Bruce

The whole question of brand loyality really brings up the question, are you biased ? Honestly, I can't interpret it any other way. However I do find it a very good and interesting topic. I suppose there is many ways one can answer this topic, here's my attempt.

Am I brand loyalist to Pagani ? Yes I most certainly am, but that has never blinded my eyes when it came to the real picture. As I have stated in the past, I openly admit that while I think the Zonda is the most wonderful car in the world, I think it has an enemy which is just as good (in all ways) - the Porsche Carrera GT. I admit the fact that despite the Carrera GT weighing more than 100kg more and having far less torque it can still whip the Zonda in the backside it when comes to the Hockenheim. I also admit that the Carrera GT handles just as well and as an overall package, it's even the better deal. Especially considering it's price tag is over 100,000 Euro's less with performance on par with the Pagani.

The other question, have you adapted your liking and tastes because you are brand loyal ? No, I never have. Even my favourite manfacturers have vehicles which I hate. When it comes to the germans, Porsche and Mercedes have always been my favourites and while I am happy with them, there are vehicles which I can not stand.

Porsche - I always liked the Cayenne from day one, and it's concept, so I did not need to adjust to it. However, the Cayman is a car which I never liked from day one and even Boxster, regardless of how good it may be is not a car which appeals to me. It's simply never "grown" on me.

Mercedes - Love this brand - but I don't really like the New C-class that much, very much dislike the R-class. CLS is wearing thin on me. On the otherhand, I think the new CL is one of the most fabulous cars on the market and one of the best designs to ever emerge from Mercedes.

BMW - I used to be a huge BMW fan. Loved every model, but ever since the introduction of the newer models, I no longer worship BMW. I don't blame Bangle for this, in fact I don't blame anyone for it. Quite simply, I can not adjust my tastes for the brand. As a result, the E60 M5 is a vehicle which has never appealed to me. From the new generation of BMW's, it's the E92 and the X5 which I admire the most.

Now onto another favourite manfacturer of mine - Lexus. Ahh yes, I love Lexus, have since the early 90's. By no means the perfect company, but I do have great respect for them. Never adjusted my taste for them either, loved the first two generations of the ES, but hate the most recent two. I hate the LS430 and the current generation of RX. Some what like the new GS, but much prefer the 98 GS400. Hate the SC430, love the SC400. Like the IS350, but am not happy with the IS-F.

Simply, as James pointed out, I'm willing to take any car if it's good and most importantly, If I like it. I'd easily take the LS460 over any of it's competitiors, but I'd easily the E92 over the IS-F, RS4, etc.

Maserati

7.3 AMG: Great post mate. I totally respect your point of view. And when you said bias toward a certain brand is almost the same as brand loyality, well its true to some extent but I didn't want to put it that way since some people are sensitive to the word "Biased"

The Artist

^ohh so your real question was
are you biased or not?

if so.. yes i am..and i belive most ppl are on this board..some more some less

audi_rudy

ill admit that i am biased, I love Audi BMW Porsche, and i will agree that i am biased against mercedes, there i said it. I think that they make wonderful technology packed cars with great history and such. I just could never see buying most of their cars. My biggest problem with them is their interiors there just not designed for me. There exteriors in most cases rock
Ok so i dont mean to do this on purpose but it happens.
I will NOT change my beliefs or needs because my favorite car maker changes there ideals. I like Bruce love the ls460 and would even consider buying one instead of a German luxo barge. I just feel whatever car fits me the best is what i like but for example Audi, most models that they have imo are more me than the other competitors.

Mr. Chigga_Chan

Yea, I was thinking about the topic earlier today, and I wanted to say I am heavily biased towards brands. But that doesn't prevent me from recognizing that other brands make superior vehicles in many other areas. Now, if I refuse to recognize that superiority and claim blind supremecy of MB, that, I call Fanboyish.

audi_rudy

Haha thats exactly what i was trying to say in my post but you were much clearer and precise, (well minus the mercedes part )

Maserati

Bias can mean that you are determinant guy & really know what could make you happy but also can mean that you are not open to other opinions & you might miss a lot of the good things that life offer. I guess a balance is always healthy here. You should be biased to a certain brand but not blindly. When a rival company has something better to offer and you shouldn’t just stick yourself to that certain brand and evaluate both products.

GrimReaper

Honestly, I feel brand status is very much the biggest factor today when relating to cars atleast. Don't get me wrong, I love being objective and don't want to quik-glue myself to one particular brand, but in today's age, all cars are relatively more or less the same and have the same capabilities. Look at the S or 7 or A8 or any comparitive car and you will see that there is hardly any difference amongst each of the products. Yet its the finer detailing and eventually the brand name which just increases the value of the car that much more to you. It's all about keeping yourself happy.
Even comparing the higher end models, the AMG's and M's of recent times are very close by in comparison and while the M's are slightly better in handling etc. the AMG's are slightly better in comfort and cruising. It's in the end just a matter of brand.

Giannis

Brand loyalty? I'm sorry, but this doesn't apply to me. The reason? (LACK OF) MONEY

Actually i am serious. If i had the money in first hand i would now be driving a BMW and not stick with dad's ex-Volvo. Then, if i had the money i would get a 1er for my everyday drive, instead of driving a 16 years old Renault or great a base Polo to do the job. Then again, if i had the money, i would get a BMW X5 to go off-road rather than borrow a friend Suzuki Jimney (which suck BTW) to get some fun.

But, if i was really broke, then my "luxury car" would still be a 16yo Renault and not a way better Volvo.

So, money keeps me away for being brand loyal, since there is no reason to be loyal to a brand that you don't like...