What is it with American cars these days?

Question

We hear this and that about transmissions failing on Chryslers, faulty cruise controls on Fords, and goodness knows what about GM vehicles, while the Japanese/Korean/Other Asian Country manufacturers are making the money. I'm trying to buy my first car (used), but I really can't make a decision. Half of me wants to go and buy a Chrylser 300C or a Dodge Charger, some other part of me wants me to buy an Acura TL or an Infiniti G35. I also want to think about buying a European car like a Mercedes, BMW, or an Audi. I've even considered Volvo as my first, but even they can't keep up in some cases ( http://wcco.com/national/topstories_story_228082334.html ) It's confusing and maddening. I want to get a car with good fuel economy, and one with quality and safety. Yet everyone wants for people to buy American cars. Most of the workers are in China, perhaps that's why American car companies are suffering, as well from HORRIBLE management, in part of GM and Ford.

And tell me, is it that hard to fix faulty cruise controls, if the problem's repeated since 1999? And why is it that GM's got horrible service these days? And really, Chrysler, is it too much to ask for a decent German transmission?

Answer 1

Ok, don't buy American, don't vote, don't make anything better for the United States economy and most of all, don't complain about the United States and move out to any of the other countries you like other than this one.

Answer 2

I think part of the problem is what is called "Legacy Costs". American cars have been around for more than 100 years. If you think about how many employees have worked for the big three since each's inception, and how many retirees are still out there drawing retirement, pension, and health care, a large chunck of profits go to people who don't even work there anymore. I have a friend whose brother works for GM, and the estimated "Legacy Cost" is $1,200; which is built into the price of the cars people are buying now. Therefore, certain American cars that are almost identical to certain foreign cars are automatically $1,200 more expensive. That being said, now the American companies must try to find a way to make their car more efficient and appealing so someone will pay that difference, while still trying to save money to be competitive. They have even gotten to the point where many parts in American cars are made in China or India. So, these so-called American cars everyone thinks they are driving are not entirely American at all.

The point I am trying to make is you should shop for a car that has everything you want: style, performance, fuel efficiency, etc., and not worry about where it is made. In today's world you cannot worry about buying American to support American jobs when the American companies are farming jobs overseas anyway. Do what makes YOU happy!

Answer 3

American Car companies are doing what they have to in order to survive.
Barbarella's answer is correct about the legacy costs on American cars. People trash the old big three, but if you look at the recall lists you'll also find Toyota and VW listed there too. Americans are improving the quality and now in some cases we are even ahead of the foreign competition.

If at all possible, try to buy American, even if some of the cars were built in Mexico, or Canada. The profits from the sale of the cars will still be going to an American company, and the taxes will be paid.

You will also be keeping the workers employed and paying taxes again. They will spend their paychecks and again pay more taxes. All of this, will help reduce your tax burden, and improve your community. The old big three is like an octopus, in that they stretch out in all directions and affect so many people without them knowing about it. I realized this when I went into a smoke shop in a local mall. The owner said that business was really down, since our factory was on strike. You wouldn't even think that they would have been affected by it at all. Just goes to show, how the American auto business affects so much of the economy.

good luck with your decision.

Answer 4

Well its not because of their manufacture is that american cars or should i say manufactures could and make better cars but they dont want to. Why?! i dont know now and days japan cars are not cheap but is worth your money because their really cheap on gas and more reliable then americans cars. Dont get me wrong, i love american muscle i just wish they can bring back the old school style with new technology in it.

Answer 5

You know the answer to this question, you mentioned quality and safety, so there goes the 300 and the Charger. You are buying used so there go the Europeans, nothing wrong with them for the first 3-4 years but after that even routine maintenance is expensive. So that leaves ..... but you already knew that.

Answer 6

that guy is an idiot... go with an import.. even look at the evo lancers, they are nice and quick... and just to prove how ignorant some people are.. all the american cars are manufactured in canada, mexico, and some still in the states (less the 1/8)... so all in all go for a honda (new NSX coming out in 08) the 5 series is going down in BMW and parts for a euro car are expensive... I say G35 or get a honda (acura same thing)... more reliable, more affordable, and cheaper parts (things break)

Answer 7

There is a lot of good opinions already posted, there are a number of really good cars to choose from. Let me offer this, stay away from Chrysler and Dodges, there big motor, the 3.2 which is in a lot of intrepid and 300M's and new yorkers, etc... have many front seal problems, plenum gasket problems, and transmission problems to name a few. I have a 95 New Yorker, the only reason I do is because I bought it from my uncle at a steal price, he has invested booko money to keep it on the road all these years.
I also am a hobbyist mech, I buy and sell cars, Chrysler's, as smooth as they are, they are the worst choice
Stay away from VW'S also, they are having a lot of problems.

Answer 8

American cars are low on maintenance , where as japanese and european cars have high maintenance , its the same story either way , you spend less money frequently , or more money ocassionaly , but still to answer your question , go for honda accord DX V4 , good on economy , and a good resale price ,