tncarlover

Seven Fiat models planned for U.S. You might have noticed my selected username for auto blab--Tennessee Car Lover. I have owned more than 50 cars since marrying in 1948, most were American made. I owned 16 cars before marrying. Presently, I have 5: Ford E-350 van, 300M Chrysler, PT Cruiser, Lincoln Cartier Town Car ('96): and a BMW Z3. I like, no love, all of these--no lemons. I enjoy reading the history of Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler, and others who were innovative in auto engineering and production. 3 Nashes were, in my opinion, the best cars I ever owned (a 1941, 1952, and a 1956). I have also owned 2 Japanese imports -- thin skinned, no bumpers, but got good mpg and reliability (the kind of cars that my baby boom childrren like, and now my grand children also.) I like an engine that resonates slightly so I can feel in command of 8 or 10 cylinders (but no noise) and a firm suspension and tight steering. I love my 300M for these reasons (actually the V6 gives some of this resonance). All my cars get good mpg except the Club Wagon Van (about 17 solo and 11 when towing our 6,000 lb RV, which is not too bad for a V-10). The others range from 17 (city) to 30 (hwy). Although it is hard to believe, the 1996 Lincoln town car gets about 28 hwy and 20 in metro-city driving. What does this all mean? To me, it means that Americans have had great auto choices in the past and I shudder to think about having no choice other that to own and drive Chinese, Japanese, or Italian cars. Not many Americans probably agree with me. I have loved, and still do love, American cars.