Isn't it patriotic to buy Honda?

Question

I hear lots of people swear by their American vehicles and vow never to buy Japanese or foreign vehicles because "I love America and I support my country."

But isn't it just as "American" to buy, for example, a Honda vehicle, when in fact many of the Honda vehicles we buy come from American factories made by American workers?

And besides, they're just cars. Since when did the decision to purchase a car become such a heated nationalistic ideal? It's just a car. When Americans start joining the Japanese army, then I'll be worried. But when it comes to cars, just buy the one you want. What could be more American than that?

Answer 1

buy what ya want

Answer 2

This was a question asked in my Business and Technology class, and this is part of my answer... Many Americans don't know what products are subject to tariffs, or how much tax is imposed while being imported. There's not always a 'made in' sticker noticable enough for the consumer to recognize that it is an import. Choosing goods by name also doesn't work in today's economy because it could be a formerly foreign product that is now made in the U.S. by Americans.

Answer 3

It became such a "heated nationalistic ideal" when it became apparent that the traditional American companies (Ford, GM and Chrysler) couldn't compete on the basis of quality. Yes most "Japanese" cars are actually built in the USA, but the cars are designed in Japan, and the parts are made in Japan. They are only assembled here.

Japanese companies compete on the basis of who offers the most (features and quality), and American companies compete with them on the basis of: "but we're American!" Its basically begging for charity, but its not a good basis for buying a car.

Besides, ever notice how foreign cars haven't been as good over the last few years? That's because the American companies are buying them. Ford already owns a controlling interest in Mazda and owns Jaguar. I believe GM bought Daewoo, and already owns Holden, Vauxhall and Opel. Chrysler has a controlling interest in Mercedes. Ford and GM bought Volvo and Saab (I don't recall who bought which.) Its no wonder American companies are worried about Honda/Acura - its one of the few foreign manufacturers that they don't control.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with patriotism and buy american.
The problem is that american cars parts are produced around the world and shipped into the U.S. for assembly. Some are produced in Canada and brought into the U.S.
Some foriegn cars like Nissan are produced here in the U.S. by american workers,but the profits go to Japan.
Catapillar is a U.S. company,but all of its heavy equipment is built outside the states. Radio Flyer wagons are not made in the U.S. anymore and neither are Levi jeans.

Answer 5

Pretty much all Honda's purchased in the U.S. were built in the U.S., and have been since the late 70's. They are basically American manufactured and if you purchase one then you will be helping to support American workers. Would better benefit the U.S. for Honda to close all of their U.S. manufacturing plants and outsource the work to China or India? I refuse to buy another large-dollar Japanese product because of the whaling issue, but the arguement that purchasing a Honda is "unpatriotic" is just silly.

Answer 6

You also have to consider the fact of where the owners of the company are. American made cars are primarily owned by American stockholders and Japanese made cars are primarily owned by Japanese stockholders. You're right though overall there isn't much of a difference. Until the American auto unions and car companies pull their heads out of their rear ends and realize that people won't continue to pay a premium for a lesser product they are going to continue to have to cut jobs and lose money.

Answer 7

I love to buy American goods -- when they are the best. Honda has greatly expanded thier US operations in the last 20 yrs, and has hired thousands of American workers, while GM, Ford, and Chrysler keep laying them off. It helps absolutely no one to be guilted into buying second-rate automobiles. People have been saying this "Buy American" stuff for thirty years, and our domestic companies just continue to squander the money we give them. Being an American means the freedom to buy what you want. I am tired of subsidizing the UAW and Ford, GM, & Chrysler. If they can't survive on their own, they don't deserve to be in business.

Answer 8

Always buy American. Not Foreign. So start buying the Honda and stop buying GM. (Honda, made in America vs GM, made in Mexico and Canada.)

Answer 9

i agree with you some people are just overly patriotic and make up crazy talk buy what you want

i personally dont like american cars and all my cars have been Honda's

Answer 10

you may be buying a car made in America but the profits of that sale go to the owners of that factory in another country.
just part of a global economy.

Answer 11

it's fine to buy a honda. You are actually saving the country from higher gas prices and you have lower gas emissions, so i would buy one if you really like it