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I assert that American cars hit the wall in 1973 when all the air pollution devices were hung on them. V8s typically went from about 300hp down to less that 200 with a commensurate loss in performance and mileage.

It took Detroit about 20+ years to learn how to build new cars with performance and low defects. The Japanese learned very quickly, and here we are.

Detroit also had some problems with styling. I am not sure what happened, but they built some dogs for many years. They also must have thought that no one had families any more when they dropped the station wagons.

I assert that American cars hit the wall in 1973 when all the air pollution devices were hung on them. V8s typically went from about 300hp down to less that 200 with a commensurate loss in performance and mileage. It took Detroit about 20+ years to learn how to build new cars with performance and low defects. The Japanese learned very quickly, and here we are. Detroit also had some problems with styling. I am not sure what happened, but they built some dogs for many years. They also must have thought that no one had families any more when they dropped the station wagons

My first vehicle was a 1973 Chevy C10 which was trouble from day one. Being young and full of pride in America and everything made in America nonsense, three years later I bought/ordered a new 1978 Chevy El Camino with a 200 V6 to save gas. After one year I realized I still have 3 years to go on a car loan for a pile a junk that I had to keep running no matter how much it cost. I kept it going by carrying a case of oil in spark plugs with me at all times until 1986. I bought a used 82 BMW and have never regretted buying foreign cars and trucks since.

Detroit took its customer base for granted...

While many blame the unions, it was management who agreed to their demands.

Mismanagement and attempts at quick fixes have caused horrible long term damage to Detroit and her brands.

Personally I think Detroits biggest problem has been mismanagement, across the board. Only at a place like GM could you be accused of sexual harrassment 8 times and still have a job in the same company.

It does seem that finally they are starting a turn around, GM rediscovered styling, at least partially... etc etc etc.

Time will tell.

I agree with you, the problems for the big 3 were caused by new emissions standards, because the auto makers dropped the ball on Quality control and customer expectations for reliability had changed from the 50's. In the 20's it was not considered unusual to be fixing some part of a car at least monthly, by the 60's this would have been considered unacceptable by almost all car buyers.

The loss of power was caused in part by engine downsizing and loss of compression due to unleaded gas. However the American cars were underpowered compared to imports with similar size engines and 500-1000 lbs less weight.

Then there is the disaster that was the 90 degree v-6, these engines could not be balanced and shook themselves to pieces. The engine would need to be replaced by 60K miles.

As for the problems with styling, they were not new, ever hear of five pound hood ornaments? However some of the ugliest cars built came out of Detroit, although I am sure that there are some real eyesores that never were brought to this country.