Review written on 5/1958.
The media has blown a lot of smoke over the last few months over Philadelphia Motors's new Subcompact. It has stiff competition though from market leaders like the Chimaera and even the bottom feeders like the Adept. Does the Gryffon live up to the hype? Find out more below!

The first stop for the Philadelphia Motors Gryffon was the track. I won't lie. I was scared. This Subcompact is built for performance. Philadelphia Motors cut no corners when designing this vehicle for speed. The vomit stains on the carpet prove that the 46 hp @ 3252RPMs 905 cc Radial5 engine roars this rocket to a top speed of 88 mph in an impressive 31.277s 0 to 60 mph. When we hooked it up to our test trailer the 60 lb-ft of torque was able to move 22 lbs. Which was very good for a its class. I'm guilty wanting to steal this one for my self. There is not much to say about the Philadelphia Motors Gryffon when it comes to handling. As a Subcompact it's below average. As an everyday driver it'll do its job. In summation the Gryffon is mundane.

Interior build, materials, and features are average for the segment. The Philadelphia Motors Gryffon's cabin isn't going to amaze. But compared to most other vehicles of this type, it's not going to let you down. It has most of the standard features, and comfort, while lacking in some areas, is decent.

Basketball players and sumo wrestlers should probably avoid the Philadelphia Motors Gryffon. If not for any other reason, the 13 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space is slightly cramp for even an average sized person such as my self.

It may not be much in this day and age, but the Philadelphia Motors Gryffon 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 Gryffon.

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

At the pump station you get the feeling that someone over at Philadelphia Motors really wanted to squeeze out every last drop out of this vehicle. And that person should get a raise. The Philadelphia Motors Gryffon gets an impressive 45.3 mpg! Which means it theoretically pays for it self compared to the competition!

The extra effort from Philadelphia Motors to make the Gryffon feel safer pays off. The reinforced frame makes the vehicle much more impact resistant. Don't go driving into walls your self, just take our word for it.

I was happy with the time I spent in the Philadelphia Motors Gryffon. This car is truly magnificent. I think future generations will look back at this vehicle and think, "I wish I owned one of these." It is absolutely one of the best Subcompact you can buy. An instant classic that others in the segment will be compared to. I wish I could spend more time with the Gryffon but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.