Review written on 6/1947.
Several months ago I thought to my self. "Philadelphia Motors should really make a Full Sized Sedan that is better than the 5612." Someone at Philadelphia Motors must of been reading my mind because I got my hands on the latest Erie and gave it a test spin. I hope it's not as bad as the 1694 but the real question is: "How far behind does it lag to the 5612?"
The first stop for the Philadelphia Motors Erie was the track. I won't lie. I was scared. This Full Sized Sedan is built for performance. Philadelphia Motors cut no corners when designing this vehicle for speed. The vomit stains on the carpet prove that the 101 hp @ 3100RPMs 4288 cc Flat6 engine roars this rocket to a top speed of 88 mph in an impressive 23.896s 0 to 60 mph. When we hooked it up to our test trailer the 138 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. While testing the Philadelphia Motors Erie's handling on the track, we found that this Full Sized Sedan drives like a brick. Many times we were confronted with a corner that the vehicle just couldn't handle. At speed this vehicle may be deadly.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie reminds me of jail. The longer you're inside of it the less you want to be there. The interior is drab and non-existent. Devoid of form or functionality. There is nothing there. Nothing to write about. Just horrible, cold, nothingness. And that is how you can best describe the Erie's insides.
The Philadelphia Motors Erie gives you a sense of home away from home. With 43 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!
While not exactly handmade, Philadelphia Motors did put a bit of extra work into the Erie and it shows. Panels actually fit and are made to last. The finish doesn't fade in the sun, and all the bolts have washers. It begs the question why buy a lower quality car every 5 years, and not buy the Philadelphia Motors Erie which should last a few generations?
If your ideal date night is being broke down on the side of the road, then the Philadelphia Motors Erie will fulfil your wildest dreams.
At 17.9 mpg, the Philadelphia Motors Erie isn't exactly an economic vehicle. It won't break your bank when fuel prices are low, but when fuel prices are normal or even high, it can be painful at the pump.
Since we're in the interior it's a great time to talk about the a glaring flaw in Philadelphia Motors Erie's safety. Or I mean, Lack of safety. As the Erie is nothing more than a death trap. Please make sure your life insurance policy is filled before buying this vehicle.
Would we recommend this vehicle at retail price? No. There are better options in the Full Sized Sedan segment than the Philadelphia Motors Erie. It's hard to say what faults are the Erie but we do know that Philadelphia Motors really needs to improve this product if it wants any sizeable portion of the marketshare. If you can get this vehicle steeply discounted then it might be worth it. Other wise avoid the Philadelphia Motors Erie.