Left Lane News- 10 worst vehicles you can buy
04-07-13, 08:47 PM
#16
I wonder why Ford has chosen to keep using the very dated and somewhat anemic 5.4 when they have released a much better and more modern 6.2 engine with more power. They put all this effort into a new engine, and then limit it to only the F-Series. They should be popping it into the E-Series, Expedition, and Navigator.
too. But the E-Series will be gone soon, so I understand Ford not worrying about that. But yeah, makes no sense, 6.2L V8 has been out for a couple of years
04-08-13, 04:06 PM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
The Corolla may be dated and bland like fast-food hamburgers and fries, but look at how popular fast-food actually is. The Corolla is not only super-reliable and will last forever wth proper care, but, despite the ancient but smooth 4-speed automatic, offers relative comfort/refinement by small-car standards, and is, even today, exactly what a lot of car buyers want. The six-figure sales numbers each year prove it.
I think one thing we should take note, when is the last time you saw an automotive publication recommend a GM product over a Toyota? Thats no small thing IMHO. Speaks a lot to changes at both brands.
As for the Lexus spindle grille, its not going anywhere.
Both the Navigator and Escalade, though, are classic bling-mobiles, and you would be surprised at how well they (still) sell here in the high-income mass-suburbia of the D.C. region where I live. But, we all know that they are bulky, hard to park, thirsty, and drive like..........(what else)?....trucks.
I have a friend that has a Tahoe. Loves his Tahoe, makes a ton of money he can buy any vehicle he wants...he wants a Tahoe. I don't get it.
04-08-13, 06:43 PM
#18
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May sell well, but it is a terrible car. If someone is looking for a car they would actually enjoy driving, there are things to pick in that segment now (like the Chevy Cruze, or a Mazda 3). If someone is looking for a "driving appliance" then the Corolla is fine, but I agree its a terrible car, but is a reliable appliance.
I think one thing we should take note, when is the last time you saw an automotive publication recommend a GM product over a Toyota? Thats no small thing IMHO. Speaks a lot to changes at both brands.
I think one thing we should take note, when is the last time you saw an automotive publication recommend a GM product over a Toyota? Thats no small thing IMHO. Speaks a lot to changes at both brands.
Why? Because reliability and quality are more important. As is value, comfort, safety,room, and maybe styling (inoffensive).
Someone used the fast food example earlier and it's true. Everyone loves to bash McDonald's and Subway as selling crap. Well guess who sells more prepared food than anyone in the world? McDonald's and Subway. They are clearly offering a product that appeals. Price? Convenience? Taste? Just like these restaurants, Toyota may be hated on but they are the ones smiling.
04-08-13, 08:42 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Your idea of what defines a "good car" isn't universal. Exciting driving dynamics is the common number one trait among auto publications and yourself apparently but when it comes to real world buying criteria, it is of low priority. Notice the world's largest automaker, Toyota, has been nocked for their lackluster driving dynamics forever. Still, they're #1.
Theres nothing wrong with the Corolla, its just a "driving appliance". A vehicle for someone to whom buying a car is like buying a hot water heater...or a furnace.
04-08-13, 09:16 PM
#21
Lexus Fanatic
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meanwhile, toyota is laughing all the way to the bank! they know their customers!!
04-08-13, 09:51 PM
#22
About the Corolla . . . .
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
Last edited by Aron9000; 04-08-13 at 09:55 PM.
04-09-13, 11:05 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
About the Corolla . . . .
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
You mention the Cruze as an alternative. Yes, the Cruze definitely has a better interior than the Corolla, but first-year models, unlike most Toyotas, suffered from teething problems. And the Dart, which also has a better interior, needs more work in the powertrain department.
04-09-13, 11:20 AM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
About the Corolla . . . .
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
The Corolla is what it is, a reliable, safe, cost effective and commoditized transportation device. It is being bought by the boatloads on this premise.
Last edited by My0gr81; 04-09-13 at 11:40 AM.
04-11-13, 03:38 PM
#27
I absolutely DESPISE the Corolla for 2 reasons. It's mind-numbingly BORING and lot of people I don't like drive this car.
Their are alot of uncertainties in life but I can say for certain I will NEVER buy a Corolla.
Their are alot of uncertainties in life but I can say for certain I will NEVER buy a Corolla.
04-11-13, 04:37 PM
#28
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About the Corolla . . . .
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
Toyota has cheesed out for the past 4 years or so on the current model. The previous model had a much nicer quality interior IMO, along with a sport model that featured the Celica GTS powertrain, ie that 1.8 rev to the moon motor and a six speed manual. The current model had an optional 2.4 liter motor for 2009-10, but that has been dropped in favor of the old 1.8 1ZZ-FE 132hp standard on all models, with the 4 speed automatic. This is the same powertrain you could get in a 2003 Corolla. Yet your 2003 Corolla felt a lot better built and had the same amount of interior room.
That is why the Corolla is utter dog **** IMO. They are selling you a worse car than what they sold you 10 years ago. I cannot state how much I hate the current Corolla, mainly because people are still stupid enough to drink the Toyota cool-aid and not even consider something like a much better built, more fun to drive Mazda 3, Civic, Chevy Cruze, Dodge Dart, etc, etc, etc
04-11-13, 07:19 PM
#29
As for the Cruze not being fun to drive, I agree it is very isolated, quiet, and set up to ride nice. Oddly enough, I've read a couple reviews for the Cruze Eco with the manual tranny that said it was actually pretty fun to fling around in corners due to it being 200lbs lighter, lowered suspension with less body roll, less unsprung weight due to smaller wheels/tires, and a great shifting manual tranny(something you almost never hear about a GM product with a manual). If you opt for the manual it isn't any slower than the other Cruze models, and gets 28 city/42 highway. Granted the reviewers said its no sports car, but for basic transit they said its pretty darn good.
04-11-13, 08:01 PM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
It may not be sports-car fun in the sense of being agile and responsive, but some cars are pleasant to sit in and drive drive simply by having nice interiors and quietness/refinement on the road. The Cruze is one of them......which, IMO, makes it pleasant to drive, if not fun by your definition.