The Cars Were Never Better — But It Probably Doesn’t Matter

NMA ^ | 12/24/08 | Eric Peters

[-YYZ-]

Yes, the article notes:
“The incidence of problems, recalls, etc. is actually lower for some American-brand cars than for Toyota and Honda.”
But that’s comparing certain Big Three vehicle models against the corporate average for Toyota or Honda (Nissan is, sad to say as someone who likes Nissan, not so good). However, I think we can fairly compare Cadillac or Lincoln to Lexus or Acura - A Cadillac is just a Chevy, really, but by the same token a Lexus is really just a Toyota - and they come out pretty well there.

I personally generally prefer the interior fit and finish, and driving characteristics, of Japanese cars, but I think it’s fair to say that at least some vehicle models from the big 3 are as good as, or even better than, their Japanese competition. And some of the models produced by the much-respected Toyota and Honda are pretty miserable. I must admit that I really didn’t give the domestics fair consideration the last time I was car shopping. I mean sure, they built a lot of crap for years, but not so many years ago Hyundais were a joke, and today they build a pretty decent car.

[PistolPaknMama]

Ha ha! Yes I did buy one! Very classy car, dark green with a white vinyl top. The stupid thing cut off every time I slowed down, like to turn in a parking lot or at a red light. And the day before cell phones, I got by little baby and walked somewhere to make a phone call.

I don't even remember what we did with that car but it was awful. Blowing it up would have been a good thing.

[-YYZ-]

“Design and “feel” drive the emotional part of the purchase decision and domestics are seriously outclassed.”

I would tend to agree, as far as interior design, materials, and fit and finish are concerned, but IMO the big 3 have some models with much more interesting exterior styling. Chrysler may actually be the leader in that area, but they have some of the weakest interiors.

[UCANSEE2]

You do know that the 300’s and the Pacifica (and the Crossfire) are built by M.B. ?

[reg45]

Volare! Oh! Oh!

[dfwgator]

VOOOOOOOOLARE...........

[Lancey Howard]

Come see,
Volare today,
Ride small,
the comfortable way.

Vo-la-re
Whoa, whoa

Vo-la-re
Whoa whoa whoa.

[XR7]

IMO, much of the poor quality in vehicles in those days was due to the manufacturers experimenting with new materials to keep weight down to meet Government MPG standards; using new, unproven production processes to keep costs down due to increasingly outrageous union labor costs; and the general indifference to quality by that union workforce.

You nailed it!

[Paul Ross]

You do know that the 300’s and the Pacifica (and the Crossfire) are built by M.B. ?

No, only the Crossfire...which was designed by Chrysler.

[Paul Ross]

As noted by one of the major trade mags online...

... the Chrysler Pacifica was developed in 30 months at a cost below $1 billion. Production began in early 2003 at the Windsor, Ontario Assembly Plant. While it is built in the same plant as Chrysler and Dodge minivans, there are several differences aside from sheet metal to accommodate a different engine, the fold-flat seats, and the additional options.

[zeebee]

One big problem is with cars being so well made, we don’t need to keep buying new ones.

[UCANSEE2]

Thanks for providing a correction to my comment.

[citizen]

“de plane boss, de plane!”

Q: What type of M&M’s did Tattoo eat?

A: de Plain, de Plain.