Traveler

I'm sure Consumer Reports will lambast each and every one of the pony cars and recommend the Honda Civic Si or Volkwagen R32 instead. Sad to say, some just don't get it.

I missed that. The only other thing would be that its fixed glass right? You can't open it like a sunroof. Of course, I rarely open mine. Usually I just pull the shade back, as well. It is nice to open it on pretty days though.

I still have a hunch that Dodge's Challenger will have the hottest look of the three for next year. Of course, with an unknown weight and limited availability, it may not be the best performer. I can only imagine what the store copies of Motor Trend and Car & Driver will look like when the pit the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger against each other.

You gotta love the sun all the time to want that roof. I like the idea of it, but I'm not sure I'd want it like it like that all the time. At least with the convertible, you get some shade with the top up. I think I'd rather have what I have now...a traditional power moonroof. Not as much open sky, but you can actually open the glass for ventilation and close the whole thing up when you want some shade. That would have to be one of those cars I'd want to drive around in for 2-3 days before making up my mind.

I don't know. Take the camo off and it might have a nice shape to it. At least it looks more practical than the 93-02 F-body.

To me, I can't understand why Ford doesn't just put dual exhausts on all Panther models rather than making it a CVPI exclusive now. Certainly there's not that big a difference in gas mileage and with the silencers in place, I doubt many owners would even care and those that wanted it, wouldn't have to ask. Does the H-Pipe and dual cat-back really cost so much that Ford can't make it standard? Looks like it would be easier on STAP to use the same exhaust systems.

According to Allpar.com, Dodge will have a V8 Cummins in the 1500 that makes "260-300 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with gas mileage is likely to be about 20 mpg city, 25 highway."

When the 4.7 was introduced to replace the 5.2, it was marginally better in both gas mileage and performance. It was notably better than the 5.9 which got terrible mileage considering the power rating. When the Hemi came out, it was actually gettting about the same mileage as the 4.7L. Dodge charged extra for the Hemi engine and the required transmission so they benefited by people upgrading to the Hemi. However, Hemi owners benefited with over 100 horsepower more and about the same mileage as they would've got with the 4.7...plus, a great tow capacity. The newest generation 4.7 is suppose to vastly improve upon the first generation OHC Dodge mill, which means a possible benefit to choosing it over the Hemi at a slight costs of horsepower and torque. The 4.7 is a good motor for the Dakota, but with the Ram weighing in close to 1000 pounds more, I think most 1500 buyers are going to prefer the Hemi.

From what I've read of other 2003 Ram owners, most have reported similar good luck with their trucks. I drive mine quite a lot and I don't have any problems with mine. The only mechanical problems I've had was a couple of drops of power steering fluid in my driveway. Bad seal...fixed quickly. The other was a speed sensor in the wheel which was also fixed quickly. I can't say that it won't give me any problems, but I've owned it new since August '03 and to this point, its been good. I enjoy driving it.

The only thing about the 97-04 bodystyle, however was the horrific crash test data supplied by the IIHS. Standard cab trucks looked to be even more susceptible to frontal and cab failure. I will agree that the Lightning was a pretty truck (still is) but the thoughts of those pics would worry me if I had to drive one day in and day out. Truthfully, to me, there are few ugly new trucks out there right now. Some have stronger styling points and some weak points, but the right Ford, Dodge, Chevy, GMC or Nissan gets my attention. The Tundra and Ridgeline completely turn me off. However, if a true pickup truck owner can't find something they like in the Ford, Dodge or GM trucks, then what are they looking for?

From what I've understood, the Mega Cab will disappear. The Quad Cab is growing to be more comparable to the Ford, GM, Nissan and Toyota Crew Cabs.

www.f150cragar.com To me, even the pics don't do the truck justice. They are IMO the best-looking F-150 on the market right now.

GS/IS Lexus models recall Here's another one for Lexus of recent. Granted it only effects 34,000, but that is still signficant for the highly touted Lexus moniker. I don't revel Toyota having problems, but I will say that its good for the public to see Toyota's ability to have flaws in reliability. Ford's upswing in quality could not come at a better time...now if the public can just get the memo.

Here's the Cragar I was talking about... Absolutely awesome...at least to me.

I think the 5.7L Hemi (or slightly increased displacement) will be the competitor for the Mustang GT at a lower price than the SRT-8 Challengers going for $38K MSRP. By all accounts, the Challenger will be heavier and pretty close to the sedans that it will share a platform with. Still, the 5.7 Challenger (likely to be a R/T) will make considerable more horsepower and torque so it could equal out. Vehicles are just getting heavier...from pony cars to full-size trucks. Its just something the public will have to deal with I suppose. Look at how much the Mustang GT grew from 04 and it seems to dwarf the older Mustangs. More weight; more size.

I can honestly see why some would want one of the first of any particularly new model. It wasn't all that special, but I remember when I was fortuate enough to get a brand-new 1994 Mustang GT in January '94. They had only been out for approximately a month when I bought mine. I was one of the first to have one of the new bodystyle Mustangs. It felt good. Of course, then again, I didn't have to pay through the nose, however. People who buy something like this should realize that in doing so, they are only paying to be first and gauge how important that is to them. We know that with any car, they will depreciate to some degree and hopefully those that can afford to pay the hefty premiums understand that.

There are three brand-new F-150 models right now that I really like: - Harley Davidson - Limited - Cragar edition in black (my fav) I'm not that big a fan of the current Dodge Ram front end. If I were where I could, I'd seriously consider grabbing one of those Cragar F-150s and doing a factory blower. So far, with nearly 70k miles, my Ram is still a good solid truck. If I were to believe what some said of the Dodges, I would have missed out on a good truck. The best overall truck on the market right now are the Fords. They best the Chevys, GMCs, Dodges, Nissans, and Toyotas, especially on the interior. For some reason, I think the interior of the Dodges have regressed from when I bought mine new. Still, I would definitely put Dodge near the top simply based on my own experiences. I think the Dodge trucks are (overall) the best looking trucks on the market, but the Ford looks dern good with the right model. I'm a Ford guy that happens to appreciate other makes occasionally and the Dodge has not disappointed me. You can bank on me looking at a Ford anytime I'm buying a new car or truck, but I'm not a brand-loyalists. I buy what I like and not for the badge.

The only real justification for keeping the Panthers around is pleasing the fleet business. I agree, Ford needs to listen to the police, taxi and limo/livery services that WANT to DEPEND on the PANTHERS. Retail customers will likely conform with those same needs as long as the right options and packages are offered to the civilian Panthers out there. Ford will demonstrate what they think of these customers over the course of the next 3-5 years. If they pull the plug on the Panther, it will send the message that Ford doesn't care about the opinions of their customers. There is no other platform today more suitable for the rigors of police work like the Crown Victoria. For the costs, you couldn't build a more perfect car for the jobs it performs.

All correct. Mine has true duals right from the exhaust manifolds...just like on the Mustang GTs...with a factory H-pipe. However, the HPP comes with the resonators just before the exhaust tips. Its still got a more throaty sound than the standard single exhaust, but not quite like the CVPI. Of course, the tips can be cut off.

And this one IMHO trumped them all during this decade. Of course, I didn't go with red. Instead, I went with Atlantic Blue.

Not meaning to be contrary, but I don't know...I kind of like it. Although, I'm not really into the two-tone paint and chrome on the Rams as much as the monochromatic Sport models. In 03, I'd walk right past the "chromey" Rams but were drawn to the Sport models with the billet-like grille inserts and the painted bumpers. At the same time, I like the chrome F-150s but don't like the FX Sport models. One thing I will say for certain, I most definitely like what I see with the Dodge over the latest Chevy and GMC styling...and throw in the Tundra in that, as well. From what I remember of the 2009 F-150, it looks a bit plain, although Ford usually does the "play it safe" exterior styling. Based on what's out there now, throw in the vague recollection of the '09 Ford and I'd say I'd almost definitely choose the Ram based on exterior styling. As for the rest, I don't know. My own experience with the Ram I have now, would most likely push me definitely back into the Dodge dealership for a preview.

I realize that the IRS design in the 99 and 01 Cobra was a compromised design, but it really made the car handle and ride unlike any Mustang I had had previously. It had a very sharp turn-in in corners and the rear felt planted in curves. Ride was unquestionably better than any SRA Mustang I had previously. In some circumstances, I've even say that the 01 Cobra I had actually asborbed certain road imperfections better than my HPP Crown Vic. Now, the Vic does pretty good because of its rigidity and its weight. However, I would naturally assume that the Vic (and the newer Mustang) would be so much better with a IRS designed to actually fit the car. I heard so much complaints online about the IRS from fellow Cobra owners, but I'll say this I never had any real problems with wheelhop on the street (except for one time) and its benefits greatly outweighed its shortcomings. For that, I am in favor of IRS in Mustang and Panthers. Nothing really wrong with SRA, but even with the 99/01 design, I could recognize the superiority in day to day driving. I really miss my Cobra. It wasn't obviously as powerful as a forced induction car, but it was well balanced and drove well. Very fun car to own.

Not sure how I like them candy cane taillights with the white reflector in between the red tri-bars. I think Camaro is going to give Ford fits this time around, sales-wise.

Well, I would suppose that the Challenger is retribution for making the Charger a four door. Lots of folks seem to have calmed down and accepted the Charger now as a four door, but for those that need something to help them forget...well, the Challenger is rather sweet. As for the death from the Shelby, sort of to be expected. They'll weigh pretty close, but the 6.1L naturally aspirated is no match for a supercharged 5.4L. However, they still have that 500hp 6.4L Hemi waiting in the wings. It would be a tough call right now. I think a Challenger is a lot more eye-grabbing than the Shelby, but as a die-hard Mustang enthusiasts, it would be hard to push away a Shelby GT-500. Make mine red with the white LeMans stripes, black leather interior, fully loaded for $38k and I'll forget about the Dodge.

I'll have to say that I don't really care for the "FUEL" label, but I detest the fake chrome, plastic, non-functional gas cap on the Mustangs even more. All in all, I think the Challenger is shaping up very nicely. Of course, its just one additional car I won't be getting anytime soon, but its sweet none the less...coming from a longtime Mustang fanatic. Like what they did with the grille, the wheels look nice, the chrome tips...very good job, Dodge.