1st Jun 2008, 11:27

Let's see. Our Ford made 325,000 miles with no problems other than a carburetor, starter and muffler.

Our Dodge made 240,000 miles with two timing belts, one heater hose and two brake jobs.

Our Buick has 277,000 miles with NO repairs.

Yep, those "crappy" domestics just don't last!!

1st Jun 2008, 15:36

I was an new import owner since the 70's... buying new over and over every few years. I do not think it's funny that the situation deteriorated to quit buying. I do not know where the Consumer Reports magazine comments appeared from, but I do pay attention to manufacturer's reliability and overall quality with owners that have owned new vehicles in under 3 months.

I do not know why Toyota owners are so surprised so much at 5th place. It's related to quality and mechanical issues. Another import is in the lead... VW, which also includes Audi, has the highest satisfaction in 2008 followed by GM. I drove my friend's new Audi and I am fair; it's a great vehicle.

Again this is about full size trucks; anyone own a 2008 Tundra that has also driven 2008 full size trucks on here beside me? I was unimpressed with the Tundra's handling,room and capabilities.

I also doubt I will be buying a Yaris anytime soon by the way.

2nd Jun 2008, 11:04

First of all, I don't believe for a single second that VW or Audi could be anywhere near the top of that list. ALL of the people I know who own or have owned a VW or Audi have had absolutely horrific problems. My Wife's Mom, two of my friends, a former co-worker, and countless other people I have run into have had unbelievably bad problems with these cars. We're talking about cracked intake manifolds, transmissions that burn up, countless electrical gremlins, and beyond. My Wife's Mom's car has a problem where all of the interior lighting will suddenly turn off at night. This is a 2003 Jetta with less than 40,000 miles. NOTHING VW or Audi makes is worth the pot metal they're slapped together with. Just read the reviews here. They're almost hilarious.

Secondly, the only argument so far that seems to be rather persistent is that somehow, as if by magic, the "new" Toyotas and Hondas aren't as good as the "old" models. Ahhh... I see. So far, the reviews for it are no different than the previous generation, meaning that on average, the consumer experience has been positive. My Mom has a 2007 Honda CR-V. 78,000 miles and no problems later, she's a happy camper. In fact, of all the people I know who own a Toyota or Honda - or as you all like to generically call "Imports", none have had any issues whatsoever.

But to be fair, I agree that GM and Ford have made vast improvements in their lineup. In my opinion, the new Malibu and Taurus (which is really a Volvo Platform using many Mazda components) are in some ways nicer than the new Camry, which has become somewhat dull and pedestrian. The fit and finish on many Ford and GM vehicles is superior to what these companies made just 5-10 years ago. But the quality of their products back then was absolutely awful, so it is quite easy to make a dramatic improvement. Even so, GM and Ford are still losing billions of dollars in North America. Their only salvation is that they were smart enough to get into the markets of developing countries such as China, India, and parts of Asia and Africa. Smart move. Otherwise I seriously doubt they would still be around much less be making cars anymore.

The big picture is that automotive manufacturing is less about patriotic pride and nationalism and more about international cooperation. My Tacoma was made 15 miles from where I sit- in Fremont CA. It actually has GM parts under the hood such as the AC compressor and radiator. Other parts come from Denso USA in Tennessee. Still others come from California, Mexico, Japan, and Canada. The brand might be Japanese, but the origin of its components are truly international. This is a 13 year old truck. New vehicles are even more of this nature. The new Ford Fusion is based on a Mazda 5 platform using an engine developed by both Ford and Mazda, with a crank forged in India, and assembled in Mexico. A far cry from the Fords of the 50's, when they were made in Dearborn MI with all American parts made in humming US factories, with US workers toiling away at a press all day.

This range of co-development and manufacturing is what makes modern cars better and better. This is why some brands such as Ford and GM are now doing much better than they were. If they were to have continued down the path that they were a few years ago, they wouldn't have survived. This was because Japanese cars were vastly superior to their products and were gradually eating their lunch. Perhaps this huge disparity between quality no longer exists. But it is safe to say that without that type of competition, GM would still be making throwaway garbage with little regard to consumer satisfaction. So for those of you who continually bash 'imports' as being bad, you have such foreign brands to thank for forcing your beloved 'domestic' brands to get their act together for your own benefit.

Don't get me wrong - GM and Ford have made big improvements. But my money still goes for the brand that has never EVER let me down. Toyota. Until I start seeing the majority of GM or Ford products lasting 15-20 years with 250k on the odometer, I am still not convinced because I have yet to see that happen.

2nd Jun 2008, 15:11

Again, this is my review of my truck. I don't know what you guys are talking about. My 2002 Tundra is great, as I said in the review. For me, this was not intended to start some fight of Japanese vs American. I love my Tundra. And I love my wife's Windstar too. Who cares where they are made. A good vehicle is a good vehicle, no matter who makes it.

3rd Jun 2008, 16:07

11:04 The latest report is exactly that (RECENT); again what you had 5 or more years ago is irrelevant. It's thousands of most recent ownership. Again an import is in first place, Honda 3, Toyota 5.

I agree with what works, have a domestic and an import, it's your money. I also agree go by applications... the 2002 Tundra owner might have a light applications, but others need a heavier duty truck for towing and loads. Where are Toyotas 3/4 ton and above for example?

Each of us has our own applications and budget. I would not accept a lousy warranty; at least pay for an aftermarket warranty, even with a deductible. I wish I did that on my last Honda. The newest ones are not non problematic we found.