American cars in the UK?British cars in the US?etc.Thoughts?

[Sir_GT]

First off, this is not a flame thread. Just wondering what everybody's general opinion is.

I mean, as most of our American members know, shows like Top Gear and 5th Gear (or even worse, the German shows) don't exactly flatter American cars. Thoughts? Reactions? How do you guys (American members) feel about British or French cars? How would you react if you saw one on the road? Positively? Negatively? Share your thoughts please.

Likewise, on this side of the pond, what would you guys think if you saw some chap driving a left-hooker on our pock-marked roads? What would you think? Lucky git? Arsehole? Some misguided sod who hasn't seen the beauty of independent rear suspension? Share share share...



Personally, I think American cars are cool. Cool in a way that German cars or Japanese cars will never be. Personal fave? I would be hard pressed to choose between an E90 M3, and a 2005 Shelby GT 500 (The "souped up" Ford Mustang GT).

I don't think American SUV's are cool though. Those are probably some of the dumbest vehicles ever produced. If I were to get an American 4x4, it would definitely be either the Ford F150 Lightning, or the SRT-10 Dodge RAM.

Coolest American sports car ever? The "Eleanor" Shelby Cobra for sure. If Ford releases the successor to that (their proposed supercar after the current Ford GT stops production), then maybe that'll rank as number 2.

[Yablokov]

lol, i live in the usa and I'm not exactly a lover of any american brand.

German cars all the way baby!!!


A.K.A Audi!! D:

maybe someone can donate me a 1996 a4, plz

or.. i should start a get desperate Alex an a4. so i can get it faster then late this summer

Edit: oh, and i love Top Gear.....but i hate 5th gear(tiff is creepy ass hell i say!).

[666fast]

Top Gear and 5th Gear (or even worse, the German shows) don't exactly flatter American cars. Thoughts? Reactions?

I pretty much don't care. America is a different market. What most people want from a car here is very different from what most of Europe wants. Take a look at what sells here, a lot of them would do horribly in Europe. People here was big, luxury cars with super soft suspensions. Of course, that makes the handling really bad. Most americans don't care though.

British or French cars? How would you react if you saw one on the road? Positively? Negatively?

I liek them, I'm sure I'm in the minority of that though. As the average american to name a Citroen model, they'll be stumped. Citroen, Pugoet, Alfa, etc.. stopped selling cars a long time ago. They had an absolute horrible reputation as well.
It really was their own fault, not that of American buyers. The cars certainly sold, the big problem was the horrid dealer network. I've read numerous stories of cars taking weeks to be fixed. Thats what ultimately killed them off here. Why pay more for an import when it took weeks to fix? And broke down rather often.

As far as the newer models go, there are a few that I really like. But the odds of ever seeing one here are slim to none. I have seen a newer Alfa, and it was rather nice. Had Euro plates and all. It was at a ALMS race, so it obviously belonged to a team from Europe. I know that there is a company in Wisconsin that will import whatever you want, but I can't imagine they import very many cars. So there is a very very ver small market for them, but the odds of running into a spanking new Citroen or something is very unlikely.

Back to your original question, if I saw one I'd definately be interested. I routinely see Jaguars, I've pretty much always been interested in them. Even if it's a model I'm not to keen on. I've always had a liking to MG's, not sure why, I just do. That is pretty much what you can expect for British cars here. Very very very rarely, you might come across an old Fiat, Citroen or Pug. I see a pair of Opel GT's every summer at the track days though! LOL rarely do I see a car that I have a negative reaction too. Sure, it might be super freakin ugly and absolute junk, but where I live, you have to consider yourself lucky to even see one.
Most people in Ranger Rovers bought them to look good, regardless of price. Simple as that.

I don't think American SUV's are cool though. Those are probably some of the dumbest vehicles ever produced. If I were to get an American 4x4, it would definitely be either the Ford F150 Lightning, or the SRT-10 Dodge RAM.

I could be an ass and say neither one are SUV's! They are pickup trucks. I'm not sure I've ever considered a SUV cool, for the most part they are big lumbering beasts with no real styling IMO. The Cayenne is too expensive and you'll look like an idiot ($120K for a loaded turbo), the Range Rovers are too expensive, The X5 is alright but still a tad expensive. The few Japanese SUV's really are nothing special.
That only really leaves the American SUV's, which are devoid of any sense of styling or interior quality. They are cheaply made and in my experience, have numerous problems of their own. To be really honest, there really is no SUV that is a must buy. If I had to buy one, it would probably be something cheap like a used Tahoe, or bite the bullet and buy the only SUV on earth that actually looks good, the new Range Rover Sport. Which is......... too expensive! LOL

As far as pickups go, there are a few that are pretty cool. The Lightning and SRT10 Ram obviously are cool, even if totally useless. There is no reason in owning a fast pickup other than you can. If you got it, spend it right?
I really like the Nissan Titan, aweome truck IMO. I still prefer the old C10's though. They are just cool.

Coolest American sports car ever? The "Eleanor" Shelby Cobra for sure. If Ford releases the successor to that (their proposed supercar after the current Ford GT stops production), then maybe that'll rank as number 2.

I could be an ass again and call it a muscle car, but I won't. The Gt500 is obviously a nice car, even if it's not the original Elenor. The original was a Mach 1, which is a cool car, but not nearly as cool as the GT500.

The colest American sports car, a bit of a hard choice for me. But I have to go with the 60's Stingray Corvettes. They look oh so damn good, and depending on which engine you got, could be very fast.

Best of the rest of the world is an even harder choice. The Muira is easily the best looking car on earth, but not the best driver. Shaped like an airplane wing, so they tend to wander at speed. I would have to say, given that money is not an issue, I'd love to have a Series 1, Jaguar E Type with the 4.3 V6. IMO, lovely car in every possible way.

[T-Bird]

Originally Posted by Sir_GT Likewise, on this side of the pond, what would you guys think if you saw some chap driving a left-hooker on our pock-marked roads? What would you think? Lucky git? Arsehole? Some misguided sod who hasn't seen the beauty of independent rear suspension? Share share share...

First off don't forget the fact that most American cars and some Trucks have Independent rear suspension, so don't go there.

Personally, I think American cars are cool. Cool in a way that German cars or Japanese cars will never be. Personal fave? I would be hard pressed to choose between an E90 M3, and a 2005 Shelby GT 500 (The "souped up" Ford Mustang GT).

Personally I would take almost any American car with a V8 in it over a German car with a 6 in it. As Jeremy Clarkson said the best sounds in the world come from The American V8. I'll admit I would rather hear a nice rumbling Big Block V8 everyday than a Ferrari V8 or any other Italian V10-V12 (although they are almost orgasmic blasting through a Downtown city like Chicago)

[qoute]
I don't think American SUV's are cool though. Those are probably some of the dumbest vehicles ever produced. If I were to get an American 4x4, it would definitely be either the Ford F150 Lightning, or the SRT-10 Dodge RAM. [/quote]

Just remember we invented them essentially as they are today, The Explorer is one of the best out there that doesn't cost $60,000. And the Lightning and SRT-10 Ram are both RWD not 4X4 and as said already both are Pickups. Japanese SUV's are nice but they aren't as tough (and yes I know I own one) German's cost too damn much for a proper off-roader and Land Rovers/Range Rovers are what they are today thanks to Americans.

Coolest American sports car ever? The "Eleanor" Shelby Cobra for sure. If Ford releases the successor to that (their proposed supercar after the current Ford GT stops production), then maybe that'll rank as number 2.

I would like to point out that the Cobra they slated for production after the GT40 is NOT the same as Eleanor which wasn't even a Cobra it was a GT500. Also the fact that Eleanor was a movie car and not the actual name given to it by Carroll himself (which I am meeting saturday!!!!) I have seen more Muscle cars in my life than most people will ever see And if there was an Enzo and an Original Shelby Cobra I would probably look at the Cobra first (not saying I wouldn't go over to the Enzo just not first) If I ever move to Europe I will have to bring an American car over with me because they just have that certain something about them just like Germans have something different and Italians etc...

[sads]

Well seeming I'm a unbias umpire here I'll just say Old school and some of the new American muscle cars are cool (you'd have to be realy starange to like cars and not like the sound of a big V8). But as for the rest of the cars made in the U.S they are made specificly for that market and don't need to be popular in other countries.
I must admit I do love European cars, they are so sophisticated and the interior quality that they have is second to non. Power, comfort, looks European cars have it all.

[Sir_GT]

My apologies for the pick-up bit. I thought those two (Lightning and SRT-10) were 4WD... now that you guys corrected me, that means I don't really fancy any 4x4.

Originally Posted by 666fast I could be an ass again and call it a muscle car, but I won't. The Gt500 is obviously a nice car, even if it's not the original Elenor. The original was a Mach 1, which is a cool car, but not nearly as cool as the GT500.

You'll have to excuse me, we don't really use the term "muscle car" here. Pretty much anything with two doors and a big engine is "sporty", hence, "sports car". Also, the GT500 I'm talking about is the NEW one, the 2005 one. The Shelby-modified 2005 Mustang GT. I just call the old Shelby "eleanor" because most people don't know/recall/remember the actual model, so I assumed that if I used the name they gave it in the film, people would immediately recall what I was talking about.

Here's a photo of the 2005 GT 500 I was talking about:

Originally Posted by T-Bird I would like to point out that the Cobra they slated for production after the GT40 is NOT the same as Eleanor which wasn't even a Cobra it was a GT500.

Ummm... assuming you're replying to what I said, I was talking about the 2007 supercar that's slated to take over the Ford GT's production line. I think they called it the GR-1. I wasn't talking about the old Cobras.

[bmwdakias]

The truth is that people in Europe are a ''bit'' prejudiced when it comes to american cars. My father has owned and still owns several american cars and my brother bought some years ago a new 2001 C5 Z06. It is simply an amazing car with fantastic grip,loads of power and most importantly a lot of torque, almost through the whole range or rpm. So this might have had an effect on me and nowadays i generally like some particular american cars a lot.The new ford mustang gt is a fantastic bargain and it brought back the good looks of the 60s models.Ever since i saw it,even in concept form i ve been wanting one, i am just hoping that after my graduation i ll be getting one. The Viper is another car that really impresses me with its monstrous n.a engine,its exotic looks and its rational price considering what it offers and what the equivalent europeans cost. As far as SUVs are concerned, i dont really like them a lot,regardless of their origination country.If though i had to choose one from the states i would go for the escalade. An all time classic ofcourse would have to be the original shelby cobra; although i ve never seen one parked in order to fully observe it, i ve seen and heard a couple while in move and this has been enough to put it in my personal list of the most desirable cars.

[TransAm]

Originally Posted by 666fast America is a different market. What most people want from a car here is very different from what most of Europe wants.

That just about sums the issue up. Stuff that sells here would flop in Europe and vice versa.

Premium branding is an example of what works here and doesnt necessarily work as well in Europe. We know it's a Toyota with leather seats

[ferrarif1fan89]

im very simple minded about this: american SUV's suck, love british and french cars, top gear is the shit, jeremy clarkson has funny hair.

[666fast]

I'm generally against the American SUV's. Most of them are rediculously big and pointless.

The funniest part is that the biggest SUV you can buy, is from Japan! LOL

[ARMAN]

Hey! We in Czech and Russia love all cars, American so you look like a cool guy who have something nobody have, and european... well to have something to drive

My loves - americans - old boxy Chevy Caprice and Vette. Eleanor is fabulous looking too SUV's and trucks are the less atractive to me

European - M's(e30 fav), TVR's, Jags

[DeMoN]

Ok, Im not American, and Im not European lol so this is what I think.

American cars... they are cheap and break apart fast. GM monopolizing everything just wants the big bucks and could care less about what their drivers feel from driving their cars. The only american cars that I like are GT40, Corvette, Viper, and I want to say Mustang, but they are not that good... European cars and Japanese cars are better made and give the driver much more than just a big bill in Fuel.

[T-Bird]

Originally Posted by Sir_GT Originally Posted by T-Bird I would like to point out that the Cobra they slated for production after the GT40 is NOT the same as Eleanor which wasn't even a Cobra it was a GT500. Ummm... assuming you're replying to what I said, I was talking about the 2007 supercar that's slated to take over the Ford GT's production line. I think they called it the GR-1. I wasn't talking about the old Cobras.

They aren't going to do the GR-1 which is a remake of the old Cobra Daytona they are making the Cobra which is a remake of the Shelby Cobra from the 60's and even the present one's he still makes. That is a different car than the SVT/Shelby Mustang Cobra coming out next year. I now what you were talking about. Eleanor was a special made GT500 Mustang not a Cobra.

[Global Warming]

Originally Posted by Sir_GT First off, this is not a flame thread. Just wondering what everybody's general opinion is. I mean, as most of our American members know, shows like Top Gear and 5th Gear (or even worse, the German shows) don't exactly flatter American cars. Thoughts? Reactions? How do you guys (American members) feel about British or French cars? How would you react if you saw one on the road? Positively? Negatively? Share your thoughts please. Likewise, on this side of the pond, what would you guys think if you saw some chap driving a left-hooker on our pock-marked roads? What would you think? Lucky git? Arsehole? Some misguided sod who hasn't seen the beauty of independent rear suspension? Share share share... Personally, I think American cars are cool. Cool in a way that German cars or Japanese cars will never be. Personal fave? I would be hard pressed to choose between an E90 M3, and a 2005 Shelby GT 500 (The "souped up" Ford Mustang GT). I don't think American SUV's are cool though. Those are probably some of the dumbest vehicles ever produced. If I were to get an American 4x4, it would definitely be either the Ford F150 Lightning, or the SRT-10 Dodge RAM. Coolest American sports car ever? The "Eleanor" Shelby Cobra for sure. If Ford releases the successor to that (their proposed supercar after the current Ford GT stops production), then maybe that'll rank as number 2.

Well I'm here in America and I still don’t miss an episode of Top Gear. Your right that they don’t "flatter" American cars in general. But they also don’t "flatter" much of anything but the best regardless of where it’s made (except maybe Rover..). Likewise they do a pretty good job of "flattering" the dark horse or "sleeper" cars every now and then.

But keep in mind Clarkson owns a GT40 and Richard imported a classic Charger was it? Or GTO I can’t remember? So it’s hard to say they don’t like American cars... Plus Richard tried to put the 300C on the cool board this week! lol

I'm not an American car fan at all. I drive a Honda (Acura) and haven’t owned an American car in over 10 years. But I don’t think Top Gear is overly harsh on American cars as people like to perceive.

[T-Bird]

You have to remember Richard also liked the new Mustang and Cadillac CTS, Clarkson loved the Viper, they said the Corvette was fun but complained about the suspension. They were happy that the Elise was redesigned for the US market