The problem is not with german engineering not making a good product, because quite often they do.
The problem is german marketing. They seem to always demand that you drink the kool-aid. It isn’t enough to buy a car because it has a good price and fills your needs. They seem to want you to be enthusiastic about their item because of its contribution to your eternal salvation, and it’s just a damn car!
Unless it's a Porsche, of course...there IS no substitute! ;-)