24th Sep 2009, 20:50

This is a sad commentary on compassion in America. We'd rather pay more money for less reliable Japanese vehicles and destroy the lives of 90% of our own workers.

And YES, you CAN buy computers, watches, cell phones, stereos and anything else you could ever want from American industries. All three of my cars are domestics, my cell phone was made by an American company, all three of my TV's were made by American companies, My 32-year-old microwave was made in Ohio, all my kitchen appliances were made in the USA, (22 years ago, and never a problem) my watch was made in the US, and the computer I am typing on was made less than 5 miles from my home (it cost less than HALF of what a Japanese computer cost and came with THREE TIMES the warranty). All you have to do is spend 10 minutes on the internet researching where the company that makes the merchandise you are seeking is located. People who really care about our jobs, our neighbors and our future take the time to do that.

25th Sep 2009, 12:24

20:50.

No it is not a sad commentary - You just can't see the forest for the trees.

You try to make everybody who doesn't agree with you to be some kind of import driving anti-American. Well I am an American and drive an American car, and I disagree with everything that you have said in these posts. Sorry.

25th Sep 2009, 15:48

I would like to commend 20:50 for doing the exact same as our large family has finally realized. We are doing that. And more finally as well.

We switched from Hondas, had many drivetrain issues, and were astounded how nice our new domestics are. It was Honda after Honda; the ads worked, but the cars did not. Perfect timing with the bad economy. We could care less as long as they held up.. It made switching even easier from disgust.

25th Sep 2009, 20:50

If this was true (and you give not a shred of evidence that it is) then why are Ford and GM at the top of long-term reliability rankings of both J. D. Powers and Consumer Reports?

26th Sep 2009, 09:44

20:50 I gladly paid more for my newest domestics and got a standard 100,000 mile warranty.

I have domestic V8 engines and they are great for us. Even the mileage is pretty amazing with overdrive etc. I have gotten 30 MPG on trips.

If there is any greed, is it not offering the best warranty on the market; if the cars and trucks are clearly so superior, what's the loss? Saying it's not needed is not keeping me with imports.

I also found after 100,000 miles even long ago I still had expensive issues with Honda, Nissan as well. If I have a car or truck that keeps me out of the repair department up to 100,000 miles and then sell I am happy.

I have seen individuals with major import issues with as little as 12000 miles. It's great that the warranty is in effect then, but so is the Car Fax reports when you sell or trade. I learned CarFax helps the buyer... I am expecting no serious issues down the road on my newest domestics and retain a clear CarFax. I like CarFax as it does show maintenance performed. I had a small scratch on my truck repaired and it is on the CarFax even.

I look at everything; if Honda or Nissan had a far superior warranty, and perfect service, I would buy if I really like the vehicle. But service is what keeps me. I have owned over a dozen new ones and service is what keeps me in the fold. I think 150,000 mile warranty would be would impress me. If it's the best, offer the best.

26th Sep 2009, 10:03

They are now. And that's because they realize people won't be buying from then if they don't clean up there act. The domestic's of the 80's and 90's are a perfect example of greed and low customer satisfaction. It took the Big 3 this long to actually build vehicles that keep up with the competition? That really is unfortunate.

6th Mar 2010, 20:55

You need to look in the door jam of your Chevy pickup, and it will tell you how much of it is made in USA. Look at a brand new Tundra; you will see that it is made in Texas and only 10% of parts are imported, versus 60% imported parts from Mexico that go into your Silverado. I'm just mad because Toyota built more durable truks in Japan. Now driving a 'yota is like driving a crappy Chevy, falling apart going down the road.

7th Mar 2010, 10:56

I agree. They built them much better in Japan. Have driven newer 'yota's and Honda's, and have noticed a large quality drop since they began building in the States.

12th Apr 2010, 16:58

Both our Japanese cars were built in Japan in the 80's. Both were some of the most poorly made cars we ever owned. I don't really think they could have gotten any worse. At least they didn't lock the doors, jam the accelerator wide open, lock out Neutral, Park and reverse and kill us.

13th Apr 2010, 08:56

Can we please get back to reviewing cars & trucks, and cease with the "Domestic vs. Import" rhetoric?

13th Apr 2010, 14:19

I personally find great value in comparing all full size trucks import and domestic. I buy new ones and test them all and only buy 1. No rhetoric in that. I really disliked the Tundra ride and handling, but I drove one and likely will again when I go new again to see what's been improved on, if anything.

13th Apr 2010, 16:43

I never had an 80's Japanese car. My '76 Civic hadn't died yet! Sold it in '89 with over 500,000 miles. It was still running fine even then!

I can see you also brought Toyota into the mix with your last statement there. Here's something to think about: Only American made Toyota's are affected by the recall. There are no reports of Japanese built Toyota's having any sort of unintended acceleration issues.

14th Apr 2010, 11:42

I totally agree with 14:19. When I'm in the market for a car or truck, I test-drive a lot of different makes, both foreign and domestic. I then buy the one that impresses me the most and is the most solidly built. That's why I have not owned a Japanese vehicle since the late 80's. Japanese car companies use much smaller, flimsier and more cheaply designed components in some of the most vital areas (such as axle, frame and suspension components). This has been especially true of the Tundra from day one. The Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram are all extremely good trucks. That's why our company uses all three. There's not a Japanese truck or van in the fleet.

13th May 2010, 23:18

"There are no reports of Japanese built Toyota's having any sort of unintended acceleration issues."

This probably has a lot to do with the fact that Japan has much less strict safety laws regarding recalls. U.S. auto makers issue VOLUNTARY recalls. Japanese companies ONLY issue recalls when forced to by law. In Japan there are not going to be the same strict rules governing recalls. That is the main reason for Toyota, Honda and Nissan's recall dilemma. Toyota is now being FORCED to recall cars dating back to the 90's because they ignored the problems and took a "let the buyer beware" approach. I would not be at all surprised if Toyota is not eventually FORCED to recall virtually every product it has made in the past TWO DECADES. I strongly suspect that the truth will also rear its ugly head with Honda and Nissan as well. Ignoring public safety and concealing defects will eventually catch up to a company, no matter how much ad hype they pump out.