupholders and seat warmers in your Mercedes and Beamer and leave the performance evaluations to those in Car and Driver and more capable "think tanks."

P.S. Of course the EVO has a stiff clutch…IT'S A PERFORMANCE CAR!!!

We are well aware of the history behind these two cars. The fact that we compared a standard issue WRX with a Euro-spec Evo VII was simply a matter of availability. Mr. Romans made it abundantly clear that these were not equivalently equipped cars, and that this story was merely intended as a preview of what we could expect when the official U.S. versions of the Evo and STi become available later this year. In regards to the "stiff clutch," the article stated only that the clutch was "quick acting" making it tricky to achieve smooth takeoffs from a stop. It was not intended to be a criticism of the car's performance, but merely an observation that reinforced the idea that this particular Evo was less attractive as a daily driver. — Ed.


Subject: Saab Story
From: Marshal

As you might guess, I just read your Saab 9-3 review — pretty good stuff. I just ordered my Saab 9-3 yesterday (before I read your review) but I did read every other on-line review of the car (including Edmunds' "First Drive" report). You make some very good points and your report is the best one I've seen. I have a 1999 A4 now and while I do love the car, it does have some issues (not mechanical, just design issues, like the very tight rear-seat room) that I hope the Saab will fix. I got an unreal deal on the car (I'm not sure how the dealer is making any money, but I'm sure they are): $26,540 (that figure includes the $1,000 non-GMAC financing rebate and $1,000 launch package rebate, but obviously tax isn't part of the figure) — to boot, I'm getting the sports suspension for "free" because I told the guy I didn't want the wheel package (and its 17-inch rims). I live in Minnesota and I need, at a bare minimum, all-season tires. The marketing data says (quite boldly) that 17-inch wheels are for summer use only. The car he has is equipped with the wheel package, but he subtracted the price of said package and is going to put regular 16-inch rims on it. So I get the upgraded suspension with the 16-inch rims and all-season tires, which is what I need for snow (plus they are cheaper to replace when the time comes).

The ride is nice… I'd say it is better than my A4 (1.8T Quattro)… I'll miss all-wheel drive, but when it comes to ice, even Quattro doesn't help you. Plus, my A4 has (twice) had the front lower control arm fail. Once the dealer paid for it, once I did. It is a well-known problem, and Audi gave me half my money back, but we're still talking about $500 out of my pocket.

Anyhow, I'll let you get back to work, I'm done rambling. Just wanted to say your review was very insightful and you called out some of the things that I noticed too (cloth in the doors, less than perfect stereo, etc.) I guess no car is perfect… though if you find it, let me know. =8)


Subject: Advertising Fees
From: Jim

The TMV is the average selling price, but does not include "optional equipment or taxes and other fees." Do the advertising fees that the dealer pays to the manufacturer fall into the category of "other fees"? Therefore, should we add these advertising fees to the TMV in order to get a better estimate of what we should expect to pay for a vehicle?

TMV is the average price other people in your area are paying for the car. If other people in your area have paid the advertising fees then it will be reflected in our TMV price. The only fees not included are tax, title and license. The only time you need to be concerned about advertising fees are when you are negotiating in relation to invoice (for example, "$200 over invoice"). Since advertising fees vary from one region to the next, we do not have the specific amount for ad fees in your area. — Ed.


Subject: Extended Warranties
From: Kevin

I recently bought a new 2003 Acura CL Type S along with the extended warranty. I got the car six days ago and have since changed my mind and want to cancel the warranty. I am financing the car and have yet to make a payment, but my question is: Can a dealership cancel the extended warranty on a car if the owner changes their mind about it?

Yes, you can cancel an extended warranty at any time. Call the dealership and ask for the finance and insurance (F&I) officer who wrote your contract. The F&I person might resist canceling the warranty but they are obligated to do it. If you call and threaten to cancel the extended warranty, it will be credited to the balance of your loan. — Ed.


Subject: Hybrids
From: Betsy

How do you rate the hybrid cars?

I'll be in the market next year, and think this is the type I'll buy.

If you don't need a lot of cargo space, we rate them very high. You only have three choices right now, and none of them offers enough space to carry more than four people and/or an enthusiastic Home Depot run (the Honda Insight can't hold more than two humans and a couple overnight bags). However, if you carry four or less people and have minimal cargo needs on a regular basis, the Honda Civic Hybrid is an excellent choice in terms of everyday functionality and gas mileage. — Ed.


Subject: Prius
From: Mary

More spin from industry…I live in Los Angeles. Everyone here, from stars to soccer moms to guys going to college, is at least interested in a car that didn't make your list: the Toyota Prius. But of course, it's the car no one wants to sell YET (as St. Augustine prayed, O Lord, make me chaste — but not yet!) — because all the factories are still geared to produce the gas guzzlers, and they gotta sell as many as they can, making them look "most wanted," until they can change over to hybrids and not affect profit. I sympathize — but only to a degree. Watching kids struggle with asthma in their schools near the freeways, and hearing about the polar ice caps melting faster than scientists imagined, and thinking of Iraq being ruined by war and burning oil fields, plunging millions of people I've never met into total hell — it's hard to forgive this glossy "Most Wanted" list for not even MENTIONING the Prius. At the dealership, it's what people are asking about (I've visited with several friends who want one because they like mine.) Lots of celebrities drive them, having traded in some of your "Most Wanted" cars (Arianna Huffington traded in her Lexus, Mimi Kennedy her Mercedes, Bill Maher a Mercedes, I think) in favor of breathing and sharing. Shame on you for not reflecting that aspect of PR — transparently, it seems to me, in the service of your masters, who need to sell the cars they need to make us want.

How do you feel about people who live in larger houses than they need to (thus using more energy to heat and cool their homes than necessary)? What about people who ride in first class on airplanes (thus taking up more space than necessary and reducing the number of people that could otherwise be flown per gallon of jet fuel)? Then there are those pesky people who want exotic food rather than just eating what's available locally (thus requiring trucks, that use gas, to transport fish from oceans and rivers or cattle from farmlands to city grocery stores and restaurants)? I guess we Americans are just selfish and wasteful. — Ed.


Subject: Hybrids
From: Bill

Very disappointing that you do not even consider hybrids but have plenty to say about the gas guzzlers. Not very enlightened.

We're not sure what you mean about "not even considering" hybrids. We named one as the Most Significant Vehicle of the Year. We had one in our long-term fleet for two years, and reported on how much we liked it. We've test driven a Toyota Prius, and we voted the Honda Civic for a Most Wanted award, partially because there's a hybrid version. Maybe you need to "enlighten" yourself more effectively about our position. — Ed.


Subject: SUVs
From: Chris

Your last editorial column makes two in a row that can be viewed as in defense of SUVs (or at least in offense against SUV detractors). I know you and the editors of other car mags cherish your self-perceived independence from the automakers, but have you considered what your stance on SUVs is starting to look like? I see a few guys who at one time were voices calling for the freedoms of a car with performance and handling and looks in an age of boxy, underperforming, overweight, poor-handling utilitarian vehicles (think 1970s-'80s). Thanks to the demands of people like you and thousands of car buyers who vote with their checkbooks, we have cars with performance capabilities undreamed of in those days. Yet now, this graying crowd can be seen buying and defending what…the next crop of boxy, underperforming, overweight, poor-handling utilitarian vehicles. Did you just get old? Were you bought by the Big Three, or did you just succumb to their omnipresent marketing and image projecting? Think about that while the next generation of real car guys prepares to eat your lunch.

Tell you what — you take care of the "real car guys" and we'll cover everyone else. But seeing as how less than seven percent of the American population chooses a manual transmission these days, I think you'll likely be eating crow if that's your only focus.

While Edmunds.com covers every type of vehicle, and while we enjoy performance cars as much as any mainstream consumer publication (watch for our upcoming American exotics comparison test), we also realize that most people have to spend most of their time driving on mostly boring roads with stoplights and traffic. These people need editorial that helps them understand their vehicular needs, not the narrow focus of "real car guy" wants. As a result, we spend the majority of our energy covering the popular vehicle classes that appeal to the masses, and in case you haven't noticed, SUVs are quite popular.

And if you think SUVs are "boxy, underperforming, overweight, poor-handling utilitarian vehicles," you might want to check out the BMW X5 4.6is, Honda Pilot or the Mazda Tribute, or even the latest Ford Explorer. None of these is poor handling, though they do offer plenty of utility.

As for defending SUVs, we'll never defend the idea of driving more "vehicle" than one needs. However, we also won't bow to the "political correctness of the week" mentality that now says we should all feel guilty over our ability to assemble, purchase and power SUVs. Freedom of choice is what made this country great. Anyone utilizing an internal combustion engine (or flying on jets or heating their house) is burning fossil fuels and putting their by-products into our atmosphere, so only those driving electric vehicles and/or walking everywhere they need to go can throw stones at this glass house — as a "real car guy" I'm thinking that doesn't include you. — Ed.


Subject: Tissue Price
From: Mark and Linda

I have heard that in addition to the invoice price there is also something called the "tissue" price, which is lower than invoice. It is my understanding that manufacturers' employees can buy for this "tissue" price. Can you shed any light on this? If there is such a thing then what does "invoice" represent?

You are absolutely right that the invoice price is not always what the dealer paid for the car. There are holdbacks and, in some cases, dealer cash. All this means that a car can be purchased for under the invoice price. However, we aren't certain whether this is referred to as the "tissue" price. Our guess is that "tissue" is a regional term for the invoice. — Ed.


Subject: Chrysler Problems
From: Doug

I was reading an on-line article you wrote about the PT Cruiser. Of special interest to me is the problem you had with the odor coming from the heater. I have also had this problem as well as MANY other Chrysler owners. Do you guys have any idea what is going on there to cause this? It just seems to start all of a sudden. Chrysler should be dealing with this issue as it is extensive and is {blank}ing people off….

We were never given an official reason for our occasionally stinky PT, but the problem was relatively mild during our two years of ownership. — Ed.


Subject: Saturn Review
From: Justin

I just finished reading your review of the Saturn L200. For the most part, I agree with your assessment. However, do you not realize that the panel gaps on the Saturn have to be larger because they use polymer doors and fenders? Polymer expands and contracts with temperature to a higher degree than steel. So when you said "our testers found large gaps between the trunk lid and rear fenders," maybe it is because the fender had contracted. And if you are going to knock Saturn for using polymer, then you must knock Honda and Toyota for using steel that dents easily. My point is, why do you knock Saturn for poor fit and finish, yet do not knock Toyota or Honda for poor dent-resistant vehicles?

We've never noticed poor "dent resistance" in the Hondas or Toyotas we've tested…but we've never thrown baseballs at them or swung on a rope into the side of them, either…. — Ed.


Subject: Carmudgeon
From: Tom

I am writing with regard to Karl Brauer's "Carmudgeon" column of 22nd Feb. 2002, called "Running the numbers…." I found this to be sarcastic and slanted and, as of this date, wrong in nearly all the facts. He wrote "…let's say it's 2005 and GM has 30 percent market share. Come on, just go with me…" Well, here we are at the end of 2002 and lo and behold, Bob Lutz did get it right and GM has a 30 percent share and is still rising.

He stated Toyota is "…on the verge of surpassing Chrysler…." Well, Chrysler is at 15.5 percent and Toyota is at 8.8, hardly the verge. The bit about Ford never falling below Chrysler was also nearly wrong as the latest figures show Ford only 0.2 percent above.

Also, my fellow GM truck plant workers know that the Ford F-150 sales record is held by them only because we call what is the same truck with different cosmetic styling by two names (GMC, Chevy) otherwise we would have the title by almost 2-1. Still, I would not expect anyone who knows so little about the auto industry, as he has shown, to know that.

GM did not get 30 percent market share for 2002, it was actually 28.3 if you include all divisions (like Saab and Hummer). Ford was at 21.5 percent using the same rules, giving the company a healthy lead over Chrysler and its divisions at 13.2 percent. And you must add Lexus to Toyota to come up with its market share, which was 10.5 percent. That's the seventh year in a row that Toyota's sales have increased, by the way. — Ed.


Subject: Buy American
From: Redvettedrvr

People like you make sick. Ninety eight percent of all the vehicles you recommend are foreign. When was the last time you road tested American cars like the Mercury Grand Marquis, Buick Le Sabre, Buick Regal, Ford Taurus wagon, Cadillac DeVille, Ford Focus, Ford Windstar…. I could go on and on but it seems you guys are stuck on foreign-is-better attitude. Maybe that's why Oldsmobile is no longer in existence


Subject: Letters to the Editors
From: David

Thank you, Edmunds.com, for all your work in the automotive industry. Surely you deserve more praise than you receive. I'm amazed at the number of nasty-grams you get (actually that you print, I can't imagine how many you actually receive!) based on your supposed bias towards foreign nameplates. Honestly, I was wondering how Ford and GM sold any of their products, and now I know. In part, they depend on consumers who think they would be bringing about the next Great Depression in buying an import. Well, in case these manufacturers (and their consumers) haven't noticed, their products are inferior. The facts don't lie. Initial quality, long-term value, performance and style are all characteristics where domestic brands lag far behind foreign nameplates. Instead of sending scathing letters to you, these misinformed consumers should write to their domestic auto manufacturers and ask them why they choose the bottom line over competitive products. As you've already stated, the U.S. is the place where the best get the gold and everyone else has to try harder if they want it. The U.S. has and has had the resources to produce the best cars on the planet for decades, but they choose not to and thus the results of your Most Wanted lists. The writing is on the wall, and it's up to these domestic manufacturers to make the change.


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Dave

I am sorry that you have to read all those myopic comments from your readers. On one hand they praise the usefulness of the site, then they slam you about your picks. Cars and trucks are individual choices, that's why there are so many different brands, types and styles out there. Drive what you like and don't care what the neighbors say.

Additionally, this "Buy American" theme is sickening. I wonder how many of these people realize that their "American" car/truck was not built in America. Ford, GM and Chrysler (like all auto companies) have plants and suppliers all over the world. Just because a vehicle has a certain name on it does not mean that it is from the country where the company's corporate office is.

Keep up the good work and don't let the critics get you down.


Subject: Letters to the Editors
From: Rick

I think that it is very illuminating to hear about all the people criticizing you for not picking "American" cars. What is a Chrysler 300M? The company is owned by Mercedes and the car is built in Ontario, Canada. Is it more of an American car than a Honda Pilot, Civic or Accord (all built in the U.S.) or a Mazda Tribute (Mazda is largely owned by Ford and the Tribute is built in a U.S. plant)? The best part of living in a free country is our ability to CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES what vehicle is deserving of our hard-earned dollars. I think your site is great, and it is amusing how many people are getting worked up. There is no charge for your Web site, and last I checked, there was no requirement that people must read your site. If you don't like the quality of the Web site, don't use it. Keep up the great work.


Subject: Letters to the Editors
From: Hiker 23

Many thanks to the editors and staff at Edmunds for providing an informative, thorough, yet light-hearted (not to mention free) automotive resource. Whether I agree or disagree with the vehicle evaluations, you have earned the respect of myself and many other faithful readers. Without the large resources of those "other automotive journals," you manage to put together a great and invaluable site. Not to mention the fact that some of your editorial responses are absolutely hysterical.

Apparently the "Most Wanted" list has a very vocal minority pegging Edmunds as a bunch of sake-swilling, goose-stepping automotive hacks. The quiet majority, on the other hand, shakes its head at these short-sighted isolationists. Without getting into a global economics discussion, this great democracy of ours is founded upon several key principals, one of them being freedom. Freedom to choose, freedom to trade, etc. A free society enables each of us to enjoy the best products from around the world. Sadly, many of these so-called "patriots" are using clothes, computers and car parts (in American vehicles) made elsewhere. The year is 2003 and the global economy (and competition) is a fact of life. We all want the best car for the least amount of money. If foreign manufacturers can build a more luxurious or sportier vehicle, so be it, and the "Most Wanted" list hopefully demonstrates that. Ford Motor Company, General Motors and the later half of DaimlerChrysler have made great strides in the last several years but their work is not done. Many Americans, myself included, would gladly drive something built locally if it was closely comparable to its current competition.

As always, the consumer will have the ultimate say. Choose wisely.


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Douglas

I read with no small amount of amusement, all of the "hate" mail you received over your choices for Most Wanted vehicles. Undoubtedly, most of those readers/writers will form some opinions of me based on my support of your choices and the rationale behind them (even if, in some cases, my personal pick might have been a "runner-up" or not mentioned). So, before I continue, I am over 50 years of age. My family line on one side goes back to arrival on this continent in the 1600s. On the other side, I have ancestors who were here long before the white man arrived. I decry the continuing movement of jobs offshore by so-called patriotic companies whose sole loyalty is to the dollar and the value of their shares/rating on Wall Street. Question: Who will purchase all the goods manufactured overseas when the "consumers" are all out of work?

Now that we have established that, kudos to you for maintaining your dignity and replying politely to people who seem clueless regarding economics and market forces. I own a 1993 Honda Civic EX coupe, designed, engineered and manufactured in…Marysville, Ohio. Ohio; that's Japanese, isn't it? Means "good morning"? Ah, yes, good old Ohio, Japan. Of course, you mentioned a number of vehicles that your readers berated you for as being of foreign manufacture, that are actually manufactured on U.S. soil. Hey, isn't that Acura 3.2TL that you were so impressed with also manufactured in Ohio? I wonder how many of those who wrote to you don't even know that the "American made" Chevy or Ford truck they're driving may have been made in Mexico or Canada? As for "the profits going overseas" from vehicles manufactured here by foreign companies, they (the people sending you letters last month) need to study basic economic theory — "the ground upon which the factory sits is far more important than the flag on the flagpole out front." Besides, substantial holdings (if not outright ownership) by U.S. companies of many of those "foreign" companies, means some of those profits come back here anyway.

By the way, I also own a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT pickup. I carefully went over all the data available to me, narrowed my choices down to the two most reliable pickups in category, and went with Ford's offering, get this: because I thought the Toyota was butt-ugly, and I wouldn't be seen driving one. My, my, the whimsical forces of a free market!

It is the free market that has resulted in the Ford Focus being such a good car. Without competition from foreign products we might still have Pintos (owned one, please, God, NO) or Mavericks. In general, all of today's American cars are light-years beyond their counterparts of the '70s or '80s because those cars were pieces of crap that could not compete with Hondas, Toyotas, Volkswagens and BMWs. I can remember driving an '81 Honda Civic that was better built than a Cadillac of the same period. It's true that American cars are greatly improved, but (in most cases) they simply haven't gotten there yet (really close). I can tell you that I am mightily impressed when I get into a friend's Lincoln LS — you truly have come a long way, Baby!

And finally, I'm willing to bet that those who berated your choices of foreign-built cars are wearing shoes made in Asia, clothing made in the same, using appliances and consumer electronic goods manufactured in Asia or Mexico, and not even thinking twice about all the U.S. textile workers, shoe factory workers and electronics assemblers that they put out of work!


Subject: Flack About Foreign vs. Domestic Cars
From: David

December's letters had a certain repetitious quality, didn't they? Leaving aside the notion of someone favoring an "American" car built in Canada over a "foreign" car built in Kentucky, I agree with you 100 percent. I've owned a Dodge Dart, Ford Fairlane, Cadillac DeVille and Dodge Caravan, all of which either died or required very expensive repairs long before they hit 100,000 miles. In contrast, my Subaru wagon topped 200,000, my Toyota Celica required no repairs until it blew a head gasket at 300,000 miles, my Honda Civic had never needed any repairs when I sold it at 107,000 miles and my Miata is at 106,000 miles and doing just fine.

If the Ford Focus was as reliable as the Subaru Impreza I plan to buy, I'd buy it in a second. But all of those recalls and horror stories make it a shaky choice, which is a shame.

Keep calling them as you see them.


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Jeffrey

I'd like to comment on some of the many critical e-mails you received in response to your Most Wanted list. First off, few of those respondents seemed to care the least about the basis or accuracy of your opinions; instead they choose to bash you for being "un-American." Would they rather you mindlessly tout American products regardless of how they stack up against imports? They probably would, and that makes them fools — and therefore unworthy of your excellent and informative Web site. Secondly, I agree with your sentiment that providing an accurate critique of the American automotive industry will compel them to improve. I think we are already seeing the results of that. There are numerous new and developing American products (and products in the pipeline) that appear to be closing the gap with their import competition. I have no doubt that when and if equal or superior domestic automobiles are available, that your staff will offer the appropriate praise and acknowledgement. In the meantime, keep up the good work, and don't let those ethnocentric detractors get you down!

By the way, I am a serious car fanatic. I test drive most everything that comes around, and I also spend a good deal of time in a variety of rental cars (travel for work). I am also a very patriotic American citizen. That said, my personal car is a VW Passat GLX. I love that car and think very little compares with it for the price (the new G35 is an obvious exception). When an American manufacturer comes up with something (anything) that compares, I'll be the first one in line.


Subject: December Letters to the Editors
From: Joel

Okay, so I'll take up the gauntlet thrown down by you regarding your Most Wanted list and the large number of "Americans" that chastised you for not picking more American vehicles. People, have you forgotten what country this is? In this country, no product gets any favoritism simply because it is made within our borders. The marketplace dictates what the best products are. In Edmunds' case, they are reviewing the products. In Edmunds' readers' case, we're signaling our thoughts with our money. Do you think the Honda Accord was the best-selling car last year because Edmunds told us to buy them?! Are you that naive? Puh-leeze! The Accord (made in Ohio, no less) was #1 because it was better than its American competitors. Welcome to Capitalism 101. And it's not like Edmunds is the first one to point this out. I suggest you look at J.D. Power's Web site for quality comparisons of cars. You'll note that Japanese and European brands dominate the quality lists, while American cars are sparingly represented. Are you writing J.D. Power and rebuking them for having an anti-American bias, too?

You seem to find Edmunds less credible because their reviews all seem slanted away from American cars. How credible would they be if one of their scoring systems included adjustments for country of origin?

And there is one more huge problem with your derision of Edmunds: a majority of foreign automakers build cars in the U.S., employing American workers: Honda (Ohio), BMW (South Carolina), Toyota (Kentucky, California), Nissan (Tennessee), Mitsubishi (Illinois) and Subaru/Isuzu (Indiana). Also, many Mazdas are built in the U.S. at Ford-owned plants. So buying a "foreign" car doesn't necessarily equate with a loss of American jobs.

The Edmunds editors have a point and a good one: by pointing out the flaws (cheap materials, bad fit and finish, floating steering, etc.), it might encourage American (and foreign) automakers to build better cars with better materials and build quality, and a better driving experience, be it a Chevy or a Mercedes. That all translates to a win for us — Edmunds' readers and car buyers.


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Gene

Geez…they want to blame Bin Laden on you for a nice review of a Toyota. Know what makes your site great? Accuracy. Let 'em moan and wail about American cars. I've owned 'em…they're JUNK! Cheap this and fall apart that. Been on the side of the road one too many times. I'm as American as apple pie…but why buy American JUNK when my '90 Nissan sits in the driveway with 190,000 miles on it with minimal maintenance? My '90 Ford didn't even make it to 80,000. Oh, and my Pontiac…barely made it past 90,000. If they build it we will come. Funny thing is…they try…and can't. (How many of these so-called "patriots" do you think buy electronics from Japan?) Go ahead…put 30 out of 30 on your list…and keep up the excellent work!


Subject: Nissan Fan
From: Athina

I was just reading the December Letters to the Editors, and I decided to chime in myself. For those of you who DON'T know, many of these "foreign" cars are in fact, made here in the USA now. Buying a foreign car doesn't hurt our economy. I applaud Edmunds.com for honestly reviewing each and every vehicle they come across. Just because a vehicle is American made, doesn't make it perfect. What these foreign companies are doing is forcing our domestic companies to see that QUALITY is much more important. My first car was a Nissan Maxima, and I loved it. My second car is also a Nissan, because the quality is absolutely wonderful. I couldn't ask for anything more.

And to the guy who is telling Edmunds.com that they are helping Bin Laden destroy our country, get a life. People who are as close-minded and ethnocentric as you are the ones who are ruining this country. By being biased and close-minded, it is YOU who is helping Bin Laden ruin this country, and this world, because in reality, isn't that what he's doing to us? He's being close-minded about our culture and ways of life. Chew on that for a bit.

Thanks again, Edmunds! Your articles are a great help, and fun and interesting to read!


Subject: Letters to the Editors
From: Steve S.

Just read your December, 2002 Letters to the Editors section. I was surprised, and disappointed, that some readers felt a need to take you to task for your writings. They are the vocal minority (just as in politics) that seem to be dissatisfied with things in general. I trust that you, the editors, will understand that a vast number of readers enjoy and continue to return to your Web site and other resources, because you really do a good job in automotive reporting. Keep up the good work!!


Subject: Most Wanted
From: Elisabeth

Wow, I will have to use some of the December 2002 letters for the next macroeconomic course that I teach. Each term I challenge my students to list exactly where their car is built and except for those with pre-1980 models, most have a difficult time doing so. By the time that they have some answers, they have also made some discoveries.

It is harder and harder to determine the actual origin of a car and in a global economy, why bother?

I wonder, had your staff chosen a PT Cruiser, would these same readers be upset? It is, after all, built in Mexico.

Keep up the good work. I truly enjoy your site. BTW, I drive a Wrangler built in the U.S. of A, I think?!