Comments on: Ford and Toyota Down, Honda and Mazda Up http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/ The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:15:07 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Bunter1 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-193322 Bunter1 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:18:00 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-193322 Cobalt and G6 up over 50%? Sorry, this has monster fleet dump written all over it. Cars that were going nowhere do not jump like that for no reason. The Malibu's only up 24%. But it is on the top 20 for the first time since... Good news for the bowtie dealers there (and it's about the only good news). Cobalt and G6 up over 50%?

Sorry, this has monster fleet dump written all over it. Cars that were going nowhere do not jump like that for no reason.

The Malibu’s only up 24%. But it is on the top 20 for the first time since…

Good news for the bowtie dealers there (and it’s about the only good news).

]]> By: RobertSD http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192892 RobertSD Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:00:05 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192892 umterp - Focus retail sales were up 30+% in February. It's retail marketshare is much higher than a year ago. It's fleet sales were down in February. Despite its bad rep on this and other boards, the new Focus is proving very popular with consumers. I live in Toyota and Honda land (California) and the new Focus is all over the place. I don't understand what those customers see in the Focus, but they sure like it. umterp – Focus retail sales were up 30+% in February. It’s retail marketshare is much higher than a year ago. It’s fleet sales were down in February. Despite its bad rep on this and other boards, the new Focus is proving very popular with consumers. I live in Toyota and Honda land (California) and the new Focus is all over the place. I don’t understand what those customers see in the Focus, but they sure like it.

]]> By: jaje http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192752 jaje Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:40:07 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192752 Since this isn't posted in here (the entire picture): U.S. light-vehicle sales totals, individual automaker results and market share for February compared with February 2007: FEBRUARY 2007 Maker / volume / % change from 07 / % mkt / share YTD volume / % change from 2007 YTD % / mkt share GM 268,737 -12.9% 22.8% 519,663 -6.0% 23.4% Ford 196,060 -6.6% 16.7% 355,336 -5.4% 16.0% Toyota 182,169 -2.8% 15.5% 354,018 -2.5% 15.9% Chrysler 150,093 -14.0% 12.8% 287,485 -13.1% 12.9% Honda 115,397 4.9% 9.8% 213,908 1.5% 9.6% Nissan 86,219 1.2% 7.3% 162,824 -3.0% 7.3% Hyundai 31,090 -9.9% 2.6% 52,542 -15.6% 2.4% BMW 24,248 -1.7% 2.1% 41,241 -11.3% 1.9% Mazda 23,548 6.7% 2.0% 44,760 8.3% 2.0% Volkswagen 22,939 -1.8% 2.0% 44,135 -5.3% 2.0% Kia 21,988 -6.5% 1.9% 43,343 -5.8% 2.0% Mercedes 18,589 7.2% 1.6% 36,877 7.1% 1.7% Subaru 12,907 0.2% 1.1% 24,196 -3.0% 1.1% Mitsubishi 9,105 -6.4% 0.8% 16,331 -14.5% 0.7% Suzuki 8,796 2.5% 0.7% 15,916 -5.1% 0.7% Porsche 1,715 -12.8% 0.1% 4,310 -12.9% 0.2% Smart USA 1,500 NA 0.1% 1,500 NA 0.1% Isuzu 790 41.3% 0.1% 1,223 15.5% 0.1% Maserati 211 55.1% 0.0% 335 8.4% 0.0% Ferrari 135 16.4% 0.0% 240 -4.4% 0.0% TOTAL 1,176,236 -6.3% 100.0% 2,220,183 -5.4% 100.0% GM includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. Ford includes Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover. Chrysler includes Dodge and Jeep. Mercedes includes Mercedes and Maybach. Volkswagen includes Audi and Bentley. BMW includes Mini and Rolls-Royce. Toyota includes Lexus and Scion. Honda includes Acura. Nissan includes Infiniti. Figures are not adjusted for selling days. Top 20 Selling Vehicles in February Feb.2008 / % chng 08 / YTD % chng Ford F -- Series 52,548 -4.9% 93,673 -6.5% Chevrolet Silverado 44,096 -24.9% 80,218 -17.4% Toyota Camry 34,914 8.6% 66,515 4.6% Honda Accord 27,631 -9.0% 51,588 -8.0% Chevrolet Impala 25,196 -6.4% 42,740 -18.1% Honda Civic 23,799 18.8% 44,792 16.6% Nissan Altima 23,363 5.6% 44,998 -3.2% Dodge Ram 22,642 -20.9% 42,544 -19.7% Toyota Corolla 21,202 -25.1% 41,938 -22.1% Chevrolet Cobalt 16,958 56.1% 34,268 43.5% Pontiac G6 16,901 50.3% 30,843 32.7% Ford Focus 16,302 10.6% 27,902 22.5% Honda CR-V 15,694 16.0% 31,710 13.6% GMC Sierra 15,088 -16.8% 28,288 -9.6% Ford Fusion 14,980 12.1% 24,163 1.2% Toyota Tundra 14,400 48.9% 26,473 65.6% Ford Escape 14,192 -1.4% 25,383 11.3% Toyota Tacoma 13,125 -12.6% 24,189 -13.9% Honda Pilot 12,881 24.3% 21,256 7.7% Chevrolet Malibu 12,211 24.2% 26,316 49.8% Source: Autodata Corp. Since this isn’t posted in here (the entire picture):

U.S. light-vehicle sales totals, individual automaker results and market share for February compared with February 2007:

FEBRUARY 2007
Maker / volume / % change from 07 / % mkt / share YTD volume / % change from 2007 YTD % / mkt share
GM 268,737 -12.9% 22.8% 519,663 -6.0% 23.4%
Ford 196,060 -6.6% 16.7% 355,336 -5.4% 16.0%
Toyota 182,169 -2.8% 15.5% 354,018 -2.5% 15.9%
Chrysler 150,093 -14.0% 12.8% 287,485 -13.1% 12.9%
Honda 115,397 4.9% 9.8% 213,908 1.5% 9.6%
Nissan 86,219 1.2% 7.3% 162,824 -3.0% 7.3%
Hyundai 31,090 -9.9% 2.6% 52,542 -15.6% 2.4%
BMW 24,248 -1.7% 2.1% 41,241 -11.3% 1.9%
Mazda 23,548 6.7% 2.0% 44,760 8.3% 2.0%
Volkswagen 22,939 -1.8% 2.0% 44,135 -5.3% 2.0%
Kia 21,988 -6.5% 1.9% 43,343 -5.8% 2.0%
Mercedes 18,589 7.2% 1.6% 36,877 7.1% 1.7%
Subaru 12,907 0.2% 1.1% 24,196 -3.0% 1.1%
Mitsubishi 9,105 -6.4% 0.8% 16,331 -14.5% 0.7%
Suzuki 8,796 2.5% 0.7% 15,916 -5.1% 0.7%
Porsche 1,715 -12.8% 0.1% 4,310 -12.9% 0.2%
Smart USA 1,500 NA 0.1% 1,500 NA 0.1%
Isuzu 790 41.3% 0.1% 1,223 15.5% 0.1%
Maserati 211 55.1% 0.0% 335 8.4% 0.0%
Ferrari 135 16.4% 0.0% 240 -4.4% 0.0%
TOTAL 1,176,236 -6.3% 100.0% 2,220,183 -5.4% 100.0%

GM includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. Ford includes Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover. Chrysler includes Dodge and Jeep. Mercedes includes Mercedes and Maybach. Volkswagen includes Audi and Bentley. BMW includes Mini and Rolls-Royce. Toyota includes Lexus and Scion. Honda includes Acura. Nissan includes Infiniti.

Figures are not adjusted for selling days.

Top 20 Selling Vehicles in February
Feb.2008 / % chng 08 / YTD % chng
Ford F — Series 52,548 -4.9% 93,673 -6.5%
Chevrolet Silverado 44,096 -24.9% 80,218 -17.4%
Toyota Camry 34,914 8.6% 66,515 4.6%
Honda Accord 27,631 -9.0% 51,588 -8.0%
Chevrolet Impala 25,196 -6.4% 42,740 -18.1%
Honda Civic 23,799 18.8% 44,792 16.6%
Nissan Altima 23,363 5.6% 44,998 -3.2%
Dodge Ram 22,642 -20.9% 42,544 -19.7%
Toyota Corolla 21,202 -25.1% 41,938 -22.1%
Chevrolet Cobalt 16,958 56.1% 34,268 43.5%
Pontiac G6 16,901 50.3% 30,843 32.7%
Ford Focus 16,302 10.6% 27,902 22.5%
Honda CR-V 15,694 16.0% 31,710 13.6%
GMC Sierra 15,088 -16.8% 28,288 -9.6%
Ford Fusion 14,980 12.1% 24,163 1.2%
Toyota Tundra 14,400 48.9% 26,473 65.6%
Ford Escape 14,192 -1.4% 25,383 11.3%
Toyota Tacoma 13,125 -12.6% 24,189 -13.9%
Honda Pilot 12,881 24.3% 21,256 7.7%
Chevrolet Malibu 12,211 24.2% 26,316 49.8%
Source: Autodata Corp.

]]> By: Robert Schwartz http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192322 Robert Schwartz Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:34:30 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192322 The thing that killed me was that the Chevy Cobalt was up almost 50%. Things must be desperate. The thing that killed me was that the Chevy Cobalt was up almost 50%. Things must be desperate.

]]> By: Bunter1 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192302 Bunter1 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:33:27 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192302 Hi Frank, I think the TOmoco number is the daily rate number and the Ford one is unadjusted. Neither of these numbers is quite as bad as it seems. The market overall was down 6-7% (unadjusted) and Tomoco beat that (-2.7% unadjusted) which indicates they gained market share. Fords rate was right close to the overall market decline which indicates a stable market share. IF they are being transparent on the fleet sale reduction being 60% of their drop they did alright in retail. It is increasingly clear that GM's turnaround never has existed (fleet and channel stuffing last fall, as some here noted). That said, even if ALL of the domestics losses were market related they simply cannot afford them at the Debt3. The transplants can cruise through this period without a any real hardship. Cheerio Bunter Hi Frank,
I think the TOmoco number is the daily rate number and the Ford one is unadjusted.

Neither of these numbers is quite as bad as it seems.

The market overall was down 6-7% (unadjusted) and Tomoco beat that (-2.7% unadjusted) which indicates they gained market share.

Fords rate was right close to the overall market decline which indicates a stable market share. IF they are being transparent on the fleet sale reduction being 60% of their drop they did alright in retail.

It is increasingly clear that GM’s turnaround never has existed (fleet and channel stuffing last fall, as some here noted).

That said, even if ALL of the domestics losses were market related they simply cannot afford them at the Debt3.
The transplants can cruise through this period without a any real hardship.

Cheerio

Bunter

]]> By: Orian http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192292 Orian Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:31:06 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192292 Don't forget Mazda rebadges the Escape as a Tribute and the B2000 pickup is a rebadged Ford Ranger. Don’t forget Mazda rebadges the Escape as a Tribute and the B2000 pickup is a rebadged Ford Ranger.

]]> By: joeaverage http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192032 joeaverage Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:55:48 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-192032 Mazda is our North American peek at what Ford could be selling if they brought some Euro-Fords to America. I guess I'd be going to a Mazda dealership before I'd go to a Ford dealership. The car makers need to unify their product lineup. International reveals, international release dates, international naming schemes (at least in the English speaking countries). Mazda is our North American peek at what Ford could be selling if they brought some Euro-Fords to America. I guess I’d be going to a Mazda dealership before I’d go to a Ford dealership.

The car makers need to unify their product lineup. International reveals, international release dates, international naming schemes (at least in the English speaking countries).

]]> By: Bancho http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191852 Bancho Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:29:22 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191852 I wish Honda would have done another "right sizing" to their Accord on this go around similar to the way they did in the late 90's. Does anyone here remember Honda's old slogan? "Honda, we make it simple" I have a feeling the *next* accord will be smaller. I wish Honda would have done another “right sizing” to their Accord on this go around similar to the way they did in the late 90’s. Does anyone here remember Honda’s old slogan?

“Honda, we make it simple”

I have a feeling the *next* accord will be smaller.

]]> By: John R http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191682 John R Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:08:43 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191682 "A Ford dealership seriously tried to convince me that the new Focus was a better car and/or deal than the Mazda3." Did they shoot you with a traquilizer to stop the uncontrolable laughter? “A Ford dealership seriously tried to convince me that the new Focus was a better car and/or deal than the Mazda3.”

Did they shoot you with a traquilizer to stop the uncontrolable laughter?

]]> By: detroit1701 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191592 detroit1701 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:48:24 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191592 Ford has no one to blame but themselves. Seriously. It is quite a phenomenal experience to visit a Mazda dealership and see a variety of well-executed, reasonably-priced vehicles. Mazda has the Miatta (cute two-seater), Mazda3 (a C-1 platform car), Mazda6 (best-looking CD3 platform), 5 (C-1), CX-7 (a new platform), CX-9 (CD3) series -- and the ONLY Ford U.S. vehicles that share platforms are the CD3 Fusion/Milan/Edge. Ford owns a large chunk of Mazda, and they share platforms across the world, except for in North America. A Ford dealership seriously tried to convince me that the new Focus was a better car and/or deal than the Mazda3. Whereas, the Focus _may_ be a better "deal," the Mazda3 blows it away in every aspect of interior and performance (save fuel economy). Ford has no one to blame but themselves. Seriously.

It is quite a phenomenal experience to visit a Mazda dealership and see a variety of well-executed, reasonably-priced vehicles. Mazda has the Miatta (cute two-seater), Mazda3 (a C-1 platform car), Mazda6 (best-looking CD3 platform), 5 (C-1), CX-7 (a new platform), CX-9 (CD3) series — and the ONLY Ford U.S. vehicles that share platforms are the CD3 Fusion/Milan/Edge. Ford owns a large chunk of Mazda, and they share platforms across the world, except for in North America.

A Ford dealership seriously tried to convince me that the new Focus was a better car and/or deal than the Mazda3. Whereas, the Focus _may_ be a better “deal,” the Mazda3 blows it away in every aspect of interior and performance (save fuel economy).

]]> By: allegro con moto-car http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191532 allegro con moto-car Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:31:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191532 Here is a Honda sales press release, but not about cars. Aeroplanes. http://tinyurl.com/yoqgb9 Here is a Honda sales press release, but not about cars.

Aeroplanes.

http://tinyurl.com/yoqgb9

]]> By: Juniper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191512 Juniper Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:27:27 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191512 KixStart Try this http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/03/03/079436.html KixStart
Try this
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/03/03/079436.html

]]> By: sean362880 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191482 sean362880 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:16:45 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191482 Most of Mazda's gains came from small SUVs (Tribute, CX-9). http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/03/03/afx4723873.html I agree with Gamper though, Mazda's success comes from the Zoom Zoom image, which is really only manifested in the rest of the lineup (Mazda3,6, Miata, RX-8) Most of Mazda’s gains came from small SUVs (Tribute, CX-9).

http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/03/03/afx4723873.html

I agree with Gamper though, Mazda’s success comes from the Zoom Zoom image, which is really only manifested in the rest of the lineup (Mazda3,6, Miata, RX-8)

]]> By: KixStart http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191452 KixStart Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:14:43 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191452 I was a little surprised to see the Prius was down 15% or so. However, the Camry was up a little and the Camry hybrid was up nearly 20%. Is there a better report for Toyota sales (tabular perhaps, covering all models) than <a href="http://www.toyota.com/about/news/corporate/2008/03/03-1-sales.html" rel="nofollow">Toyota Sales Press Release?</a> I was a little surprised to see the Prius was down 15% or so. However, the Camry was up a little and the Camry hybrid was up nearly 20%.

Is there a better report for Toyota sales (tabular perhaps, covering all models) than
Toyota Sales Press Release?

]]> By: umterp85 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191422 umterp85 Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:12:08 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191422 Frank---be real interested in information you can get on the Focus. Pretty large year-on-year increase (30%+)---especially for a re-fresh that yielded nothing beter than an average vehicle. Is the Focus growth over developed for its segement ? Have there been big Big Fleet increases-----or can we assume Sync is turning into a tiebreaker. Frank—be real interested in information you can get on the Focus. Pretty large year-on-year increase (30%+)—especially for a re-fresh that yielded nothing beter than an average vehicle. Is the Focus growth over developed for its segement ? Have there been big Big Fleet increases—–or can we assume Sync is turning into a tiebreaker.

]]> By: Juniper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191322 Juniper Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:48:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191322 Honda's gain was on Fits Civics Pilots and CRVs Everything else was down. Including the Accord. I think they went bigger into a market wanting smaller. OOPS. How do they pay for that investment? Honda’s gain was on Fits Civics Pilots and CRVs
Everything else was down. Including the Accord. I think they went bigger into a market wanting smaller. OOPS. How do they pay for that investment?

]]> By: red dawg http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191132 red dawg Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:18:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191132 Gamper: "Honda has a very good reputation and many of it's vehicles get very good fuel economy" Some people seem to forget that Honda started out as an engine company making parts for motorcycle engines. So with that history, it is no wonder they have very good technology when it comes to engine developement and fuel economy and how to get the best performance from an engine (both internal combustion and electric). Gamper: “Honda has a very good reputation and many of it’s vehicles get very good fuel economy”

Some people seem to forget that Honda started out as an engine company making parts for motorcycle engines. So with that history, it is no wonder they have very good technology when it comes to engine developement and fuel economy and how to get the best performance from an engine (both internal combustion and electric).

]]> By: plee http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191112 plee Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:14:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191112 I cannot vouch for Mazda's being fleet queens in Florida but I will say that in the Mid-West and Middle Atlantic areas Hertz has a lot of Toyotas. While in Greensboro the other day, another employee from my company had a Hertz 2008 Accord Lx. I was really surprised. It was very roomy in the back seat but rode very harshly like my Protege. Every little bump in the road came through the tires/suspension. I cannot vouch for Mazda’s being fleet queens in Florida but I will say that in the Mid-West and Middle Atlantic areas Hertz has a lot of Toyotas. While in Greensboro the other day, another employee from my company had a Hertz 2008 Accord Lx. I was really surprised. It was very roomy in the back seat but rode very harshly like my Protege. Every little bump in the road came through the tires/suspension.

]]> By: gamper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-191102 gamper Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:10:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-191102 That is true, the Mazda 5 and Mazda6 have heavy fleet sales. I would attribute at least the Mazda6 fleet sales to the fact that they are produced at a UAW plant that cannot turn off production without full pay and benefits to its workers. Also, the Mazda6 should have had its replacement out for this year instead of next. Its shameful that we will not get the world version of the new Mazda6. The Mazda5 on the other hand, great vehicle at great price, but I dont think the US market was quite ready for it. I hope they dont give up on it though. I would like to see more MPVs on our roads. That is true, the Mazda 5 and Mazda6 have heavy fleet sales. I would attribute at least the Mazda6 fleet sales to the fact that they are produced at a UAW plant that cannot turn off production without full pay and benefits to its workers. Also, the Mazda6 should have had its replacement out for this year instead of next. Its shameful that we will not get the world version of the new Mazda6.

The Mazda5 on the other hand, great vehicle at great price, but I dont think the US market was quite ready for it. I hope they dont give up on it though. I would like to see more MPVs on our roads.

]]> By: Robert Farago http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-190992 Robert Farago Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:56:05 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-190992 Mazdas have also become fleet queens, though not reported as such as most sales go through dealerships. Check out the rental lots in Florida... Mazdas have also become fleet queens, though not reported as such as most sales go through dealerships. Check out the rental lots in Florida…

]]> By: gamper http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-190942 gamper Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:51:46 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-190942 Not having a V8 in the lineup and little or no reliance on truck sales is only half the story. Honda has a very good reputation and many of its vehicles get very good fuel economy. Mazda on the other hand, despite not having truck sales to contend with, or a V8 in the lineup, does not enjoy the reputation of Honda (although it should) and none of its models, crossovers especially, are very fuel efficient. I think product is driving sales at Mazda, and believe it or not, image. Zoom Zoom. Not having a V8 in the lineup and little or no reliance on truck sales is only half the story. Honda has a very good reputation and many of its vehicles get very good fuel economy.

Mazda on the other hand, despite not having truck sales to contend with, or a V8 in the lineup, does not enjoy the reputation of Honda (although it should) and none of its models, crossovers especially, are very fuel efficient. I think product is driving sales at Mazda, and believe it or not, image. Zoom Zoom.

]]> By: A A http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-190912 A A Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:42:28 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-190912 The Titan <b>only</b> comes with a V8. The Titan only comes with a V8.

]]> By: John R http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/comment-page-1/#comment-190712 John R Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:01:31 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/ford-and-toyota-down-honda-and-mazda-up/#comment-190712 "What does that tell you?" What? Gas is $4?! Hey...that Ridgeline <strong>is</strong> pretty useful! Anyway, I'm not sure, but can the Titan come with a V8? If it does I don't think Nissan sold that many (if any) of them to make a meaningful contribution. Also, does the Nissan figure include Infiniti (read: FX45, M45)? “What does that tell you?”

What? Gas is $4?! Hey…that Ridgeline is pretty useful!

Anyway, I’m not sure, but can the Titan come with a V8? If it does I don’t think Nissan sold that many (if any) of them to make a meaningful contribution.

Also, does the Nissan figure include Infiniti (read: FX45, M45)?

]]>