Not Your Father’s Family Wagon

Well I guess I have ranted and raved about cars and the auto industry enough that I got someone’s attention.  Maybe not that of the President, the media, or any industry big wigs that intend to make any changes based on my wisdom.  But somebody does want me to mention their website on my blog.  I am double happy to do so since I just happened to have had a automobile post in the hopper waiting to be published.  Topic: Family cars.  Question: What do you drive?

If you read me much you know a few things about me.  I am married, have 2 adopted children, I have a husband who works for the auto industry, I’m a realtor &  freelance writer, and I bleed red, white, maize, blue, and Chrysler.  (I am a U of M football fan, a patriot, and a big fan of Chrysler products.)  Since becoming a family I have driven a Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Commander, and the current Jeep Cherokee Laredo.  But I have found a non Chrysler car that I am crazy about and think I would enjoy driving my family around in.

I think the Ford Flex is the hottest car I’ve seen on the road in a long time.  The Chrysler 300 has been my “wow” car for a long time.  It’s sophisticated and beautiful but not my idea of a family mobile.  Our scratched doors and coke stained interior would take away from the classiness I think.  The Ford Flex, however, is more versatile.  It is as family-ish as any wagon, and as fun & youthful as the Honda Element or that nasty Scion.

Speaking of the Scion… can someone tell me WHY in the name of one nation under God you would buy a Toyota ANYTHING when you have so many better choices?  For instance,  if you have a Scion tc I believe it is your responsibility as an American to go to your local dealer tomorrow and trade it for a Ford Focus.  Equally youthful appearance, BETTER comfort, and lower price.

Now I’m not so naive and idealistic to say that we should all buy American, but why buy foreign when there is an American comparison?  Some things, though, simply have no replacements.  The VW bug is a good example, or the Mini Cooper.  If you’ve had a thing for Ferrari all your life, you’re not likely to be satisfied by any substitute.  Same for Porsche.  With the exception of a handful of exotic originals, though, you can find an American vehicle that satisfies your taste and wallet.  Even the super cool Audi s5 could be replaced by the muscle heavy Dodge Challenger, with a much smaller price tag to boot!

Of course we all know the ultimate family car is the Dodge Caravan or Town and Country and there is no substitute for those!  But that Ford Flex is really close…

What do you drive now?  What would you drive your family around in if money were not an issue?