What If You HAD To Buy An American Car, What Would It Be?

What If You HAD To Buy An American Car, What Would It Be?
With the economy in the toilet, a lot of people are scaling back. So out with that BMW, and in with whatever now fits in the ever shrinking budget.

If you were thinking scaling up is a hard thing to do, then look at scaling back and you start to see a real challenge.  So let’s give you a scenario and see how we collectively do.

So here are the simple guidelines:

It is time get rid of your beloved ride, and the economics simply don’t work anymore.  You simply have to scale back.  Since the economy is on the skids for some reason or another you now feel the urge to be patriotic, so this time around it will be different and you choose to buy an American car! (I know this is hard to think of for many of you but bear with me on this).

Now which American car would you choose and why?  Now remember the rules of this scenario dictate that economics are an issue, so no CTS-V or $100k Corvettes these are off limits, your budget is under $40K, but you CAN purchase a used car if you feel so inclined but no more than 5 years old. 

Now as you can see things getting are pretty hard and very limiting, but I challenge you to look across the Detroit Three and tell us what your choice would be to best weather this economic storm.  

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NISSANINFINITINISSANINFINITI - 10/27/2008 4:45:58 PM
+7 Boost
A Cadillac STS or the Chevy Camaro. They are HOTTTTT


350zdon17350zdon17 - 10/27/2008 5:14:33 PM
-21 Boost
Public transportation > American cars
never had to call roadside assistance in my NYCT train


hao420hao420 - 10/28/2008 4:55:39 PM
+1 Boost
Wont be Chevy, Ford ,or Dodge, except Saleen S7 fit my garage....


B7FANB7FAN - 10/29/2008 9:47:57 AM
-1 Boost
I would get a Charger SRT (and put a Viper V10 in it) and a Cadillac Escalade EXT


inspirion7inspirion7 - 10/27/2008 4:51:06 PM
+13 Boost
If I wanted to, not "HAD" to purchase and American car, that is and obvious point to this thread, I would choose the Cadillac CTS. I would look at the Malibu LTZ, but the CTS is more up market of course.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 10/28/2008 12:51:00 PM
+8 Boost
If I couldn't afford the CTS it would definitely be the Pontiac G8.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 10/30/2008 8:53:25 AM
0 Boost
cts-v for sure


Agent001Agent001 - 10/27/2008 4:53:12 PM
-3 Boost
Escalade Hybrid

001


BimmerGuyFL78BimmerGuyFL78 - 10/27/2008 4:53:39 PM
+14 Boost
Cadillac CTS.


222max222max - 10/27/2008 5:37:50 PM
+9 Boost
CTS for me too.


VISOVISO - 10/27/2008 10:40:59 PM
+6 Boost
Ditto.


silver1silver1 - 10/28/2008 4:28:51 AM
+4 Boost
same here


BMWMBMWM - 10/27/2008 5:03:30 PM
-1 Boost
SSC Ultimate Aero TT. Hehe :)


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/27/2008 5:11:28 PM
+4 Boost
Lincoln MKS


M35MTM35MT - 10/27/2008 5:12:30 PM
+8 Boost

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon


M35MTM35MT - 10/28/2008 10:26:41 AM
+3 Boost
Because I'd use it, (I have a ski cabin near sugarbush in VT) that requires a serious 4X4. And it's a pure Jeep, and one of the best 4X4's, especially for the price.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 10/28/2008 12:56:42 PM
0 Boost
I hear ya man. I have a Land rover discovery and I use it for what it was intended for, Off road. People think I am crazy but I bought it for its capabilities, not to bling and follow the latest SUV fasion trend. Land Rovers and Jeeps are bottom line the best offroad vehicles bone stock from the showroom floor. I have pulled so many modified 4x4 pickups with big mud tires out because they always get stuck spinning one front and one rear tire. thats when they see what a land rover is made for and they usually stop making fun of me for driving an import 4x4. I often drive right into the spot they got stuck in, stop and drive right out with no problems at all. It's fun to watch them try to diagonally cross a ditch where one front tire and one rear tire both ged off of the ground and you only have the other two touching. most of them don't even get the front tire past the ditch enough because they don't have diff locks or traction control.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 10/27/2008 5:13:33 PM
+11 Boost
1.Cadillac CTS-V
2. Corvette
3. Pontiac G8 GT or GTP


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 10/27/2008 5:14:36 PM
+2 Boost
CTS Coupe in place of CTS-V missed the budgetlimit above


91z4me91z4me - 10/27/2008 9:16:27 PM
+2 Boost
The high powered G8 is the GXP. The GTP nameplate has been dropped from everything except maybe the G6.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 10/27/2008 11:46:38 PM
+4 Boost
forgot a Camaro SS


veyron1001veyron1001 - 10/27/2008 5:14:56 PM
-16 Boost
None as there is no point to really buying an American car. Just buy the Japanese or European car equivalent to your budget.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 10/27/2008 5:19:09 PM
+11 Boost
veyron, the point is if you would have to choose and American car. What is so hard about reading what the thread is about and following simple instructions as to the format? If not, then the question doesn't apply to you, then move on to another thread.


PlanBPlanB - 10/27/2008 5:32:41 PM
+7 Boost
I'll take a G8 GT, black on black.


JaybrnJaybrn - 10/28/2008 12:44:42 AM
+2 Boost
I saw a red one in St Louis last weekend, I think Id take one in red!


beemzbeemz - 10/27/2008 5:32:52 PM
+3 Boost
This is actually right down my ally......unfortunately alot of us are feeling the economic strain and i've had some scaling back to do as well. i've had to sell my 06 bmw 325i and am looking for something half as cheap (about $10-12k). I was looking at used cars and was really struggling with American vs. other world markets. I'm in the process of selling the bimmer and would by a new (used car) in the next couple months. I live in phoenix and do alot of driving around out here so fuel economy is definitely high on my list.

Would you rather have a newer domestic car, or a foreign (japanese) but a few years old?

Well here are my 10 top picks, & please let me know if I should add or take any out...I'd really appreciate your guys' opinion! Thanks, Beemz

1. Scion tC (06-07)
2. Honda Civic (04-06)
3. Nissan Altima (05-07)
4. Dodge Avenger (08)
5. Mazda 3 (06-07)
6. Saturn Aura (08)
7. Ford Fusion (07)
8. Chrysler Sebring (07)
9. Nissan Sentra (07)
10. Chevy Cobalt (07-08)


vdivvdiv - 10/27/2008 11:09:01 PM
+5 Boost
Mazda 3
Civic
Altima


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 10/30/2008 9:45:30 PM
+1 Boost
I have been in that position (voluntarily, thankfully) and highly recommend you test drive a Ford Focus SES. It isn't the "best" car out there, but for that level of bang for a little bit of buck, we are seriously enjoying ours.


Agent004Agent004 - 10/27/2008 5:36:53 PM
+2 Boost
Jeep Wrangler I think. I haven't thought about it in so long, it's a hard one to answer.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 10/27/2008 5:37:18 PM
+7 Boost
I second the Cadillac CTS. The perfect blend of power and luxury in a RWD package, from an American automaker.

Offtopic Banter -

It's pathetic to think that instead of furthering development of RWD platforms and fuel efficient engines, that American automakers have taken the cheap way out, and pumped a bunch of uninspiring POS fwd vehicles into their lineups. FWDs wouldn't be so bad if they weren't produced with volume in mind. Our FWDs still have 4 speed autos, drum breaks, and hubcaps.

In a country with little mass transit, you'd think we'd have more appreciation for the automobile.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 10/28/2008 11:43:08 AM
+1 Boost
Since when has a domestic produced a 4 cyl. with drum brakes? My girls 2008 (A 2008 model now not 1998) Toyota Matrix XRS has drum brakes for goodness sakes She paid almost 20k for this loaded car. This REALLY shows how most out there really don't even know what domestic makers produce today. Some are still a decade late in knowledge.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 10/28/2008 12:02:04 PM
+1 Boost
Also, a basis Ford Focus, you can't even get a 4 cyl. Same for Saturn Astra, Chevy Cobalt. Almost all base vehicles domestic and imports have wheel covers to cut cost.




Bmw8terBmw8ter - 10/28/2008 5:50:44 PM
+2 Boost
Look at the Ford Escape; rear drums. Chevy Cobalt; rear drums and 4 speed auto. Buick and Chevy use 4 speed autos on some of their V8 FWDs. Traction control is still optional on some vehicles. This common knowledge....apparently not common enough though.


TehShibbsTehShibbs - 10/27/2008 5:39:13 PM
+5 Boost
G8 SUT - aka: Holten Ute

Probably in something annoying like orange or green.


TehShibbsTehShibbs - 10/27/2008 5:39:44 PM
+4 Boost
Oh, and the 6.2 is a requirement.


0to600to60 - 10/27/2008 6:26:20 PM
+4 Boost
Saturn Sky in the summer, CTS or Charger any other time


0to600to60 - 10/27/2008 6:27:10 PM
-1 Boost
Does Mazda count?


Hachee2001Hachee2001 - 10/28/2008 11:17:59 AM
-2 Boost
Hate to say this, but it feels like it was made in the US too. I had NO concerns about this when I bought it, but I'm sorry to say, it's subpar.
That said, I wouldn't expect the quality of any US brand car to be any worse.

I'd take the CTS, but since my needs really call for a bigger car, I'd take any GM Lambda, although I wish they were a bit smaller.




09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 10/30/2008 9:51:43 PM
+1 Boost
Well I'll be dammned.

You FINALLY admitted that your precious BMW's are actually American cars.

<sniff> I need a tissue.

This is an historic amazinbimmer post!!! Everyone mark it for posterity!

amazin, be prepared to get this post referenced in all your future bigotted, anti-American drivel, should you choose to go back to your evil ways.



BoredBored - 10/27/2008 7:21:00 PM
+3 Boost
"...so no CTS-V or $100k Corvettes these are off limits, your budget is under $40K,..."

WTF is wrong with some of you!? Agent009 asked a simple hypothetical question. Of course you can have your BMW or CTS-V or Escalade Hybrid (001???) or whatever, but would it had killed you to just play along for a bit?
amazin', even though I don't care for 95% of your comments, you missed a golden opportunity to show a sense of humor and asked for a 2005 Pontiac Aztek!
But I digress.

My cars (new or used)?
Saturn Sky
Saturn Aura
Pontiac GTO (where I would remove all of the Pontiac badging and replace it with Holden/Vauxhall Monaro badging for sh*ts and giggles)
Pontiac Vibe
Jeep Liberty CRD
Chevy Impala (FlexFuel)

Yeah, it hurt my brain to actually think of some American cars worth a damn in the past 5 years. Oddly the Vibe is the only American car that offers an engine that gets comparable mpg to foreign vehicles. Then again, it's a rebadged Toyota Matrix.



Htay7500Htay7500 - 10/27/2008 7:26:26 PM
+2 Boost
I would like to throw in the ctsv or vette, but agent 001 says no. I'd get the CTS, silverado, or f150. The Malibu isn't a bad choice.


BoredBored - 10/27/2008 7:40:15 PM
+1 Boost
@ Htay,

Actually, a USED '04-'07 CTS-V can be had for less than $40K!


Htay7500Htay7500 - 10/27/2008 8:25:38 PM
0 Boost
Throw in some mallet modifications and best bang for buck!


vman1013vman1013 - 10/27/2008 7:34:02 PM
+3 Boost
I bought a Grand Cherokee SRT-8 in March and 6-months later the honeymoon aint over! It's faster to 60 than an E46 M3 (and I own one). It handles reasonably well. The interior is nice for the price. The upgraded touch screen satellite navigation is easy to use and best of all - it's only been in the shop for oil changes. Chrysler/Jeep did a really good job with this one.

I've literally embarrased a few E46 M3 driver's who didn't realize how fast the SRT-8 is.


vman1013vman1013 - 10/27/2008 7:36:56 PM
+2 Boost
OK. I didn't realize I had a $40k budget. The SRT-8 was $47k....

Don't mention the gas mileage. Thank goodness for falling oil prices!


Agent00JAgent00J - 10/27/2008 7:41:36 PM
+5 Boost
I'd get the Chevrolet Camaro SS for me, and my wife really likes the new Chevrolet Traverse crossover vehicle.

Hey, it would do a country good if we all bought American for a while. We could go back to our Japanese and German cars in a couple of years when our economy is healthier.

-00J


jt716jt716 - 10/27/2008 8:09:42 PM
+5 Boost
Well I did buy one American back in 2006 (Ford Fusion) and its still great. I would get a Lincoln MKS Ford Edge/MKX, Chevy Malibu or the Cadillac CTS.


klipprandklipprand - 10/27/2008 8:26:50 PM
+4 Boost
Cadillac CTS
Lincoln MKS
Dodge Charger
Chrysler 300

Only 4 cars I see worth buying atm.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/27/2008 9:25:58 PM
+5 Boost
For under $40K:

1. Pontiac G8 GT
2. Cadillac CTS DI
3. Ford Escape Hybrid (supposed to be good)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/27/2008 9:26:42 PM
+2 Boost
For over $40K:

1. Cadillac CTS-V
2. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (yes, below CTS-V)
3. Dodge Charger SRT8 loaded


JCGatorJCGator - 10/27/2008 9:48:35 PM
+1 Boost
I would definitely get the Cadillac CTS or Lincoln MKS. I would strongly consider a Pontiac G6 convertible and a Saturn Vue as well. I'm shocked no one has mentioned that gorgeous Ford Flex...


w209w114w209w114 - 10/27/2008 10:28:00 PM
+2 Boost
Id get a Ford GT40 :) theres a car! saw one on the road today and thought, "wow! theres a Ford I wouldnt mind owning!"


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 10/28/2008 7:57:02 AM
+2 Boost
The only Ford GT40s that exist are from the '60s or are replicas. What you saw was more than likely a Ford GT. The "40" moniker was was left off because Ford and the trademark owner couldn't agree on a price for use of the GT40 badge.


vdivvdiv - 10/27/2008 11:16:56 PM
-3 Boost
My "scaling back" was an East Liberty, OH assembled 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L. It's hard to get over the looks of the thing, it's out right hideous. It's also underpowered and has an automatic trannie. But it does fit my junk, 5 people, 30 mpg on the highway, and my wallet.


delandelan - 10/27/2008 11:19:29 PM
+3 Boost
Pontiac Solstice Targa or Lincoln MKS. I saw the MKS in person two days ago and stared at it for a good 10 minutes. It is quite striking.


vdivvdiv - 10/27/2008 11:23:59 PM
+2 Boost
People mentioned a lot of Fords, but not the Mustang. A GT could be had for under $40k and can be a lot of fun.

Also if Mazda counts, how about the new 6 or the RX-8?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2008 12:21:49 AM
+2 Boost
Mazda doesn't count. Just like SAAB and Volvo don't count.


vdivvdiv - 11/1/2008 3:03:02 PM
+1 Boost
At this point Mazda is far more integrated into the Ford mothership than Volvo is or than SAAB is into GM. Be as it may, a Dodge RAM HEMI would be an excellent way to show exactly what one thinks about gas prices :)


AudiNewEnglandAudiNewEngland - 10/27/2008 11:27:13 PM
+3 Boost
CTS-V or Escalade



wooodwoood - 10/28/2008 12:05:17 AM
-2 Boost
With the economy and a shrinking budget, I'd opt for a used camry with low miles. I live in the real world where I earn my own keep and feed the family.


DenaliDenali - 10/28/2008 12:36:44 AM
+1 Boost
CTS
STS
Deville
Escalade ESV

Dodge Charger SRT
Impala SS 1996


S30GTRS30GTR - 10/28/2008 12:47:19 AM
-2 Boost
aveo


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/28/2008 1:53:18 AM
0 Boost
A 63 Lincoln or a 69 Camaro (Z/28 or nice SS)... oh and both would probably hold their value and are more green than any new car (at least for any new car mentioned....building a car in the first place is a larger impact than running one of those for a few years that has already been built).


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2008 12:34:22 PM
+3 Boost
Your existence is a "negative statement."


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 10/30/2008 10:01:16 PM
+1 Boost
Oops...you've already slipped up IN THE SAME THREAD, amazinbigot.

From above: You'd take the BMW X5, which is American because it is made in America.

I KNEW YOU COULDN'T DO IT!!! LOL

I thought MAYBE you'd at least not screw up on THE SAME THREAD!!!! LOL

Goddamm, you are such a poor, pathetic loser.

Oh, and for the record; I mean "poor" as in you have no wealth.

Have you figured out how to get an MBA from a trade school yet? Have you figured out what an MBA IS yet? How about what a "hoosier" is?

Probably not.

Bwaaaahaaahaaahaaa.....loser.




mini22mini22 - 10/28/2008 9:30:32 AM
+1 Boost
For me I would look at a Corvette,Camaro,Mustang,or Challenger. Further if I wanted 4drs I would look at a Cadillac CTS or Chrysler 300. If I needed AWD I would look at the Lincoln MKZ or the up coming 2010 Ford Taurus. If I needed a more economical car certainly the new Ford Focus or Fiesta would be on my list. If Ford ever recreated the Capri coupe I would look at that as well.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 10/28/2008 10:59:18 AM
+2 Boost
a cadillac CTS no question. it's the closest thing you can get to a BMW in an american car. and it's great looking.


goochgooch - 10/28/2008 11:59:15 AM
+2 Boost
Easy - G8 GXP. Black on black, dark tinted windows, flowmasters. Boom.


pushrod27pushrod27 - 10/28/2008 4:43:44 PM
+2 Boost
No doubt.


M53RM53R - 10/28/2008 12:23:48 PM
+1 Boost
Either a Lumina SS (Pontiac G8 I think) or a CTS.


CaraficionadoCaraficionado - 10/28/2008 12:31:31 PM
+1 Boost
Cadillac CTS
or
a gray Saturn Aura with the red interior


1dott81dott8 - 10/28/2008 1:32:20 PM
+3 Boost
1)G8
2)G8
3)CTS V
4)G8

i guess it's safe to say that i really like the pontiac G8.


carguy68carguy68 - 10/28/2008 1:49:02 PM
+1 Boost
F150
edge
focus
next taurus sho?


stash84stash84 - 10/28/2008 2:11:29 PM
+2 Boost
cts-v
g8
srt-10



E36erE36er - 10/28/2008 2:13:49 PM
+1 Boost
Ford GT


TuscaniTuscani - 10/28/2008 3:32:14 PM
-1 Boost
The most reliable "American Car" Pontiac Vibe
jajajaja u know why




MBCLS07MBCLS07 - 10/28/2008 6:35:49 PM
+2 Boost
so much Eurosnobbery going on. To answer the question:

1) Black Challenger SRT8

2) New CTS sportwagon


Sarcastic1Sarcastic1 - 10/28/2008 7:55:32 PM
-1 Boost
A pair of Nike's...size 10


bmwfan1513bmwfan1513 - 10/28/2008 9:21:53 PM
+1 Boost
Cadillac CTS


kut17kut17 - 10/28/2008 9:56:41 PM
+2 Boost
My favorite American made vehicle is the GMC Yukon Denali. I wouldn't mind owning one of those. I also like the CTS, the Challenger SRT-8, and the Camaro SS. In all reality, no American made vehicle stands out. I could've sworn I liked more than this.


bigTYMEbigTYME - 10/30/2008 1:07:10 AM
+1 Boost
The Denali has got to be one of my favorites. I've had 2 of them. For some reason though, I still prefer the older ones 2000-2006. Even though they were so unrefined, they just had something special about them, something the newer ones don't have. I don't know maybe that's just me though.


bocabimmerbocabimmer - 10/28/2008 10:38:38 PM
+1 Boost
i guess i would be stuck buying a SAAB, yes GM has destroyed that brand but it is as close as i can get to a euro, oh yeah, i guess i could get a VOLVO, oh yeah, for d didn't ruin that brand either..like Jag, Rover etc...


didlydrumrdidlydrumr - 10/29/2008 8:45:51 PM
+1 Boost
Yes, saab. I am totally sold after seeing the thin center thingy inside. COOLEST THING EVA!


AMGZING_fanboyAMGZING_fanboy - 10/29/2008 9:26:05 PM
+2 Boost
2006 black chevy tahoe, i think they are cool


AMGZING_fanboyAMGZING_fanboy - 10/29/2008 9:29:04 PM
+2 Boost
edit ^^^ had issues with my keyboard, meant to say A black 2006 chevy tahoe


kablaamkablaam - 10/30/2008 1:12:14 AM
+2 Boost
1. CTS-V
2. C6 ZR1
3. SRT8 - Charger(summer) Jeep (Winter and Summer)


rscaffidirscaffidi - 10/30/2008 3:12:22 PM
+1 Boost
I would have to agree with NISSANINFINITI...I would choose a CTS to replace my current 1999 BMW 328i (if I really had to) and a new Camaro SS in place of the M3 coupe that I really want but can't yet justify the extra disposable income expenditure (not at least until my salary rises or my beloved 328 dies)


PeteinFullertonPeteinFullerton - 10/31/2008 11:09:57 AM
+1 Boost
After years of bashing Saturns, I rented a V6 version for a week, and it blew me away. I would add the Malibu V6 to that list.


catbertcatbert - 10/31/2008 8:41:07 PM
+1 Boost
We have a Saturn, Silverado and Corvette. I don't consider buying American any kind of scaling back. If I was in the market for a car at this time, it would be for my second CTS.
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