CNN asks: are American cars really that bad?
In light of this week's high-profile
restructuring announcements (and their attendant job-shedding) by both Ford and DaimlerChrysler, the folks at CNNMoney
have attempted to answer a very basic question: "Are American cars really that bad?"
As one might expect, the network relies heavily on citations from J.D. Power's quality metrics, along with the predicted reliability ratings of Consumer Reports to come to a resounding "Eh, they really aren't all that horrible."
Having thusly determined that there exists a sizeable perception gap among consumers, CNN then attempts to pin down why this is. Their answer? The "Three 'R's" - and we don't mean reading, writing, and 'rithmetic. Nope, Reputation, Recalls and Reviews.
CNN's
write-up is a decidedly simple primer on the issue, and its conclusions probably won't trouble the well-read
enthusiast, but it may give the average consumer something new to chew on.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
BJ Reddy 11:49AM (2/07/2006)
We have owned GM autos for a number of years. However when it came to trade our 1995 Bonneville we spent a number of hours on the Internet.Conclusion the 4cyl.Honda Accord seemed to be the best of the lot. We did try the Pontiac G6 but my wife did not like the twitchy steering and visibility. Our new Accord gas mileage 23MPG around town. Leather seats are very comfortable.It will go 0-60 in under 8 seconds.Fit and Finish excellent. However it will cost you somewhere around $25,000.Is it worth it- someone said it's a poor man's Lexus. We agree.
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Bonds are your Buddy !!! 12:31AM (2/12/2006)
Ford and GM Bonds are the way to go
!!!
KSK
GMW
XGM
HGM
RGM
BGM
GMS
If GM
and/or Ford go under then we are living in a third world country. But
then again America is looking 'darker' or lets say more brown every
day ... so maybe we are about to become a third world country?
At GM and Ford UAW worker makes $26 an hour with benefits. The army
of retired GM workers expects their fat pension checks each month and
the best medical care money can buy.
The world is becoming a
smaller place. Most Toyotas driven in America are made by American
workers in those "red" rebel states that vote Republican.
GM and
Ford bonds are now considered "junk bonds." I have listed a few that I
own. If the leftists Clinton/Gore/Kerry voting pinkos have their way
GM and Ford will die a slow and painful death. Then all those over
paid (and over weight) UAW lard butts can come down south and get a
job in a "red" state ... they just have to be able to say ... "would
you like fries with that order" ... and they are all set.
I
hope that does not happen ... the UAW needs a reality check if GM
and Ford are to survive. If that happens we will all be richer
especially those who follow my investment advice...... buy GM and
Ford bonds !!!
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Al 9:59PM (2/14/2006)
To me the average American consumer is brainwashed to the idea that anything foreign is better. Not so. The media and auto magazines always downplay American. Would I buy foreign. Absolutely not! Japanese, German,
and others do not impress me at all. I have had all American autos, with no problems. Many feel that the foreign emblems are more status. Bosh! Ah, the mentality of the masses for anything foreign. Be it cars, beer, wine, etc. Fine, things do need to be done, but do not downplay the American worker or there products.
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Phydeaux 10:59PM (2/14/2006)
"123. Conclusion the 4cyl.Honda Accord seemed to be the best of the lot. We did try the Pontiac G6 but my wife did not like the twitchy steering and visibility. Our new Accord gas mileage 23MPG around town. Leather seats are very comfortable.It will go 0-60 in under 8 seconds.Fit and Finish excellent. However it will cost you somewhere around $25,000.Is it worth it- someone said it's a poor man's Lexus. We agree."
Holy crap! You paid $25K for a a 4cylinder that only gets 23 mpg? LOL my sister Malibu which has the same engine as the G6 averages 28 mpg including the idling in the drive in winter with the remote start. I've never drove the G6 so i'll take you're assement on the other attributes, but I would not quote bad mpg and average 0-60 as why you bought a vehicle. Gawd if I hear "Fit and Finish" again... which is akin to "I'm brainwahsed by Consumer Reports". BTW, my cavalier which I paid $13K new gets 32 mpg and has a 0-60 or 7.9 secs.
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Ferris 4:50PM (2/26/2008)
It's all about advertising, I have owned Hondas, Chryslers, Chevy's and currentily a PARK AVE. Highway milage ranges from 30-34MPG and it's a much better ride than any Foreign car can deliver. Shocked at the ignorance of my fellow Americans. Add to this that all profits go back to the country of origin, meaning our GNP is falling faster than a rock yet the car buyers of America still are happy with a 6 pack of beer a TV and food on the table, not realizing the damage they are doing to themselves buying FORIEGN
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Nick Haug 12:18PM (2/22/2006)
We can go back and forth with this all blog long, the fact is that US cars are better for value options and EUR & JAP cars are generally built with the "driver" in mind. I love the way a BMW handles I hate the way Cadillacs roll. I hate to have pay extra for a/c on a Rover 200 (uk). I love the fact that US cars come with creature comforts such as a/c. Its chalk and cheese. fix your mix. I own an X5 but I'm looking at changing it for a Navigator. There are options for a reason. to keep everybody happy.
PerformanceGT.com
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NEBTEK2002 11:31AM (2/24/2006)
I have a 1997 Ranger, purchased as a "leftover" in Nov.1997. It now has 101,000 miles.
During the warranty period the battery and the oxygen sensor failed. I had one fixed at the dealer where I bought the truck, the other replaced at another Ford dealer and both shops were prompt, efficient, and courteous.
After the warranty, I had the starter go out in 2003.
All other maintenance has been routine lubrication and wear items like brakes, belts, and shocks. I'm still on the original clutch.
The vehicle still cleans up nicely, inside and out. I think it'll go at least another 101K if some idiot doesn't run into it before then.
Could I have had $2K's worth better experience buying a leftover '97 Nissan or Toyota?
Could I have had $4k's worth better experience with a '98 Nissan or Toyota?
I doubt it.
No problems at all with my 2002 Aztek with 46,000 miles. Should I have spent thousands more on a Pilot, Highlander or Xterra--each of which eats more gas and none of which has my vehicle's unique style?
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Fedup 9:21AM (2/26/2006)
After buying a brand new Plymouth station wagon in the late 70's, the oil light came on as we drove it home. The dealership replaced the light (without ever checking the oil level) saying it was defective, and we started off on vacation. Less than two miles on the freeway our new 'red lemon' threw a rod straight through the engine. The light wasn't defective - there had been no oil. We had to have the car towed, delay our vacation, etc. Since then we've driven Nissans with nary a problem. Think we'll ever buy domestic again? I think not!
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Ron 10:17AM (2/26/2006)
YES, American cars ARE THAT BAD.
I owned Ford, Dodge, Chevy ..all had major problems before 50,000 miles. Also, I rented many new American cars, during vacation and biz trips. NOT IMPRESSED at all. The Mustang had bad fit and finish, rattles under the dash, bad door lock and trunk function. The Pontiac was sloppy steering, bad fit of doors, lots of wind noise. The Dodge had cheap interior, bad controls, and hard starting.
Since converting to Japanese vehicles, I have driven 140k trouble-free miles in a Nissan, 182,000 trouble-free in a Mazda pickup, and my current Toyota Tacoma 4wd has 123k trouble-free miles. My wife's Toyota Camry drives beautifully ...tight, solid, great mileage, no problems of any kind at 177k.
Also, my Honda lawnmower is 7 years old with zero problems.
My retired boss had a Honda Accord with 297k on it ..then he felt guilty and bought a new Buick, which needed major engine and transmission repairs in the first 10k of driving !! He went back to Honda.
My daughter's new Plymouth Acclaim was a mess from day one ... transmission problems, differential problems, cooling system troubles, electrical problems ..all in the first year !!! She bought a Toyota Forerunner which has been trouble-free for more than 160k.
No matter WHAT the US automakers do or say, they have permanently LOST millions of potential customers to Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan.
That is the bottom line.
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Nebojsa Ralevic 9:38AM (2/28/2006)
There is no question about it, unfortunately.
I am a European and always wanted to drive an american legendary car such as ford mustang gt, coupe. Untill i bought it. Not a new model.
The design and the philosophy of that car is undisputable. The heritage and the feeling of joy and freedom when driving as well. Not just undisputable but unsurpassable too. But when it comes to the issues of quality, interior design, and safety it is a whole different story.
You can not resist the cheap feel you have every time you take a look on the central console, stereo and the dushbord.
There are no, what we in Europe say, fundamental safety equpment features. Front and side air bag curtains, electronic stability control etc., Those features have become a part of a standard equpment of any decent car nowdays. While fast cornering there is a sound of chruncing everywhere. The car drives safly, predictibly and reliably though, but the crunching is still annoying.
Well to short the story, I expected form such a legendary car to be more quality and more competitive when put up against domestic sports coupes, such are Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. True they cost several grands more but I would never go cheap for that amount of money to get that amount of quality. To be honest that difference is not unreachable. There is only a slight adjustment regarding the quality and safety needed to be done. Beautiful design and more beautiful driving philosophy, feel of great power and strong sound are not all that customers matter. The safety and smart investment are also important.
I heard Ford eliminated those defects with the 2005 model of Mustang that looks astonishing. I can only imagine how is it feels.
As from I learned on the internet about that car there is ESP (electronic stability program)still missing. Even as an option.
My message to Ford is: I will by that car only if you upgrade it with that feature. Then it would become a modern icon.
Again, to be honest, I drive a 1997 Ford Mondeo, 1.8 td (for european market) and I am very satisfied with that car.
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douglas mcintyre 3:58PM (3/02/2006)
There is some bias in the way American cars are evaluated against competition. I have written a few
online articles about it.
www.theamericanauto.blogspot.com/
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chad tron 4:51PM (3/03/2006)
Almost all people really don't see the issue here. These companies just spent too much money for themselves (big salary to tops...) to start to complain about losing the us market to get government money. Look at ENRON and how other companies are doing. They are all dooing the same things!
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Ray 7:18PM (3/05/2006)
There's nothing wrong with American cars. I have owned four new cars --all American made --and never had a problem with any of them. They didn't "blow up" or fall apart. They ran just fine 'til I decided to get rid of them. I'm driving a 98 Ford Explorer now (since '98) and have never had a problem with it. Everyone who believes Japanese cars are better and more reliable are victims of misinformation. Does Japan produce quality cars? Yes, they do but American cars are just as good. I will never buy a Japanese car. When I was in the Air Force, I bought a new Ford Aerostar. Before it was a year old I got orders to Japan and had to sell it. You know why? Because Japan doesn't allow American cars to be sold in their country or even for American service members to bring their own car temporarily (although every other nation allows it). Given that fact and the fact that American cars are just as good I think you can understand why I only buy American. Not to mention I believe in supporting my country's industry. I find it ironic that the poorest among us, the people who live in the country where there aren't many jobs, are the people who have the most traditional, conservative values and continue to support their country by buying American. It's ironic because those that can afford it the least demonstrate their support for the country by buying American. The next time I see a Japanese car with an American flag on the bumper, I'm going to paste a Japanese flag over it. Because they have no right to wave the flag. They've shown where their loyalties lie. And don't tell me "oh, you can't say a car is built in the USA anymore. They're made in Mexico and Canada, etc" --BULL. I don't care if they're made in the heart of the USA. If the name on the car says Toyota or Honda, guess where the profit made when that car is sold goes. That's right. Straight to Tokyo.
People who buy Japanese cars always defend their actions by saying that American cars are made in Mexico or Canada with Japanese parts anyway so what's the difference. The difference is where the profit goes and who stays employed.
You city boys can make all the excuses and rationalizations you want but if you buy or drive a Japanese car, you have shown what kind of person you are. And in case you're wondering, I don't work for the car industry or even know anyone that does. I just know what's right.
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brian 11:32PM (3/05/2006)
I just came out of a camry. I had as many problems with it as with my last american car (6 in 80k)
I decided to give american cars another try. I purchased a loaded fusion. It's been an incredible car! Not one problem in 18K. I drove the camry, accord, sonota. Fusion was less, felt great, and I just feel like I need to give America one last chance! I know that "some" of the imports are assembled here and the fusion is assembled in Mexico, but in the end all the profits stay here for Ford and Gm and all the profits for Toyota and Honda head back to Japan. I'll let you know if my fusion is as good by next year
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steve 10:00PM (3/07/2006)
My mother Chevy Celebrity lasted 20 years, drove it to the Chevy dealer to pick up her 2006 Impala, which is a very nice car. My mechanic recommended it to me. Ask mechanics they will all tell you that GM cars are pretty darn good right now.
Nissan? Reliability bites. Mazda? Below GM. All German brands? Below GM.
When does the statute of limitations run out? Don't base decisions based on 10 years ago.
The best car I ever owned? 1978 Chevy Monte Carlo.
The worst car I ever owned? 1989 Honda Accord.
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Mark 11:17PM (3/07/2006)
Good points Lastride. The Asian carmakers get you in their repeatability cycle with their 'Quality' & in the end they make nothing of any retaining or collectible value years down the road. That new Scion xD, E,F G or whatever or any rodan inspired Lexus sports sedan will not command the value of a current model Mustang GT or 300C in 20 years. The Kids today can't see past tomorrow.
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F-R 6:09PM (3/13/2006)
You guys have to realize whats REALLY true.
The media BLOWS things out of proportion. Sure back in the 1980s Ford and Gm were not very reliable. That was over 20 Years ago! GM and Ford have caught up to Toyota and Honda now. Sure the Ford 500 is not the most exciting car ever made, but it sure as hell better looking than you Camry or Accord. It has some substance and style at least. The five hundred has quality all over it! The materials and fit/finish are amazing. Trust me. Go test drive one. Also look at the trunk of a 500, You'll see why. It also has the 3.0L Duratec, which is not vey breath-taking, but is very reliable, Also it is the worlds safest sedan.
The Chevy HHR, Cobalt, 2007 Tahoe, Impala are also AMAZINGLY well built. The HHR is under $20,000 and it has smaller trim gaps than a Lexus. Plastics fit for a mercedes, and an iPod input Jack. Sorry, but do you see a Toyota doing that? No.
People have had bad domestics in the 1980's but PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trust me on this. The domestics offer a Car with the same or better quality, more fun to drive, more stylish and Cheaper!
Also Chrysler got bought out by Mercedes-Benz in 1998, so there a German Car company now.
Proven facts 101: My 2001 F150 has 165,000 Miles on it. Not 1 single problem, squeak or raddle. Very good truck.
So please listen to me and belive. Support your Detroit HQ!!! They support their workers well. Toyota has been sued for over-stressing workers. Some have even DIED from stress. Yet the media hides this...
Oh and If your thinking about a Honda Ridgeline. They Suck!
In an Edmunds test Drive, The Struts broke. At a cost of $4000. Then another mag tested it and all the airbags went off! At a cost of $3000 PER Airbag to fix.
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F-R 7:20PM (3/13/2006)
#134:
Awesome POST!
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longtooth 7:30PM (3/19/2006)
american cars're generally fine in the overall sense, and getting better.
it's the people driving those cars which are the variable.
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walter kronkite 8:34PM (3/21/2006)
Yes, American cars are depressingly SAD !! I bought my last American vehicle (Taurus) in 1993 which at the time was touted as a reliable vehicle. Well we all know where that went. The biggest part of the problem is GREED. All American Manufacturers (including Auto) want return in investment within 1 to 2 years max while the patient Japanese keep plodding along looking 5 to 10 years down the road. Well it took a couple of decades but we now see Japanese Manufacturer's taking over. Unfortunately it is now too late for GM with a debt of over $300 BILLION dollars. Just to put things into perspective, the Company I work for which is not large has a higher share value than GM & only has yearly profits ranging from 25 to 150 million a year. GM will either have to shrink to an insignificant player or build an alliance with a better auto maker......the problem is who will want to. Their reputation stinks. Good Bye American Auto Makers....I am totally excited about buying my first Japanese vheicle....more than likely a 2007 Camry. YEEEEE-HAWWWW !!
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