Ford to stop selling cars in North America

[niky]

You can write a predictive algorithm detailing the boom and bust of the oil market based solely on US car sales composition.

Like that ain't a disaster waiting to happen.

[njlou]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

And here I think Honda's are overly complicated. Maybe it's just after 2000. Vtec is a PITA. The idle control is way over complicated and expensive. It doesn't seem to take much to have it running not right that has 7 possible failed parts all with the same symptoms. Each possible part is $100, if not $200.

I remember my 2000 Saturn had everything easy to reach, just a few $20 or less sensors, and it went 200,000 with just a $45 starter and $8 coolant temp sensor both that didn't take more than 20 mins to change out. It did need a clutch in there but that was before I owned it, still a reasonable job compared to my Subaru which pretty much needed the engine pulled.

All cars have become amazingly expensive!!!
We have been tempted and fell for the incredible level of "luxury" at a cost.
Keep in mind that the lease made it all possible. If the average guy had to pay the actual cost it would never sell.
Enjoy it while you can.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

2018 US total sales:

1. Ford F-Series - 909,330
2. Chevrolet Silverado - 585,581
3. Dodge Ram - 536,980
4. Toyota Rav4 - 427,170
5. Nissan Rogue/Rogue Sport - 412,110
6. Honda CR-V - 397,013
7. Toyota Camry - 343,439
8. Chevrolet Equinox - 332,618
9. Honda Civic - 325,760
10. Toyota Corolla - 303,732

Sometimes I wonder if the Rav4 sales figures would be the same if there were still station-wagon versions of the Camry and Corolla.

[MetroMPG]

Why make a station wagon version of the Corolla when you can charge $5000 more for a Rav4?

[Ecky]

Debt is at an all time high. Jobs pay too little and nobody can afford anything, except (seemingly) gas guzzling SUVs and $1500 cellphones.

[redpoint5]

Marketing explains the RAV4 and other 'utes. We're sold a fantasy of what life could be, or at least the opportunity of what life could be.

Reminds me of all those Hoveround electric wheelchair commercials that show old people at the Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, and Mt. Rushmore. The message is that adventure awaits if only you buy this product, when the reality is that most people will just use it to get to their doctor appointments and watch Matlock.

I don't have anything particularly against the Rav4. It's probably a fine vehicle.

[hayden55]

Interestingly enough...
From Toyota:
2010 Prius Passenger Volume: 93.7 cu ft
2019 Rav4 Passenger Volume: 98.9 cu ft
Thats a great trade of in extra space for half the fuel economy. Lame.
https://pressroom.toyota.com/article...rticle_id=2648
https://www.toyota.com/RAV4/features...4430/4440/4477

[JSH]

Originally Posted by njlou

All cars have become amazingly expensive!!!
We have been tempted and fell for the incredible level of "luxury" at a cost.

Not really.

• A base model 1985 Honda Accord sold for $8845. That is $21,130 adjusted for inflation.
• A base model 2019 Honda Accord sells for $23,720.

So the price has gone up 12% in almost 35 years.

Of course that isn't a far comparison because the 1985 Accord was a subcompact car (Passenger volume of 85 cu ft) whle the 2019 Accord is a large car (Passenger volume of 106 cu ft). Even a 2019 Civic is a midsize car. (Passenger volume 98 cu ft and MSRP of $19,450)

Cars have gotten less expensive over time and much better.

[freebeard]

What this country needs is a good hardtop station wagon.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by JSH

Cars have gotten less expensive over time and much better.