How do you feel about Japanese cars? (luxury, 2011, SUV)

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

I love American classic cars from the 1930s-1950s. But in terms of what is for sale today, not so much.

I associate cars with my grandfathers. They both restored and worked on older cars when I was a child and I loved to watch them. One was an exec the other was a union factor worker-- different backgrounds, but united by a love for the automobile. They took these things seriously.

I don't have the same passion, for sure.

There are beautiful cars from every continent in every decade. And ugly ones too.

But a 1950s Ford or Buick? Not so good looking except for Thunderbird. Oldsmobile? No.

Most American vehicles made between 1975 and 2000 were borderline garbage.

[bmwguydc]

I am of the school that it depends upon the vehicle, not the country of origin, or country of location for the parent company.

[jaypee]

Originally Posted by hoffdano

So you don't like any American cars either.

He only likes cars from two Axis powers.

I hate all SEATs because of the Spanish-American war myself.

[confusedasusual]

Originally Posted by jaypee

He only likes cars from two Axis powers.

Oh for heaven's sake, don't be absurd.

I already said that I thought that my bias was silly, but I had it anyway. How much more honest do you want me to be? I also said that in terms of design, Japanese cars tended to leave me cold.

Does anyone have a Japanese car that they think is particularly good looking? And not necessarily a luxury car either-- just a regular old run around vehicle. I am curious to see what people think of the design.

[jaypee]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

Oh for heaven's sake, don't be absurd.

I already said that I thought that my bias was silly, but I had it anyway. How much more honest do you want me to be? I also said that in terms of design, Japanese cars tended to leave me cold.

Just poking fun at your expense.

[whitelotus]

Would never even begin to consider buying anything but a Japanese car.

[texdav]

I feel no different than I do about German cars or French. It was the junk Detroit sold for years that caused their downfall but consumers rejected them. Now its other markets that are the future of cars with more and more competition.

[MckinneyOwnr]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

Does anyone have a Japanese car that they think is particularly good looking?

Oh, I dunno, here's a few...

[D68Soldier]

Japanese cars or Japanese makes? Today, many Japanese makes are built here in the US while there are domestic makes built outside the US.

When I shop for a vehicle, I look at reliability, safety, and value. I purchased my first Honda (2008 Pilot) in 2007 and have been a big fan since.

Currently, we own a 2010 Pilot and 2007 Acura TL-S. Previously, I owned Nissan (1987 & 2009 Maxima), Dodge (1999 Intrepid), and Chrysler (2007 300).

BTW, my dream car is a Chevy Corvette and if I was to buy a truck now, it would be a Chevy Silverado.

[midwest61021]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

I had two grandfathers that worked for the American auto industry their entire lives-- one for Chrysler and one for GM. They both fought in WW2. They both were vehemently opposed to Japanese cars.

I find that I have this same bias, though Japanese cars have been demonstrated time and again to be reliable and affordable to own. When I look at cars, I never even consider Japanese cars. I know this is silly, as many are now made in the US, but I can't shake it. Am I nuts? I also find that I really don't like the design of most cars, and Japanese cars tend to be pretty unimaginative when it comes to that. So I have an aesthetic bias as well.

How do you feel about Japanese cars? Does this even matter anymore in 2014?

TRASH then and TRASH now! I would walk before I drove one.