Posted on 03/20/2012 12:52:14 PM PDT by BO Stinkss
1. Cadillac Escalade This full-size luxury SUV remains the King of Bling, best known for being the ride of choice among hip-hoppers, slam-dunkers and wise guys. Unfortunately, under objective evaluation its appeal is little more than skin deep. Consumer Reports slams the Escalade for its poor braking, handling and fuel economy, and its too-tiny third-row seat. It gets CR's worst marks for low reliability and high ownership costs, and is cited for being a poor value, performing inadequately in accident-avoidance tests and for having the worst fuel economy in its class (at 13/21 mpg city/highway).
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
"Three year old vehicles, the 2008 models in our survey, averaged 35 problems per 100 vehicles, and the average 2010 car had 13 problems per 100. Among the most trouble fee 2008 models were the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Yaris with 11 and 12 problems respectively." -- Consumer Reports 2011 Automobile Buyers Guide, Page 78.
I live in Northern Nevada right across from the Rubicon Trail, and this is dead serious pro-am offroading country. We get amateurs and professionals from all over creation coming up here every single week towing in trailered offroad machines. The mountains behind my house in the Virginia Range will have you hanging off your steering wheel with the clinometers pegged into the danger zone. The FJ Cruiser went from initially being thought of as a 'chick car' by knowitalls to almost immediately to being one of the most -- if not THE most -- highly regarded factory rock crawlers and swampers you can find. The FJ Cruiser has the respect of everyone, ever diehard Jeepers who before would never be caught dead in a Toyota.
I've heard so many people say that they had to see it before they believed it. Other things I've heard are 'That [Toyota part] doesn't look all that strong', until they find out they're as strong or stronger when comparing it to the same part on another vehicle which is one and a half times larger: You realize the Toyota part is made of drop-forged tool steel while the Ford/Dodge part you're comparing it to is machine injection molded (MIM) cast/machined steel from Mexico that might fail before the Toyota part will.
Forget Forbes. Read the offroader magazines, and look what US Special Forces and SEALs are driving in Afghanistan: Toyota HiLuxes, Tundras, and Tacomas.
But 'Wind noise' + 'blind spot' = 'Worst Built', Forbes says. What assclowns.
I don't understand what this means.
I drive a '93 four door Ford f-350 7.3 liter IDI turbo diesel long bed that has enough torque to pull a house off the foundation. I'm doing my part to protect the world from a co2 shortage. But it is tough to find a parking space - I usually take two ;)
LOL
My favorite color, too!.............
I’m eventually going to get a ‘Stang that’s blue and have the top painted bright white..........
I feel your pain. Three weeks ago I passed on a fully restored Norton Commando.It was a thing of beauty. $2000.00
I still love the European Big Bikes.
All that concern about rear visibility does not apply if your keep that hammer down.
And they talk about braking. Braking? Who needs braking, these vehicles all come with horns!
I agree, they have always like the Honda Ridgline truck because of its ride. However, it is a all wheel drive vehicle that is built on a SUV platform. It is not comparable to a 4x4 pickup truck.
See #68
Still have my old 67 Triumph Tiger 650
It means they are different animals with different things they bring to the table.
Diesel really delivers on torque but not rpms
Hot Damn! I wish I could find a blog to join about the great European big bike of the past.
I remember that specific bike. A friend of mine in HS owned it. Must be fairly rare these days.
I loved my YZ 400 off road.
On road it was worthless.
Hauling grocerys? useless.
Pulling stumps? useless.....
Bored out to 410, 1/4 turn throttle, it was a hoot!
Nice ride. Ford got that one right.
I was looking forward to the new Dodge Chargers until I saw them. The Challenger looks good...but its s freakin Dodge. -Mexican Hemis and so-so quality.
Ford nailed it...congrats again.
Ive never been about riding bikes 140 mph on the highway.
I like touring about at like 65 on side roads.
45 off roads.
A bike should have good handling geometry.
Never really got how people can ride ape handles harleys at 100mph plus.
No reaction time.
Basically Im not that fond of pavement
My friend builds BSA’s
He made a 750 chopper with 650 brakes and rigid welded foot pegs, hardtail frame and springer forks, as well as the Maltese cross brake light.
It looked cool.
He said you wanna ride it?
I said “Zip, this thing is a death trap”
I flipped it around in a few peel outs, then gave it back.
he and the wife took it out on a few summer evenings so I guess its all good.
I totally agree. I took my 1200 Guzzi on a cross country trip a year ago. 65 to 85 mph is all I did. The Guzzi purred
and behaved like a dream. I swear I could lean this bike clean on it’s side and it would still grip and rule the road.
Back in the 70’s I went from Tampa to Utah on a Norton.
Thou it used a lot of oil, it was still a blast to ride.
I like the geometry.
The Moto Guzzi was a classic bike
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