To the Holden boys - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TheKing · 08-09-2002, 03:27

Ok - we all know all of us Ford guys are very excited with the new model, but how about you guys?
Obviously you like your Holdens more, so give us an objective point of view - do you think it has the goods?

05forever · 08-09-2002, 03:36

It's better--

I cant say forecertain love, like etc because I have only seen a few photo's and I thought the AU looked ok in the pre-release photo's.

I thought the fairmont was the best looking of an ugly lot and the BA seems to have evolved that styling. You will catch up some , how much I don't know.

Troutman · 08-09-2002, 03:46

Just a reminder that styling isn't everything. In certain areas, such as the IRS and traction control systems fitted to the current Fairmonts, etc, Ford has had a tremendous advantage over Holden all this time.

The difference is that when Ford has the exterior to bring people to its showrooms, it will finally get the sales it deserves.

For what it's worth, I consider myself a Ford and Holden person.

falkon · 08-09-2002, 03:53

I try not to take sides, but I'm probably more of a Holden boy at the moment... so I guess this is for me...

I was underwhelmed by the BA when I first saw it because the hype suggested it was going to be more special than it is... The BA seems like a very obvious fix for the AU,with no suprises. The mainstream models look very generic This is what was needed and I'm sure it will sell a lot more than the AU.

chevypower · 08-09-2002, 07:53

Can't really compare the unreleased BA to the current VX, a little unfair, I'm sure Holden are just as far in to the release of the VY as Ford are with the BA, and are a little quieter. As far as engines go, The Gen III was DE-tuned when it was first released in the Holdens, so I'm sure a lot of power is available, as is with the Ford 5.4 Can't we just let them both be great cars as I'm sure they will be? Or do we have to say one is great and the other sucks?

Cobra · 08-09-2002, 09:41

Holden now have finally a reaosn to free the LS1 up, and that reason is competition.

I really don't think we will se the bets of Holden till 2003 when they release the VYII or whatever it will be called.

The new all alloy V6 should be good, and good competition for out IL6. To me though, ive always liked the striaght 6 more and the Geelong biuld IL6 is no exception.

Funkypig · 08-09-2002, 15:59

Holden will lose sales to the BA without a doubt. This is OK, because they've always known that Ford would be dead serious about any AU replacement. Holden knew this, but as they have big coupe exports to America coming up, as well as increased exports to the Middle East, they will not lose any production.

Fortunately for them the AU was a sales disaster, and they capitalised on the fact, but of course they always knew it couldn't last. Look at Falcon-Holden sales thoughout history, and each maker has had their time in the sun..... time will tell whose turn it is after September....I'm excited!

TheKing · 08-09-2002, 21:07

I'm not asking for people to flame or anything, I'm just asking what the Holden people think of the styling - they're the ones whose opinions matter, we wont will the sales war with current customers

Funkypig · 08-09-2002, 21:49

The AU proved the theory correct that the Australian car market for large family cars is extremly conservative.......

......and the BA will likely back up the theory by selling well.

This car is very conservative, I doubt there is anyone who really dislikes it. Everything about it in good proportion and well placed, but the sad fact is that it is not too exciting, where some version of the AU were..... although I have no doubt that the GT (or T4) will rectify this.

Another point is that when a car is seen so much on the road, it is probably better to be generic, conservative and well styled, instead of puching the envelope.

And I must say Holden is in the same boat.... although they got a better compromise with the '97 VT.

Rodderz · 08-09-2002, 22:27

Well yes the BA may be conservative in terms of styling but when u take a look at the big picture- there is a whole lot more. Ford has thrown a bunch of goodies in to make it a good car overall, not just good to look at.
Looks isnt the be all and end all- no use having a nice looking car if it has faults and dramas with engines, handling etc.