Mercedes-Benz GLK Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The smaller the Mercedes, the more heavily it tends to trade on the three-pointed star. So the #1 reason to consider a GLK250 carries over from the GLK350 review (text from the previous review in italics): I don't personally put much stock in brands, with cars or anything else. But each time I have a Mercedes-Benz for a week the continuing power of the marque has been unavoidable. Audi and BMW now command similar prices, but haven't yet acquired the same mystique. They probably never will for people born before 1980. Until the final years of the twentieth century, Audis were largely ignored as troublesome, modestly upgraded VWs and BMW was mostly known for the compact, still semi-affordable 3-Series. Neither could hold a candle to the company that invented the mass-produced automobile and that has been strongly associated with large, top-shelf automobiles ever since. Gayla (the site's programmer, my wife) is not a car person. Her take on the GLK: "Of course it's a good car, it's a Mercedes." Some of my friends who are more into cars--and who own competing makes--similarly employ a different tone when asking about "the Mercedes." They could afford one, so why don't they own one? Partly because the brand's mystique cuts both ways. They're not interested in making such a strong status statement. Can even a compact crossover make a strong status statement? Mercedes-Benz has done its best to make this so--check out the size of the three-pointed star on the GLK's grille. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
Mercedes-Benz GLK Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Trickle-down reputation from the more expensive M-Bs. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
Ford Escape Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
There are alot of Escapes on the road.Past and present see full Ford Escape review |
2006 | 4dr SUV 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Ford has long held a reputation for providing a great product at a low price with unmatched reliability. The Ford Escape projects an image of smart practicality and good economy, coupled with versatile utility. see full Ford Escape review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD |
Very satisfied with Ford Trucks since 1980. see full Ford Escape review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic AWD |
Fords reputation and durability record, and brand image are important to me. see full Ford Escape review |
Ford Escape Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Same as above. see full Ford Escape review |