It seems like you can't be an Audi lover and even have any respect for American cars. Give your vote
11-17-2003, 09:02 AM
#34
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US cars are improving...
I think they've come a long way since the 1970s and early 1980s in terms of quality and reliability, but in general, the quality of the interiors/plastics used are still not to snuff as in an Audi. On the other hand, they do generally cost less to maintain and service than a Teutonic chariot. Their trucks are pretty good though.
I do like the some of the bold and daring designs that have come out, like the Caddy CTS.
I do like the some of the bold and daring designs that have come out, like the Caddy CTS.
11-17-2003, 09:03 AM
#35
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Re: So your last good experience was in 1951?
No. From '72 until '89 when I donated the 504.
Never had a drive train problem in all that time and the car was easy to service and work on. I had 4 wheel disks and a sunroof for $3200 30 years ago. Great car but poor company support for dealers and owners.
Never had a drive train problem in all that time and the car was easy to service and work on. I had 4 wheel disks and a sunroof for $3200 30 years ago. Great car but poor company support for dealers and owners.
11-17-2003, 09:03 AM
#36
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I like my '66 Cadillac convertible, but I wish it did not constantly need something fixed.
Otherwise, most American cars just do not hold up either in engineering, reliability, fit & finish, or handling/performance.
11-17-2003, 10:31 AM
#37
Maybe my expectations are too high.
I want plastics that don't look cheap, brittle, and have flashing left behind from the molding process that cuts my hands. I want interior trim to be attched with scews I don't immediately see upon entering the car. If the car has less than 100K on the clock, then I shouldn't hear more than a slight squeak or rattle every now and then. All basic controls should work - like heater, a/c, fan, radio, windows, etc.
When I drive around a corner, I don't want to feel like the suspension has an agenda of its own, quite seperate from mine - which gets much worse after the first 40K. The engine shouldn't wheeze or clatter for at least 200K. The doors should close without secondary shudders or sounds.
I'm not asking for the impossible. Our 1994 Alfa 164 does all that and then some. In fact even my old Milano does most of those things even at it's advanced age. Our pickup is reasonably well made for such a simple device, but I'm betting it won't be long before even that bastion of American car sales, will decline with the increasing selection of foreign built large work trucks. Had there been a V8 Toyota Tundra in our price range, it would have received close consideration - and I am no lover of Toyota!
We rent a lot of cars on our travels, and our current favourites are the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6. Leagues ahead of their domestic competition. Those cars sell based on how they feel, drive, and look. They don't need the massive rebates to make them attractive.
When I drive around a corner, I don't want to feel like the suspension has an agenda of its own, quite seperate from mine - which gets much worse after the first 40K. The engine shouldn't wheeze or clatter for at least 200K. The doors should close without secondary shudders or sounds.
I'm not asking for the impossible. Our 1994 Alfa 164 does all that and then some. In fact even my old Milano does most of those things even at it's advanced age. Our pickup is reasonably well made for such a simple device, but I'm betting it won't be long before even that bastion of American car sales, will decline with the increasing selection of foreign built large work trucks. Had there been a V8 Toyota Tundra in our price range, it would have received close consideration - and I am no lover of Toyota!
We rent a lot of cars on our travels, and our current favourites are the Subaru Legacy and Mazda 6. Leagues ahead of their domestic competition. Those cars sell based on how they feel, drive, and look. They don't need the massive rebates to make them attractive.
11-17-2003, 10:37 AM
#38
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The Tundra is US-built
Due to heavier duties on light trucks, nearly all of the Japanese brand light trucks are assembled in North America. I think it's really only the high $$$ models like the Land Cruiser that are still built in the Land of the Rising Sun.
11-17-2003, 11:14 AM
#39
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I like our Suburban for what it is, an out and out family hauler
that you can fit anything you need in and tow anything behind! No problems to date 53k miles. However there is no american car I would drive. I rent them all the time, and without exception they all s&ck. The worst is the Ford Mustang, Holy Crap is that a horrible car!
11-17-2003, 11:19 AM
#40
You are correct. Neither the car nor the factory was designed here however.
My Japanese built Toyo truck was the biggest POS I've ever owned, so it would take quite a bit of good vibes to overcome that ;-)