Ford vs Chevy (Classic American Showdown) (F150, vehicle, 2011, auto)

[iknowftbll]

First, this is not a poll by design. This is because I'd like to compare not just "Ford vs Chevy" but a more in depth comparison between some of the top models for each company. I've owned both Fords and Chevys, and I like some models better than others. I'm not a "Ford guy" and I'm certainly not a "Chevy guy", especially after my most recent Chevy. Still, I think that Chevy makes some decent products, and in certain classes of vehicle, I'd be more likely to purchase a Chevy than a Ford. For others, it's the other way around.

So here are two basic ground rules:

-This is a "Ford vs Chevy" thread. Please refrain from comments like, "Neither, I'd buy a (fill in any other automaker here) before I'd buy either of those!"

-Assume that you are comparing all models in the same model year, level of trim, etc... For example, we are not comparing the Shelby to the entry-level Camaro. Go with base Mustang/base Camaro, GT vs SS and so on...

-List your preference, and if you are so inclined, add some reasons why you prefer one over the other.

-Please respect others' opinions. This is supposed to be fun!

Here's a list of model comparisons. If they are not exact, they are the closest comparisons I could find. It's not all-inclusive, so feel free to add any pair of models which you feel can be discussed.

F-150 vs Silverado
Expedition vs Tahoe
Taurus vs Impala
Fusion vs Malibu
Mustang vs Camaro
Escape vs HHR
Edge vs Traverse
Escape vs Equinox
Ranger vs Colorado
Fiesta vs Cruze
Focus vs Cobalt

Some models that didn't seem to have a direct counterpart are the Ford Flex and of course, the Chevy Corvette.

Please share your thoughts!

[iknowftbll]

I'll start things off.

F-150 vs Silverado: I'd go with the F-150 on this one. Mechanically, I think it's a wash, they are for the most part equals. But I just like the way the F-150 looks a better.

Expedition vs Tahoe: I'm going with the Tahoe on this one. It may seem weird, because both of these are just SUV versions of the trucks listed above them. Once again, they are pretty equal in terms of what they offer, but in this case, I like the way the Tahoe looks a little better. I'm weird, I know.

Taurus vs Impala: This one isn't even close. The new Taurus blows the Impala out of the water. I took a look at a Taurus one day, then walked across the street to look at an Impala, and the Impala nearly put me to sleep!

Fusion vs Malibu: This one is a little more difficult. I like both of these. The Malibu is a pretty nice car, but the Fusion has really shown some improvement in recent years. And it was already a pretty popular car to begin with. I give a very slight edge to the Fusion.

Mustang vs Camaro: (warning: bias, I drive a Mustang) In all fairness, I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for the Camaro, and I am very happy to see it revived. But I've been a Mustang guy for a long time, and will always like the Mustang better. Especially now that Ford has gotten serious about giving the base model a respectable motor!

Escape vs HHR: Escape. Only because the HHR is absolutely ridiculous looking.

Edge vs Traverse: I'm going with the Traverse on this one. Neither of these interest me, really.

Escape vs Equinox: I just realized that I had the Escape on here twice. Sorry. Either way, Escape wins this one too.

Ranger vs Colorado: Looks like Chevy discontinued the Colorado for 2011. Probably because the Ranger was a better truck?

Fiesta vs Cruze: Two newcomers, neither of which interest me. Draw.

Focus vs Cobalt: Draw. I wouldn't buy a car this small.

[rbohm]

Originally Posted by iknowftbll

F-150 vs Silverado

both excellent trucks. tough, long lasting, decent power and fuel economy for their size. i like the styling of the chevy over the ford in the current generation, but i like the ford interiors better. in the end it comes down to personal preferences, and in my opinion the ford is the better buy.

Taurus vs Impala

this is another one where personal preferences come into play. both cars are comfortable, though lack the roominess of their full size predecessors, the crown vic and the rear wheel drive impala. for me, make mine a taurus, preferably the sho.

Fusion vs Malibu

on this one, i much prefer the fusion over the malibu. i think the fusion is the superior car in every way.

Mustang vs Camaro

ahh the age old comparison. both are well designed, and are quite competitive with each other. i like the mustang interior better than the camaro, though not by much. both engines are proven performers, and for 2011 make similar power. the chassis and suspension systems are first rate in both cars, as are the brakes. styling is where the camaro falls flat in my opinion. while there are issues i have with the mustangs styling, overall it honors the 1970 mustang fastbackbwhich is one of my all time favorite mustang body styles. the camaro though, while trying to look like an updated 1968 camaro, gm made too many mistakes. the roof line is too low, it looks like the 68 roof that has been chopped 4 inches. gm also didnt get the overall shape right, the rear section specifically looks too chopped off. another 3-4 inches in over all length, all of it in the trunk area, would have made a big difference. in the end the camaro is still a derivative pony car. my choice, the original and still the best, mustang.

Ranger vs Colorado

this one is a real toss up. it has been a long time since ford has truly updated the ranger, so it is getting a little long in the tooth. i think the colorado has a better interior than the ranger, and a bit more room as well. i like both trucks, and either one would do nicely, but the ranger seems to have better aftermarket support overall. my pick? flip a coin.

Focus vs Cobalt

in this case i would take the focus over the cobalt every time. i like the styling better, and there is greater aftermarket support to the point that if you wanted, and had the money, you could swap a complete drive train from a 2004 mustang cobra into the focus and end up with a mustang killer if you want. you can also get aftermarket turbo and supercharger kits and make as much as 500 flywheel horsepower from the focus motor.

Some models that didn't seem to have a direct counterpart are the Ford Flex and of course, the Chevy Corvette.

Please share your thoughts!

there actually is a counterpart to the corvette in the ford line, and no i am not talking about the ford gt, but rather the shelby gt500. the vette handles better, the shelby has a lot more power. the vette is cheaper, and has better styling, the shelby though is more practical. again on this one, flip a coin.

and yes am a ford enthusiast, but i am also an auto enthusiast who can see that every car has its weak and strong points.

[mustang84]

I've had two Chevys and have a Lincoln now, so I've been on both sides as well.


F-150 vs Silverado - F-150. Just simply the better truck with more features and more innovative ideas. As far as styling, I don't like the new F-series as much as the 2004-2008, but I'm not really a big fan of the new Silverado either with its huge chrome bumpers. The GMC Sierra looks much better.

Expedition vs Tahoe - This is a tough one. I really like both vehicles quite a bit. I would probably lean toward the Expedition, but the Tahoe comes very close.

Taurus vs Impala - no question about it, Taurus. The Impala still rides on the W-body...'nuff said.

Fusion vs Malibu - I'm going to have to go with Fusion, although I really like the new Malibu too. The Fusion just offers more choices of engines, options, and also AWD. I do like the design of the Malibu's interior more, but I think Ford has better materials.

Mustang vs Camaro - Mustang. Lighter, smaller dimensions, better looking, and the vaunted 5.0 is back. The new Camaro looks a little cartoony to me.

Escape vs HHR - Escape. I've been in an HHR and it's not that great in terms of comfort for me at 6'-4". I like the Escape's traditional SUV styling more, plus it has the option of a hybrid.

Edge vs Traverse - If we're talking 2010 Edge, then Traverse wins. But with the 2011 Edge, I think Ford edges Chevy out.

Escape vs Equinox - Probably go with the 'Nox on this one, but I don't really like the front end on it very much. The Equinox is the better vehicle though.

Ranger vs Colorado - Well, the Colorado is obviously fresher, but I like the fact that the Ranger is a true compact truck. So Ranger.

Fiesta vs Cruze - This should actually be Focus vs. Cruze. The Fiesta will compete with the Aveo.

Focus vs Cobalt - As of the current models, Cobalt. But the new Focus is going to blow the Cobalt and Cruze out of the water.

(added)
Fiesta vs Aveo - Fiesta. Better styling inside and out and better materials. We'll have to wait and see how the new Aveo turns out though.

Focus vs Cruze - Focus. Ford did a much more impressive job with the styling...the Cruze looks dated already, and hasn't even been released yet. It also will only have one engine choice if I remember correctly.

Results:

Ford = 10
Chevy = 2

Had this survey been done just two years ago, GM would have pretty handily won. Ford has made that much progress in a couple years.

[Vinsanity]

F-150 vs Silverado: probably the F150. more features.

Expedition vs Tahoe: probably the Tahoe, but that would be based mostly on looks.

Taurus vs Impala: Taurus, hands down. unless I REALLY wanted a cheap car

Fusion vs Malibu: definitely the Fusion. the Malibu is ok, but I would need a steep discount to change my mind.

Mustang vs Camaro: I like the styling of the Camaro better, but the Mustang wins for its convertible body style.

Edge vs Equinox: (I think these two are more comparable) I like the styling of the Edge, but I heard really good things about the Equinox

Escape vs Equinox: not very comparable IMO. I think the Escape is cheaper, but the Equinox is more refined. I like the styling of the Escape better.

Ranger vs Colorado: Colorado, I guess. unless I wanted a cheap truck

Fiesta vs Cruze: initial reviews say that the Fiesta is more impressive than the upcoming Cruze. Although I think the next Aveo will be closer in comparison.

Focus vs Cobalt: currently, neither. unless you're talking about a Cobalt SS Turbo vs. Euro Focus RS. then, I'd take either one. but the next Focus should shape up to be a very nice car (it would be closer in comparison to the Cruze).

Flex vs. Traverse: I like the looks of the Flex much better. The Buick crossover would be a more convincing comparison for me personally, but I think I'd still take the Flex.

[Narfcake]

F-150 vs Silverado

I'm leaning towards the 2011 F-150 for its better fuel economy.

Expedition vs Tahoe

No opinion.

Taurus vs Impala

Taurus by far. The Impala was merely adequate in its class 10 years ago; it's seriously outclassed today.

Fusion vs Malibu

Malibu. Yeah, the Fusion is sportier, but it's also hecho en Mexico.

Mustang vs Camaro

Mustang. Less bloat.

Escape vs HHR

Escape. Can't stand the HHR's interior.

Edge vs Traverse

Traverse. Better use of space.

Escape vs Equinox

Equinox. Also better use of space.

Ranger vs Colorado

Ranger. Despite being 17 years old, it's still a better truck than the Colorado.

Fiesta vs Cruze
Focus vs Cobalt

Fiesta is a smaller car, so it should be moreso Focus vs. Cruze, in which I can't offer an opinion on until the new models come out; the Focus is more promising, though.

FWIW, I'm sure we could throw in some Chryslers to compare ... except that'd just reveal how badly outclassed their products are.

[Drover]

I'll restrict my answers to the classes I'm actually interested in (not interested in trucks and SUVs)...

Taurus vs Impala -Neither. I liked the new Taurus design on paper, but I quickly changed my mind when I started seeing them in person. The proportions are gangly and awkward, especially the rear quarter panels, the huge chunky ass... ugh. The Impala design is a spectacular example of what the rest of the world hates about American automotive design.

Fusion vs Malibu - Malibu. Both are capable, competent cars but the "three bar" grill design language just doesn't fit very well on the Fusion. Pit the stablemate Mecury Milan against the Malibu and it becomes a closer race but I still prefer the Malibu. Put the Fusion and Milan's other stablemate, the Mazda6, against the Malibu and IMO the tide turns and the Mazda6 wins.

Mustang vs Camaro - I'd be really hesitant to buy either mostly because I'm not keen on the whole "retro-modern" design trend. I'd say this was a tie until the 2011 Mustang came out. Now it's no contest, Mustang gallops away with the win. Plus, the Mustang rides on a dedicated platform and that pays serious dividends when you compare the two on the scale.

Escape vs HHR - Escape wins by default because of my aforementioned aversion to retro-modern styling. That said, the HHR SS is a little beast. I just don't think I could stomach being seen in one.

Fiesta vs Cruze - So far it's a draw. I like the design style of both, and I like that they're both making American-badged B-segment cars competitive with their Asian rivals. Final decision as to which I like more will be determined after they've both had substantial time out in the field.

Focus vs Cobalt - if I get to pick the engine option... then Cobalt SS every time. Otherwise, Focus.

[texdav]

I'll just address the turcks since i have owned so many of both brands. Drivablity ;chevy hands down.It just has always tracked better than Fords. Engine also give to checy . Body I give to Ford. Reliabilty they are about equal with different companents weaknesses. Brakes definely chevy;mileage in my experience definely chevy;electric widow definely chevy. Overall body rattles and durablity ford. Better interior design ford.Btter altantors and starters Ford.Style is a matter of choice really.My brother in law just got a Tudra ;his first non chevy or Frod in buying trucks since 1962. I drve it and was impressed but it still is to soon to judge. His bosss as had one for like 3 years which si why he decided to try one ;havig lked drive it.

[hoffdano]

F-150 vs Silverado - tiny edge to F150. GM V8s better, rest of truck Ford
Expedition vs Tahoe - Tahoe, the Expedition is a pig
Taurus vs Impala - Taurus whips aging Impala
Fusion vs Malibu - Excellent Fusion over solid Malibu
Mustang vs Camaro - 2011 Mustang wins with new engines, lighter weight
Escape vs HHR - Escape over hideous HHR, but neither is notable
Edge vs Traverse - Edge wins on looks, Traverse is roomier
Escape vs Equinox - Equinox much more up to date and capable
Ranger vs Colorado - battle of aging cheap trucks but Colorado LOSES big
Fiesta vs Cruze - Fiesta in a landslide
Focus vs Cobalt - Focus wins over a terrible Cobalt

Ford: 8
Chevy: 2
Tie: 1 (Edge/Traverse)

[johnnytang24]

Am I the only one in the world that likes the way the HHR looks? I hear the SS has some go to it as well.