Ask Autoblog: What was the best production car at the Detroit Auto Show?
This is even tougher than the concept question since there were just so many production cars on the floor. It was easier to say what didn't impress me like the Chevy Impala and Monte Carlo, VW Jetta and Toyota Avalon. But the good stuff was plentiful like the new Infiniti M cars, Audi A3, S4 and the Mazdaspeed 6 just keeps me longing for a ride. So what takes the cake? It has to be the Ford Fusion. I know it's not as sexy or powerful as all the rest but here is Ford finally making the car they need desperately. And unlike the Five Hundred and Freestyle the interior looks of a high quality to match the imports. This is what we've wanted from Ford and I think the Lincoln is a terrific cousin with a more upscale feel.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ben Huh 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Wait, I thought the question was "What was the best production car...", NOT what was the best given the prior history of the manufacturer. Fusion takes the cake for being almost as good as the imports? That smacks of favoritism.
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Rick 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I've been thinking a bit about the Fusion, and here is what I have concluded:
You know how J Mays was the chief designer at VW, and how everybody has decided that the new 50-, er, I mean Five Hundered looks like a supersized 7-year old VW Passat?
Well, continue the analogy and analysis, and I think you will agree that the Fusion also bears a remarkable resemblance to the (also 7-year old) VW Jetta (supersized, of course). Change the really tall Fusion headlights into wider units, switch the three-bar chrome grille for an understated insert, and put normal red taillights instead of Altezza-style units, and - BLAU! - stolen VW style all over.
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Chris 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Wow, I hate to say it but Rick is onto something. On the upside, Ford can only be so lucky to have such a nice car. I mean really, it's about time they kill the CrownVic and Taurus, neither can be accused of looking good.
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Walter J Keegan 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I think we really have to add significance to the pot here. Ford really needs this car, and at least from this vantage point, it looks like they have delivered a good looking car on a proven platform. It's not revolutionary, but Ford could have really bungled things if this was not a check in the win column.
As far as my favorite production car, the Z06. The Fusion is in second.
And Rick, if I did what you propose to a Ferrari, I'd get a vehicle that looks like it was a VW.
What's your pick for best production car? Just curious since it is not the Fusion.
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Bryan 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Maybe I missed it, but what's new about the Audi S4? I remember reading an entry about the cabriolet, but I think that's been out for a while, no? Awesome car, yes, but don't know if if is anything majorly new.
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David Thomas 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I didn't say almost as good as the imports, I said matches the imports which is a big deal! Since I haven't gotten it on the road theres a lot left to figure out but the idea of it, the looks, the interior and its place in the market all warrant the prize in my eyes. You would've picked?
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Seth L 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
My pick would go to the Saturns. Both for brand significance and for most improved.
I guess they're in the production-ready-concept category limbo though.
David and Walter- Hilarious, you like a Ford, and you're in bed with the big 3. Like a Mazda, you always favor imports. Can't win can you?
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HB 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
This is a significant car for Ford, and it appears well done. I agree with Seth L though, the Saturns get the nod if they are production. According to Bob Lutz on the Fastlane Blog the Aura is ready to go.
http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2005/01/quick_missive_f.html#more
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David Thomas 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Yesterday I was called a Redneck for liking the Charger!
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Walter J Keegan 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
That's OK. I'm a mullet wearing hick because I think the CLS is wierd looking.
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DaHarder 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
The NEW direction that SATURN is going (i.e. importing Euro OPEL/VAUXHAUL offerings) is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Theyre the (GM) division to watch after CADILLAC.
The AURA is a stunner and YES, I agree that it does bear a resemblance to the current STRATUS/SEBRING, but WHO CARES They look good as well IMHO!
The SKY is just a BOLD/WONDERFUL Marketing Move, that I hope works in their favor though theres little doubt that it WILL bring some youth into SATURN showrooms albeit at PONTIAC's (SOLSTICE) exspense...
GO SATURN!
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robofunk 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
the saturn sky looks like fun...
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laserwizard 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I have to laugh at those who point to the SATURNS as the best production cars. Come on, guys! The Sky was the ONLY production new Saturn car on the floor. The Aura, for all of its intrigue, is still a concept, and anyone who knows and follows GM knows they screw things up from concept to production (no matter how much Bobbie Lutz blows smoke to the contrary)!
The Sky is nice, but give me the Opel it is based on. I like the Fusion. It is, afterall, a production car, not hype.
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Ben Huh 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I know autoshows are a big deal, heck, I go to the Chicago show every year, but I can't tell you the best production car since I haven't DRIVEN them. Remember folks, cars are supposed to be driven, not just looked at and lusted after (although that's a big part). I'll save my judgement after I put the hammer down on some of these.
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HardwareLust 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Simple...the Z06.
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Tom 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Do any of you guys have passports?
Saturn = Opel with Saab parts and expensive leather for show
The new US Fords look a lot like the products that Ford has been selling in England for several years. They look like FORDS not Volkswagens.
GM does a lovely show car. The Aura looks very classy. I think GM is too cheap to build a car that good. Toyota is too cheap to build a car that good, but at least they build reliable vehicles
I think Dave is right on the money. Ford is back in the car business. They're not building bling, they're in for the long haul. The Fusion will sell very well. Give it some more horsepower and it will do even better.
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