Consumer Reports 2007 Top Picks: American Style

Consumer Reports has never been considered accurate in terms of car evaluations. I've used their recommendations to buy a vaccuum cleaner, but when it comes to cars your local Girl Guide Cookie vendor probably knows more than many of the CR staff.

— DieselRules (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 11:40:26 PM | | Votes: 3   

Consumer Reports could care less.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 3:54:36 PM | | Votes: 2   

Original Focus was German.
Newer focus = Mazda 3 (don't know where its assembled)
Fusion = Mazda 6
Best selling Minivan is Dodge: Made in Canada (as are all police cars: Impalas and Crown Vics)

— DieselRules (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 11:36:20 PM | | Votes: 2   

Ooh... that's pushing it.

Corvette? GT? Cadillac lineup? Sky? Solstice? Mustang? I could go on...

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/14/2007 5:54:19 PM | | Votes: 4   

Oh I'm kidding.
but S4, note quite a few of the cars you mentioned are just old designs, retro-style. I just can't think of when the States have made a truly elegant car since the 1960's Lincoln Continental. They make some good looking cars, but the bread and butter cars are severely lacking in style (cough mercury buick cough), and even Cadillac's newer (good) designs have rough edges that could be improved.
But in general terms, the US doesn't have a great rep style wise. Name an American clothes designer or artist, and there are 10 European ones. But those are just cultural differences, Italy, France and Spain all embrace design and art, America embraces engineering.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 10:40:48 AM | | Votes: 0   

Rupert,

While the US might not have the best looking cars right now I think it's wrong to generalize on that basis that the US doesn't have a great reputation style wise. The U.S. has the most influential country in setting the style for pop culture worldwide through its music and movies. I bet you have a pair of Jeans (U.S invention). Harley Davidson cruisers have been copied by every other motorcycle manufacturer. And there a plenty of American style icons that are admired and immitated throughout the world...Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Andy Warhol, Frank Lloyd Wright etc...

— GS450h (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 12:20:01 PM | | Votes: 4   

Well Levi Strauss was German, but I'm talking about style. Pop Culture, yes, America rules strong, but I think in terms of fashion and style Europe is ahead.
You say Ralph Lauren, I say Dior, Versace, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
When I think of an American Style, nothing really comes to mind. It literally doesn't exist. Think about a Japanese Style or Italian Style, they are distinctive.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 1:47:00 PM | | Votes: 0   

Of course fashion companies like Louis Vuitton aren't designed by AMERICANS like Marc Jacobs...

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 1:53:40 PM | | Votes: 3   

Touche Will.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 5:05:18 PM | | Votes: 0   

The Saleen or Dodge do not have style. They have impact. Good looking, but not stylish.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 10:42:02 AM | | Votes: -1   

the new one looks MUCH improved

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/15/2007 9:07:08 AM | | Votes: 3