Drew Dowdell

doh... probably the worst way to option that car because .... well it is heavy and unresponsive. That was a big heavy car and the V6 was simply no match for all of that mass. It's only when you opt for the small-block does the car have enough torque to move around smartly. Equipped equivalently, the Mustang is much better... still a bit of a cruiser... but definitely more responsive.

Which year / model did you drive? I would certainly agree with you if you were talking about 5th Gen Camaro. I haven't driven a low end 6th gen, only highly optioned SS models.

And that's a bit of a subjective thing as well. The current Camaro is a fantastic driving car, as would be expected for something based on a Cadillac. It is great if you want a sports car all the time. The Mustang is a much more livable car for daily use and has a better blend of comfort and sport. Put the Camaro and Mustang next to each other, and the Mustang will seemingly tower over the very low riding Camaro. The Challenger doesn't have the suspension to keep up with the other two in handling, but it's big, fast in a straight line, and the most comfortable for a long distance (source: Me driving the Challenger and Mustang back and forth between Miami and Key West) Which of the cars is "better" hinges entirely on which aspect you find most important. For everyday driving, I value comfort over sport, so I would opt for a Challenger (Hemi ) or a Mustang (the seats are fantastic). If I was taking something to the track regularly, I'd opt for a Camaro and something else to daily (hey, I'm getting old.. it's not easy to get into low slung cars as it use to be)

The origins of this site, before I took it over, were as a GM fan site... so it is natural to find that here. Still, fanboys are fine. There wouldn't be a site if fanboys didn't exist. I'll be the first to admit that there have been some whoppers told by some of the GM fans here.... right along with the Benz Fans ... Ford fans... and VW fans... and Chrysler Co. fans. It's when telling whoppers crosses the line into trolling, abusive posts, and flat out falsehoods that would make politicians blush that I have to step in and either correct the record or take more punitive measures.

I'm with you here... I don't hate any brands. While I'd never want to own one or drive a long distance in one, I think taking an extended spin in a Yugo would be neat just to have the experience. That said, I grew up in a Ford / GM / Obscure-sh!tbox-import family. There are things I like and dislike about each. GM ergonomics and interior layout generally just "fit" me better. I have lots and lots of good memories of my parents '94 Bonneville that they bought about a year before I got my license. My dad still has his F-150 he bought when I was in 9th or 10th grade. The imports we had were never the well known type... there was a Fiat that I only barely remember, a VW Type 3 squareback, an early 80s Subaru GL Wagon 4x4 5-speed, and a Dodge Colt Vista wagon 4x4 5-speed. That familiarity with GM and Ford products makes me feel much more comfortable in them. It makes me feel uncomfortable in vehicles like Toyota or Benz where the Cruise control / Tilt wheel / head lamp controls are in the wrong place or wrong shape. After years of GM cars with the WonderStalk, it took a while to get used to the cruise control in my Lincoln, but eventually it felt comfortable. I've been driving the CR-V for nearly 10 years now and I still have to hunt for the Cruise Control on/off button when Albert turns it off for some unknown reason. That said, as much as I've praised some specific Ford products here over the years, the actions of certain visitors to this site plus some of the actions of Ford PR people have left a bad taste in my mouth. I always try to relay my observations to readers in as even handed and objective way possible. In those cases where I am reviewing a Ford product, it isn't the brand, but its followers that I have to try to put out of my mind. I do find myself being careful of how or what I say that is or might be construed as negative in an attempt to avoid having to deal with trolling..... but really shouldn't do that as it is a disservice to you readers.

My own. May, June, and July are annoying months for me because about every 4 days there is some birthday, anniversary, graduation, or holiday which the whole family insist we all have to get together for. I genuinely love my family, but it's always the same core crowd at each of these gatherings, telling each other the same stories.

AMG used to mean something. These days it might, but it could also just be a sticker package.

There is an old quote from Gandhi: I" like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Perhaps it is Ford worshippers that cause such feelings @A Horse With No Name.

....the whole family telling the same 8 stories they've told for the past 10 years..

While a convertible would be nice for Cadillac, Cadillac's fate certainly doesn't come close to hinging on that.

I have news for you; it's already here!

In a different situation, I could see an Enclave in my driveway to suit the other half. I prefer the looks of the new Traverse though.

As some of you have noticed, I did a software update last week to the latest version of the software. In addition to more ways to upvote and downvote, the Clubs feature is now open. If you've ever wanted to run your own car club forum, now is your chance. People who open clubs become the moderator of their own club automatically. For the moment, I have no established rules for clubs except: No Adult Content. When in doubt, keep it out. No Clubs about current or former members. I will not allow cyberbullying on here. This does not mean I will not institute additional rules for clubs in the future. I created a sample club that I will update and curate over time.

Steel beer cans?

But the volumes (that you cherish) are going to be so low on most of those crossovers that it doesn't really matter. I really wonder how much money can be made by having all of these different variants. Is the 6-series GT really needed? Does it contribute anything to BMW's bottom line? When the news came out that BMW was making that thing, I thought it was a joke at first... seriously... I thought there was an automotive equivalent of The Onion. I had forgotten (and so has everyone else) that the 5-series GT existed. Does BMW really need a 3GT, X4, 6GT, and X6? (most with corresponding M models) Benz is nearly as bad. The X4 sells about 400 a month. The X6 sells about 1700 a month. Are you telling me those buyers wouldn't buy some other BMW if those two models didn't exist? The GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe are impossible to track because MBUSA lumps them in with their normal counterparts, but the GLC sells on average 4000 a month, so 10% of that being GLC Coupe sounds about right.

I can't imagine spending 500k miles in a K-Car.

The only problem with that is that the CTS coupe was 30% of CTS sales. Yes, I do believe that Cadillac needs to bring the CTS(5?) coupe back.

I think the cheap sub-compact is next. Think about it from the manufacturer's point of view. They can sell a Sonic 5door for $14k to $17k after rebates or the can sell the virtually identical (from an engineering cost) Trax for $5k more. Ditto Fiesta / Ecosport. Ditto Dart / New Compass. If you were Mary Barra or Sergio, which would you rather sell?

Previous Page Next Page While popular on the Ford F-150, the FX4 package has been absent from the Ford Expedition option list since 2004. Ford is bringing it back for their all-new 2018 Ford Expedition. While the Expedition FX4 is intended to do the rock crawling like the Ford Raptor, the addition of the FX4 does make Ford's biggest family hauler more off-road capable, something Ford claims over 20 percent of Expedition drivers do. The Expedition FX4 will start with a standard issue Expedition in a 4x4 configuration with a 10-speed automatic and twin-turbo V6 producing 375 HP @ 5000 rpm and 470 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm. On top of that, the FX4 package will add a electronic limited-slip rear differential with a shorter 3.73:1 gear ratio, stiffer off-road tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, seven skid plates including one dedicated to protecting the turbo intercooler from ingesting sand, updated approach angles, special 18" wheels, chrome running boards, and rubber floor liners. The Expedition's Terrain Management System available on other trims is included with the FX4 and allows drivers to select seven different modes depending on the traction conditions outside the vehicle. Properly equipped, the 2018 Expedition FX4 can tow up to 9,300 lbs. The Expedition will be built at Ford's Louisville Kentucky plant and will go on sale this fall. Source: Ford Media (Ford Press release on page 2), Pictures Courtesy of Ford ALL-NEW 2018 EXPEDITION FX4 IS THE MOST OFF-ROAD-CAPABLE EXPEDITION EVER All-new Ford Expedition with new FX4 Off-Road Package adds technology and 4x4 hardware to make this family SUV even more capable on trails and unpaved surfaces Expedition FX4 Off-Road Package standard equipment includes off-road-tuned shocks, all-new electronic limited-slip rear differential, skid plates, side steps and FX4 badging New Terrain Management System™ enables the driver to select modes to optimize driving dynamics to environmental conditions – from snow to mud, sand and more DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2017 – For the more than 20 percent of Expedition owners that use their SUV for off-road adventure, Ford introduces the all-new 2018 Expedition FX4 Off-Road Package, making this the most off-road-capable Expedition ever. “The FX4 Off-Road package delivers off-road driving confidence,” said Mike Kipley, Expedition vehicle engineering manager. “The technology we’re using works to adapt to different driving conditions so customers can enjoy the adventure without worry.” Expedition’s all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for its off-road and towing capabilities. The use of advanced materials enabled engineers to save up to 300 pounds, with much of the savings reinvested to offer customers more technology and features than ever before. FX4 Off-Road Package includes: Patented electronic limited-slip rear differential to help improve off-road performance in low-traction situations by automatically varying power output side-to-side, depending on which wheels need extra traction. With 3.73:1 gearing, the electronic limited-slip rear differential also improves towing performance and capability Off-road-tuned shocks more stiffly tuned to keep wheels in contact with the road All-terrain tires with thicker sidewalls to maintain a smooth ride while delivering the traction needed over rough terrain Seven different skid plates that serve as underbody armor and protect critical areas. They include a new sand shield to protect the turbocharger intercoolers from getting clogged when driving through tall berms in sand dunes, plus steel plates to protect steering gear, engine, transmission and transfer case and a full-length guard for the fuel tank. To help climb over tall or steep obstacles, the chin spoiler beneath the front bumper has been shortened to improve approach angles Unique 18-inch Magnetic Metallic-painted cast-aluminum wheels Chrome running boards FX4 badging on the liftgate and front fender New rubber floor liners featuring deep side sills that can be removed and cleaned of any mud, sand or water that gets dragged in on family adventures Expedition’s all-new easy-to-use Terrain Management System™ lets FX4 customers select from seven special drive modes that help Expedition automatically adapt to different road conditions. This includes normal for around town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations and mud/rut for uneven surfaces. Expedition FX4 drivers also can manually select either 2WD or 4WD modes in a given drive mode, depending on their preferences and terrain. The all-new Expedition provides generous space, connectivity and smart new technology. The Expedition FX4 Off-Road Package has a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, rated at 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, plus standard Auto Start-Stop, an all-new 10-speed transmission and available best-in-class towing of 9,300 pounds. The all-new Expedition’s roomy, flexible interior offers seating for up to eight people with a wide cargo area to hold their gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution. Expedition features a second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality – providing easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. Once in the third row, even adults will appreciate more legroom and reclining seats. The all-new Expedition lineup, including the FX4 Off-Road Package, goes on sale this fall. Previous Page Next Page View full article