Why doesn't the U.S. get good FE cars?

[Bror Jace]

"Big cars make more profit for the car makers than small cars."

True enough ... but it's not really the size of the car that determines the profit ... it's the price tag. More money is (usually) made off of more expensive cars. With Americans, larger usually means more expensive.

Yes, the whole emissions thing is a nightmare. It should be MASS of emissions ... not percentages.

[akcapeco]

Originally Posted by instarx

One True Reason: Big cars make more profit for the carmakers than small cars.

In order for this to be a true statement, you must have one thing: very inexpensive fuel.

In virtually all other markets in the world -- fuel efficiency matters, small cars are the only ones people want, and the automakers structure the profit around those cars.

BMW is considering raising the price of the MINI as we speak for one reason: they can.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by instarx

Also, Americans will buy big cars, Europeans won't.

Oh, Europeans will buy big cars too, for "status". It's just that their big almost always means very expensive, so their big cars are most often in the range from the bigger BMWs & Mercedes up to Bentleys & Rolls. There's not (as far as I remember) much in the $20-40K range where you find US SUVs.

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by BlackDeuceCoupe

I used to *think* the same thing - then I sat in a Mazda Protege - which was like a tall CiViC (I think they quit making them).

OMG!!!

It *felt* like a taxi cab inside - tall and skinny - gave me the willies!

Don't fool yourself...

Personally, I love slinking in my 6Gen CiViC - leaning on the center rest like a chain blinger - and I'm not the only one!

LoL!

I think some ppl are jealous 'cause they're falling down and can't get up - that's all!

You have to remember this is "BIG" Dave that said this too. Some of my taller friends will only get a larger vehicle but a couple of them are 6'6", they would not fit in my Metro too easily. I also know a lot of people that love the feel and seating of a smaller car, and maneuverability of smaller cars. I myself am 6'1" and Love my Metro, it is just more fun to drive than my F150 4x4 and better on gas too.

[bhazard]

Originally Posted by xbUser

I drove Ford Festiva (1.3L, 3speed trans) before. That is a scary experience. The windows was shaken on freeway speed even closed tightly. The engine roared so loud on 65mph. With 5 people, I couldn't stop my car on downhill.

Thats strange, I have none of those problems. And... festivas are only meant to carry 4.

Dont let your experience with one thing make you think the whole herd is bad.

A mexican kid broke into my car and stole my stereo. Mexicans are bad people!

[xbUser]

Originally Posted by bhazard

Thats strange, I have none of those problems. And... festivas are only meant to carry 4.

Dont let your experience with one thing make you think the whole herd is bad.

A mexican kid broke into my car and stole my stereo. Mexicans are bad people!

I don't think I have made the same comment as you quote in the last sentence. My experience told me what I experience with my car. That is the truth. That 89 Festiva is not suitable running on freeway. I noticed the window shaking on freeway speed. It's quiet down when I was drafting behind a truck very closely. That 13" tires didn't provide enough stopping power. We, 5 people, weighs about 700 pounds total. I don't think that makes a big difference with 4 people with 200 pounds each. It's 3 speed automatic transmission is not designed for freeway used. I believe 5 speed stick shift is much better. My comment is "some car design is better than others in certain area." I still miss my 89 Festiva for its super efficiency. However, I enjoy more with Civic/xB on freeway or when heavy load (man/thing) is needed.

[atomicradish]

I drive an 89 Festiva, and I agree that it does make a lot of road noise. It is nothing compared to the 1L Metro though.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by BlackDeuceCoupe

It *felt* like a taxi cab inside - tall and skinny - gave me the willies!

Had a similar experience once, when I had to drive a rental car (I think it was a Ford Focus) for a while: it was like trying to drive while sitting on a bar stool. For the first couple of days, I was creeping around every corner because my subconscious expected the damn thing would roll...

[justpassntime]

Originally Posted by bhazard

Thats strange, I have none of those problems. And... festivas are only meant to carry 4.

Dont let your experience with one thing make you think the whole herd is bad.

A mexican kid broke into my car and stole my stereo. Mexicans are bad people!

If it hadn't been for the Taco Bell wrapper left on the seat no one would have ever known.

[Peakster]

That is one sexy looking car!!!