What Do You Consider a Quality Automobile?

Part 1 (of 2) reports relating to the Ford BlogHer** event

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Ever since my dad gave a speech to hundreds of people about women drivers* years before I could legally drive, I have been determined to be a good driver. For many years, I was a bit too caught up in the notion and took myself too seriously. I even called myself a “serious driver” — whatever that means.

Over the years, I’ve rid myself of that old baggage and tried to lighten up when driving, but I am still fascinated and dazzled by outstanding, high quality automobiles. In other words, I’m still basically a car nut. Always have been, really.

My hometown was filled with car fanatics. In fact, when I was growing up, kids took pride in their abilities to identify cars by the sound of the engine or the taillights or other identifying characteristics. I could easily tell you which car was a Ford, Chevy, or Chrysler (we only played this game with domestic vehicles) by the style of the car, though I never mastered the art of engine identification.

Later in life, particularly after becoming a mom, my perspective changed somewhat. These days, I don’t spend much time identifying cars while sitting in traffic but I am certainly at a point in my life when I sometimes spend (what feels like) a majority of my day driving the kids and their friends to various activities and events.  So the quality of my car contributes to my quality of life.  You know what I mean?

If I enjoy my car and the time I spend in it, I’m likely to have a lot more fun with my kids (and be a more pleasant person).  If I’m driving a high quality automobile, chances are good that I’m going to enjoy (better still, love) the car. So the higher the quality of the car, the greater the enjoyment factor. And to take that one step further, the happier the mom then, naturally, the happier the family. Ah yes, so the happiness of my family all comes back to the quality of the car I’m driving.

Really? 

Well, maybe not.

But have you ever had a car that you can’t wait to get into and drive?  I’m happy to say that I’ve been the proud owner of several cars that I have truly adored.  When I sold my Honda (the car that took me through college and grad school graduations), I actually cried. I still think about that car every once in a while.

Anyway…

My point is that I love cars.  I really do.

So when I first heard about the Ford BlogHer** event, I jumped at the opportunity to participate.  We will be taking a tour of a Ford assembly plant, test driving some new Ford models and engaging in what will likely be a lively discussion of women’s thoughts on quality in automobiles.

In preparation for this event, the folks at Ford have asked us to consider what quality means to us and to ask our readers to weigh in as well.  What do you think is important for you and your family when you buy a car?  What makes a car a “quality automobile” in your eyes? Let me know by leaving a comment or sending me an email.

For me, the car has to feel solid.  Have you ever sat in a car, closed the door and heard what sounded like a piece of tin hitting an empty frame? Sort of like a “clink” rather than the “boom” heard when you close a heavier, solid-sounding door?  I like the doors of my car to sound like the doors that Maxwell Smart walked through in Get Smart when he approached the phone booth.  Solid, strong, dependable.  It makes me feel safe. It’s part of what represents quality.

In addition, I like good pick up in a car. I don’t necessarily need a V8 engine (nor do I like its gas guzzling nature) but I want a respectable amount of horsepower. Let me pass when I need to – as quickly as possible.  My car should turn on a dime, too.  I like a responsive steering mechanism and good handling.  These are more aspects of quality.

With respect to the interior, it’s all about the details.  For this one, I could make a list that would bore the heck out of you, so I’ll just say that it’s important that the interior makes life as easy as reasonably possible without feeling cheap.  Give me cup holders (durable enough for kids) and more-than-adequate ventilation so the kids can sit comfortably back there.  Don’t scrimp on legroom and headroom (they will be growing, after all).  Leather is better because it’s so much easier to clean.  My kids said they would love to have their own visors for the back and power outlets to charge their many electronic devices. Forget the DVD player, just give them the ability to power up and recharge. Make the armrests functional (think more cup holders and organizing compartments), but thick and substantial (like the doors noted above, it’s nicer when they feel solid).

Finally, invest in some good designers with respect to the aesthetic.  All of the above won’t matter at all if it doesn’t look fabulous on the outside. Elegant, sleek and stylish is always best. Clean, simple lines without any macho.

For me, that’s just a start.

How about you. What do you think?

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*In case you’re wondering…sadly, the speech was not favorable toward women drivers.

**Not officially deemed a BlogHer event, just conveniently timed to coincide with the conference. I use it only for ease of reference.

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