| DrunkIQ, just my opinion, but I've owned all three of the "Big Three". I'd put Chrysler engineering and design (innovation) ahead of the rest. I'd put Ford in last place. But I've gotta say that if you want reliability, comfort, quality production and assembly, go GM. I'm driving a 95 Bonneville that's a tic away from 200,000 miles (I bought it with 70,000 miles on it). I've given it ONE tuneup in all that time: had to replace the plastic top inlet manifold "air box", and... that's it. It still cruises at 75 all day long, gets the same mileage as when I bought it, the upholstery looks brand new (not a wear spot on it), starts in all weather. The shocks, brake calipers and discs, alternator, starter, rad, water pump... all original. Oil pressure still runs up around 60 psi on the highway and hot idles at 25 with 10/30.
I found the equivalent models in Chrysler to be light, have weaker suspension components, hard on brakes, and... I'm sorry but... that "cabin forward" design leaves me feeling claustrophobic the way the windshield comes down in the corners of your vision. Yeah, they go like stink in a straight line... but when I "head out on the highway" I want comfort and reliability with a nice touch of performance. Now... I can't say I've ever tried any of the "sporty" models... since I"m 6'4, my wife is 6'0 and my 15 year old twins are both 6'+ (I'm afraid to measure them again), well we don't exactly fit inside a Focus or a "Starzoom 7".
Fer what it's worth. (but I know what I'll be buying after I finally have to put a bullet through this one's head!) |