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

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Oh? I don't think that's actually the case, as a quick search gives prices for some small cars that I wouldn't exactly call cheap. The 2008 Lotus Exige comes in at $61,000, the 2008 Porsche 911 at $83,800, while the 2008 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si is a comparative bargain at only $42,700. Even US automakers can do this, with the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Base Convertible at $54,570, and the Z06 Coupe at $71,275.

For comparison, the 2008 Hummer H2 has a MSRP of $56,735 - probably heavily discounted these days :-)

LOL
If you think Elise, Z4 and Corvette (all 2 seater sports cars) fall in the same category as a Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent, I have a killer deal on a bridge over the East River you might be interested in.

[xbUser]

I believe BMW 1 & 2 series, Audi A1, A2, A3 are better examples of luxury small car.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by tjts1

If you think Elise, Z4 and Corvette (all 2 seater sports cars) fall in the same category as a Honda Fit or Hyundai Accent...

Ah, but you're bringing in other criteria to change the equation. The claim was that people wouldn't pay more for a small car than a big one. Those are some of the smaller cars on the market, and they're priced more than typical large cars, thus disproving the claim.

The problem is that you and the auto makers are thinking small car equals econobox, and of course and econobox is, by definition, cheap. But small can also be luxurious, performance-oriented, or just plain fun, and if you give your small car one or more of those qualities, it will sell at a substantially higher price than an econobox. For instance, MSRP on the base Mini is $28,550.

[bbjsw10]

There are some cheaper, fun 2 seaters too. Mazda Miata starting at $21,305, Saturn Sky $26,475, Nissan 350Z $28,510 (my fav) But none are really good FE cars but could be alright if driven right.

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by Arminius

"Good mpg" is in the mind of the beholder. I'm to the point now that I would only feel satisfied by an EV.

I am thinking strongly about this option, only travel about 8-10 miles round trip to work each day. An electric conversion would be great for me. Like the ForkenSwift car of MetroMpg. I love that thing and really thinking about it. I can get a deal on Marine batteries work at RV dealership.

[cfg83]

bbjsw10 -

Originally Posted by bbjsw10

There are some cheaper, fun 2 seaters too. Mazda Miata starting at $21,305, Saturn Sky $26,475, Nissan 350Z $28,510 (my fav) But none are really good FE cars but could be alright if driven right.

The 240, 260, and 300ZX are my favorite Z's.

This bums me out because I am not represented. I would be willing to pay close or even the same price for the same car with a thrifty (ice cream ) drivetrain. For instance, I love the design of the current Mitsubishi Eclipse, but it's a non-starter because of it's powerplant.

The closest I have seen to a "sporty/thrifty" recent car was the last base model Toyota Celica. It seemed to get very good MPG. Aesthetically I didn't like it at the time but it's grown on me :



CarloSW2

[slurp812]

Originally Posted by bbjsw10

Here is one Ford released in Europe. Ford come on...63.57 MPG but not for North America, WTF!! Why shouldn't they make these for everywhere. And Ford is not the only one. I know a ton of people that would buy this thing.

2009 Ford Fiesta ECOnetic: Ford Lifts Hemp Curtain On Fiesta ECOnetic

Americans like big SUV's. With so many 4500lb(or more) vehicles on the road, its to dangerous to drive a small car amongst the behemoths. I think this may be changing tho......

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by slurp812

Americans like big SUV's.

Yeah, sure. That's why GM, Ford, and Chrysler are all posting record profits, and Honda & Toyota are in bankruptcy :-)

I'm sorry, but that claim is just more evidence that you've internalized Detroit's brainwashing... excuse me, advertising. Americans are no different than any other diverse group of people. Some may like big SUVs in and of themselves, just as others wouldn't have one at any price. Most of them, however, have just reacted to the incessant marketing that shows SUVs as cool, manly, adventurous, safe, etc. SUVs were a fad, just like hula-hoops and pet rocks.

[Big Dave]

Why doesn’t Ford import the Fiesta ECOnetic?

If it won’t pass US crash test standards, they cannot even sell unique parts for it in the US.

Why is the notion of regulatory compliance sych a difficult concept to grasp?

[bbjsw10]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Why doesn’t Ford import the Fiesta ECOnetic?

If it won’t pass US crash test standards, they cannot even sell unique parts for it in the US.

It will pass US crash standards the gasser is coming to US but not high mileage diesel. Go figure.