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Dump? As in build $billions in factories right here in the US, employing thousands of Americans to build those vehicles? If that is dumping, then we need more of it. And don't pontificate about "at the expense of GM, Ford, Jeep, Chrysler and AMC. The Japanese makes got their reputation not by importing junk or inferior products. They imported what consumers wanted. Honda and Toyota set the standard for auto quality that the US makers have still not quite caught up with - though the US manufacturing has hurt the quality control pretty hard of late (particularly Toyota). Funny that the Lexus moniker - essentially built with the same engineering and platform as some of the Toyota models recalled - don't seem to have the same issue. But then again, the Lexus-branded vehicles are still manufactured in Japan. And maybe we need some protectionism... Chrysler was majority-owned by a German company (Daimler-Benz), then was sold back to mostly US interests - then bailed out by Obama - then sold to the French... wonderful. GM is still essentially owned (for practical purposes) by the Federal Government. And if I owned a company and could prevent a competitor with an inferior product buy out a controlling interest in my company - I would. That being said - Mazda's quality has been a bit hit-or-miss over the last 15 years or so. Even when Honda and Toyota prices inched higher than similar US makes (and prior to the vast majority of "Jap" makes being made HERE, Americans still paid top dollar for them. Back then - you just didn't hear "rebates" and "incentives" or "0% interest" deals like the US makes have used for a long time.

Even now - when I was truck shopping (back in the Fall), I shopped Ford first (didn't take fed cash). They didn't want to make the deal we were willing to make (and I fully knew the dealer's cost and was offering a very reasonable profit margin). I looked at the Toyota Tundra - though they had some incentives, they just didn't make it to where I was willing to pay. Finally bought a Nissan Titan and so far, love it. No way was I going to buy a Chevrobama or GMC Fedmobile. And the Dodge that I drooled over - again - the price just didn't match what I was willing to turn loose of. Your post reminds me of what my step-father pontificates over (he grew up in Detroit and is a brainwashed union supporter). I take no thrill in seeing Toyota's problems - because that means owners have problems - a problem that could risk MY life if that opposing driver has his gas pedal stick and can't stop at the light/stop sign. I will admit to secretly thinking the Prius issue is funny... or what I call the Toyota Pretentious...