Bought a New Challenger - Sorry Ford, Rant Included

[Gearbanger 101]

1. i've never seen a dodge that didn't have quality control issues. from neons to vipers, its all the same.
2. the challenger is the most expensive heaviest of the modern muscle cars and has about the same power as the competition.
3. dodge is selling lots of stuff because they're giving it all away because people will trade the fact that we bailed them out in exchange for a great deal on a car.

ford is tops in quality, product, and economy at the moment among the big 3. they continually set the bar that the rest of the market responds to.

ford builds better cars than chevy and dodge and doesn't need govt money to do it. thats why they get more dollars.

1. Neither one of those cars have been made since 2005. I’m talking about the new Dodge of the most recent couple of years post “bail out”. I mean really, if you recall, Fords of that same era had plenty of quality control issues of their own before shaping up in the 2005 Model year

2. I’m not quite sure what this has to do with them putting out a great product? I don’t recall a light curb weight or low cost being criteria for an excellent automobile. If so, most of Europe’s finest had better run and hide, as heavy and expensive seem to be characteristics of some of the greatest cars ever built.

3. So what you’re saying, is that as long as it’s cheap people will buy it? If that were the case, the Ford Festiva would still be a best seller. It takes more than cheap to sell a car. Do yourself a favor….go take a new Dodge Ram for a drive. They’re a really , well built truck. Much more so than their previous model and more so than GM’s or Toyota’s current. Quite honestly, the only truck on the road right now that rivals their quality is the Ford…and for that, you pay. The same goes for several other vehicles in their lineup. I’ll say it again. Dodge is “now” putting out a top notch product and a veeery competitive price. More so than Ford.

On a side note. I just picked up a 2011 Ford Focus today as a rental while my truck is down for repair (got rear ended last week by some lady who thought playing with her contact lenses was more important that watching the road) and I’ll be damned if it’s not a nice little car. It’s even good looking…and their new SYNC system is slick as snot.

 

[AvalancheSVT]

1. Neither one of those cars have been made since 2005. I’m talking about the new Dodge of the most recent couple of years post “bail out”. I mean really, if you recall, Fords of that same era had plenty of quality control issues of their own before shaping up in the 2005 Model year

2. I’m not quite sure what this has to do with them putting out a great product? I don’t recall a light curb weight or low cost being criteria for an excellent automobile. If so, most of Europe’s finest had better run and hide, as heavy and expensive seem to be characteristics of some of the greatest cars ever built.

3. So what you’re saying, is that as long as it’s cheap people will buy it? If that were the case, the Ford Festiva would still be a best seller. It takes more than cheap to sell a car. Do yourself a favor….go take a new Dodge Ram for a drive. They’re a really , well built truck. Much more so than their previous model and more so than GM’s or Toyota’s current. Quite honestly, the only truck on the road right now that rivals their quality is the Ford…and for that, you pay. The same goes for several other vehicles in their lineup. I’ll say it again. Dodge is “now” putting out a top notch product and a veeery competitive price. More so than Ford.

On a side note. I just picked up a 2011 Ford Focus today as a rental while my truck is down for repair (got rear ended last week by some lady who thought playing with her contact lenses was more important that watching the road) and I’ll be damned if it’s not a nice little car. It’s even good looking…and their new SYNC system is slick as snot.

1. vipers were made well passed 05 dude, dunno where you've been. horrible quality. dodge is still doing the same things and none of them are as good as ford. yeah its passed the bail out and they aren't getting anymore of my money.
2. a 4200 lb performance coupe is a friggin oxymoron. weight ruins everything. also, i haven't seen one yet that didn't have a factory issue crooked trunk.
3. who gives a crap about a festiva? im talking about real cars. you're on a mustang forum dude.

ford has the best quality, technology, and bang for the buck of any american car company. dodge is slashing their prices to keep up. /story

 

[DOHC otto]

I didn't know the R/T's were avalible in manual, how's it out of the whole Steeda ?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

1. vipers were made well passed 05 dude, dunno where you've been. horrible quality. dodge is still doing the same things and none of them are as good as ford. yeah its passed the bail out and they aren't getting anymore of my money.
The "Viper" moniker went bye-bye in 2005. It was redesigned and reintroduced in 2006 as the SRT-10. Splitting hairs...maybe, but no less inaccurate than your generalization basing the current success and failure of an entire company on models that were made 5-years ago under the old regime, or because they took a hand out from the government to turn things around. Again....numbers don't lie. Up 53% in sales within a one year period is a huge comeback in anyone’s books! I’m confused…are you more upset that they took the money, or more upset that they took it did exactly what they were instructed to with it and are once again thriving as a result?
2. a 4200 lb performance coupe is a friggin oxymoron. weight ruins everything. also, i haven't seen one yet that didn't have a factory issue crooked trunk.
There are plenty of successful heavyweight sports cars out there. Many of the SL series Mercedes are within the same weight ranges as the Challenger and they're some of the best performing cars in the world. Besides, nobody buys the Challenger to run out and clean up the streets with. It's pure muscle car through and through and probably holds true to the original tradition better than either the Mustang, or the Camaro. Do you think any of the originals were meant to corner, or brake? Nope....burning rubber and going fast in a straight line is what the "muscle" era was all about. No, it's not the all around performer that the Mustang and the Camaro are, but so what....it catches more looks than either of them and is still more than capable of holding its own against 95% of the cars on the road at a stop light. And did I mention that it looks like sex?
3. who gives a crap about a festiva? im talking about real cars. you're on a mustang forum dude.
Hey, you're the one who made the direct comparison between price and success and that the only reason Dodge was successful, was because they put out an inexpensive product. Don't blame me because your theory turned out to be full of holes?

My point still stands. They are building better vehicles than ever and selling them at better prices than their competition. IN MY EXPERIENCE, they’ve stepped up their quality and craftsmanship considerably in the last couple of years on all of their products to match that of Ford and are steadily gaining momentum as a result....and the sales figures prove it!

 

[AvalancheSVT]

My point still stands. They are building better vehicles than ever and selling them at better prices than their competition. IN MY EXPERIENCE, they’ve stepped up their quality and craftsmanship considerably in the last couple of years on all of their products to match that of Ford and are steadily gaining momentum as a result....and the sales figures prove it!

here's how this works. people that aren't really car guys or need a car will bite on a good deal. dodge doesn't make absolute trash, it just isn't as good as ford and when they slash prices it suddenly becomes competitive.

thats the point.. they have to slash prices. i didn't expect you to go on some full fledged debate about how "well technically dodge is blah blah" i mean really, its a mustang forum. just make fun of dodge and move on.

then the thing about the viper? really? thats pretty much where your whole failboat sank. you can put that retardation in the same camp as your two ton sports car crap.

take it cereal, its the interwebz.

BTW, im making almost no effort to correctly respond to you because you can't quote and respond to someone correctly.

welcome to the internet.

 

[Steedaq]

I didn't know the R/T's were avalible in manual, how's it out of the whole Steeda ?

Kinda embarrassed, but I haven't hit it yet from a dig. Nothing like roasting a set of Eagle Supercar tires though . I will say that it is real torquey down low which really makes it fun to drive.

 

[1995cobraR]

Your opinion and you're entitled to it....but numbers don't lie. Dodge sales figures are up 53% over this time last year.

It really isn't hard to an increase in sales from last year.

What is their market share now? I'll tell you.

Chrysler's U.S. market share has climbed to 9.4 percent, but that's still below the 12.9 percent in the second quarter of 2007, the last time the company reported second-quarter results.

What are they selling?

Chrysler's revenues rose 8.2 percent to $10.5 billion compared with the first quarter, largely because of a jump in sales. But many of those sales were to rental-car, government and corporate fleets, which are less profitable than sales to individual buyers.

They must be hugely profitable? Well, no.

Chrysler Group LLC said Monday that growing car and truck sales helped it narrow its second-quarter loss to $172 million, compared with a first-quarter loss of $197 million.

I have links (where are your links?).
Chrysler posts smaller quarterly loss - Business - Autos - msnbc.com

IN MY EXPERIENCE, they’ve stepped up their quality and craftsmanship considerably in the last couple of years on all of their products to match that of Ford and are steadily gaining momentum as a result....and the sales figures prove it!

A 27% loss of market share is a good thing?

According to J. D. Power, Ford is rated significantly higher than Fiat (who was given Chrysler LLC after Mercedes-Benz dumped them). You can look at Chrysler and Dodge here:
Ratings | J.D. Power

I am glad that Steedaq bought a Fiat Challenger. If only 1 million other consumers would buy one, Fiat may be able to return my taxpayer bail-out money.

BTW, Ford has increased market share.

•Ford’s U.S. market share estimated at 16 percent, up 2 points versus year ago

They are also profitable (+$18B in the last 12 months). And they are not sucking money from the U.S. taxpayer.

 

[AvalancheSVT]

It really isn't hard to an increase in sales from last year.

What is their market share now? I'll tell you.


What are they selling?


They must be hugely profitable? Well, no.


I have links (where are your links?).
Chrysler posts smaller quarterly loss - Business - Autos - msnbc.com


A 27% loss of market share is a good thing?

According to J. D. Power, Ford is rated significantly higher than Fiat (who was given Chrysler LLC after Mercedes-Benz dumped them). You can look at Chrysler and Dodge here:
Ratings | J.D. Power

I am glad that Steedaq bought a Fiat Challenger. If only 1 million other consumers would buy one, Fiat may be able to return my taxpayer bail-out money.

BTW, Ford has increased market share.


They are also profitable (+$18B in the last 12 months). And they are not sucking money from the U.S. taxpayer.

so the data backs up what im saying?! no!

 

[hoytme]

as the owner of a 2011 gt premium I can tell you Fords build quility is top notch. As a family member of a person with a 2010 Challenger I can tell you it is also a very nice ride. The mustang is much more sporty but the ride quality is no where near as nice as the Dodge. Performance to Ford, ride and comfort to Dodge by far. Also the leather in my mustang seats are already showing a ton of wear on the side bolsters and I only have 1100 miles on it. I think the big problem is the Challenger and the Mustang are really two totally different type of cars. I refer to the Challenger more like the old 442's, more of a bankers muscle car not really a "sports" car. I also think the best thing is the competition is bringing out some great cars and everyone wins when that happens.

 

[Steedaq]

as the owner of a 2011 gt premium I can tell you Fords build quility is top notch. As a family member of a person with a 2010 Challenger I can tell you it is also a very nice ride. The mustang is much more sporty but the ride quality is no where near as nice as the Dodge. Performance to Ford, ride and comfort to Dodge by far. Also the leather in my mustang seats are already showing a ton of wear on the side bolsters and I only have 1100 miles on it. I think the big problem is the Challenger and the Mustang are really two totally different type of cars. I refer to the Challenger more like the old 442's, more of a bankers muscle car not really a "sports" car. I also think the best thing is the competition is bringing out some great cars and everyone wins when that happens.

Completely agree with you on your points, and they're definitely two totally different types of cars.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I have links (where are your links?)

How many would you like?

CHRYSLER CANADA INC. | Chrysler Canada Sales Increase 17 per cent in February; Retains Position as Canada's No. 2 Selling Automaker for the Month
CHRYSLER CANADA INC. | Chrysler Canada Sales Soar 101 per cent in June
Chrysler, Ford sales jump in Canada
Chrysler Canada sales jump 53% in May
Chrysler Canada reports best July sales since 1997 at Allpar Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep News

so the data backs up what im saying?! no!

I guess if you believe your "Chrysler Bad....Ford Good" knuckle dragging rants above translate to statistics?

Stats aside (his or mine) it still doesn't change the fact that Chrysler is now putting out an excellent product…more so now and the last couple of years than they ever have in the past. Go drive one and see for yourself. I'm a Ford guy through and through, but after driving a few of Chrysler’s most recent models, I have no problem admitting that they’re putting out every bit the product, Ford is and the Blue Oval Giant is going to have their work cut out for them holding onto that lead.

I think the big problem is the Challenger and the Mustang are really two totally different type of cars. I refer to the Challenger more like the old 442's, more of a bankers muscle car not really a "sports" car. I also think the best thing is the competition is bringing out some great cars and everyone wins when that happens.

Agree 100%...i was trying to get that point across to a member above, but to no avail.

 

['13_ImpactBlue_GT]

Your opinion and you're entitled to it....but numbers don't lie. Dodge sales figures are up 53% over this time last year. New Dodge products are flying off the lots right now. Around here, you can't buy a new Ram off the lot, because they're either not there, or already spoken for. The local Ford dealership on the other hand have plenty sitting their collecting dust.

Unlike GM, Dodge has really stepped up their game in the last couple of years and are building vehicles that easily rival Ford quality and craftsmanship at quite frankly a better price. Hate them for taking the money if you wish, but to dismiss the product they're putting out now because of personal distain for the business practices of their CEO's makes you the one missing the boat.

Why shouldn't they sell for less than Fords? What better way to give back to the people after having to be bailed out, than by slashing prices? And it's not even a matter of really slashing prices, its that Fords seem to have gotten increasingly more expensive in the last few years, where GM and Dodge have not.

On no planet should a person have to pay $50,000 for a loaded gas powered 4x4 pick up. Hell, I stopped in at the local dealership the other day and a new Harley Davidson F150 was going for $5,000 more than a GT500!?!?

Chrysler is putting out a great product at a great price...PERIOD!

And until Ford brings out the new motors for their F150's people who are wanting power will have to go elsewhere.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

And until Ford brings out the new motors for their F150's people who are wanting power will have to go elsewhere.

Indeed. As nice a truck as the F150's are. The 315hp they put out is kinda bottom of the barrel in the full size truck market. Don't get me wrong...my F150 is no slouch, but at over 6,000lbs, 315hp/365tq isn't as impressive as you’d think. My buddies Hemi powered Ram runs circles around me through town and passing on the highway and both trucks are full size supercrew 4X4's.

With the 5.4L 3V being the only option in the F150 for at least the next couple of years, you feel every bet of the heft that these behemoths are carrying.

...that's why I'm saving up for a ROUSHCharger for mine.

 

[brycerichert]

just the fact that they make that embarrasing 300 car... I can't take Chrysler seriously. That thing is a joke.

The Challenger would be cool if it dropped 600-700 pounds.

 

[smythge]

Is Chrysler (Dodge) really an american company anymore? Between their failed marriage with Daimler and now Fiat, I am not sure you can classify them as an American car company. On the other hand with 2 seperate corporate welfare bailouts perhaps we should classify them as a US govt car company.

I just sold my 2007 Magnum SRT8 that I had nothing but problems with. I would have sold it sooner, but the day I drove it off the lot the value dropped 50%, original window sticker was $42,000 1 year later blue book was $14,000. I've owned several Mopars and am offically done with them. As for Ford not willing to deal, I would disagree, my local Ford dealer bent over backwards to get me into 2 new Fords.

 

[FastRedPonyCar]

Is Chrysler (Dodge) really an american company anymore? Between their failed marriage with Daimler and now Fiat, I am not sure you can classify them as an American car company.

Depends on whether or not it's primarily american hands putting them together. If so, I would say yes.

About how I consider Hyundai to be an american car as most of them (certain models) are built here in Alabama primarily by Americans. I think the Koreans control more of the actual business aspect but it's the american workers getting their hands dirty on the assembly line.

 

[jonn127]

Recently bought my 5.0 for about 3200 less than sticker. thought that was a pretty sweet deal.

 

[1965coupe]

I glanced at a few of the posts on here..

Perhaps the underlying problem with your attempt to purchase a Mustang had to do with the dealerships and not FORD??

There is a dealership that is ten miles from my house.. I would NEVER buy a car from them. Complete shysters..irresponsible business practices... markups on all 'specialty' Mustangs (they let a few Shelby GTs bake in the sun for over a year because they kept the mark-ups).

With that said, I drive to Orange/Riverside/San Diego county dealerships to buy/look at cars... Furthermore, if I get a bad vibe from an a**hole salesman, I will find another..

Don't get me wrong... I like your car.. but I feel that the buyer has to take responsibility in getting the best deal.. it's all about how you negotiate. If you walked out on multiple occasions, and they still didn't accept your offer, or give you more for your trade, than yeah, there is a high enough demand for the new Mustangs that they don't need to sell them for bottom dollar.


I would totally drive the Challenger... And a Camaro... but I would still have some sort of hindsight that I could have had a Mustang..

 

[ill advised]

Well said, 1965coupe.

The R/T wouldn't be my first choice but I still think it's a cool car. I've seen one around town with the exact package as Steedaq's but it's in light blue. It is a very cool looking car but there's always the size and weight penalty that would make me think twice. My ranking in terms of which order I'd buy them in:

1. GT
2. R/T
3. SS - I'm leaving some performance on the table but visually, and as a potential daily driver, the SS is my least favorite.

 

[1995cobraR]

How many would you like?

I had already admitted that sales have increased from last year. I was referring to total sales (not just in Canada).

I posted the J.D. Power tech. Are they stupid? Can you post and link something with better information? A Super Moderator should be able to defend his opinions. Or not.

And until Ford brings out the new motors for their F150's people who are wanting power will have to go elsewhere.

They can go with a Ford Super Duty (or a Ford Raptor). I would never shop for a F-150, but I need a real HD truck.

Depends on whether or not it's primarily american hands putting them together. If so, I would say yes.

Then Toyota, Honda, BMW, and MB cars are American? They all make cars in America. VW is building a big plant in Chattanooga, TN. Will they now be American?

But where does the profits go? It goes to Germany and Asia.