Review written on 5/1954.
The new Tidewater looks to put Philadelphia Motors on the map against rivals in the Minivan segment. This new Minivan has some intriguing features, but is it enough to push the Tidewater to the top of your buying list above 5296? Or is it such a lemon that it should be forgotten much like the Azalea Y2738? Let's take a look at the details in this month's Vehicle Review!

As always, our first stop with the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater was the track. This Minivan may wow some people. It's certainly has better power and performance than most of its peers. The 87 hp @ 4441RPMs 2551 cc I4 engine is able to put a healthy amount of rubber on the road. When you do this properly, you're able to propel the Tidewater to a top speed of 68 mph and drag times of 36.616s 0 to 60 mph are a breeze. We found that with 83 lb-ft of torque this machine can tow an impressive 22 lbs. Philadelphia Motors really did well with the Tidewater when it comes to the track. I certainly think this vehicle is better than most in its class. On the track testing the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater did have some slight issues. Of course it was not designed to be a track car. But as a Minivan it should have better handling than it does. In most cases in the real world this shouldn't be any problem. But it is still sub-par at best.

The Philadelphia Motors Tidewater's interior is well designed. The seats have enough support to get you over a long trip, and the material qualities, while not amazing, are more than adequate. Many optional features in other vehicles are standard here. This leads to an overall nice experience inside the Tidewater.

The Philadelphia Motors Tidewater is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. With 81 cu-ft of cargo and passenger room you should never have any issues with transportation. Even if you have to move an elephant...

It may not be much in this day and age, but the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater is above its class average when we looked at the physical quality of the machine. While other manufacturers cut corners, Philadelphia Motors looks to keep their image and public perception high. They do a good job at that with the Tidewater.

I imagine it'll be rare to find a Philadelphia Motors Tidewater in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.

Here is a pro-stock tip. If the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater sells any meaningful number of vehicles, be sure to buy fuel stocks! It's that bad! The Tidewater gets an abysmal 10.3 mpg! This is not the vehicle for trying to save money on fuel expenses.

While talking with engineers at Philadelphia Motors we found out that the Tidewater was designed to be nuclear bomb proof. While we don't really know if that is bluster, we do sort believe them. Specially when it ran through the concrete brick during crash testing without leaving a dent on the hood.

When you drive the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater you'll see other Minivan on the road and think to your self: Why would anyone buy anything other than a Philadelphia Motors. Simple answer, they're stupid!