CNN iReport

Because for me, it's the best vehicle for my job. I drive a cab in Austin, Texas. And while I could wish for better gas mileage, the Mercury Grand Marquis (twin sister of the Crown Vic, with a slightly better suspension and interior) is perfect for transporting up to four passengers, handles well, has excellent acceleration (which is very important when you drive nights, due to drunk drivers and college students with little driving experience) and is highly maneuverable.<p>

My personal car is a Honda Odyssey. It's sat in my driveway since July 07', because with business as it's been, I can't afford insurance, registration, repair, and maintence on both. But honestly, I prefer to drive the Mercury.<p>

However,  the Mercury is not without problems, problems I didn't have with my Honda. Like the thermostat control going out every 40K miles. Or the window switches dying over and over. The alternator and the throttle body also went bad. It has had more repair and maintenace costs than the foreign cars I've owned. And I think it would be awesome if the American auto industry would make more effort to put together a car that compares to the repair and maintenance schedule of the imports - because obviously some of those folks overseas are doing a better job in design and testing.<p>

I still wouldn't want an import for the trials I put my cab through - they're too small, and the engines are not powerful enough - but there is much room for improvement in American cars.