Review written on 6/1947.
Many vehicles come and go. Most are duds like the Effect but a few stand out like the Capitalize. So this month, we'll be looking at the Tidewater to see where it stands out among the crowd. Is this new Philadelphia Motors a keeper? Or should it rust away with time?
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 33 hp @ 2172RPMs 1293 cc I6 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 52 mph and drag times of Not Applicable are a breeze. With 64 lb-ft of torque, our smoking wheels were able to tow 1208 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 you can tell that the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater is above average when it comes to handling and driveability. Most Minivan would not be able to keep up with the Tidewater on twisty and windy roads. It can almost put a smile on your face.
While the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater won't win any awards, It won't turn heads, and it certainly doesn't have a wow factor. The Tidewater does have a very well design interior. It may not be top end, but it is more than enough for long trips and everyday drivers. It makes you feel good about life. Without feeling pompous.
Getting into the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater can be quite a bit of a pain. Even an amoeba would be claustrophobic in the confines of the Tidewater. With only 45 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space, there is absolutely no place to put anything. Want a to take a suit case? Strap it to the roof. Want to take a child to school? Strap him to the roof. Want a soda... you guessed it. Strap it to the roof! One has to imagine Philadelphia Motors owns a roof rack company somewhere.
'Spare no expense!' and 'Perfection!' are known to be mottos of Philadelphia Motors. And they show this off in their Tidewater. The build quality is no short of perfectly amazing. Hats off to their hard work.
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.
Philadelphia Motors Tidewater's fuel economy can only be summed up as one word, Amazing. At 20.1 mpg it will save you heaps of money over the competition. This is the vehicle you need to pick if you're a heavy commuter looking to save a buck.
In some sense the Philadelphia Motors Tidewater reminds us of an over protective parent. One that wraps you in damage proof forcefield that prevents all interaction with the outside world. While the Tidewater isn't that safe. It is still quite comforting to know that nothing can hurt you.
The Philadelphia Motors Tidewater fits the mold of your prototypical Minivan. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Minivan and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Minivan.