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Re: Article Comments - 2009 Chevy Traverse LT2 vs. 2009 Ford Flex Limited [bobw3]

by narg on Thu Nov 13 14:22:21 PST 2008

This opinion is directed at all who posted here about so-called Asian quality... "Quality Surveys" are based on public opinion. Which in turn is based more on TV commercials rather than true reality. TV commercials where Toyota often flat out lies. (anyone recall the "meteor proof" commercial? Tell me that wasn't a lie...) Bottom line, GM & Ford today build a car as good, and in some cases BETTER than any asian car maker. (Buick has been rating higher than Lexus!!!!) Toyota & Honda earned quality ratings in the 80's when their cars were NOT very heavy on features and parts. SO of course they had higher quality. Now days, all cars are basically built the same. Toyota tries so hard to keep the quality rating by lying to their customers. They have been sued by a few governments (not here in the US yet.... yet...) because they hold back safety recalls on their vehicles rather than doing the right think and protecting the consumer. You have to keep in mind that Toyota and Honda did not have to endure the "Nader Era" where consumerism was bashed into the heads of the Big 3 US automakers. So Toyota and Honda feel they can get away with a lot of things that they Big 3 never even try in advertising and truth about their products. Not that all don't try, but the Asian makers do push the limits far beyond what I feel is acceptable. Today, to call a US made auto poor in quality just shows pure stupidity. I drove Asian vehicles in the 80's. Today I drive American. Why? First and foremost: Simply because I am American and I love my country. If you find fault in that, then you need to re-examine your priorities... I also drive them because they are less costly and very good in quality. I've proven that to myself, so I can say that with no reservations. I saw and drove the quality increases through the 90's into today, and it was amazing! My first US made truck was a '92 model, then I bought a '97 and it was increadably better, today I still drive the 2000 truck simply because it's so good. Never had a reason to trade it in (but just want to try something different now... so I'm shopping.) While lately I've seen Asian quality has tanked. For example: A couple months ago, I had to laugh when I walked past a new Camry in a Wal-Mart parking lot where the driver was unable to turn off their alarm after the drive simply starting the car. Poor girl had to drive it home flashing and beeping. Sorry, the "quality" in Toyota is no longer there. Another example is a family member who owns a 2000 Camry, the door handles fell off last year. I have a 2000 year model Chevy that has had zero problems, period. Both of us treat our vehicles with great care, but her's continues to cause more and more issues as it gets older. Her interior is cracking and peeling, mine still looks rather new. Today she's got the Chevy Malibu in mind, and can't wait to get far far away from Toyota on her next vehicle. Of course that's my experience, but more and more often it's becoming the experience of a LOT of people. Asian car quality is no longer the best. Another thing that bugs me is the "well they're made here" argument. Sure, but building a car is only 1/2 the cost. If you still buy foreign, then you are sending all the profits overseas, and away from the American economy. There is still the cost of engineering and support, all which keep MORE jobs here in the US when we buy US made vehicles. I care about the future US that my kids will live in. Why don't you? If you really think that perceived "quality" of the lying japanese automakers is worth the reduction in your own country's GDP, I think that a reality check is in order. Both Ford and GM build cars worthy of any consumer's consideration today. Using the excuse of quality is no longer acceptable or realistic. If you find problem with that, don't look at me, I'm not the one with the real problem here... Sure, that's a strong opinion, but I'm sticking to it. No I don't have a Confederate flag in my rear window, so don't stereotype. You'll only fail. Now as far as the Flex vs. Traverse? I think the reviewer was tilted only toward what he thought was good looking. Feature wize, I kinda like the Flex (I LOVE the Microsoft controlled electronics that Ford has in their vehicles today. Absolutely love it!) But, ride comfort and usability for me win out hands down. With that and I just think the Traverse looks better, so I disagree with the video reviewer's opinion. I actually think the Buick version of this SUV looks the best, but I can't get a feature set in the price range I want on the Buick, so I'm heavily considering the Traverse. And, I'll buy one with a piece of mind that I bought a very high quality vehicle that will last as long as I need it to, and that my money was properly spent on things that matter, more than percieved opinion shaped by over-commercialization and incorrect statements.

Lack of Subaru dealerships in the midwest

by rmacarthur on Sat Nov 08 19:25:34 PST 2008

I live in Oklahoma and have considered the new Forester. I inquired Subaru for a list of Subaru dealerships in Oklahoma. There are two (2) in the entire state. One is in Norman and the other in Tulsa--100 miles apart. No others, zip. So then I checked the number of dealerships in Kansas and Nebraska and find the same thing, one or maybe two per state. Subaru does not seem to be interested in selling vehicles in the central southern US and that is a shame. Dealer service is important to me and many others. What a shame that Subaru has actually reduced dealerships in Oklahoma (there used to be one in Shawnee but not now.) So if driving through these states and your Subara has a problem good luck as the nearest dealership may be more than a hundred miles away---an expensive tow in. So I have to rule out the new Forester and any other Subaru as they seem to only want to sell cars in snow country. What a shame, they are fine vehicles. Guess I will have to go with the CRV, Honda has adequate dealerships almost anywhere.

Veracruz GLS purchase

by kvd on Thu Oct 30 17:21:34 PDT 2008

I just purchased a GLS With just floor mats and first aid. MSRP 27,770. The dealer had add on of 895.00 for market ajustment(nice try) and 395.00 Scotch Guard. (Again nice try.) I told the salesperson he was looking at the wrong sticker. I hope no one out there falls for these---- Anyway I paid $22,000.00. This included dealer processing fee' but did not include tag-tax-title. This was in the Tulsa, OK area. Saw one in the DFW area in the internet for 21,770 - they have a $50.00 document fee. This seems to be about the bottom. I hit a couple dealers (including the one I bought this from with 21,500.00 and did not have any takers.

Re: [jacob0218]

by drjustin on Thu Oct 23 09:04:56 PDT 2008

jacob, i'm in tulsa and have been searching for a deal such as your's + $1,650 to add for sport. where do you live/what dealer? i wouldn't mind traveling within reason to get the car.

Wrench light

by charmander on Sun Oct 19 19:31:08 PDT 2008

What does a wrench light icon mean?

wrench light

by charmander on Sat Oct 18 20:53:15 PDT 2008

A wrench light icon came on my 2008 Ford hybrid escape instrument panel. Any ideas on what it means?