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In my honest opinion, American cars were awesome back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's because they were big, stylish, and had powerful engines. American cars declined greatly in the 80's and 90's when they began downsizing them and building them with inferior parts and materials. A typical 80's, 90's, and early 2000's Ford or Chevy is a crap car that only lasts 90,000 miles before having major mechanical failures. The only reason Americans kept buying the crappy cars was because of our deep loyalty to buying American, which is a faulty concept nowadays because there is really no such thing as an American car anymore.
As time went on, more and more loyal American consumers began switching their allegiances and buying Honda's and Toyota's which were far superior cars. Why by a Ford, GM, or Chrysler that breaks down after 90K when you can buy a Honda or Toyota that lasts 200K for the same price? After years of getting their butts kicked by foreign makers and losing millions of American customers, Ford and GM are finally beginning to catch up and close the gap.
I can personally attest that the newer Ford Fusions are outstanding cars. Maybe not the most luxurious, but are really good value. I am also considering buying a new Mustang, Dodge Challenger, or Chevy Camaro because the styling is awesome. This type of styling is what made American cars so great back in the day.
Ford Fusion
Ford Focus (2012-up)
Ford Taurus (2010-up)
Ford F-150
Ford Fiesta
Ford C-MAX
Ford Escape (2013-up)
Ford Explorer (2011-up)
Ford Mustang (2005-up for GT, 2011-up for V6)
Ford Transit Connect (full size vans are AWESOME)
Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKZ (2013-up)
What American cars from the past 10 or so years can be considered equal to Japanese/German performance and quality. Im not just talking supercars, but regular vehicles...has any american manufacturer produced something equal or better than volkswagens compacts or Honda and Toyota's midsize cars?
What American cars would you hold up to the world if you had to represent the USA's recent automobiles?
Saturn, without question.
The worst idea that GM has ever implemented was scrapping Saturn.
The only American car I could see as being "World class" would be the Dodge Viper. Exotic looks with American muscle power. It's the only car that really stands out. The Corvette would be second. Great power, but not exotic look.
I am confused to see Mustang on almost everyone's list of world class cars. Yes it's an American icon with the status of a legend but from a mechanical standpoint how can it be called world class? It's less sophisticated then your average Japanese 4 banger.
I am confused to see Mustang on almost everyone's list of world class cars. Yes it's an American icon with the status of a legend but from a mechanical standpoint how can it be called world class? It's less sophisticated then your average Japanese 4 banger.
Sometimes "world class" isn't about sophistication. For countless decades the VW Type 1 "Beetle" was considered world-class not for its sophistication but for its simplicity and reliability.
If muscle cars weren't such a unique American thing for the most part, I could see the Mustang being world-class specifically for the combination of price, performance, and mechanical simplicity (which makes it easier for a home mechanic to work on and tune).
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