Why do people have the perception that JApenese cars are better than American.?

Question

About two months ago I bought a Honda Ridgeline. This was my first non american auto I bought because of all the Hype of Japanese cars. This truck sucked. It did not drive as well as my F150 with 180000 miles on it. I tried to go on some minor offroading and got stuck. My wife got ouy F150 and pulled me out. I then did the same course with my F150 and it made it through with not problem. I am going to trade in this Japanese piece of SHIIIT and buy another Ford. I dont care what anyone says American trucks are here to stay.

Answer 1

I feel you all the way. American cars are closing in on the Japanese. Cmon. Do you Japanese lovers really think any country can do things better than us forever. THe United States will dominate the Automobile market once again within 10 years. The Japanese just caught us off guard lke Pearl Harbor. I own a F150 with 320,000 miles on it. I drive it 25 miles back and forth to work every day. I love it and no matter what anyone says this truck rules. Within our own country we have Japanese loyalists that will never admit that the AMERICANS ARE COMING. So tradi in that Ridgeline. You should be ashamed of yourself for even considering a wanttobe truck. My neighbor just bough a Pathfinder. I will scratch the word traitor in it tonight.

Answer 2

Japanese vehicles USED to be the best, until the recent past when GM has kicked it up a notch. Last year Toyota had the most recalls, but the media "failed" to notice since millions would stand against them because of thier reputation. These days reputation is nothing, technology advances so fast it cant keep up. For ex: three years ago GM was one of the worst companies, now they have the most top-rated vehicles, and the quality/reliability surpasses Toyota. Honda is still on top of the reliability ratings. Ford also had more recalls than GM and DaimlerChrysler combined, for reasons like exploding engines and wheels falling off. Here is a quote from the Washington Posts review of the Toyota CAmry "one of which is the Chevrolet Malibu, which in my real-world driving experience has been every bit as good and reliable as the much-ballyhooed Camry but has been maligned primarily because it is a Chevrolet". Oddly enough that was an '04 Malibu VS the totally redisigned '07 Camry. Common problems with Toyotas are useless cupholders, cheap stereo, grotesquely underpowered 4 cylinder engine, and plastic rattling until it falls off. People then complain that when they take it to the dealer to be fixed they just say "The cars are made with so much plastic its practically impossible to fix" GM is also the worlds fastest growing manufacturer, and that doesnt happen by accident.

Answer 3

As ur questions asks on average "Japanese" CARS tend to last longer, have better gas millage, and in most cases cost less to maintain. Trucks on the other hand thats a different story. Besides yota many of the other company's have just started to make trucks so of course there are bugs and room for improvement. Now comparing a ford f150 to a ridgeline is almost insane. U have to look at many different things, drive train, power, and ground clearance (just for starters). This is of course just my thoughts on the subject.

Answer 4

in additional response to dsolsi The ridgeline...if im not mistaken is Hondas first attempt at making a truck...Nissan has had the frontier for a long time going now so they have SOME idea on making a truck and its limitations. The TITAN is the first fullsized truck. I am NOT a fan of Ford at all KINGS COLONIAL FORD BRUNSWICK GA (whom i will now make an arcane gesture to using both middle fingers) fired me for being gay and this comes as a suprise to me cause im not gay....... Hondas Ridgeline is a good idea but like all good ideas they need to be improved. Ford has been around for awhile so they know what their doing as far as trucks. personally I have no use for a truck unless im moving items which happens once every 6 years

Answer 5

After WW2 we went over and helped Japan rebuild its industries, Since The Japanese auto industry was made from scratch we supplied them with the latest technology that the American Auto Manufacturers could not afford at the time. Since People would buy American Cars as fast as they could be built, Quality took a back seat to profits. During the OPEC/ Arab oil embargo people took a closer look at the fuel efficient compact cars made in Japan and discovered the quality of the cars from Japan and Detroit has been trying to catch up every since, However they still let greed overcome their judgment. When they get a hot selling car they tend to step up production and Quality takes a backseat to Quantity. Most American cars have improved greatly in quality.The Ridge line it is not a off road truck.

Answer 6

Honda is well known for small compact reliable cars. Honda is not known for trucks. The ridgeline is their first "truck" I have a Honda Car and a Ford Pick up. The Honda is far more reliable. But I wouldn't have bought a Ridgeline.

Answer 7

1) Back in the 70's and 80's the Jap cars got a leg up on the domestics in quality and MPG, but the industry as a whole as moved a long way since then. 2) If I recall right, the Ridgeline uses AWD....not a traditional 4wd. That's why you got stuck. AWD will get stuck long before a traditional 4wd will. 3) I agree with your assessment about American made trucks...I drive a Chevy Avalanche and LOVE It!!

Answer 8

For years Japanese "cars" were much more reliable then american. It was fact. American cars have been trying to catch up or have caught up (depending which manufacturer) As far as full size trucks go. US products rule. Anyway, Getting a truck at a honda dealership is like going to Hiroshi's Fast Wok for a steak. It's Ill advised.

Answer 9

Ford F150. Enough said. I had one that had over 800,000 miles on the odometer.... and that truck still kicked ***.

And you know what.. I'm a Chevy guy.

I love the new Chevy Silverado.....

But the Ford F150 is a legend....

I never had a better truck.

Answer 10

because in general they are more reliable than american cars. Just take a look at the long term reports in consumer reports. In general (and i hope you know what this means), toyotas, hondas and nissans etc have more reliability than the american cars..
you shouldn't judge all japanese cars based on your limited experience with them.