- Is there going to be a Subaru Pickup Truck?
- Need a cheap used car that’s safe.
- Is Ford in Trouble?
The first question comes from a fan who thinks he hear a rumor that Subaru is building a new pickup truck.
Hi Nathan! Love the Fast Lane and I subscribe to all of your channels!
I heard a rumor that Subaru will use their Ascent as a basis for a car based pickup truck, like they did with the Subaru Baja and Brat. This would be direct competitor to the Honda Ridgeline if they build it. I know that Subaru refuses to send cars to Colorado and it’s been a while since you drove one. That makes no sense by the way.
Please let me know what you think.
Thank you Nathan!
Willy B
A: Hi Willy!
I heard that rumor too. I’ve also heard about a dozen rumors about Subaru pickup trucks over the past decade. While there is a market for vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline, Subaru has steered clear of a replacement for the Subaru Baja. Not that having a new Subaru Pickup truck-let would be a bad thing. There are a lot of people who want alternatives to our current batch of small pickup trucks.
We’ll see. We will hopefully get some Subaru products back in our back yard soon. If not, let COO Thomas J. Doll know that you, as a viewer/fan, want more of his vehicles reviewed by us.
Cheers!
N
This next question comes from a fan who wants an inexpensive and safe car .
Nathan, I need your help on choosing something inexpensive but safe!Â
I was looking at a few cars for under $5,000 and I am getting a little frustrated. I live alone, and I have two little dogs and a cat. I live in Middletown, Delaware and work in town. My 1999 Subaru Forester is about to die for good because I put nearly 200,000 miles on it.
These are my choices under $5,000 that have low milage.
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003
Hyundai Accent 2001
Volvo XC70 2006
A: Howdy!
I wish I had more to go on. It’s hard to help with this limited information, but I can say right off the bat that you should avoid the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Volvo is the safest in terms of crashworthiness, but it’s the most expensive to maintain.
Sorry, that’s all I got.
N
The last question comes from a viewer who is concerned about Ford.
Q: Nathan, have you seen what’s going on at Ford!?
They are cleaning house and I think it’s because they keep losing consumers and hate working with journalists. Am I right? Lots of people fired, including this one guy for misconduct. Quality is way down and they have a new president and are eliminating unwanted employees!
They are selling cars that nobody wants! That’s why the Ford Fiesta is going away. You guys NEVER review their cars either. I know that Ford does not want you to do reviews!
Do you think they are in trouble. Like, if they are going bankrupt or something? Last time I saw a auto maker with this many issues, not was Pontiac and we all know what happened to them. I’m not buying a Ford until I know that the company is safe!
Give my best to Roman!
GG
A: Howdy!
Periodically, a business has to make changes to stay with the times. That’s pretty much what Ford is up to. While some of the recent changes from Ford were reactionary based on employee issues, other changes have been planned for quite some time. I wouldn’t worry too much about their survival.
As for their cars; I admit we rarely review Ford cars, part of that may have to do with our location. We hear that there will be a few new crossovers coming soon. As for the Ford Fiesta, the simple truth is that very few automakers are selling lots of small cars in the United States. The Fiesta isn’t selling that well, so discontinuing it makes sense.
Still, they sell a LOT of trucks.
Remember: Ford sells the most popular vehicle in the United States, the Ford F150, and all signs point to continued success with that vehicle. So, for the most part, all is well!
N
Speaking of Ford…
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
