What is your opinion on American auto manufacturers entering joint ventures with foreign manufacturers, such as was Diamond Star Motors, or even the more recent ex-merger between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz?

I don't think it's a good idea. I think they lose brand image when mergers like that happen. Honestly, I like Jaguar and Land Rover less because they're owned by Tata Motors. I think GM has really come up with a solid product line. Ford's Mustang and F-150 are sweet, but they need some work on the rest of their lineup. I think they should do some serious work at Mercury and Lincoln, and possibly resurrect the Cougar (like muscle, not 4 cylinder). Lincoln needs to build a high performance V8, they wont sell cars with a TT V6 (screw fuel regulations). Chrysler and Dodge need work too. They need more exciting cars (besides the SRTs), and I think dropping the Viper would be a huge mistake on Dodge's part. I'd like to see a reinvention of the sebring, and I'd definitely rename it and give it a little more power and class. I think all American auto companies need to drop the 4 speed automatic for cars. They need to make it 5 speed or 6 speed autos to compete with other companies.

Quite honestly, the problem (mostly) isn't the product lines, it's the unions. The unions have really messed up the American companies.

Do I smell a republican? lol
and yes, I agree, unions have outlived their purpose...they have 40 hour weeks, some of the best working conditions, and what are they fighting for now? 30$ and hour?
I like unions where needed, but America has some of the best working conditions world-wide, that's why most jobs are going to China...it's cheaper, they don't have unions lol
and international mergers are bad...with country specific traits (as I mentioned in another thread) if you start mixing countries, I get all confused on what I'm buying..and I don't like to be mis-informed

Personally i think it can be helpful in some ways. Biggest thing compaines like ford who need the cash to boost production and new ideas can be shared between the compaines. However i think that the biggest thing american compaines can do would be to bring there exisiting products that are sold else where outside of the US to here. For example need i say ford Falcon?? cars like that would be praised here in america. At least gm's got the right idea in useing cars from thier holden division

yeah I agree. Ford should get the Falcon over here asap.

I guess Chrysler and Nissan are getting into bed with each other now. Here is a blog about it at Autoblog

yeah I don't like that. Chrysler has lost it's identity. I mean seriously, the only SRTs with stick are the Viper and the Caliber.

I'm a little wishy-washy on the subject...

the Caliber is a good car, I drove one before. I want to test drive the SRT Caliber though

I drove a Neon SRT-4 once, it was a fun car. It had the stage 2 mopar turbos, pretty quick, but I gotta say, the fwd is a big turn off.

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2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
4.6L DOHC V8 - 6 speed manual
520rwhp - 525rwtq at 16psi on stock blower
2002 Ford Mustang GT
4.6L V8 - 5 speed manual

An AWD SRT4 would be sweet, but would prolly raise the price another $5-6k.

totally

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Keep feeding me your denial and hate, from that I will create

yeah, but it could be worth it if they slotted it with the sti and evo. A bigger turbo setup and wider tires would be a good start.

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2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
4.6L DOHC V8 - 6 speed manual
520rwhp - 525rwtq at 16psi on stock blower
2002 Ford Mustang GT
4.6L V8 - 5 speed manual

I think there's way too much emphasis on just throwing a bigger turbo i=on a car and calling it a day (particularly from these V8 boys). do you wanna fry piston rings. i think the big problem is the people who sit in their cars whining about oil dependency in America while they're in the long line at the drive-thru, haven't moved in 20 mins- half an hour, but they're runnin' their freakin' engines because heaven forbid they should part with their A/C and let the insulation keep them cool for awhile when they could say the problem is that the company built the car to give them the 4mpg that their full size SUV, that they got to drive their 1 or 2 kids 5 or 6 miles in the snow, is getting from this rediculous driving habit. RIDE A BUS OR WALK FOR AN ERRAND SOMETIME!. I just got 3-3 1/2 weeks out of one tank of gas in my car! but then, that's just my opinion.

I think it should work. It will produce cars with better quality and quantity also. It may be reverse. Let see what happen?

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gm used cars