What Are Your favorite Brands and Why?

[Merc1]

Lets rank and talk about our favorite brands. I'd been wanting to do this thread for a while now. Often times we get in why this is better than that, but we rarely express why or what the core reasons are for championing a specific brand of car. You only need to give 10. No exceptions. My list is as follows:

1. Mercedes-Benz - Obviously the apple of my eye. Everything isn't perfect at the moment with the brand or their cars, but they've come back from the public scorn and shame of just a few short years ago. Love the way they drive, the interiors, the feeling of security, comfort, high-speed stability, model choices (one could spend a lifetime trying to own them all) and the engineering they put into their cars. This has faded since the heydays of the 1980s and early 90's but it is still there for the most part.


2. Audi - Not an ugly car in the bunch. Often class leading interiors, and the sheer underdog status (in the U.S.) have put this brand only second to Mercedes in the luxury brand category. The standout is the S5 Coupe and Cabrio. Rarely are German cars "beautiful" but these are. Audis are arguably the most Germanic of the big German luxury 3 also, from ride (often called stiff so this is for better or worse) to design, they seem to have stayed closer to core German values when it comes to design IMO.


3. Aston-Martin - Stunningly beautiful cars. They now at last have interiors pretty much worthy of their exteriors, one of the best sounding V12s on the planet. The DBS currently holds the title of the worlds best looking production vehicle, a stunning achievement IMO with all the great looking cars around right now.


4. Porsche - The little company that could. The 911 is an all time favorite, particularly the 993 Series. The current range is as good a lineup as you'll find anywhere. Business savy and seemingly endless engineering talent make Porsche a modern-day Legend. Have to wait and see the Panamera in person to see if their nearly perfect lineup will stay that way. Porsche is on its way to becoming a full service brand. Sedan, coupe, convertible, and SUV. Not sure if that is the right move, but it is happening. Unique design inside and out, dynamics and engineering keep Porsche high with me.


5. BMW - Solidly on the comeback trail with me. After the disasterous 2002 7-Series BMW lost a good deal of points with be because every 7 before that was a great car inside and out. Enter the new 7-Series, X6, X5, M3 and BMW is right there again. For me the most special BMWs were the ones that weren't the comercially successful, 8-Series and Z8 for example. Really special cars during their times. Remember the 850Csi? BMW even sold the 7-Series with a stick-shift during the 90's, the 735i to be exact. I am worried that they are trying to split the pie into too many slices, but thats another thread.


6. Lamborghini - They have finally come up an unseated Ferrari in my mind as the Italian sports car maker on most fronts. Heritage and racing is the only thing lacking because as we've seen a Lambo can now take a Ferrari on the road with ease. Stunning, lusty cars abound here.


7. Jaguar - Also on the comback trail. New owners seem to be on the right track. Getting rid of the X-Type (at least here in the U.S.) was the best thing they could have every done. The new models and engines are impressive, particularly the XKR. Now the new XJ is the one to wait for, if done right Jaguar will have come full circle. Now I'd like to own a Jaguar someday.


8. Maserati - Another lusty, rare, exclusive brand on the comeback. The Granturismo in particular is stunning thing to behold. I'm told Maseratis need some help on their interiors though. I think the Granturismo Spyder will be a hit also, but a 3 product is needed IMO.


9. Bentley - Only gets a mention because of the Arnage line of cars, hate the rest. New Arnage is coming.....breath held.


10. VW - Great, regular-priced cars. I'd take a VW over nearly any other regular car on the market except for certain Fords/Pontiacs (G8 GXP) and maybe a Honda product. German engineering for the masses.



Honorable Mention: Ferrari - Sadly only 1/2 of their cars are desireable now, the F430 and the 599 GTB. Don't like the 612 S or California which is a real styling mess in pics.


M

 

[Tarek]

1-Mercedes-Benz(Duh).

Well i do't much to justify why it's my first brand when it comes to cars.The history alone and the fact they were the first car just awes me.The engineering and safety of their are second to none.Did u i mention the stellar lineup? they simply have a car for each and every segment,from the A-Class to the a mindblowingly ultra exclusive cars like the SLR and BS ones.Truly a premium brand.

2-Ferrari.

The brand that comes instantly to my mind when i think sporty cars.They stunning to look at,incredibly fun to drive and one of the most amazing racing history among all cars.The passion behind that brand is just tremendous.

3-Pagani.

Now lets all the bowing down in the world begins.This tiny little company that managed with just one model to not just match but severely beat the best from Germany and Italy at their own game.H.Pagani is simply an alien.

4-Lamborghini.

I wasn't really a big fan of the overly outrageously designed Lambos of the past but after Audi took charge damn! i'm an instant fan.The LP-640 is just menacing and the LP-560-4 is the most stunning car Lambo has ever made.oh and that V10 sound!!

5-Audi.

The underdog indeed.To be honest i was big on Audi at all till they made the S8 a few years back and i was like whow! that car is just pure sex on wheels,it instantly commands ur admiration and love.Then Audi out done themselves by making the R8,one of my all time German cars.Stunning to look at and it has that advanced from the future look to it.I've seen it parked along side many exotic cars and it simply manages to make them look old and boring in comparison.S5 another favorite of mine,gorgeous coupe and it was the first ever coupe from Audi that i'd take over the old CLK or E92 3er.

6-Porsche.

The 911,need i say more?

7-Alfa Romeo.

AR has one of the most stunning lineup of cars out there,pure Italian design and passion.One of the very makers that considered by many car journalists to make the most stunning cars on the road.They invented the sports sedan in the 1970s not BMW but sadly they didn't capitalize on it and lost it.BMW was even called in the 80s the German AR.Did i mention that Enzo Ferrari started his racing career at AR racing team? and then split and found Ferrari?

8-BMW.

One of the best premium car makers out there no doubt.Makes one of the best driving machines and the most fun to drive cars around.My only problem with BMW is the image associated with it.Here ever rich high school guy/girl owns and drives a BMW no matter what series it and they are pretty reckless ones.They really give the brand bad image and the fact that it's the default choice for every rich young guy or sweet heart repulses me.

9-Maseratti.

Another Italian design miracle.Gorgeous car with Ferrari engines and amazing racing history.Too bad the reliability and being handicapped in favor of the bigger brother(Ferrari) halts it from being a true sports car maker.

10-Aston Martin.

Yes they does one of the best designs out there but the engineering is simply inferior to the German or Italian rivals.Not to mention the lack of design progression and the repetition of the same old formula over and over again.Still stunning cars to look at.

 

[cawimmer430]

1) Mercedes-Benz

I've always been fascinated by this brand since I was very young. There was just something about the history and heritage of this company which was so impressive and fascinating that I couldn't help but feel attracted to it. I also grew up with Mercedes cars around me which had a strong influence on me. There was also something special about their cars that distinguished them from others. At the end of the day this brand has also always built cars which appeal to my personal tastes. Good-looking, comfortable and feel-good factor.


2) Audi

I've always liked Audi's. They had an interesting history and heritage and a successful spell in motorsports in the 1920s and 1930s (in the form of Auto Union) and the whole Quattro thing later in the 1970s really differentiated them from everyone else.


3) Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has always been my favorite Japanese manufacturer, partly because my family has owned several during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. I also found Mitsubishi to have had some of the most interesting and distinctive designs out there that differentiated them from fellow Japanese brands. Look at a 6th generation Galant for instance - there was nothing like it out there. It looked clean, elegant and Japanese - oh, and we used to have two of them!


4) Lancia

Lancia is to Italians as Mercedes-Benz is to Germans: a practical luxury car with low-end and high-end cars. Lancia has always made interesting and beautiful cars and has had a successful stint in rally motorsports with the legendary Stratos and Delta Integrale. Some of my favorite Lancia's include the Fulvia, Gamma, Delta and especially the Kappa sedan and the rare and simply gorgeous Kappa coupe.


5) Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeos may not be known for their durability or reliability but nobody cares. Alfas are cars bought because people listen to what their heart is saying, not your wallet. It's an emotional brand that places emphasis on design and style, not so much on how the cars drive or hold up. It's like the guy who has pure passionate sex with a hot chick he just met in a club and doesn't care about marriage (aka long-term effects): he just enjoys her appearance. I've always liked Alfa Romeos for their style: plain and simple. And there were and are many cars in their lineup that were/are stunning. Beginning with the Montreal and GTV (hell even the Alfasud!!!), Giulia and ending with the entire current lineup - gorgeous stuff.


6) Citroen

What I've always admired about Citroen was the size of their balls. Yep, these guys didn't give a damn what people said about their designs. They used the Nike slogan long before Nike even existed - JUST DO IT. Like many Europeans brands, Citroen has a long history of innovation and technical achievements primarily in the region of comfort. Citroen cars were always known for their high quality comfort and technical superiority. Many of their contraversial designs have ended up becoming classics with a distinct personality of their own. The Ami, 2CV, Traction Avant, CX and the SM of course are some of my favorite Citroens. These days I am all about the Citroen C5 - probably the most appealing mainstreamer in Europe at the moment in my eyes.


7) Renault

See Citroen ^above^. Same reasons mostly but Renault also had some kickass cars in the 1970s and 1980s like the Fuego, 21, 25 and Safrane. Currently the Laguna and Laguna Coupe and the new Megane really look great and have gotten good reviews.


8) Fiat

Fiat - the cute brand with the cute name and the cute cars. Not the best record for durability and quality but with emotion-packed cars, who cares?


9) BMW

My passion for BMW was always minimal. Their cars were impressive and well-designed but I probably never caught on to them because I am a comfort-oriented type of driver and BMW cars therefore, with their emphasis on sport, have never really appealed to me. However, with the addition of the 118i to our family, my passion and interest for and in BMW has grown tremendously. Living in Munich, with the BMW Museum and Welt nearby and the constant sightings of BMW prototypes has made me appreciate them even more. And in today competitiveness, it is crucial for Audi, BMW and Mercedes to "stick together" (peaceful coexistence like in the past) to whoop Lexus, Acura and Infiniti.


10) GAZ

Wimmer, what the fook!? Hell, they're only here on my top 10 list because the GAZ-24 is so beautiful!

 

[Tarek]

^Hey Chris,that's quite a short list..

 

[cawimmer430]

^Hey Chris,that's quite a short list..

Nothing else impresses me.

 

[coolraoul]

1. Mercedes-Benz

Current models are extraordinarily advanced and comfortable cars. Gotta love the innovations they come-up with...

However, I have a particular adoration for the old-school Benz, they were truly unique.

The over-engineering, the love for every detail, the innovative solutions, the typical gimmicks (handbrake by foot, big steering wheel, single command stack for indicators and wipers), the real wish to make the car as perfect as it can be... I just feel at home in these cars!

However, MB's seem to be at the very top again since the 97-2005 nightmare is over.
Not as dominant as they were, because economy and weight-saving do matter now, but at the top of the market again.

The quality is back, the engineering expertise is stronger than ever, just need a firm design direction to be perfect.

2. Porsche

The 911...

Okay, the Cayenne looks like garbage, and I would take a Z4M Coupe over a Cayman. Okay, the Panamera doesn't look too exciting.

But the 911... Every single generation (bar the 996, which I don't like except the gorgeous GT3) is a masterpiece.

And you gotta love a smallish make like that who could swallow Europe's biggest carmaker (who is said to be the world's #1 sooner than we think)...

3. BMW

Stunning engineering, fantastic motors, superb to ride. And the F01 is showing that even a modern BMW can be good-looking...

4. Aston Martin

Gorgeous look (time to change though), fantastic motors, what more do you want?

5. Pagani

I don't really like how they look, but God what a machine they are... Out of this world.

6. Rolls-Royce

They made so many gorgeous cars in the past that I can forgive the Spirit, Camargue and co. The Spirit doesn't look that bad actually.
The Phantom is brash, but that's how a Rolls should be. It just lacks a bit of elegance...

The 200EX however is too bland.

7. Lamborghini

What a look... They always were spectacular, they still are. The pure supercar. Countach or LP640, no matter they are stunners.

8. Volkswagen

You rarely go wrong with a VW. They're excellent cars. And they brought much to the car market: Beetle, Bus, Golf, Passat...

9. Wiesmann

Looks gorgeous, motors are from BMW-M, the gecko is funny... Perfect!

10. Audi

They are good cars, no doubt. But they feel hollow to me. And bar the absolutely stunning S8 and A5/S5, and the pretty nice first Quattro, they rearely made a car that really made my heart beat faster (yes, I already saw several R8s, and no i don't really like them).


I put the brands that really matter to me, but in fact the 4 first are really really ahead of the others. And maybe I forgot some brands, but basically I think the list is quite accurate.

 

[Tarek]

Nothing else impresses me.

Quite a snob aren't u?..

 

[Yperion]

This is my list...

1- Lamborghini
2- Audi
3- BMW
4- Nissan-Infiniti
5- Mercedes
6- Mazda

VW has slipped lately out of my list because i find most of their offerings to be boring and not as well built as in the past.
Also Mercedes with their new designs like the new E class have left me cold.

 

[coolraoul]

^^ You're spoiling our MB-lover party...

 

[jack]

1.BMW
chris bangle made me a bmw freak.
its the combination of technology and design, their unconventional product ideas, the importance of design, heritage
2.KTM
i love how they(kiska) stirred up bike design and that they are now moving towards the automotive industry. there is so much potential
3.MINI
pocket rocket. driving a mini makes you feel like sitting behind a great sports car - its simply not regular in any way. the details that make their cars so unique.
4.Aston Martin
there is no other sports car, which expresses so much elegance. power with style

 

[martinbo]

Part 1:

Porsche
From a technology perspective, Porsche seemingly can do it all. No other performance manufacturer displays such a broad mastery of engineering mechanical solutions that are fit-for-purpose and class-leading at the same time. Porsche’s designs always seem to set the bar within their segments; the Boxster brought unmatched mid-engined dynamics to the compact roadster market and the Cayenne introduced a whole new level of luxury SUV handling and grunt in the Turbo models. Porsche’s 911 is the definitive sports car, so highly evolved that it makes for a superlative supercar in the upper echelons of the range too – it’s distinctive styling and unique mechanical packaging sets it apart from every other car. It’s this trait that is perhaps the 911’s most endearing – you either have a 911 or another car that’s much the same as several others. Porsche are also quite handy at turning out limited edition super specials – the Carrera GT being a pinnacle achievement in drivers’ cars.

Porsche’s clinical engineering precision is vindicated in motorsport competition and, allied to a highly profitable business model, makes them the most admirable car maker around. The prestige of owning a Porsche as a by-product of the trappings of success and Porsche’s own aloofness adds to the allure.

Ferrari
When it comes to the unbridled passion for performance and winning at the highest level, Ferrari is one my most admired car makers. I love their cars; the raw aggression of a 430 Scuderia, the multi-talented ability of the 599 GTB (who says Ferrari don’t do crossovers – this is the best GT / Supercar crossover ever) and the contemporary, right-for-the-times California make for highly capable and massively desirable automobilia. When Ferrari launches an anniversary or commemorative model, the event is simply earth-shaking. A Ferrari F40 today is as desirable (if not more) than most current supercars. Even the slightly chunky Enzo is still as awesome and evocative as ever. Ferraris exude Italy’s passion for motoring and they’ve all got a sound to die for. The flat-plane crank engine in the 430 Scuderia is the best V8 I can think of. Ever.

BMW
I’ve driven many, many BMW’s and one day I hope to own one – but... it has to be the right one. Whilst the automatic 116i that I drove last week was the worst BMW I’ve ever driven, I have some of my greatest motoring memories from behind the wheel of a BMW. From the ludicrous 2nd gear pull from just above idle in the E39 M5 (My God what a car), through the insane effervescence of the M3 CSL and on to the mind-blowing top-end pop of the S85 V10, sporty BMWs have always appealed to my visceral motoring tastes. I’ve, sadly, yet to drive the new E90 M3 but I have every expectation that it will match and even surpass my previous experiences. The cool thing about lesser-model Beemers is that they can still be had with an inline six cylinder engine, which in itself makes for a uniquely definite motoring experience. Every time I drive a 130i or a 330i, I come away with that sense of knowing that, one day, I’m going to have a truly cool BMW parked in the garage – and it won’t be my daily driver either!

As for the company, I really connect well with BMWs marketing material and, on the whole, I admire the direction being taken with certain body styles and concepts. I just hope that they don’t disregard the passion their long time loyalists display and remember to, every now and then, return to the roots of sheer driving pleasure in the purest sense.

Jaguar
I see many XKRs down here. It’s odd, a little country like South Africa and yet, an XKR is a common sighting. I adore the looks of the XKR – in my opinion it’s the second best looking car after the DB9/S – and the facelift enhances it even further. The XK, together with the XF, denote Jaguar’s return to form as a maker of truly classy, dynamic and technically admirable machinery. The new direct-injection V8’s are at the leading edge of engine technology together with their German counterparts and the silky smooth yet obedient ZF automatic transmission is the ideal solution for a car of this character. The XFR looks to be a class leader too.

Subaru
Quizzical looks, rolls-eyes smileys and guffaws from you lot notwithstanding , I love my Subarus. For so many casual observers, Subarus have dreadfully little going for them. The styling in many models is awkward – a legacy (excuse the pun) of the unique engine and drivetrain combination – and the interiors often elicit gasps of disapproval. It was Subaru in Southern Africa that gave me my exposure and experience to a much vaster realm of advanced driving experience and it’s through my experiences that I have come to appreciate what fine motor cars these are. There’s an honesty about Subaru that retains my loyalty as an owner. What you see is what you get and what you don’t see exceeds your expectations and previous ownership experiences. Whether it’s drifting my old Forrie around a skidpan or driving through Mozambiquan coastal dunes, my Subarus have always been a key component of the enjoyment.

The most worrisome thing to me about Subaru is that their highly specific approach to engineering – and the lack of packaging flexibility resulting from this – is forcing them into a corner from a product and marketing point of view. Subaru need to think beyond the realm of Symmetrical All-wheel Drive. They’re lagging behind in transmission technology, their naturally aspirated engines don’t meet specific output benchmarks (where is direct injection?), their diesel engine is already behind their competitors and what of hybrid technology? Subaru needs to remain a niche maker but that doesn’t mean that their customers should have to compromise unnecessarily. Nevertheless, for many passionate and loyal Scoob owners out there, the Subaru technology and quality of the engineering places the brand above the mass-market but below prestige marque snobbery.

 

[coolraoul]

Nice post as usual...

Your love affair with Subaru... Did I told you we once had an SVX in the family?

Now that was a weird car. White with shiny black roof and boot, and those weird windows.
Very well equipped car (black leather and Alcantara in the interior, with ugly fake wood too).

Bit tricky when pushed hard (switched from understeer to oversteer with no warning), but smooth and powerful. Very silent, too. Nice car, really. Fake wood looked like crap though, other than that from what I remember the finish was not bad and the car felt luxurious.

 

[martinbo]

Part 2:

Pagani
It’s really all about Pagani being every boy’s dream - to start your own supercar company. Imagine the single minded determination and passion needed to rock up in Italy with your wife only to be told that the position you meant to take up at Lamborghini was redundant due to staff layoffs. You’ve just moved your whole life from Argentina, you’re living in a tent and then, just to get a foot in the door, you’re prepared to start working as a cleaner. You next, through your passion, affable disposition and depth of knowledge, start to give advice on the manufacturing of carbon fibre body panels. Just on the side. Because you can. And you’re the cleaner.

For most of us we’d be pretty satisfied with this achievement and more than prepared to see out your life as a chief designer or executive at the second most prestigious maker of Italian exotica. But for Horatio Pagani, this was merely a stepping stone onto much greater things. With the extraordinary Zonda, Pagani introduced a new Italian supercar that outshone every established Italian exotic for sheer passion and over-the-top extroversion. Amazingly it wasn’t half bad to drive either and, such was the achievement from an engineering perspective, that later Zonda F models went about crushing the circuit times of more established marques. It’s a beautiful car with a beautiful story behind it and there’s no reason rational whatsoever to think otherwise.

Toyota
So many cheap (and not-so-cheap), bland cars. Lexus always labelled as the wannabe. No decent performance cars to speak of in years. And yet, if you want to traverse the globe across every kind of road, trail and track imaginable (or, none at all) these days there really is just one choice: a Toyota SUV. Be it a lowly Hilux double cab or top-of-the-line Land Cruiser there’s no more reliable and capable brand that I would choose if my life depended on it. And that’s got to say a lot for the brand.

Volkswagen
For the vast majority of commuters a car is merely an appliance. And there is no better all round appliance than a Golf. They’re sturdy, solid, well-built and long-lasting. Some may say that VW’s products lack imagination. I say what they lack in imagination they more than make up for in functionality. And, if you’re looking for an appliance with a bit of poke, buy a GTI. Further still, if you need a bit of imagination with that poke, buy a Scirroco. The VW Polo is the best-selling car in South Africa and it’s obvious as to why: as an all-round reliable appliance that deals consummately with the job of commuting without being a drain on the bank account the Polo is the king of city-dwelling practicality. Makes an A-Class look like an over-priced bread van. They ride well, are well-built and packed with all the nice features you need to add a bit of convenience to the daily drudgery.

Audi
Not so much for the brand but more for certain badges. R8, RS4 and S3 are examples of highly desirable products that prove that Audi can shake up the establishment in their own right. Most of their cabins are class-leading too in terms of quality and design. Others, not so.

Nissan
GTR. Need I say more?

 

[Tarek]

No MB in ur list Martin? u can kiss ur friendship with the MB crowd good bye..

 

[cawimmer430]

Updated my list.

 

[Tarek]

Updated my list.

I must say that i was surprised by that update,i didn't know u were such a fan of AR and Lancia.

PS,Ferrari to Italy is like Mercedes-Benz to Germany..not lancia..lol

 

[cawimmer430]

I must say that i was surprised by that update,i didn't know u were such a fan of AR and Lancia.

PS,Ferrari to Italy is like Mercedes-Benz to Germany..not lancia..lol

Nope.

Ferrari is to Italians as what Porsche is to Germans.

Lancia and Mercedes-Benz are very similar in that they offered both low-end and high-end cars.

 

[Merc1]

No MB in ur list Martin? u can kiss ur friendship with the MB crowd good bye..

Yep, I'm reviewing his "friendly status" at MB fan headquarters now. A decision is pending.


M

 

[Tarek]

Nope.

Ferrari is to Italians as what Porsche is to Germans.

Lancia and Mercedes-Benz are very similar in that they offered both low-end and high-end cars.

True but i didn't mean the character of the products but the pride of the industrial product,Ferrari is the pride of Italy just as Mercedes-Benz is the pride of Germany.It is industrial pride not the character of the product.

Yep, I'm reviewing his "friendly status" at MB fan headquarters now. A decision is pending.


M

We certainly have to discuss what to be done with him..

 

[coolraoul]

No, seriously, could you explain why no MB in your list Martin?

With all what that brand brought and is still bringing to the automotive world, all those stunning innovations, racing victories and mythical models, I think it deserves a place in everybody's list (even if only at the bottom of it), don't you?