American Cars, The New Europeans

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve) 12/22/2014 at 15:30 • Filed to: USA

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These last years of the American Automotive Industry have been some of the best, if not the greatest in their history. And you know why? Because they have been able to break away, tear, and leave behind the biggest amount of negative stereotypes.

America can't make a good small car. - The Fiesta and Sonic both are equal or even superior to their Japanese competition. Don't even get me started on performance oriented models.

American Cars get horrible gas mileage. - Chevy Cruze Eco? Ford Focus SFE? Dodge Dart Aero? V6 Mustang? C7 Corvette? Every one of them gives great numbers, albeit in each of their classes.

Cadillacs are for old farts that drink Ensure on an hourly basis. - Cadillac is making cars that handle better than the company that based itself on the promise of good handling.

Pickup Trucks are rough, agricultural, philistine vehicles. - The Ram 1500 uses the same shift knob as a $100K Jaguar. The Ford F-150 at idle/full throttle/ 60MPH is quieter than its stablemate the Ford Fusion. Chevy trucks offer a 24/7 personal secretary who can guide you through a snowstorm to get chicken and send an ambulance if you have a stroke (Onstar).

American Cars have crappy Interiors. - Its amazing the improvements just a bundle of years can bring. Step inside a CT-S, a Grand Cherokee or even a Ford Transit. None will disappoint, and some will even impress.

Corvette Seats are Worse than middle school cafeteria tables. - 2 words, Competition Seats.

American Cars can't handle. - Z/28 Camaro, Focus ST, V6 Mustang, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, Chevy Sonic, Stingray, Ford Escape… All of that and more accounts to cars that handle beautifully and wear an American badge proudly up front.

As you can see, a great number of stereotypes have been deemed pointless and beg to be forgotten in the times of the Oldsmobile diesel and the Saturn 4 speed Automatic. This is definitely startling, but what is really surprising is how European cars are slowly been turning to become what American cars were before this "enlightenment" era.

Lets start with BMW, the brand that pretty much roots itself to the promise of a better driving experience. This promise kept itself true in the times of the shark nosed BMW's of the 80's, then with the subtly aggressive 90's cars like the E39 5 series and the 8 series as well. This in my mind is the best era of BMW's, where Bear Coat smooth straight sixes were the norm, and V12's were crammed into roadsters by engineers, just for the giggles. Even in the controversial Bangle designs of the 2000's BMW still kept making sensational machines with unbelievable engines (read: V10 M5). And here is where the peak of BMW was reached, and where a lot of things started to go in another direction. The F10 5 series was introduced and lacked the steering feel, responsiveness and eagerness that previous generations had in spades. It had become a big, comfy cruiser. Even the most performance oriented model was lacking in the "feel" department and a new word started being employed in its reviews that, just a couple years ago, would never be even remotely implied to describe a BMW. Fake. While this doesn't really matter to 80% of the buyers, it did show that BMW was taking a page from the Buick handbook of relaxed sofa rather than following their very own tradition. Same thing happened with the 3 series which became bigger, softer and less responsive than it was supposed to be, to the point of being behind Cadillac in terms of handling and balance. Although there are still hidden treasures in the BMW lineup that keep the brands' pledge close to their chests (2 Series, Z4) you have to admit they aren't what they used to be. Even more with their introduction of their very own antichrist, the front-wheel drive 2 series Grand Tourer.

Sports cars, which was once a European tour de force is constantly in danger of the great machines that the US is churning out. The Corvette stingray has won so many comparison tests against european rivals it really does seem like the bargain of the century. Only very few cars are as powerful as the Hellcat Challenger and offer the same kind of usability for the every day tasks. A Mustang, even when it had the live-rear axle was a competitor for the M3. And speaking of the M3 with the new F80, a lot of the spice has been lost in the name of efficiency whilst the Mustang GT350 is shaping up to be one hell of a ride with enjoyment being a higher priority than C02 figures. Its amazing as well that when really concentrating, Chevy can make a car handle impressively and that is proof with the Z/28 Camaro. Not even the computer-fest that the GT-R is can match the performance of the big brick. Yes, european sports cars are alive and fighting, but the truth is that most of them are less of an event than american sports cars. The BMW i8, although a technical masterpiece, it will never be much of a laugh. The Jaguar F-Type Coupe R really is fun to toss around corners, but is it as fun as the Z06 C7 Corvette? Will the Ford Mustang GT350's engine and chassis be more rewarding than the AMG GT S twin turbo? A Dodge Challenger with a more sophisticated transmission than an Aston Martin. As I said, American sports cars are a very serious match to europeans and some even beating them at their own game.

Its not only when talking about performance that American brands are substituting Europeans, but also making cars that have both perceived and actual quality. Its been quite a long time since Mercedes Benz was described as a car with impeccable reliability and dependability. A long, long time that includes the C200 Coupe, Endless S-Classes, and currently the CLA which suffers from a lot of squeaks and rattles complained by their owners. Mini is currently the least reliable brand of cars, and sadly Volkswagen's reputation is still very affected. But this is what warranties are for, and taking care of your car should ensure it will last for a long time. Interior quality and feel (Perceived) has always been the reason why you opted for a car made in Deutschland even if it meant you had to spend more money on your lease. American interiors though offer the same features, for less money, with similarly satisfying materials. Look at the interior of a Ram 1500 and you will marvel at the comfort of its heated steering wheel. The Taurus has massaging seats. Even the Wrangler has leather and a touchscreen! Then there are the interiors of Cadillacs, which are so satisfying you won't find yourself out of place even if you have owned German cars all your life. The solidity, the silence, the thunks and heavy clicks are all there. Bad interiors are a thing of the past, and no american car company should be criticised for that without a fair judgement.

And lets not forget the absolute masterpiece that is the Tesla Model S. A car built with the mindset of the future but at the same time perfectly usable for the present thats showing the answer to a question we even fear of asking. What will happen when this place runs out of oil?

What is currently going on in America is something I never thought I'd see, and I can't believe what people that actually lived by the 80's and 90's must have felt when all these cars were introduced. It seems very unfortunate that Europeans are trading sporting feel to become more sedate. That all of that faultless quality is being replaced by dodgy electronics and brittle engines. And that what was once a superior aspect of their vehicles, their features, now be equal to north American competition. Its a good time to be an American, and lets hope that Europe realizes what brought them to where they are right now.

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jariten1781 > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 15:36

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GM's been at it for decades

Milky > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 15:36

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I miss the 0-60 magazine. It was soooooooo good.

Man I'm showing my age.

Cé hé sin > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 15:41

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"America can't make a good small car. - The Fiesta and Sonic both are equal or even superior to their Japanese competition."

Fiestas have become American?

Vicente Esteve > jariten1781 12/22/2014 at 15:57

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*Shivers*

Vicente Esteve > Milky 12/22/2014 at 15:57

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Never read it, was it like the usual reviews or a more "wild" magazine?

Vicente Esteve > Cé hé sin 12/22/2014 at 15:58

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No, they aren't. But they are an offering from an American brand.

Japanese cars aren't that Japanese either.

Not even some german cars.

Cé hé sin > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:09

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Not even some French ones.

Not even some Korean ones.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:12

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This is wonderful. I said it earlier but I'll say it again; the American auto industry is on a roll. It's simply amazing that companies that just a decade ago were putting out what can mostly be described as absolute shit can make what they're making now. It's staggering.

Milky > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:14

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It was like Jalopnik but printed. Humorous and they did have some pretty ladies included too. Granted I was in high school so that might of been why I liked it. It only lasted from '07 to '08 iirc.

The Transporter > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:15

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The only thing I'll disagree with you on is pickup trucks. Yes, they've become more comfortable, but should they have. The one thing I like about older pickups is that they never pretended to be anything more than they were.

Vicente Esteve > Cé hé sin 12/22/2014 at 16:19

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The most unbelievable to me is the fact that some Audi's will be built in Mexico. As an owner of a MK7 Golf thats made here as well, I feel very proud that Mexican hands did such a great car. Its going to be interesting what they will have to do for Audis.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 12/22/2014 at 16:21

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It really is. When you think that a Cadillac just beat BMW at its own game it really should be noticed and recognized.

Vicente Esteve > The Transporter 12/22/2014 at 16:23

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Pickup trucks are getting amazingly expensive for what they are. My father will never again buy a full-size truck since he feels about half the money goes for a painted steel square with air in it.

But, I do understand that a huge number of people use them as their family/only vehicle, so I get why they try and make them more luxurious.

Also a work truck trim will always be available, as well as base Toyota trucks which are the definition of "Honest Vehicle".

djmt1 > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:26

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I'm glad the American auto industry has got it's collective shit together that said I'm still annoyed that the vast majority of American models shipped to England are pieces of plastic shit but here is hoping that the Mustang will reverse that trend.

Also Dodges and Astons use the same gearbox now.

Cé hé sin > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:31

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Well, we already have Spanish and Hungarian Audis. To say nothing of Turkish Fords, Renaults and Toyotas, British Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans, Slovene Renaults, Slovak Porsches and VWs, South African VWs and BMWs, Indian Nissans, Czech Hyundais....

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Milky 12/22/2014 at 16:36

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It lasted until 2010.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 16:37

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Which is built by ZF.

Vicente Esteve > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 16:38

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The Aston V8 Vantage doesn't. I get it, Aston doesn't have enough income, but its something funny to point out.

Oh yeah, some cars that reached Europe should've never got there (Caliber and Nitro).

Vicente Esteve > Cé hé sin 12/22/2014 at 16:39

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Slovak Porsches? Never heard of that.

djmt1 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/22/2014 at 16:40

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I wonder why their 8 speed is so much better than their 6 speed box. The Vanquish & Rapide have been transformed into such better cars with the new box.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:42

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Oh come on, it's not even the 4th of July, so stop fooling around.

GM would've been dead if it wasn't for the government and Chrysler would've been dead if it wasn't for Fiat.

The Sonic(not really a class leader) was developed in Korea and the Camaro in Australia. Both Ford and GM rely on European divisions for a good chunk of their R&D. Getting back in the game doesn't make you a winner, it only gets you back in the game. Let's see how things look in 10 years or so.

Oh, and there's the global scene of high tech. motorsports. Until we win a race in F1 or LMP1, we won't truly be back.

djmt1 > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:48

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Hopefully they sort that out soon (put the manual back in the new Vantage) now they are actually building new cars.

Milky > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/22/2014 at 16:48

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Really? Well thats disappointing, I remember I could find it after high school. I could of been reading it for 2 more years?!

Stores around me must of just quit carrying it.

Vicente Esteve > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/22/2014 at 16:49

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American brands really are improving with their products, even if they aren't being built in the United States. Their decision to put out better products and not "Half-Assed" vehicles is something to recognize. And still, a huge number of Auto-Makers aren't manufacturing cars in their nationality.

Ford and GM realized they screwed up, fixed their issue and are now striving.

I am not even an American (Mexican), but can recognize the amazing work and change that has been done.

Cé hé sin > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 16:50

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The Cayenne is made mainly in Bratislava and assembled in Germany, the next one will be made entirely in Bratislava.

Manuél Ferrari > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 17:01

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'Murica rules because it offers the Mustang, Corvette, and some Caddy models with Manuél inside

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 17:21

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Well, after the long chain of fuck ups, and the bail out, money we spent on them, some good results were something that everyone expected. But the global competition is fierce, gaps are smaller by day, and if we allow them to think that we will buy their cars, no matter what, they will go back to their old habit, of badging yesterday's car as tomorrow's innovation, and call it a day, because the place across the street sells a new, 3 flavor, bacon ice cream sandwich.

We have to press and push the automakers to the limit, because only then, they will actually become more clever and competitive. Look at Mazda, their limited resources and production base, helped them to become so clever, that they are offering class leading products that still turn a profit, without having the giant R&D budgets, of bigger players, at their disposal.

Vicente Esteve > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 17:25

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They really are. Even more the Rapide, as it is supposed to also be somewhat comfortable sedan.

Vicente Esteve > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 17:25

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I just want the Lagonda to be such a MASSIVE sales success that it gives Aston some money to make new cars and innovate a bit.

Vicente Esteve > Cé hé sin 12/22/2014 at 17:26

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Wow, didn't know that. I can say though that the Cayenne is built like a tank out of hell.

Vicente Esteve > Manuél Ferrari 12/22/2014 at 17:28

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"Murica still offers their same style and attitude, with the European touches we enjoy. Its the best of both worlds.

Vicente Esteve > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/22/2014 at 17:31

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I agree completely. But on the other hand, you have cars like the Camry that follow the same formula of being un-inovative and people buy them by the bucket loads. American brands could've copied that, but they came out with great products that showed that they want to offer something more advanced and better engineered.

djmt1 > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 17:32

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Seeing how far JLR have come since going solo does give me hope for Aston. They alongside Lotus are really missing out on this new boom in the British Auto industry and while Lotus continues to flounder on whether or not they want to become Porsche, I do have hope Aston will come out on top. They have invested a shit ton of money on new engines and platforms and as seen with the new DB10 and Lagonda they are finally evolving their styling.

Come on Aston, do it England!

Vicente Esteve > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 17:39

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JLR are doing amazingly well due to the looks and the prestige. Seriously, their engines aren't really knew, neither is their infotainment systems. But man, the formula of Good looks+Old School Performance just works hence the great amount of sales.

I won't be mad if Lotus makes an SUV. If it brings money in, they might as well do bicycles.

Astons are finally evolving, which I can't wait to see in the future. But, if Aston wants the DB10 to be a success they have to REALLY show it in the new bond movie. Entice people to get one.

djmt1 > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 17:45

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I would say that applies more to Jaguar then Land Rover. Land Rovers are still pretty much the only go anywhere luxury SUV which is important to people afraid of grass which is a shame but at least we get cheap used Land Rovers in the future.

As for Lotus. I agree, branch out or copy whatever McLaren are doing because they can't stop selling cars.

As for Bond, I'm tired of them destroying Astons. The old Bonds never did that. Heck they gave them bulletproof paint and invisibility.

Vicente Esteve > djmt1 12/22/2014 at 17:52

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I agree with what you said.

And yes, Bond cars are supposed to be appreciated by James Bond, not used as his real-life GTA fantasy

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Vicente Esteve 12/22/2014 at 18:02

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We have our own American Camry, too.

Vicente Esteve > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 12/22/2014 at 18:03

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Still better than the Camry Camry

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Vicente Esteve 12/23/2014 at 15:48

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Not really. You know what to expect from a Camry, so it doesn't really let you down. That thing, on the other hand, comes with Camaro taillights, and BMW inspired commercials and shit, but it's just like a Camry.

MultiplaOrgasms > Vicente Esteve 12/23/2014 at 17:54

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It almost hurts me to say this as a german, but it is true. My country's car makers are in their own malaise era. They've become lazy from decades without serious competition.

Vicente Esteve > MultiplaOrgasms 12/24/2014 at 11:34

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As a German car enthusiast 100%, it pains me as well.