Unless one intends to buy a used car from a particular era the only comparison one can make is between those that are available among todays new cars. My vast experience in the business has show me that when it comes to what one can buy today the only real difference is style and price, period.
An Associated press release in today Tribune Newspapers bears out what I have been saying for some time in the NGs. The leading brand in five categories in the annual vehicle quality study released by Strategic Vinson Inc. San Diego based research company concludes that todays car and trucks are "at a point where the differences from brand to brand are meaning less!" All manufactures are building good quality long lasting vehicles clustered between a few point on the scale
"Buyers should be more interested in dealer service, features, STYLE and the PRICE than the manufacture." I would add parts costs, as well.
The top brand in the survey of owners was Hyundai! Besting all was the Azera among large cars, Santa Fe among small SUVs, the Entourage was tied for best minivan with the Quest and the Sedona. The Kia Sorento topped the medium size SUVs. Highly regarded Toyota went from leading in four groups in 2006, down to one in 2007
BMW lead in three categories, Nissan, Ford Motor company and Daimler-Chrysler led in three each.
The average new vehicles rated 864, on a 1000 point scale in 2007, up from
861 in 2006 and 861 in 1998.