07-05-06: If you are here reading this you are likely predisposed to Ford Mustangs. But what about other Ford products? Do you hold other Ford cars in the same light when it comes to buying a daily driver, SUV or truck? Statistics show that not all of you do. We have to be honest and share that while Mustangs have always been in our garages and hearts, they have almost always shared space with other brands of cars, SUV’s and family haulers.

The reasons for this are many. First, we have a strong affection for German cars which has lead to a long line of BMW’s, Volkswagens, and now a Mercedes Benz sedan in the garage. We are discerning when it comes to fit and finish, handling dynamics and aesthetic appeal. Nobody likes to have a “lame” car. When it comes to “bread and butter” cars we have stayed away from Ford since our ‘96 Taurus sent us screaming for the import car dealership. It hurts to say, but that was a dreadful nasty car in every way. We are not alone in this experience as most loyal import car owners have tried the American car thing at least once with the best of intentions.

In these days of major struggle for Ford and other American automakers, we felt the need to share some recent observations that things are looking up. Because we travel a lot and rent cars from various automakers we have the luxury of sampling them in real world situations. We drive virtually everything from both import and domestic brands on a regular basis. For American cars, the last few years have been illuminating on many fronts.

First, the popular perception out in mainstream car land is that anything from Toyota or Honda is the baby Jesus, and everything from America is crap. While that may have been an argument 10 years ago, we are here to tell you that this is simply no longer true. A few months back we spent a week on the road driving 2000 miles in a 2006 Toyota Camry. We looked forward to the experience since the car is so overly hyped as the automotive equivalent to the Second Coming. What we found is that the car is frankly no better built than anything we have driven from American brands in the past few years. The car had a number of annoying rattles, had lifeless handling and had no soul. Slamming the trunk and doors gave a hollow tinny sound. Fuel mileage was good, but we wondered how many Camry owners are really in love with their cars. How many Camry owners really look back over their shoulder at it when they walk away?

On the other hand we have found that American cars from GM, Ford and Chrysler have really come around to the point of equality in both fit and finish as well as value. Notable examples in the past year we sampled were the Ford Five Hundred, Chrysler 300, Chevy HHR and Ford Fusion. Add to the list our newest long term tester and family hauler, the Ford Freestyle. All of these vehicles represent the new paradigm that has resulted in turn-around efforts to stem loss of market share. These cars have tight fit and finish. Their interiors are aesthetically pleasing and vastly improved. The driving experience is surprisingly refined and spirited. Moreover they have a soul.

With Ford’s newer offerings based on the Volvo derived D3 platform we have found much to be impressed with. While the mainstream automotive press yawned, our time spent in the Five Hundred and Freestyle show a lot promise. While these models are not necessarily sporting, they have an appeal to them. They are different, innovative and are quite enjoyable to drive. The interior quality is far and above previous “bread and butter” Fords of the past. Handling and vehicle dynamics is on another plane too. We will go so far as to say the chassis refinement is now on the level of Mercedes and BMW. That might sound like a stretch, but we drive these cars daily and are finding less difference between them.

We are probably no less biased toward Ford and American brands than the mainstream press is toward Japanese cars. But we approach all of this with our own real world experiences. We are critical when it is due, but positive when deserved.

With gas prices shooting through the roof many people are out shopping for new cars to replace their gas guzzling family haulers, SUV’s and daily drivers. We recently went through this exercise ourselves seriously considering models from Mercedes Benz, Chrysler, Ford, GM and Mazda with the eventual result being a new Ford in our garage. In that we felt a story worth sharing. We might suggest that in your travels don’t forget to have a look at your local Ford dealer. You might be surprised at what you find.

Poll Question: Is Ford on your list for a new car other than a Mustang?