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Most of the vehicles sold (no matter what brand) in the US today will get you to 5-7 years and 100k without a major component failure. Cars are light years better than cars from just 20 years ago. They do not rust, they are safer, and they are capable of decent gas mileage. That does not mean that there are not pockets of failures (Honda Odyssey transmission problems, Subaru head gasket, etc), but for the most part price and style are the major differences.
The other interesting point about "imports" is that many of them are made in North America.
Why is Hollywood a big deal in the USA but no equivalent exists in asian or Europe? We are obsessed with looks not substance
Car buyers want a sexy looking car but when push comes to shove reliability matters . US desiged cars follow not lead. Been that way for decdes but for Obama bailing GM out they would have gone under 10 years ago. Obama just delayed it.
Quality requires an attention span longer than a minute. What's going to make that happen here? Nada.
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You need to define what you mean by "compete." American large trucks are better than foreign competition, same goes for large SUVs. For smaller and midsize trucks and SUVs Americans are not leaders in those segments.
As far as cars go... Again it depends. GM, Ford, and Chrysler all have/had top notch sports cars (Corvette, Ford GT, Viper) that can go up against some of the best cars in the world. As far as small compact cars, the Ford Fiesta is basically the best car in its segment (and recently Chris Harris from Top Gear even agreed in a funny short video.)
So it just depends. Where America really falls down is in the luxury segment. Cadillac, Lincoln... don't even come close to what the rest of the world is putting out for luxury.
You need to define what you mean by "compete." American large trucks are better than foreign competition, same goes for large SUVs. For smaller and midsize trucks and SUVs Americans are not leaders in those segments.
As far as cars go... Again it depends. GM, Ford, and Chrysler all have/had top notch sports cars (Corvette, Ford GT, Viper) that can go up against some of the best cars in the world. As far as small compact cars, the Ford Fiesta is basically the best car in its segment (and recently Chris Harris from Top Gear even agreed in a funny short video.)
So it just depends. Where America really falls down is in the luxury segment. Cadillac, Lincoln... don't even come close to what the rest of the world is putting out for luxury.
When it comes to reliability, the Japanese large trucks and SUVs are better. Sequoia has always been more reliable than Expedition and Tahoe.
While there have been huge leaps in quality from domestics, imo they are still a little behind.
The Japanese quality has slipped a little and the Koreans have kicked the shirt out of everyone lately.
As far as trucks the only thing I would be interested in is the new Ford 7.3 gasser. The diesels are too expensive and too much bs to deal with. I won’t buy a half ton so that market is closed for me.
As far as SUVs I’m going with Kia or Hyundai. I had and still have a Kia and it’s been a great car. The new ones are even better. I do t care for the bland Japanese styling and there aren’t many domestic SUVs I’m interested in. Maybe a Explorer but the eco boost imo is not a engine I want long term.
When it comes to reliability, the Japanese large trucks and SUVs are better. Sequoia has always been more reliable than Expedition and Tahoe.
A Land Cruiser is better than any sold by american companies. It might be the best SUV in the world.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 46H
The other interesting point about "imports" is that many of them are made in North America.
For example, my Fiesta is less American than a Camry or Tacoma. It's only 15% US or Canadian. 25% English (Engine, Transmission, suspension, brakes), most the rest is Mexican and it's built there.
A 19 Camry is 55% US or Canadian. 30% Japanese
A 19 Tacoma is 60% US or Canadian. Only 15% Japanese.
Most of the vehicles sold (no matter what brand) in the US today will get you to 5-7 years and 100k without a major component failure. Cars are light years better than cars from just 20 years ago. They do not rust, they are safer, and they are capable of decent gas mileage. That does not mean that there are not pockets of failures (Honda Odyssey transmission problems, Subaru head gasket, etc), but for the most part price and style are the major differences.
The other interesting point about "imports" is that many of them are made in North America.
Imports are “assembled” in North America (not “made”, and with mostly foreign parts)....big difference compared to how Ford and GM operate.
When it comes to non-luxury cars, until there is a level playing field worldwide Ford and GM will be at a disadvantage when it comes to building small and medium sized cars. They are bringing a knife to a gunfight so they are in a bad position even before spending a dollar on a new product program.
When it comes to reliability, the Japanese large trucks and SUVs are better. Sequoia has always been more reliable than Expedition and Tahoe.
That’s a joke...Sequoias in particular are squeak and rattle traps that are poorly made with light(under)weight components. If they were so good then why don’t they sell more of them?
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