| Author | Message | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 253 Registered: 11-2001 |
I agree, Magoo... It did seem as if the Big 3 were finally turning over a new leaf during the mid to late 90's. Prior to then, we had only purchased Datsun-Nissan vehicles (4 all total with no problems). We traded in our last Nissan (Stanza) that we owned for 6 years with no problems other than the usual maintenance -- and bought a new '97 Ford Taurus (needed a bigger car)...WHAT A MISTAKE!! Hadn't even owned the car for 2 weeks when it needed a "new" transmission -- and it went downhill from there! Last year we decided to give Ford another go at it and traded in the Taurus for a new Windstar ($31,000) -- and it's been a bad experience too, so far. Not to mention the fact that the build quality is the cheapest I've seen to date! And the service department leaves a lot to be desired as well. Even my old '97 S-10 is more reliable than both Ford's put together. Needless to say, we'll be looking at other marques the next go-round. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2392 Registered: 2-2001 |
You know back in the late 70's and 80's The American Auto manufactures had their clocks cleaned because of building unreliable cars. Then they all got their stuff together and did recapture some of the market again. I get the feeling though they are slacking a bit once again. I hope I am wrong. Another thing I see that makes one think, You never see a Japanese person drive an American Car, at least the ones I've seen, but you see plenty Americans driving Japanese cars. | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
New member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 38 Registered: 10-2001 |
European Cars are the best . | ||
| Najib Amanullah (Najib)
Junior Member Username: Najib Post Number: 104 Registered: 4-2001 |
Japanese - Most reliable. German - Have that extra bit of "class" which the Japanese manufacturers are still trying to achieve. Other European (except Ferrari) - Not horrors but not too exciting either. American - Was given one as a company car for 2 years...would rather not have another one again. Other Asian Manufacturers - Still trying to make cars but learning very fast. Ferrari - What can I say...Simply the best. | ||
| Harlan Mott (Hmott3)
Junior Member Username: Hmott3 Post Number: 101 Registered: 12-2001 |
I have an engineer friend of mine that works in a factory designing and building power steering parts for most of the car companies. He has told me that the Toyota quality procedures they have to follow are nearly twice as stringent as any other company. I asked him about "all the parts being the same, as they are from the same factory" (and with the same engineering specs), at which point he spent about 20 minutes telling me why the "quality assurance procedures" they implemented for each different company made so much difference in the end results from the part they could almost be considered different parts. Because of what he knows about the industry He will only buy Toyota cars (Used Certified cars actually but thats a different 20 minute lecture I got from him  ). | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2383 Registered: 2-2001 |
Greg, I totally agree that a lot of G.M. stuff is ridiculous styling. It makes no sense at all. You know what is scary? People buy that sh-t. | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 306 Registered: 10-2001 |
I have a 96 MB-C280 and Honda CRV and both cars have been extremely reliable. Before that I had a 1990 Accord that I put 227K miles in 9 years and only left me stranded once (ignition switch). Sold the car and the new owner has put another 30K+ trouble-free miles on her. And GM cars...I won't even rent them, they are the biggest piles of crap on the planet. GM seems to go through periods of building butt-ugly cars, then they build cars that are crap, and occasionally (like now) they are building cars that are butt-ugly and crap. GM should just cancel the Aztek, nothing can save that "thing". And the new Chevy pickup? What were they thinking when they released the final drawings for that god-aweful mess? While the Z06 is probably the only car that I might consider (build quality still leaves a lot to be desired), GM has never/rarely been on the C&D 10-best and thier ratings in Consumer Reports are mostly black dots (bad). With all of the great automobiles to buy in this country, I'm continually puzzled why people flush good $$ down the drain on a Chevy, Buick, or Oldsmobile. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
New member Username: Hugh Post Number: 36 Registered: 1-2002 |
Hands down the Japanese cars have the market cornered on reliability, durability, resale value, bang for the buck, fuel economy, etc. There isn't, IMO, or hasn't been a domestic car that has been able to compete w/ a Japanese car on those points. Let's not forget that the Acura NSX was also a motivation to Ferrari to get their act together in the 348 and early 355 haze. Agreed, most domestics "sports" cars and coupes have more horsepower but they fall very short in nearly every other aspect of engineering. From ergonomics, to handling, to fit and finish, it's disdainful. The only, contemporary, domestic to offer a greater all around package is the ZO6. Otherwise, domestic car manufactures alike have been saturating the marketplace with poorly built, gas guzzling, urban tanks! Saying nothing about the general lack of ingenuity and enthusiasm w/ in this market. | ||
| Peter S�derlund /328 GTB -88 (Corsa)
Junior Member Username: Corsa Post Number: 154 Registered: 4-2001 |
You must evaluate the cars from your point of view. Many of you claim that X (X = not italian) makes the "best" car, why do have a Ferrari. From my point of view Italians make the best car, otherwise I wouldn't buy Alfa and Ferrari. Right? Ciao Peter | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 359 Registered: 3-2001 |
IMO, the Japanese make the most dependable cars. And dependability = quality in my mind. The guy across the street from me just turned in his BMW 740... he had it on a 48 month lease, bought it new. Now you'd think that BMW's top-of-the-line car would be dependable. That thing was in the shop for weeks at a time. He said had it not been for the extended warranty, it would have cost him $23,000 to keep it running. He's about to get the new convertible Lexus... and all his problems will go away. | ||
| David Bob� Jr. (Supraoz)
Junior Member Username: Supraoz Post Number: 80 Registered: 9-2001 |
Martin....lol Your really upset huh! I do think the older Benz's are better quality but I sure do like the new ones. Wouldn't mind having the new SL in the garage. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1789 Registered: 12-2000 |
For a daily driver, I will always stick to Asian. I've had no trouble in the six years I've been driving my Mitsubishi Colt and if I get a new car, I really like the new Hyundai Elantra GT. Sharp looking 5-door for pennies. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Junior Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 218 Registered: 12-2001 |
I think that the germans and the japanese build the best sedans. The big three build the best trucks and the italians are the best at getting cars(and the people who see/drive them) to evoke emotion and passion. Martin, I couldn't agree more that M-B quality has gone down. The older one are the better ones. After an extensive search for a daily I have finally decided begin looking for a 95 E500. I think that is one of the best cars M-B/Porsche made. The last body style S-class was a well built car as well(the W140). The japanese cars are SO reliable. I just wish they had some soul. Lexus makes a great car, but it has no soul. I have to attest to Nissan quality as well. I have not had the greatest luck with Honda/Acura but I drive my cars very hard. I have a Nissan Maxima that I cannot seem to part with. I got it new in 97(an SE model) and I now have 224K miles on the thing. It is basically worthless, but serves a purpose as a grocery getter and a car to park in rough parking lots. I have had great luck with Ford and GMC trucks. My only experience is with the heavy duty models, but they take a beating and are still reliable. The swedish? What cars do they make again? Oh, yeah, boring soccer mom haulers. I just cannot get into Swedish cars. I think they should stick with making tall blondes. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 251 Registered: 11-2001 |
LOL, Ken... Had the same experience with my '85 Fiero -- during the 10 years of ownership, I replaced nearly every part on that car! It got so bad that I was afraid to drive it for fear of what might break next You're right -- they were fun cars, and very easy to work on. It was a great first "sports car", and it helped me develop some mechanical skills. Would not want one for a daily driver though. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 320 Registered: 10-2001 |
I'm a commercial for Honda. I've had several Accords and an Odyssey van. They never break. You feel like the guys who designed the ergonomics actually use the cars themselves. Excellent interiors for the price. No squeaks, rattles, etc. Minuses? Boring to look at, boring to drive but not a bad driver. They're what they are: tools to go from here to there whenever you want. Had several GM cars. 1984 Skylark was a rust bucket but pretty reliable. 1984 Fireo...what a fun car for 2 years! I didn't miss it when I sold it though. Everything, and I do mean everything, was broken or about to break. Didn't burn up though. But turned me off on GM in general. I'll stick with Hondas for my family cars. | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
New member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2002 |
In total I've had 6 BMW's, of which only the X5 4.4 has been American build. It happens to be also the only one that is giving me trouble. All is electronic related. I understand that I've been lucky with the 7 series, since they had lots of trouble with the South Africa built models. Actually the new 7 series that is German built has lots of electronic glitches: the handbrake is electronic, so with a computer breakdown, the car is unmovable. | ||
| Terry Daniel (Dogue)
New member Username: Dogue Post Number: 29 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have had good and bad luck with both. Bad luck cars. I had an 89 Camaro that was a total piece. Repair costs where way more than the actual cost of the car. I had a 1995 Nissan Altima that I spent $5k per year in repairs after it hit the 60k mile mark. (absolutely the worst car I have ever owned) I had an 1993 Acura Integra that had very few problems, but when it had a problem it cost big time, I had one bill at 36k miles that was $1800. Good Luck cars. I had a 1990 Nissan Sentra that never gave me a problem for about 5 years and 100k miles. (traded it in on the Altima) I had a 1986 Celica with 160k miles on it and the only problem was the airconditioner went out right before I traded it in on the Acura. I Had a 1988 Jeep Cherokee with 145k miles on it an just traded it, because of a very expensive transmission problem. Other than that I didn't have any problems with that truck. I don't know if you can judge any group of manufacturers by their geographical origin. Like most people have stated most Japanese cars are made in the us and most US cars are made in Mexico. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1847 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bret, hate to disappoint you but the new MBs are crap just as any other Dodge Stratus! MB has effectively managed to get the american built philosophy into their cars. cheap, crap and unreliable. SL built like crap pieces falling off, lights can not be changed, replaced light assembly twice becasue it was misconstructed, too small (from the land of the tall..my a*s) Radio antenna not working. CLK pieces from the front spoiler falling off (mind you a unpainted $300 piece) for everytime you get to close to the tire stoppers), keys not working, garage opener unprogramable, Service with MB is a whole nightmare. They give you a rentAcar and then they do not fix your car for 2 weeks because they thing you got a rental anyway. Thanks for the Geo Metro! I heard of S series stalling on the street, full electrical shut downs, full suspension failor causing accidents. I would not buy one anymore. Great looking cars. Especially the new SL is great looking but the quality is SH*T | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
New member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2002 |
I think it all comes down to what experiences you have had with certain auto makers. I have had bad experiences with Japanese cars and probably will never return-don't get me started on American cars. My girlfriend's brother use to work for ferrari of Dallas-now at the Collection in Miami and swears up and down that Ferrari, Aston Martin,the new Murcielago (since Audi owns them now), and Audi are the way to go!-no offense to anyone | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
New member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2002 |
I agree Brett, by far the most solid and well built / engineered cars I have ever owned were P-Cars. A 911 takes abuse and laughs like no other machine. I know a PCA guy who has close to 300K on his 911SC and its still strong with the engine never having been open. I have driven all of the 911's I have owned VERY hard including lots of track time and have never had a single mechanical letdown. The Germans do it right! Terry | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2274 Registered: 2-2001 |
manufacturer don't worry, I spelled Cadillac wrong the second time I typed it. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2273 Registered: 2-2001 |
My dad is a very loyal GM guy. I think nearly every vehicle from 57 Chevys, Corvettes, and now his pickup truck thing, all have been Chevrolet. The only exception I can think of is when he had a couple Cadillacs. I have a Jeep which I'm determined to run to 500K miles (half way there now). I love American products and there is no other SUV or pickup I would get. BUT other than the Caddilacs and Corvettes, there is really no American car I would purchase. I would probably get a Mercedes just because my mom works for them and we get good deals, if that wasn't the case I would get a BMW. The Germans really made the best normal, everyday cars IMO. | ||
| Racer 001 (Mr_0011)
New member Username: Mr_0011 Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2002 |
American cars are the best overall, including the history. But Detriot isn't using their resorces to give car fans the cars they want. They are usually more realible then their counterparts though. Most TVR's in the UK aren't all that realible from what I've heard, and Ferraris... HA! They're Italian. :p The Chevy Vette on the other hand, has won awards for inital quality etc. Cars are also just a slice of the automotive pie. When a German or Japanese manufactuer makes a truck like the GMC Denali Quadrasteer I'll be impressed. When an American manufactuer squeezes over 100bhp per liter from a four cylinder AND gives it the grunt it needs and then sticks it in the middle of a small flyweight I'll be impressed. When a Japanese manufactuer discovers torque I'll be impressed. etc. When I learn to spell manufactuer I'll be impressed. etc. etc. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
New member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2002 |
We recently traded my wifes '95 Dodge Stratus ES that had 70,000 miles. The transmission had been rebuilt 5 times by AAMCO (on warranty after the first $2500 rebuild), in the end it was basically unfixable. The car also had electrical issues and trim items were pretty much falling off of it. In short, after 70K miles of normal housewife use that car was totally clapped out. In my book I call that junk. I traded it on a '99 Isuzu Trooper and I have no intentions of every buying an American POS again. Terry | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 318 Registered: 10-2001 |
What's an American car? My Accord was made in Ohio. Pontiac Grand Ams have most of the parts made in Japan. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 622 Registered: 8-2001 |
If "better car" equals better quality, design, and overall performance, then I'd have to side with the foreign brands. Most domestics have that quickly slapped together feel to them. IMHO | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
Junior Member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 65 Registered: 3-2002 |
I have heard many things about both kinds like american (Ford GM, Cheverlet) and Foreign like BMW Nissan, etc) The fact that most foreign cars are made in American doesnt matter here, what I want to know is which car companies are better iin everyones opinion, Ford, GM, Cheverlet, or foreign companies.. thanks |