While there was certainly room for improvement of quality, continued nosalgia for American cars of the '60s is evidence that Detroit wasn't that far off mark. Yeah, the Pinto and Vega were crap. But one must consider that they were hurriedly rushed into production in response to the Arab Oil Embargo more so than simple market preference for Japanese quality. True, having time to work out the production kinks in their product, Japanese fuel-sippers were better positioned to take advantage of the market shift dictated by OPEC, and it took American manufacturers some time to regain lost ground.
I'm not trying to be an apologist for the Pinto or Vega, even though they do have a bizarre cult following among the frugal minded. Just trying to keep the market of the '70s in perspective.
Uh, Willy, you need to brush up on your car chronology.
The Ford Pinto came out in '71, and if memory serves the Vega first hit the market the same year.
The Arab oil embargo and gas shortages didn't happen until late '73 after the Yom Kippur War.
I had a Pinto, a '73 wagon, which served me well at the time even though it was underpowered to the point of having to join the 18-wheelers when going uphill with a passenger or two.
Earlier, I'd test-driven a VW Bug but it had serious legroom problems. The dealer offered to move the seat back a few inches but then the steering wheel was on my kneecap. And then any backseat passengers would need to be small children or midgets.
Fuel economy is nice. Getting to where you're going without need of a chiropractic adjustment when you arrive is better.