Review written on 5/1958.
The new Erie looks to put Philadelphia Motors on the map against rivals in the Full Sized Sedan segment. This new Full Sized Sedan has some intriguing features, but is it enough to push the Erie to the top of your buying list above Scranton? Or is it such a lemon that it should be forgotten much like the Altoona Diesel? Let's take a look at the details in this month's Vehicle Review!
The day started right when I was picked to drive the Philadelphia Motors Erie on the track. The Erie is a is pretty fast for a Full Sized Sedan. Its 184 hp @ 4560RPMs 4976 cc V4 engine response great and is the perfect size and power for this vehicle. It left a smile on my face when I was able to top it out at 102 mph. And then on the drag strip I was able to crank out a 17.124s 0 to 60 mph. Some may have their doubts, but the Philadelphia Motors Erie is a fantastic track Full Sized Sedan. Compared to its peers in the Full Sized Sedan class the Philadelphia Motors Erie selling point should not be driveability. The Erie offers bare bones handling. There is just enough grip in the wheels to keep you from flying off the side of a cliff... But not much. On the track, it is not much better.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie'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 Erie.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie gives you a sense of home away from home. With 49 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space the Erie feels like a second living room. Which was what Philadelphia Motors was probably thinking when they made this vehicle. "Lets make a vehicle that people could live in." Well Philadelphia Motors thank you, because after my wife threw me out, this is my new home. And let me tell you, it rocks!
Build quality of the Erie is about what you would expect from Philadelphia Motors. We only noticed a few minor flaws in paneling gaps. There was also one or two vibration sounds in the interior. None of these flaws would be a deal breaker
I imagine it'll be rare to find a Philadelphia Motors Erie in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie's fuel economy is impressive, but not in a good way. The Erie's 15.2 mpg is one of the worst in class. This might not be troublesome when you look at the numbers, but it will be when you actually have to pay for it.
While the Philadelphia Motors Erie is certainly impressive in term of safety, it's not overly designed in this fashion in a way that would imped its enjoyment. Never the less this vehicle is more than safe enough for even the most uptight and poor drivers among us.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie fits the mold of your prototypical Full Sized Sedan. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Full Sized Sedan and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Full Sized Sedan.