Detroit Three Check In — WHICH Domestic Automaker Is TOPS Right NOW And WHY?

I remember not so long ago we all posed a simple question: Which of the Detroit automakers is doing the best and looking forward to a very BRIGHT future? Who has the BEST products and seems like they actually learned a lesson during the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009/

Considering your hard earned dollars were used to essentially save two of the three, you should care.

That said, we're back to take a look back and give it some thought. WHO is doing the best and WHY?

General Motors is bringing some strong products out from its luxury division, Cadillac, and is hoping its pickups pack some punch against Ford's very strong F-150. In addition look out for its new slew of popular suburban sport-utility vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac. Sure it's getting love for vehicles like the Impala but it still is turning out stinkers like the Malibu.

Ford's "globalization" idea actually has been playing out. Though I thought it may have been a bluff at first, it's apparent with vehicles like the C-Max and all-new Monde...er...Fusion that Ford has finally listened. "Bring us those great cars from Europe and take the American market seriously!" The message has gotten through. Lincoln is still trying to find its way and it seems as though it never will at this rate. But with the F-150, Explorer, Fusion and Escape, it seems that success is in the cards at Ford.

Lastly, we have Chrysler. Now with Fiat in the cards it seems that its products have a distinctly European feel to them. If you've driven the all-new Dart you know exactly what I'm talking about. Its interior is a lovely place to be with its nice features and spunky style. BUT it hasn't connected with the market in a big way. However, the Jeep brand is just "killing it," left and right with the Grand Cherokee and all-new Cherokee set to hit dealers shortly. Not to mention the updated Durango, strong selling 300 and Charger, are beating the odds.

So, what say YOU?

nguyenvuminh - 9/27/2013 12:04:24 AM

+1 Boost

IMHO Ford have more competitive models across different segments, trucks,midsize sedans, compact and subcompact. Their cross-over seems the only weak spot. They seem to be in a position to weather any economic storm given their clean balance sheet. They have good reputation in 2 of 3 key markets (N America and Europe). GM's strength is in pockets like Buick in China but even there it's way behind VW, Toyota and Honda, Cadillac is very good but only in N America, GM trucks do well in N America. Their Opel/Vauxhall are weak in Europe. Chrysler have models that are popular icons but only in N America, outside of N America, Chrysler has nothing. As long as they are owned by someone, they plug along. Without this lifeline, Chrysler is nothing.

tattedtwice - 9/28/2013 7:27:29 AM

+1 Boost

Agreed; ford is the only american company with a car Id drive as a rental (since of course Id never own one). They stand above the other government charity cases in pretty much each field; mustang>camaro, fusion>malibu, focus>cruze, escape>equinox, and so on.

Now, if they could just do something about lincoln.....

gkearns56 - 9/27/2013 6:10:13 AM

+5 Boost

I'd say Chrysler. They have the best UAW workers who can smoke pot at lunch, drink beers at lunch too, get fired and then get rehired - ALL with their pay and benefits back.

SuperTurtlePlus - 9/27/2013 1:47:00 PM

+1 Boost

Why do I think your post is utter nonsense?

nguyenvuminh - 9/27/2013 1:33:34 PM

+1 Boost

Ggkearns56 - don't beat around the bush, man, you can be candid with us :-) Pretty funny.

gkearns56 - 9/27/2013 5:04:06 PM

+1 Boost

Enjoy this short video about our "quality" UAW workers. You will see why I will NEVER buy a UAW made vehicle. Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YaQCsrDfdY

mini22 - 9/30/2013 11:44:49 AM

+1 Boost

By in large I agree with whats been said. Ford first, GM second, and Chrysler third. However if Fiat can aquire all of Chrysler than they have a shot at moving up the ladder.Fiat will then have the lattitude of further sharing platforms. Depending on the market they can call some products Chrysler and others Fiat or Alfa Romeo.It has not worked so well in Europe partly because the products sold by Chrysler have been older and outdated. Further very little works in Europe write now!I think that Fiat owning all of Chrysler benefits both companies both dometically and globally. I also would say that some of Ford products are European feeling and driving-EG-Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Fusion. Thats ok with me. If a proper ride/handling compromise means European I'm all for it.GM cannot be at the top because it is hampered by Opel/Vauxal.While there has been some small movement to sell some of this models outside of Europe for this brand to make it now all of these models should be sold globally(especially in the US and China). Ford seems to be the most even on this.

dimes4slim - 10/3/2013 5:00:30 PM

+1 Boost

Based on my recent experiences and perception, I would rank Ford #1, GM #2 and Chrysler #3. The bailout turned me away from GM, but more so, my experience with their products. They have strong brand loyalty, but my 2009 Chevy pickup has had issues since year 1, while my Fusion and Edge have been top notch except for some initial issues with the Ford MyTouch Microsoft Sync in the Edge. Exposure to Chrysler has primarily been rentals, and I have found those older platforms lacking.

The Fords I have driven and owned compare nicely with my family's Hondas, and even the Mercedes we have owned. I think today's Ford and GM (except the overpriced Cadillacs) offer pretty good value for the $.