Do you really hate Fords or Just love GM??
11-21-2002, 05:48 PM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: OR
Posts: 2,368
for trucks, I have some blind loyalty to GM trucks...
For sedans, I have no brand loyalty... I wouldn't mind an 1996 Imapla SS.. but besides that, whoever can bring the best deal to the table would win me..
For sports coupes.. well.. if there was another Camaro out there, I would look at it first.. but if there is anything that clearly wins out price/performance/feel... I'd get it..
In general, I do not like Mustags mainly cause of the suspension from a 70's fairlane, the 4.6, and how it looks.. Now if the next Gen Mustang improves all of them... then I'd definantly consider it.. but now there the 350Z and whatever else is popping up....
Then again, an used '02 Z06 would come down in price by then soo......
I don't think I'm ever gonna sell/give away my Camaro though.. unless someone gives me a crazy deal on a '02 Z06 and I'm forced to trade.......
For sedans, I have no brand loyalty... I wouldn't mind an 1996 Imapla SS.. but besides that, whoever can bring the best deal to the table would win me..
For sports coupes.. well.. if there was another Camaro out there, I would look at it first.. but if there is anything that clearly wins out price/performance/feel... I'd get it..
In general, I do not like Mustags mainly cause of the suspension from a 70's fairlane, the 4.6, and how it looks.. Now if the next Gen Mustang improves all of them... then I'd definantly consider it.. but now there the 350Z and whatever else is popping up....
Then again, an used '02 Z06 would come down in price by then soo......
I don't think I'm ever gonna sell/give away my Camaro though.. unless someone gives me a crazy deal on a '02 Z06 and I'm forced to trade.......
11-22-2002, 10:14 AM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Yadkinville, NC USA
Posts: 3,180
It's a part of growing up.
When I was a kid, I used to hate GM, Dodge, AMC, and everything else except Ford with passion - it was because my folks had just purchased a new '68 Ford truck and a new Ford car. As a kid, you think your parents know everything. My folks were unbiased for 20+ years - having owned several GM products, Plymouth, and even a Chrysler or two. But after quality probs, failures, etc, they "settled" into the Fords nott overnight but through time.
As I got older (like 12), I started looking at cars I might be saving money for when I turned 16. I discovered there WERE other cars out there besides Mustang. My older sister was driving (a '66 Mustang that was @8 yrs old) and since she was "babysitting" me, I got to hang with some of her friends who were driving Camaros, Pontiacs, Vegas, Chevelles, GTOs, Pintos, Monzas, Mavericks... you name it. She graduted in '74 BTW. These were "the cars" you saw in the HighSchool and Burger King parking lots. I wasn't into doing lots of mechanic work on cars at the time, so looks were EVERYTHING to me then. I fell in love with the cool looks of the Bandit Edition T/A - for a while, that was gonna be my car. The mid '70's Camaro/Firebirds with rear spoilers looked sleek and fast. Even some "old" cars like the early '70s GTOs, the Challenger, Charger R/T, etc were looking good to me.
When D-DAY arrived (that's Driving Day), my dad informed me that a work-buddy was wanting to sell his '81 Mustang notch. He needed cash and was a "motivated seller". Eager for my first car and getting potential help from the folks, I said something to the effect of,"If you think it's a good car - sure. But I'd appreciate it if you help me checkit out." What I didn't know was that my dad had already checked it out, worked out a deal, and just wanted me to "buy in to it". We got a great deal on the car - it was a Ghia model, loaded to the hilt, cruise, A/C, power everything, cloth, woodgrain, EVERYTHING... including an automatic, and a 2.3L 4-banger! Couldn't pull itself out of a shadow when the A/C was on. 90mph top speed off a cliff. But it looked good.
Once me and my friends started driving, it was like a new world of cars was opening up. Imports were starting to get into performance pretty heavy. I couldn't help but be exposed to them. I had friends driving everything... Greek restuarant-owners kid in a BMW 3-series, another in an Isuzu Impulse, a girl friend in a Supra, Celica GT, Bud in a '70 Charger R/T, Scott in a 70ish Orange Plymouth Fury, Jeff in his 80 Nova, another in a burgundy '72 Nova SS, Robert in his '68 Mustang, his dad in a '67 vette 427 BTW, Todd in his CVCC, Tim in a '78 Granada, and others at school in Chevelles, Monte's, EXP's, a Rabbit GTi, a VW Scirocco, a '74 Maverick, and even one guy in a '68 Plymouth Valiant! Since we all hung out, I got to ride in most all these cars - though sometimes involutarilly! I also got to drive some of them. I think this was when I started to develop more of an apprecition for what a car had to offer as opposed to who it was made by.
Now, I still have that same view if not more so. I have learned to appreciate cars for what they are. Personally, I loved the body work of GM cars back in the '80's - more so than Ford. The '86 Monte Carlo SS was twice as good-looking as the '86 5.0 T-bird. The IROC was a better-looking car than the '87 GT IMO. Looks in the '90's are kind of a wash. I like the T/A bodies, loved the sinister Impala SS, but I also liked the Cobras, T-bird SC, and Taurus SHO bodies too.
Both GM and Ford cars are capable of providing years of reliable service if properly maintained - no car will live forever without maintenance. Both make great cars and both make the occasional lemon - the law of statistics is undefeatable. So it gets down to the drivetrain - this is where I have chosen to stay with Ford. It is generally accepted (granted there are exceptions) that Fords are easier to work on. Quick example - Oil change in an '80's IROC 350 vs. an '86 5.0 - Where's the oil filter? IROC - it's wedged up between the block and transmission and you have to have a filter-socket to get it out, oil plugs are also hard to get to and drip oil on crossmember. In the 5.0, you roll under the front, not the side, with a 3/4" wrench, a slip-joint filter wrench, and an FL-1A filter - 3 minutes later your done at the bottom, ready for 5 new quarts. I do 5 to 7 minute oil changes on everything I own. Another example - Try swapping valve cover gaskets on an F4 with an LS1, then try swapping them on a 5.0 or even a 4.6... hmmm, no dash removal required. This matters when you choose to do the work yourself. I recall an article in Mechanical Engineering magazine (a true NERD book, but I get it!
) back in '95 or so, where all the readers were polled on where they lived, what kind of home they had, what they drove, etc. in an effort to "profile" the Mechanical Engineer. The most popular car, by some huge amount - like 63% or so - was the Ford Taurus, claiming it was "well-engineered" for utility and maitainability. That says something about style/looks versus utility/practicality in some peoples minds.
I guess in summary, I am trying to say that I really do like both GM and Ford products. I wouldn't think twice about buying a Camaro if the Mustang had gone to Mazda back in '89. Hell, I wouldn't think twice about it today if that was the case. Maybe I've just been lucky with what I've got, and don't plan to change until given a good reason to do so. But GM will be my next stop if I ever leave Ford. Then Daimler-Chrysler after GM. Maybe Mazda next. The last on my list would be a Kia or Daewoo, then up to Toyota, Isuzu, Honda, etc. The German/Euro stuff falls behind domestics but in front of Asians. Funny thing, I have no real options of getting Oz cars - why not? I'd sooner have some Oz cars far before the German ones, if only I could get them here.
I have enjoyed reading everyone's response in this thread. The only ones that bug me a little are the ones who think Ford is pure sh1+... how do you guys get that? Ford is the #2 maker in the world for Pete's sake, you don't get that by making sh1++y cars. It's OK to choose one over the other because you don't like the styling, or you want more power, or some other personal preference - but don't assume that because you don't PREFER that car, that it is a pile of sh1+ -- that's just immature. They both make great Americans cars and we - the buying public - steer them to give us what we are willing to pay for, be it cheap, expensive, economical, guzzler, ugly, sleek, purple, square, fast, or slow.
As for the GM v. Ford rivalry - it will always be there - at least we better hope so. The rivalry will be more akin to sibling rivalry in the same house, rather than the all-out cross-town rivalry, IMO. But it is changing - the two are now collaborating on everything from auto tranny development to hybrid vehicle technology. THEY have realized that it is now them - GM and Ford - against THE WORLD when it comes to car sales - especially domestic sales. There are many alliances being formed between them to assure that they both not only survive, but hopefully prevail and remain the dominant car manufacturers in the world. So you adamant Ford-haters need to lighten-up a bit... Ford may end up being one of the best friends you've got in the car industry. Just like the US and Russia were staunch cold war enemies from '52 'til '88, and now we're "good friends" again - THINGS CHANGE. Food for thought...
Peace,
Proud
As I got older (like 12), I started looking at cars I might be saving money for when I turned 16. I discovered there WERE other cars out there besides Mustang. My older sister was driving (a '66 Mustang that was @8 yrs old) and since she was "babysitting" me, I got to hang with some of her friends who were driving Camaros, Pontiacs, Vegas, Chevelles, GTOs, Pintos, Monzas, Mavericks... you name it. She graduted in '74 BTW. These were "the cars" you saw in the HighSchool and Burger King parking lots. I wasn't into doing lots of mechanic work on cars at the time, so looks were EVERYTHING to me then. I fell in love with the cool looks of the Bandit Edition T/A - for a while, that was gonna be my car. The mid '70's Camaro/Firebirds with rear spoilers looked sleek and fast. Even some "old" cars like the early '70s GTOs, the Challenger, Charger R/T, etc were looking good to me.
When D-DAY arrived (that's Driving Day), my dad informed me that a work-buddy was wanting to sell his '81 Mustang notch. He needed cash and was a "motivated seller". Eager for my first car and getting potential help from the folks, I said something to the effect of,"If you think it's a good car - sure. But I'd appreciate it if you help me checkit out." What I didn't know was that my dad had already checked it out, worked out a deal, and just wanted me to "buy in to it". We got a great deal on the car - it was a Ghia model, loaded to the hilt, cruise, A/C, power everything, cloth, woodgrain, EVERYTHING... including an automatic, and a 2.3L 4-banger! Couldn't pull itself out of a shadow when the A/C was on. 90mph top speed off a cliff. But it looked good.
Once me and my friends started driving, it was like a new world of cars was opening up. Imports were starting to get into performance pretty heavy. I couldn't help but be exposed to them. I had friends driving everything... Greek restuarant-owners kid in a BMW 3-series, another in an Isuzu Impulse, a girl friend in a Supra, Celica GT, Bud in a '70 Charger R/T, Scott in a 70ish Orange Plymouth Fury, Jeff in his 80 Nova, another in a burgundy '72 Nova SS, Robert in his '68 Mustang, his dad in a '67 vette 427 BTW, Todd in his CVCC, Tim in a '78 Granada, and others at school in Chevelles, Monte's, EXP's, a Rabbit GTi, a VW Scirocco, a '74 Maverick, and even one guy in a '68 Plymouth Valiant! Since we all hung out, I got to ride in most all these cars - though sometimes involutarilly! I also got to drive some of them. I think this was when I started to develop more of an apprecition for what a car had to offer as opposed to who it was made by.
Now, I still have that same view if not more so. I have learned to appreciate cars for what they are. Personally, I loved the body work of GM cars back in the '80's - more so than Ford. The '86 Monte Carlo SS was twice as good-looking as the '86 5.0 T-bird. The IROC was a better-looking car than the '87 GT IMO. Looks in the '90's are kind of a wash. I like the T/A bodies, loved the sinister Impala SS, but I also liked the Cobras, T-bird SC, and Taurus SHO bodies too.
Both GM and Ford cars are capable of providing years of reliable service if properly maintained - no car will live forever without maintenance. Both make great cars and both make the occasional lemon - the law of statistics is undefeatable. So it gets down to the drivetrain - this is where I have chosen to stay with Ford. It is generally accepted (granted there are exceptions) that Fords are easier to work on. Quick example - Oil change in an '80's IROC 350 vs. an '86 5.0 - Where's the oil filter? IROC - it's wedged up between the block and transmission and you have to have a filter-socket to get it out, oil plugs are also hard to get to and drip oil on crossmember. In the 5.0, you roll under the front, not the side, with a 3/4" wrench, a slip-joint filter wrench, and an FL-1A filter - 3 minutes later your done at the bottom, ready for 5 new quarts. I do 5 to 7 minute oil changes on everything I own. Another example - Try swapping valve cover gaskets on an F4 with an LS1, then try swapping them on a 5.0 or even a 4.6... hmmm, no dash removal required. This matters when you choose to do the work yourself. I recall an article in Mechanical Engineering magazine (a true NERD book, but I get it!
) back in '95 or so, where all the readers were polled on where they lived, what kind of home they had, what they drove, etc. in an effort to "profile" the Mechanical Engineer. The most popular car, by some huge amount - like 63% or so - was the Ford Taurus, claiming it was "well-engineered" for utility and maitainability. That says something about style/looks versus utility/practicality in some peoples minds.I guess in summary, I am trying to say that I really do like both GM and Ford products. I wouldn't think twice about buying a Camaro if the Mustang had gone to Mazda back in '89. Hell, I wouldn't think twice about it today if that was the case. Maybe I've just been lucky with what I've got, and don't plan to change until given a good reason to do so. But GM will be my next stop if I ever leave Ford. Then Daimler-Chrysler after GM. Maybe Mazda next. The last on my list would be a Kia or Daewoo, then up to Toyota, Isuzu, Honda, etc. The German/Euro stuff falls behind domestics but in front of Asians. Funny thing, I have no real options of getting Oz cars - why not? I'd sooner have some Oz cars far before the German ones, if only I could get them here.
I have enjoyed reading everyone's response in this thread. The only ones that bug me a little are the ones who think Ford is pure sh1+... how do you guys get that? Ford is the #2 maker in the world for Pete's sake, you don't get that by making sh1++y cars. It's OK to choose one over the other because you don't like the styling, or you want more power, or some other personal preference - but don't assume that because you don't PREFER that car, that it is a pile of sh1+ -- that's just immature. They both make great Americans cars and we - the buying public - steer them to give us what we are willing to pay for, be it cheap, expensive, economical, guzzler, ugly, sleek, purple, square, fast, or slow.
As for the GM v. Ford rivalry - it will always be there - at least we better hope so. The rivalry will be more akin to sibling rivalry in the same house, rather than the all-out cross-town rivalry, IMO. But it is changing - the two are now collaborating on everything from auto tranny development to hybrid vehicle technology. THEY have realized that it is now them - GM and Ford - against THE WORLD when it comes to car sales - especially domestic sales. There are many alliances being formed between them to assure that they both not only survive, but hopefully prevail and remain the dominant car manufacturers in the world. So you adamant Ford-haters need to lighten-up a bit... Ford may end up being one of the best friends you've got in the car industry. Just like the US and Russia were staunch cold war enemies from '52 'til '88, and now we're "good friends" again - THINGS CHANGE.
Food for thought...Peace,
Proud
11-22-2002, 10:42 AM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,313
I hated all dumbestics, really. Unreliable, non-efficient, and ugly are just a few things that came to mind back then. We'll i never "hated" the mustang but the thought of purchasing one didn't come to mind till 2 years ago. It was all about honduhs for me previously. I remember back in 94 when the new body came out, and remember seeing a clean gorgeous white fox body GT drop top(probably a year or so old then) parked next to a green and then new 94 GT droptop and admiring both. I also remember hearing the rumble of several 5.0's and admiring their tones.
Despite all this, i still never cared to own one. I went to school during when the Honda/Import scene was picking up steam, and it seemed to be the hot trend then. I hopped on the band wagon, dreamed about slapping every ghetto JC Whitney accessory i could get my ricey little hands on, and nearly succeeded in doing so had the funds been really there. I went on to purchase 3 accords and went on to rice out 2 of them. 3-5 years later, i found out the internet, talked with a few stangers ("argued" was more like it), and after riding a friends 99 GT decided to buy one. I never looked back after that day.
I never really cared for GM or any other muscle car after getting my 1st stang (95 5.0 GTS or Lx 5.0 version of the sn95). Some of you might remember some of my earlier posts 1.5 years back. I was quite the controversial one. After hanging around this board, i really went on to enjoy GM's as well. Heck, i'm crazy about mopars now.
If it's v8, rwd, sleek, has 2 doors and a small back seat, i'm all for it be it GM, Chrysler, or Ford. I also like some English, Germans and Italians as well as some Japanese.
. Unreliable, non-efficient, and ugly are just a few things that came to mind back then. We'll i never "hated" the mustang but the thought of purchasing one didn't come to mind till 2 years ago. It was all about honduhs for me previously. I remember back in 94 when the new body came out, and remember seeing a clean gorgeous white fox body GT drop top(probably a year or so old then) parked next to a green and then new 94 GT droptop and admiring both. I also remember hearing the rumble of several 5.0's and admiring their tones. Despite all this, i still never cared to own one. I went to school during when the Honda/Import scene was picking up steam, and it seemed to be the hot trend then. I hopped on the band wagon, dreamed about slapping every ghetto JC Whitney accessory i could get my ricey little hands on, and nearly succeeded in doing so had the funds been really there. I went on to purchase 3 accords and went on to rice out 2 of them. 3-5 years later, i found out the internet, talked with a few stangers ("argued" was more like it), and after riding a friends 99 GT decided to buy one. I never looked back after that day.
I never really cared for GM or any other muscle car after getting my 1st stang (95 5.0 GTS or Lx 5.0 version of the sn95). Some of you might remember some of my earlier posts 1.5 years back
. I was quite the controversial one. After hanging around this board, i really went on to enjoy GM's as well. Heck, i'm crazy about mopars now. If it's v8, rwd, sleek, has 2 doors and a small back seat, i'm all for it be it GM, Chrysler, or Ford. I also like some English, Germans and Italians as well as some Japanese.
11-22-2002, 06:40 PM
#20
Registered User
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New Haven, CT
Posts: 1,042
My dad doesn't give a **** about cars. He's into hardcore golfing, and wishes I was the same 
I got into F-bodies when my brother had an 87 Trans Am. It was the biggest POS ever, and we should've seen it coming with its pretty bright blue NEW paint job, neglected interior, bad running engine, and leaking roof (on a hardtop! ). When we sold it, we found out it had been turned back 90,000 miles, and the 305 Poncho engine was swapped for a 305 Chevy! I still thought that car was the coolest looking car ever. It had the coolest wheels (Like FlyinLow89's car), and I loved the 4 circle gauges on the interior. I was a freshmen, he was a junior.
His senior year (my sophomore), he got a 95 V6 Camaro, identical options and features to my Firebird in the sig. That thing was awesome, the kids at school loved it (some jealous faguars gave the V6
, though). When I needed to get a car, I asked my dad if I could look for a Camaro or Firebird, and he agreed. We searched a bunch of neglected POS cars (I looked for Mustangs as well, but there were more POS ones than nice ones). One day, I found my Firebird 
Then, tragedy strikes: someone totalled my brother's 95 Camaro
. It was a sad time period in our house. But, with the money he recieved from insurance (not his fault), he bought a 97 red V6 Camaro vert!!! Even better than the older one! For a short time, though, it was cool having a 95 Firebird and a 95 Camaro in the family
Oh, to answer your question, I just love GM. I never hated Ford, and I don't understand why people do nowadays. Ford vs. Chevy isn't that big now, it's Domestics vs. Imports (well, at least the RX-7s, Supras, you know the drill)
I am eagarly looking forward to a GTO. I can't wait! I want the GTO to be my next car after my Firebird. I will be in college when they come out, however. Who knows, maybe I will land a sweet paying job when I graduate (I can dream, right??) and will buy a GTO. Worst case, I will buy a used GTO.
If I new F-body comes out, it will be hard for me to chose between GTO vs. F-body. Then again, they aren't even out yet!
I got into F-bodies when my brother had an 87 Trans Am. It was the biggest POS ever, and we should've seen it coming with its pretty bright blue NEW paint job, neglected interior, bad running engine, and leaking roof (on a hardtop!
). When we sold it, we found out it had been turned back 90,000 miles, and the 305 Poncho engine was swapped for a 305 Chevy! I still thought that car was the coolest looking car ever. It had the coolest wheels (Like FlyinLow89's car), and I loved the 4 circle gauges on the interior. I was a freshmen, he was a junior.His senior year (my sophomore), he got a 95 V6 Camaro, identical options and features to my Firebird in the sig. That thing was awesome, the kids at school loved it (some jealous faguars gave the V6
, though). When I needed to get a car, I asked my dad if I could look for a Camaro or Firebird, and he agreed. We searched a bunch of neglected POS cars (I looked for Mustangs as well, but there were more POS ones than nice ones). One day, I found my Firebird Then, tragedy strikes: someone totalled my brother's 95 Camaro
. It was a sad time period in our house. But, with the money he recieved from insurance (not his fault), he bought a 97 red V6 Camaro vert!!! Even better than the older one! For a short time, though, it was cool having a 95 Firebird and a 95 Camaro in the family Oh, to answer your question, I just love GM. I never hated Ford, and I don't understand why people do nowadays. Ford vs. Chevy isn't that big now, it's Domestics vs. Imports (well, at least the RX-7s, Supras, you know the drill)
I am eagarly looking forward to a GTO. I can't wait! I want the GTO to be my next car after my Firebird. I will be in college when they come out, however. Who knows, maybe I will land a sweet paying job when I graduate (I can dream, right??) and will buy a GTO. Worst case, I will buy a used GTO.
If I new F-body comes out, it will be hard for me to chose between GTO vs. F-body. Then again, they aren't even out yet!
11-23-2002, 08:54 PM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 172
I don't dislike Ford at all.I just like GM a little more.
However If they don't come out with an F5 soon I will be looking at used C5's.
It is really weird though....
Considering buying a Vette.
I just turned 30 so I guess I'm getting old enough!
However If they don't come out with an F5 soon I will be looking at used C5's.
It is really weird though....
Considering buying a Vette.
I just turned 30 so I guess I'm getting old enough!
11-24-2002, 07:38 AM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Commerce, mi, USA
Posts: 2,139
Our family has gone thru a lot of different brands. I learned to drive in my Mom's Maverick; she also had a Galaxy wagon; and my sister had a couple LTD's way back when. All were nice cars. The Maverick only had an I6, but was still kind of fun to drive, and it had a nice shape IMHO. My Dad had a new F150 until it got stolen 
Since then my family has had Chevys, Buicks, Mazdas, GMC's, Pontiacs, Mitsubishis and Chryslers. I have only owned Chevys or Pontiacs but I wouldn't rule out getting a Mustang someday. I wouldn't buy the current body style, I just don't like it. If the next one looks like the blue concept car picture, it could be a real contender! By then though, I'm sure we'll have the first new GTO, plus we'll soon thereafter be seeing some cool stuff from GM!
Since then my family has had Chevys, Buicks, Mazdas, GMC's, Pontiacs, Mitsubishis and Chryslers. I have only owned Chevys or Pontiacs but I wouldn't rule out getting a Mustang someday. I wouldn't buy the current body style, I just don't like it. If the next one looks like the blue concept car picture, it could be a real contender!
By then though, I'm sure we'll have the first new GTO, plus we'll soon thereafter be seeing some cool stuff from GM!
11-24-2002, 01:23 PM
#23
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: The Golden State
Posts: 13,711
QUOTE]Originally posted by kizz
Lord only knows why, but I NEVER felt that awesome feeling with any Ford.. it just didn't happen. I've driven many Fords and it just seems like the quality and thoughtfullness was just absent, just gone. A friend of mine's 82 Grand Marquis is about the only modern Ford I can remember that was interesting. .... [/QUOTE]
You must have slept through the 80s & early 90s then, because you missed a whole series of Ford's that were a whole hella lot more interesting than a Grand Marquis:
*Ford created a Thunderbird that was actually good looking in their "aero-birds" era. Turbocharged intercooled 4cylinder cars that in their day were not only high tech, but pretty quick.
*Then there were the 'hot-rod' Lincolns. The 5.0 H.O. Mustang powered MarkVIIs that not only were faster than anything in Cadillac's showrooms by a large margin, but was also revolutionary in luxury coupe styling (broke away from the 3 box, notchback styling that was standard luxury car fare till then).
*Also the SVO Mustangs, which progressed into cars as fast as the 5.0 LXs. Again, turbocharged, intercooled, but also very well balenced & with many chassis & suspension upgrades that were not available on 5.0s. Mustang 5.0s also became the performance mainstay of highway patrol departments.
*Then there's the car I owned, the supercharged, intercooled Thunderbird Supercoupe, which in it's 1st 2 years was actually overengineered (I sold mine at 140,000 miles 2 years ago... the rear brakes lasted 127,000 miles (fronts 90,000), and most everything but the head gaskets & the A/C were original....including the clutch! ) and very high tech for 1989.
*Finally, the Lincoln Mark VIII, which was about as high tech and interesting (though ugly) as you can get. The final editions used HID headlights, and neon taillights, items that other domestic makers are just now getting around to using ('92 t-bird was the 1st to use LED taillights).
As far as quality, I owned an 85 Mustang SS I bought 1 year old & 42,000 miles. From 86-1996, I ran it up to 226,000 miles, and when I sold it, it's heater was shot and the AC needed replacing. Other than that, it was still in exceptional shape. Original engine & drivetrain (only problem area were those "change yearly" front brakes). My SC ran over 140,000 miles, and it was still tight when I sold it. Ford quality back then was totally different than today. I came to Camaro because Ford was going backwards on Mustang's performance, Thunderbird SC was basically the same car I had (except the interior) and was made with alot less quality than my 89......Ford was installing plastic radiators in these things the final few years!
Ford of the 80s was on a roll. I find it pretty odd that you chose a 1982 Grand Marquis as the most interesting Ford in a decade that Ford was hitting nothing but homeruns.
Lord only knows why, but I NEVER felt that awesome feeling with any Ford.. it just didn't happen. I've driven many Fords and it just seems like the quality and thoughtfullness was just absent, just gone. A friend of mine's 82 Grand Marquis is about the only modern Ford I can remember that was interesting. .... [/QUOTE]
You must have slept through the 80s & early 90s then, because you missed a whole series of Ford's that were a whole hella lot more interesting than a Grand Marquis:
*Ford created a Thunderbird that was actually good looking in their "aero-birds" era. Turbocharged intercooled 4cylinder cars that in their day were not only high tech, but pretty quick.
*Then there were the 'hot-rod' Lincolns. The 5.0 H.O. Mustang powered MarkVIIs that not only were faster than anything in Cadillac's showrooms by a large margin, but was also revolutionary in luxury coupe styling (broke away from the 3 box, notchback styling that was standard luxury car fare till then).
*Also the SVO Mustangs, which progressed into cars as fast as the 5.0 LXs. Again, turbocharged, intercooled, but also very well balenced & with many chassis & suspension upgrades that were not available on 5.0s. Mustang 5.0s also became the performance mainstay of highway patrol departments.
*Then there's the car I owned, the supercharged, intercooled Thunderbird Supercoupe, which in it's 1st 2 years was actually overengineered (I sold mine at 140,000 miles 2 years ago... the rear brakes lasted 127,000 miles (fronts 90,000), and most everything but the head gaskets & the A/C were original....including the clutch!
) and very high tech for 1989.*Finally, the Lincoln Mark VIII, which was about as high tech and interesting (though ugly) as you can get. The final editions used HID headlights, and neon taillights, items that other domestic makers are just now getting around to using ('92 t-bird was the 1st to use LED taillights).
As far as quality, I owned an 85 Mustang SS I bought 1 year old & 42,000 miles. From 86-1996, I ran it up to 226,000 miles, and when I sold it, it's heater was shot and the AC needed replacing. Other than that, it was still in exceptional shape. Original engine & drivetrain (only problem area were those "change yearly" front brakes). My SC ran over 140,000 miles, and it was still tight when I sold it. Ford quality back then was totally different than today. I came to Camaro because Ford was going backwards on Mustang's performance, Thunderbird SC was basically the same car I had (except the interior) and was made with alot less quality than my 89......Ford was installing plastic radiators in these things the final few years!
Ford of the 80s was on a roll. I find it pretty odd that you chose a 1982 Grand Marquis as the most interesting Ford in a decade that Ford was hitting nothing but homeruns.
Last edited by guionM; 11-24-2002 at 01:42 PM.
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