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You were in on the VUE discussion, but it would have been a better question for OhEdo. I just thought it was a little odd, noting the Japanese engine when the whole car is not even American made. Sorry to catch you in the crossfire.
What does it matter where the engine comes from when the car is made in Mexico?
Well... since the entire idea of the Saturn brand was for America to show the world they can make a better small car than the Japanese, and given that they've used Honda engines in the past, and now some European platforms (i.e. Aura, Sky), I'd say it's a pretty flippin big deal myself. Despite being built in Mexico which doesn't help that mission either...
I can only go by my experience 4 out of 4 US made vehicles that I owned were in love with the shop. Most was warrenty work but my time means something to me. In fact the Ford ranger I owned bought new had more shop time in its first year than all of the Japanese vehicles I owned combined.
*** vehicles with 0 shop time:
1. 1984 Nissan Pulsar NX
2. 1986 honda CRX
3. 1994 Toyota pick up 4 cyl.
4. 2006 Toyota Solara
*** vehicles with less than 2 visits to the shop
1. 2000 Toyota tacoma 1 repair due to defect.
The ranger I owned never took less than 3 visits for any defect.
1. Intermitant wipers 3 visits
2. Cruise control came on by itself 3 visits
3. Right front brake caliper hanging up 3 visits
4. Engine spark knock at least 5 visits and I gave up.
Olds cutless supreme sl coup after 2 years/ 24,000 miles 1 thing after another. I was afraid to drive it around the block.
The other two were simply minor annoyances seat belts getting stuck, chronic head light burning out etc.
You were in on the VUE discussion, but it would have been a better question for OhEdo. I just thought it was a little odd, noting the Japanese engine when the whole car is not even American made. Sorry to catch you in the crossfire.
I was not arguing the merits of what is made where, nor was I trying to inventory the country of origin for all parts that go into a Trailblazer or a Vue. Somebody mentioned that they heard that the Trailblazer was built in China so I attempted to clarify the issue by saying it was only the V6 engine that was built there (well, there may be some minor trim pieces etc., but the engine is the only significant item). I have since been very astutely corrected that the Trailblazer has a straight 6, not a V6. I mentioned the Vue's Honda-sourced V6 simply to further illustrate that all kinds of parts in all kinds of cars are made in all kinds of places. To me the Honda engine emphasized that particular point that much more; I wasn't trying to say one should not buy a Vue because its engine is made by Honda, and I'm not sure how that post could be interpreted that way, especially since I go on to discuss my opinion on the merits of various cars. Besides which, that first paragraph was solely a discussion of engines - why would I feel the need to point out that the Vue is assembled in Mexico?? The point was that historically, engines were sacred cows that almost "had" to be built by the company whose name is on the car. Heck, back in the day each division within GM all had their own engines, although I'm sure there was a lot of parts sharing. And you ignored that I also mentioned the GM 3800 series V6 as one of the most reliable, if not exciting, engines out there. To be honest, I don't know where the 3800 is made anymore and it really doesn't matter.
I just like cars and driving and thought I'd throw my two cents in there. You guys are a tough crowd.
Live and Let Live...your money...spend it the way you want. Although, cars are the biggest waste of money.
I agree - car buying is a personal decision, but it should at least be an informed one. I am a little curious, though, why someone who thinks cars are "the biggest waste of money" would be reading and posting to this thread. Don't get me wrong; this is not an "attack," I'm just a little curious.
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