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Not trying to wage a war here, I drive a Honda Civic and am very happy with it. Let's put all politics aside and talk about what you like and/or dislike about Foreign and Domestic.
The only thing I complain about with my civic is as well as it drives it don't feel like I am driving a big comfy couch, like my old Taurus did. On the other hand this car has never been in the shop for repairs and has out lasted all my American cars, so I'll sacrifice that floating comfort to make sure she starts every morning
Also my Honda is waaaaaay better on gas than any domestic I ever owned. Go on chime in!
Domestic likes - generally cheaper parts, easier to fix and maintain, *in general*, for whatever reason Detroit seems to build a better truck for actual hauling service.
Domestic dislikes: Handling has been sacrificed for that "sofa-bed" ride that I don't particularly like, parts while cheap don't last as long, brakes that will fade if you push on a twisty road, many models with no manual trans option, styled rather than engineered, mediocre to bad build quality, later models have a mix of inch and metric hardware (I am OK with either or even Whitworth - just pick one and go with it FFS...)
Import dislikes: Expensive parts, most import trucks are not serious trucks, (I mean, what's the import equivalent of a Super Duty F-350?!) many Japanese have a lot of "too clever by half" features, overly complicated, many Japanese parts are dealer-only, sometimes routine service is difficult to do, complicated, time consuming.
Domestic likes - generally cheaper parts, easier to fix and maintain, *in general*, for whatever reason Detroit seems to build a better truck for actual hauling service.
Domestic dislikes: Handling has been sacrificed for that "sofa-bed" ride that I don't particularly like, parts while cheap don't last as long, brakes that will fade if you push on a twisty road, many models with no manual trans option, styled rather than engineered, mediocre to bad build quality, later models have a mix of inch and metric hardware (I am OK with either or even Whitworth - just pick one and go with it FFS...)
Import dislikes: Expensive parts, most import trucks are not serious trucks, (I mean, what's the import equivalent of a Super Duty F-350?!) many Japanese have a lot of "too clever by half" features, overly complicated, many Japanese parts are dealer-only, sometimes routine service is difficult to do, complicated, time consuming.
hmm... good summation...
I can't disagree with much, though I do love my '00 Tacoma, it does almost exactly what I need it to do.
I also have an old GTI and a much older Triumph TR4A and I would have to sum up my preference for most Imports in one word: FUN.
In my view the Germans, English and Italians excel in this criteria.
Feel free to insert your favorite reliability joke for the former two here.
Yes, there are different disadvantages to many of these that I will not go into now, but they are FUN. Most American cars I have driven are not. (Notwithstanding the built '68 Nova that my friend let me run all out in a 1/4 mile once 30 some years ago.)
Yes, there are different disadvantages to many of these that I will not go into now, but they are FUN. Most American cars I have driven are not. (Notwithstanding the built '68 Nova that my friend let me run all out in a 1/4 mile once 30 some years ago.)
Funny you should mention a Nova. I taped this one leaving a car show...
For me a fun car is one that has enough torque to melt the tires! I'm not really interested in handling, I'm happy with a '60s/early '70s American car with a big-block engine and lots of low-end torque!
Well Fleet, I am glad I saved my story about that Nova and my '72 Datsun 1200.
As I said, I loved that 1/4 mile run, but I tend toward handling.
I once suckered my pal with the Nova into a race thru a cemetery... very narrow winding road, a mile maybe. By the time he quit smoking his tires with the ~400 hp. I was ahead of him with my ~70 hp. He could never get around me on that particular course after that. I also beat him across a highway on my 10 speed too, so he was not real quick on the uptake.
dislike
Foreign - So many of the cars sit very low to the ground. Now I like the appearance of this, but it kills my back with it being so flexed.
Horns sound wimpy. Beep beep vs HONK.
Domestic - Lack of manuals available in mid size cars. Though my next car will be an auto so I don't really care anymore. Also many Foreign cars are losing the manuals on newer models (camry, accord, & I think altima).
Doors are loud and heavy. Exhaust and engine is louder.
like
foreign - more refined look
domestic - reliability & gas mileage is improving. Especially with Fords. Cheaper cost.
I lie the reliablity of the japnese brands ltho they are domestically produced mostly. This last eyar i finally gave up on the Big three brands after seelign my truck;too many 500 dollars issues.
Well Fleet, I am glad I saved my story about that Nova and my '72 Datsun 1200.
As I said, I loved that 1/4 mile run, but I tend toward handling.
I once suckered my pal with the Nova into a race thru a cemetery... very narrow winding road, a mile maybe. By the time he quit smoking his tires with the ~400 hp. I was ahead of him with my ~70 hp. He could never get around me on that particular course after that. I also beat him across a highway on my 10 speed too, so he was not real quick on the uptake.
Sounds like fun. Where I live, the ratio of straight roads VS curvy roads is about 50:1. Many more straight roads... the perfect breeding ground for 340, 383, 440 and 426-Hemi Mopars, 396, 427 and 454 Chevys, 351, 390, 427, 428 and 429 Ford, 400, 455 Buicks, 389, 400, 455 Pontiacs, etc.
I like my cars to have at least ~300 (gross) hp and ~400 lbs-ft (gross) torque. The more, the better! Nothing quite feels the same as being pushed against the seat back when accelerating!
BTW, I have a road test somewhere of a '70 (I think it's a '70) 396 SS Nova. Ran 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and a 14.5 @ 101 mph 1/4 mile (on 1970 tires).
I am surrounded by mountains and hills but where I actually live is a valley with lots of straight roads.
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