8th Dec 2009, 00:42
I just rented a 2009 Malibu. No comments therefore, on reliability. I can comment on driving, however! The car really impressed me... especially the smooth, hi revving Ecotech engine and the interior lighting. I usually drive a hot rodded 94 Cadillac Fleetwood with the LT1 engine... I really like the handling of this car! Very impressed.
17th Jun 2010, 02:03
This argument is specious at best. Most anyone with moderate computer knowledge can build a computer out of whatever components they want. I can do it for you in about 20 minutes, not including time to put an OS on it for you. And I can do it using parts made in Singapore, Japan, China, or just about anywhere else in the world. Did you check on where all of those components making up your computer came from? Didn't think so.
BTW I drive a 2010 Ford Fusion purchased new.
17th Jun 2010, 13:18
This computer argument is really weird. Who pays $4000 for a computer these days? Most computers are in the $1000 to $2000 range. Besides it really doesn't matter that it's assembled in the US, since the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, hard drive etc will be made in all kinds of countries.
It's the same with cars. Nowadays, it's impossible to buy a pure domestic/US car. It may be assembled in the US (probably it's assembled in Mexico, it's cheaper that way). But parts are from all over the world. It's the same for 'imports' as well as 'domestic' makes. So this 14 mill worker argument makes no sense either. I've had a 'domestic' car, assembled in good old Mexico.
18th Jun 2010, 00:09
"I've had a 'domestic' car, assembled in good old Mexico."
Yes, but the profits from that car benefited an AMERICAN company, not a JAPANESE company. There's a world of difference.
29th Jun 2010, 15:48
I bought a 2009 Malibu in December 2008. I had a few electrical issues with the car, but it was repaired under warranty. Other than that it has been a really great car! I got badly ripped off on the car, but I think if I can make it 4 1/2 more years of payments, it would be well worth the money!
28th Nov 2009, 20:00
It's so sad that so few Americans understand economics. The U.S. auto industry is responsible for 90% of ALL auto-related jobs in the U.S. That comes to roughly 13,700,000 U.S. citizens who get their livelihood from domestic automakers directly or indirectly. 10% of auto-related jobs are provided by foreign auto makers (ALL of them COMBINED, including German, Swedish and British). It does not matter one iota if Ford assembles Fusions in Mexico and Camry employs a handful of people in Kentucky. Those are the figures... PERIOD. 90% versus 10%. You buy a Ford (or GM) you help 90% of your neighbors. You buy a Honda you help about 2%. We actually have commenters on this site who cheering for the destruction of nearly 14,000,000 U.S. jobs (and at Christmas yet!!). My company is as far removed from the auto industry as you can get, yet due to drastic cuts in suppliers, shippers (UPS and FEDEX rely VERY heavily on business from U.S. auto makers) and local jobbers my company has had to furlough all its employees through December. Not a merry Christmas at all for any of us.
Yes, you are free to spend as you wish. If putting 14,000,000 Americans out of a job (and a home) makes you happy, then I feel very sorry for you. I'll continue to buy American. And no, NONE of my electronics are made by foreign companies. People who care about their fellow citizens can locate in 15 minutes on the internet American companies that sell anything made elsewhere. The computer I'm typing on was built less than 5 miles from my home, cost only $1900, and has a 5 year warranty. A Japanese computer with the exact same specs costs $4000 and has a puny 12-month warranty.