American V.S. Foreign

[Milk 1027]

I went to the L.A. auto show last week with my parents. So they're looking at cars and I couldn't help to notice that they weren't even interested in American cars.

So when I asked them why they only looked at the foreign cars they told me that because American cars aren't as reliable and breakdown more often. I knew this was complete BS. We've owned about 4 American cars and 4 foreign cars, mainly Mitsubishi and Nissan. Unlike the foreign cars the American cars never gave us any problems. However they seemed to be blinded by the fad that foreign cars are of higher quality.

Since I didn't feel like arguing with them there and then I decided to come here and ask you guys what you think and to see if you have any factual information supprting the quality of American cars.

[SSmoked]

well to be honest i never really cared about looking at american cars, mainly cause i couldnt care less about them. their would be the od 5-6 i would look at but that was all. i would be all over the imports(ferrari, maserari,lamborghini). i was also highly interested in the japanese market due to me buying my first car and at the time the best car the americans had was the cobalt which is laking in sytle. the forign automakers also put on a better show cars than the americans do. last year at the toronto autoshow their was only the camaro concept, challanger, and gt500kr reppen the americans while the forgien cars, had the new evox, impreza sti,lexus isf, gt-r,mazda furai, bmw m6, audi r8, slr mclaren. the list goes on. oooo and big plus the foregin let u SIT in their cars. i sat in cars like the audi r8 and bmw m6. i couldnt even get within 2feet of a c6 vette.

[GTD]

To be fair, both American and Foreign cars are very well made... Some people may have different opinions and therefore different perspectives about the topic... But, anyhow... I am ordering my new CAMARO! LOL
"1st post ever" !!

[The_Blur]

Domestic cars are good at worst. People who believe otherwise are neither informed nor car enthusiasts.

[Milk 1027]

Does anyone have any factual information?
The only example I have is that not one of our American cars have had recalls and every single of the foreign cars had recalls. Usually important stuff like seatbelts and tires.
However they still refuse to believe me.

[The_Blur]

Go look up quality ratings on cars like the Malibu, CTS, and other cars in their corresponding classes. GM wins.

[lalometalik]

my parents argument used to be that foreign cars get you more mpg's. that may have been true some time ago, but i checked em with an 'american autos are up to par if not superior to those across the sea in styling, handling, AND mpgs!' smack to the face

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by lalometalik

my parents argument used to be that foreign cars get you more mpg's. that may have been true some time ago, but i checked em with an 'american autos are up to par if not superior to those across the sea in styling, handling, AND mpgs!' smack to the face

All of the foreign companies are getting MPG-smacked across the internet, just like this.

[fastball]

Unfortunately, this is GM's greatest challenge (and why I think they are STILL partly to blame)......

Those of us in the know, who follow GM closely, know that their latest products are great. Not the G6 and cars designed years ago, but the CTS and Malibu and their newest products are every bit as good as anything made by Honda and Toyota. Problem is, people who don't follow the automotive industry as close as us enthusiasts do do not know GM makes better products than they did 10 years ago.

GM is still doing a horrible job of getting the word out that their newest stuff is better than their old stuff. Untill they start a heavy campaign on a personal level with America, only GM purists will continue to buy their cars. Plain and simple. Those who were left burned by a bad experience 20 years ago and those who were raised in a family of import only owners will never even step foot in a GM dealer today. That's sad, it's unfair, but it is the truth.

GM must come up with an aggressive attack towards that, or it will never succeed again. Of that I am now convinced.

[dayvedayve]

I have had many different cars. I still revert back to GM. When I try and follow what the media says about vehicles, I realize the bias. My latest turd is a Kia for my wife. They spout out about best warranty all the time. Here's the catch. You will need the warranty. The worse part is that the dealers dont want to do warranty work because kia pays very little. The warranty also likes to pull the not covered, wearable part and even worse you didnt follow recommended maintanence schedule to get out of claims. Best thing I have found is Big3 may not be top in reliability but they at least stand behind their warranties.

[Scott@Bjorn3D]

Our 2006 Acural RL had a recall do to a steering pump hose that could break and start a fire. The only other car I had that had a recall was a 72 Ford Pinto for the gas tank issue.

[SS4EVER]

If you want factual ratings look up J.D. Powers and Associates reliability and quality ratings, and you will find many domestic products with those awards. Heck, Buick and Cadillac were just rated in the top 5 of the most reliable brands in America... If that doesn't make them open their eyes I don't know what will...

[FenwickHockey65]

Best Midsize Sedan in Initial Quality? Chevrolet Malibu.
Best Fullsize Car in Initial Quality? Pontiac Grand Prix.
Best Fullsize Pickup in Initial Quality? Chevrolet Silverado.

All from JD Power and Associates.

[fastball]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Best Midsize Sedan in Initial Quality? Chevrolet Malibu.
Best Fullsize Car in Initial Quality? Pontiac Grand Prix.
Best Fullsize Pickup in Initial Quality? Chevrolet Silverado.

All from JD Power and Associates.

Grand Prix??? That's out of production now.