RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Ford announced plans to change the types of vehicles it sells in North America, eliminating the basic sedan classification in favor of SUVs and trucks. They are following in the footsteps of Fiat-Chrysler which has discontinued several "car" models in favor of Jeeps and trucks. I have read that Chrysler's profit margins are better than Ford's and this information coupled with my recent read of Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue got me thinking.

For a time when I was younger, I worked for Chrysler and from what I read Chrysler's corporate culture hasn't changed. It is still crap. It was crap in the 50's, 60's, 70's...well you get the idea. In the Annual Auto Issue, Consumer Reports ranks Fiat-Chrysler products as among the least reliable. It's no wonder why their profit margins are high they are wrapping crap in pretty designs and flashy advertising and selling it to thousands. It is no wonder why Ford aspires to such a business model.

Consumer Reports recommends two vehicles from Ford. TWO. The Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ. These cars are essentially the same underneath as the Mazda6. No other automobiles merit a recommendation. So Matthew McConaughey can whisper all he wants he is still slinging crap.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

One of the reasons cars are getting chunkier and more SUV like is because of all the safety 'crumple' zones and added 'anti spill' stuff under the bonnet and floorpan. In the uk it appears like you either get a 4X4 (On some you cannot choose to be in 4X4 ....the incar computer decides) or a smaller body shaped version called 'sport' (?) that is only 2 wheel drive But has a wide wheel base in case you do go off road.

Very few towns here have wide highways, certainly not in most residential areas....1950's built home garages will not 'fit' modern cars.....new houses being built have 'garages' that will bearly fit 2 bicycles. Bit like chaos ....! especially when delivery vans are added to the mix.

Whether this is all company led, or consumer driven isn't our 'issue'....Congestion is....journey times have increases right across the country despite a large increase in road building (Main road to dual carriage way, ring roads etc) What we need is a public transport system that doesn't use any roads.

toxdoc42

I am driving my third Ford Fusion. I see a ton of them on the road, so it is really difficult to consider what Ford is doing. My current fusion is a plug in hybrid and I average 66 MPG in the dead of winter and 88 during the summer. Why would I want another type of car? I don't want a truck! I've never understood the love of SUBs or trucks.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Millenials don't want cars. They also don't want jewelry. I believe that those folks that are in their 20's now will be more like my parents and grandparents regarding how they choose to spend their money. The Great Recession resurrected thriftiness.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

If as you say Chrysler is crap. Who assembled this crap??

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

We've just bought a SUBARU OUTBACK. The main reason we looked around at this type of vehicle was ease of access for Mrs. N. People are living longer and easier access is a major consideration.
I can't speak for the States, but another consideration here is the ease with which these vehicles ride over potholes, which are generally repaired so cheaply they wash out again next Winter.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

The assemblers just put the crap together; they don't design or produce it.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Congrats on your new Outback. I bought a new Legacy in January. It’s our 4th Subaru.
Regarding your potholes, consider yourself fortunate that the pothole repairs last a year.
Here in New York suburbia I have seen pothole repair crews here on Long Island pouring filler into pothole in a downpour. No rolling it out and no sealer. The next week the potholes will need repair again but won’t be for another month.
I think that’s known as “Job Security.”

As to garages & sizes...
My house was built in the late 30’s. It has a connected garage but will not fit a car in it. It must have been built specifically for storage but I can’t understand why it was built so small. Weren’t cars generally larger in the 30’s?

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

Trucks and SUV’s have much higher profit margins the the sedans

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I own a 2013 Ford Fusion w/2.0 ecoboost engine. (rated one of the 10 best engines made in the world) It is a great car. Love it, the navigation system sucks though. LOL

Redleg john

Ford is still carrying a debt load and their decision is based on what they see in the marketplace. Sedan sales continue to erode due to younger families wanting the room and versatility of SUBs - small, medium, large and crossovers.
Look at who has the majority if the sedan market - Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.

nospambob Loc: Edmond, Oklahoma

Who could beat the profit margin of Ferrari?

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Lexus in Dallas is what Chevy in Michigan used to be. Lexus has no problem selling both cars AND SUV's. We also have a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 5.7 Hemi. I'm not sure about other owners experiences, but, except for a sensor that had to be replaced, ours is still running great 13 years later. Lexus sells because it won't be breaking down for a long time. Service is exceptional. It's not anything you'd find among the Big Three. If I need a loaner while dropping my GS350 off for an oil change, if need be, I can get one. I did that once. Took the loaner and got a haircut. Came back and the car was ready. Ofc, oil changes aren't the usual $39.95 you get from the corner garage.....but the convenience is worth the extra.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

If your next car cannot be a sedan and you want a smaller footprint, give a look at the Honda Fit. The new ones have all the safety features that the biggies have.

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

One other thing to consider all of the sedans on the market have the same profile, they are much the same in appearance very, little styling details that set them apart
from the rest. Ford will keep building the Mustang, SUV's and trucks because that's where the profits are.