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Michael G.
04-26-2025, 11:33 AM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts

jimhoward
04-26-2025, 12:37 PM
I bought a new Corvette in 1993 that I drove for a few years. Other than that I've never owned or even considered any GM vehicle at any time in the last 50 years (I am 68). It is not perceived lack of quality or value, its just that none have appealed to me.

MarshBendLover
04-26-2025, 01:51 PM
GM failed so many times. Towards the end, they built all their pontiac vehicles to look the same, then cut their own throats by making a gto look like a piece of s___.

I don't have a Dodge, but working in the industry, they look the best and run the best. It started with the Dodge truck design in the 90s with the tractor trailer front end design. Then they started retro builds which have far out sold other usa manufacturers for luxury, speed and reliability.

As far as all vehicles, nothing in the US even comes close to foreign cars for luxury, speed and reliability.

1) MB
2) Audi
3) BMW
4) Genesis
5) Acura

Cadillac and Lincoln may end up in top 10. Corvette is a phallic symbol and isn't really a car to consider when you compare to Cadillac and Lincoln, buy why even consider it when foreign cars are TOP.

Ecuadog
04-26-2025, 03:02 PM
I'm a Toyota guy, but even Toyota has made a few mistakes recently. I don't like small dispacement turbo-charged engines. I don't think that they'll last for as long as I like to keep my vehicles.

Last September, I replaced a 2008 Toyota with what I consider one the last, most reliable vehicles ever made, a 2024 Toyota 4Runner with a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine. I expect it to outlast me.

Michael G.
04-26-2025, 05:05 PM
As far as all vehicles, nothing in the US even comes close to foreign cars for luxury, speed and reliability.

1) MB
2) Audi
3) BMW
4) Genesis
5) Acura



Check the Comsumer Reports and J.D. Power Car Value & Ratings.

Your expensive foreign makes, Audi, BMW. Mercedes, etc. are terrible for frequence of repairs and dependability.

Did I mention expensive.

Stu from NYC
04-26-2025, 05:35 PM
Been driving camrys for many years find them very reliable. Have a 2021 now and very happy.

Rumor has it they will only sell as hybrid in future that might give me a reason to go elsewhere.

Michael G.
04-26-2025, 06:18 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/gm-recalls-877-000-chevy-cadillac-and-gmc-trucks-and-suvs-could-be-at-risk-of-engine-failure-feds-say/ar-AA1DGgh1?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=2a30be28436243ee881442ba993062a7&ei=49

Ecuadog
04-26-2025, 06:28 PM
...

Rumor has it they will only sell as hybrid in future that might give me a reason to go elsewhere.

Not a rumor. Toyota hybrids are very reliable. No reason to go elsewhere.

OrangeBlossomBaby
04-26-2025, 06:36 PM
My first Ford Explorer Sport SUV was awesome. Had a hole in the oil tank and the engine seized. The next one was horrible. My first VW Rabbit was amazing for a couple of years, until something happened to it. I don't remember what. It was probably traumatic. My Subaru Wagon was okay, but it didn't have air conditioning. Not a wise idea. My VW Microbus was the bomb diggety. I miss it. My Jaguar X-Type was the sweetest, best, most magnificent car I've ever owned, but then I blew the transmission less than 2 years after I bought it. $20k down the drain, I couldn't afford the new tranny AND scheduled maintenance. My Hyundai Excel was horrible and I hated it, and it lasted me over 5 years. My Scion XD was horrible and I hated it and it lasted me over 10 years. I'm really enjoying my Sentra. I give it a year before something bad happens to it.

coralway
04-27-2025, 01:36 AM
My ‘08 RAV 4 is gold. When I was a kid, I yearned for a Vette, but couldn’t afford it. Now I can afford it, I have zero interest. My RAV 4 does the NY to Fla. drive twice a year- zero problems. It’s old and gold

Deandd
04-27-2025, 06:04 AM
Toyota, Honda & Subaru produce more cars in the US than GM …. Lexus/Toyota have been rated Nr 1 for reliability/less customer complaints for years ….

mfodale
04-27-2025, 06:30 AM
Toyota, Honda & Subaru produce more cars in the US than GM …. Lexus/Toyota have been rated Nr 1 for reliability/less customer complaints for years ….
2024 Made in America Auto Index (https://kogod.american.edu/autoindex/2024)

Subaru not so much...

LonnyP
04-27-2025, 06:55 AM
Had an 02 Corvette, I loved it but hated having to fix stuff all the time. Newer Vettes may be more reliable now but I am out on GM period. We are completely Toyota now. Two Highlanders, and a Toyota Crown now. The Crown, a hybrid, is an awesome and great looking car. Made in an SUV now too, and did I mention 45mpg? Nothing but Toyota for the rest of this lifetime for me.

Switter
04-27-2025, 07:00 AM
I'm a Toyota guy, but even Toyota has made a few mistakes recently. I don't like small dispacement turbo-charged engines. I don't think that they'll last for as long as I like to keep my vehicles.

Last September, I replaced a 2008 Toyota with what I consider one the last, most reliable vehicles ever made, a 2024 Toyota 4Runner with a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine. I expect it to outlast me.

I bought a 2024 Tacoma 4 x 4. I was a little worried about a four-cylinder turbo but as I understand it, the turbo four-cylinder's have been used for a while in the Lexus line and well tested. The Celica's also ran them all the way back to the 80s.

I'm not a GM guy but I had a 2012 Impala that lasted 190,000 miles. That was an awesome car. It also had 300 hp.

Personally, I blame some of this on all the ridiculous fuel economy standards that auto manufacturers have to meet. It's forced manufacturers to do all kinds of hacks to vehicles to meet the standard, like shutting off vehicles when stopped, turning off cylinders while driving (a big problem with GM trucks), etc. All of these things make the vehicles less reliable and more expensive to purchase and to fix.

Maybe it's just a psychological thing for me, but I would not buy a vehicle that shut off when I come to a stop. I've driven a couple and I don't like the hesitation that occurs when you let off the break. Thankfully my Taco does not do that.

aldeana
04-27-2025, 07:02 AM
I've owned a Prius for the last 10 years. Only 1 repair bill in the entire period: new accessory battery, $400. I spend on oil changes and filters, and one set of new tires. Love it! Not an impressive looking car, but it is my Old Faithful.

nn0wheremann
04-27-2025, 07:13 AM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts
My 2010 Malibu is still in the family with 160,000+ miles, has yet to burn a quart of oil.

My ‘07 HHR was still running strong and reliable at 140,000 miles when I traded it for a 2017 Subaru Forester. The HHR had become too small. I switched brands because the sales people at Nahas Chevy were as crooked as a dog’s hind leg. Liars.

airstreamingypsy
04-27-2025, 07:23 AM
Check the Comsumer Reports and J.D. Power Car Value & Ratings.

Your expensive foreign makes, Audi, BMW. Mercedes, etc. are terrible for frequence of repairs and dependability.

Did I mention expensive.

I'm driving my 4th Mercedes, a 2011 ML SUV, I got my first one in 1975. Yes they are expensive to buy and maintain, but life it too short to drive ordinary cars.

daca55
04-27-2025, 07:25 AM
GM is cutting their own throat. They have discontinued a lot of good cars under the guise of building all electric cars. The CEO has to go as she has no clue what people want. I have always been a GM guy. I have owned many Gm cars. I currently own a 2015 Impala and a 1994 Corvette. I have owned 3 Impalas and this one is the best. So what does GM do they decided to stop making them. GM has gone way down hill. Who would have of thought that out of all the great cars they have made in the past the one that outlasted is the Buick. The cars they make now are all SUVs and some of them are garbage.

CosmicTrucker
04-27-2025, 07:30 AM
I was a GM customer for most of my adult life, along with a fair share of imports. Just before I retired, I purchased a new 2022 Chevy Silverado Z71. It was a very nice and comfortable truck that had a pampered life with me. However, the transmission's torque converter failed at just 29,000 miles! After the repairs were completed, I traded it in for a Lexus GX. I doubt I will return as a GM customer.

merrymini
04-27-2025, 07:45 AM
Owned a Prius, three of them, and they were all hybrids, terrific car and got about 55 miles to the gallon on my runs from NJ to FL. Don’t do that run anymore but have a Camry which has the Prius technology. Great car. A little heavier and quieter and a but more comfortable than the Prius. Very happy with this vehicle but wish it had the cool look they gave the new Prius. A keeper, I have had terrific luck with the hybrids.

Topspinmo
04-27-2025, 07:48 AM
I was strictly GM and Ford guy couple Mopars till around 2012. Have Honda now which has be one of most reliable cars I’ve owned compared to my 71 Torino GT. Agree GM and ford had lost they way. Who puts water pump in side crank case timing chain cover? Todays care are too much computer controlled won’t last depending on environment. Who builds vehicles computer programming when backup camera goes out the vehicle dead. IMO a big three went down hill around 1973. Early 80s was disaster. Been trying to recover ever since IMO.

Nell57
04-27-2025, 07:49 AM
Been driving camrys for many years find them very reliable. Have a 2021 now and very happy.

Rumor has it they will only sell as hybrid in future that might give me a reason to go elsewhere.

No worries there. I had a 2008 Camry hybrid. I drove it, then my daughter….on to the grandson. We finally sold it in 2023 with 173k miles. The original hybrid batteries were still great.
Toyotas are the workhorse of the industry.

OrangeBlossomBaby
04-27-2025, 07:50 AM
I'm driving my 4th Mercedes, a 2011 ML SUV, I got my first one in 1975. Yes they are expensive to buy and maintain, but life it too short to drive ordinary cars.

Totally agree. If I could afford it, I'd have two Jags. One to drive while the other's in the shop. It's a Jaguar joke and very apt. It'd be twins of this: Access Denied (https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1983/jaguar/xj_vanden_plas/102077792)

To fully restore it'd be around $50K including a new straight 6 engine. Plus I'd change the exterior color - one would be British Racing Green (a British Motors color) and the other would be burgundy.

Good luck with the US ever making such a sleek, delicious, decadent, delightful vehicle. Corvettes are tacky. They're "look at me I have a fancy car!" while Jags are "I'm too awesome to care if you look at me or not"

opinionist
04-27-2025, 07:51 AM
I liked the Geo Metro many years ago, but they dropped that line. I always wanted to buy American, but GM never cared about fuel efficiency. I had a diesel Rabbit, which I fit into comfortably. The diesel Golf that followed seemed reliable. Finally, I went for the Toyota Prius and have not been disappointed. I have a 2020 Prius that gets up to 70 MPG. That line only seems to get better.

rsmurano
04-27-2025, 08:11 AM
I owned 2 gm trucks over 40 years ago. They have nothing exciting, not even the corvette. The only other American built car/truck I’ve owned was the newer ford f-150, which is the best truck ever made, if you need a truck. But it had a fatal problem where it just stopped at anytime at any speed and they wouldn’t do a class wide recall so we got rid of it.
We’ve been a Nissan car family and buy a new 1 almost every 2 years: 7 z’s, 7 maximas, 2 pathfinders, 2 xterras. Have also owned multiple audi sports cars, and multiple Porsches.
I’ve only owned 3 cars that I held long enough to buy tires for, normally they would be traded in before they need tires.
As for the future, probably less Nissans but more German autos.

ithos
04-27-2025, 08:42 AM
With CVTs and turbochargers, don't count on newer models to have the same longevity as in the past. Also the repairs will be much more expensive and they will require more maintenance as well as be less forgiving of poor driving habits.
Why you shouldn’t get a CVT transmission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktdgRxBoKMM
Here’s Why Turbos Suck - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8ifZJ1kLy14)

Lancer
04-27-2025, 08:42 AM
My first Toyota was a 1966 Corolla. A POS. First head gasket blew then the oil light came on. Replaced the sender switch then the oil pump. Then the main and rod bearings. Then the crankshaft broke in two. Bought a Ford Mustang. Had two Toyotas in the 2000’s. Both were Prius’s. Good cars.

ElDiabloJoe
04-27-2025, 09:08 AM
I have had many Toyotas (Tundras, tacomas, forerunners) over the years, Mrs. EDJ currently has a Rav-4 that replaced her Avalon. All have run like sewing machines and required only standard maintenance. One I had over 17 years.

I really like that they not only hold their value pretty well, but they do not over-think on your behalf. Like the earlier poster mentioned about the "feature" that allows Fords, etc. to stop and turn off at an intersection. Not only does that annoy the crap out of me, but the A/C or heater stops during that "stopped" periods.

Had a few German cars. One BMW 5-series blew a thermostat break and the radiator blow up in the In-N-Out drive thru. Bought a brand new Mercedes E-500 with the new body style in 2002. It was about $70,000. Four years later, I could barely get $14,000 for it. I will never buy a German death wagon ever again.

Currently have an F-150. Too many electronics, does too much thinking for me. I can decide when to put the recirculating air on and off in the cabin, thank you. I can decide when I do or do not want high beams on, thank you. Also, just outside of warranty, the trick-wazoo power tailgate blew. They want $1,100 to fix it. For a thousand-plus dollars I'll open and close my own tailgate, thank you.

It's going to get sold and I'm going back to Toyota.

Dustybrogan
04-27-2025, 09:16 AM
I own an Acura MDX and it is a nice driving car, but last year it had two recalls, one was that the engine might fail and the other was that the fuel pump might fail. They said just park the car because they didn’t have any parts to correct the problems.
They finally inspected and corrected the problems about a year later , after more government scrutiny I might add. The service was handled well (finally) , but not exactly what one would expect from Acura.
I think the days of buying a car with no recalls or maintenance problems (as most of my previous cars from different manufacturers) are over.

CFrance
04-27-2025, 10:08 AM
Check the Comsumer Reports and J.D. Power Car Value & Ratings.

Your expensive foreign makes, Audi, BMW. Mercedes, etc. are terrible for frequence of repairs and dependability.

Did I mention expensive.
My 2005 Audi 4A was ridiculously breakable. Worst car I ever owned in terms of repairs. I mean... when was the last time your windshield wiper motor burned out? That's just one example of the crazy things that broke on that car.

Topspinmo
04-27-2025, 11:25 AM
GM is cutting their own throat. They have discontinued a lot of good cars under the guise of building all electric cars. The CEO has to go as she has no clue what people want. I have always been a GM guy. I have owned many Gm cars. I currently own a 2015 Impala and a 1994 Corvette. I have owned 3 Impalas and this one is the best. So what does GM do they decided to stop making them. GM has gone way down hill. Who would have of thought that out of all the great cars they have made in the past the one that outlasted is the Buick. The cars they make now are all SUVs and some of them are garbage.

Mr France and Mr ford would be pulling their hair out? IMO Ford just as bad, who puts small foreign V8 engine in thunderbird. Idiots that who, when they had one best SB engines on planet. Who makes aluminum heads for V8s with 4 threads holding in spark plugs in? idiots, who puts water pumps inside front timing chain cover in oiling system ? idiots that’s who.

Birdrm
04-27-2025, 11:31 AM
I owned Toyota and Mazda autos until I was almost 50 years old, I purchased a Dodge vehicle and it was the worse car I have ever owned! Since then I have driven an Infinity and currently have a Genesis! I will never buy a US auto ever again!

Danube
04-27-2025, 12:59 PM
Totally agree. If I could afford it, I'd have two Jags. One to drive while the other's in the shop. It's a Jaguar joke and very apt. It'd be twins of this: Access Denied (https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1983/jaguar/xj_vanden_plas/102077792)

To fully restore it'd be around $50K including a new straight 6 engine. Plus I'd change the exterior color - one would be British Racing Green (a British Motors color) and the other would be burgundy.

Good luck with the US ever making such a sleek, delicious, decadent, delightful vehicle. Corvettes are tacky. They're "look at me I have a fancy car!" while Jags are "I'm too awesome to care if you look at me or not"

The average Corvette customer’s age in 2019 had still climbed to 61 years old.

Heading into C8 production, individuals between 25 and 40 only accounted for 3% of sales, by dingy.

jimjamuser
04-27-2025, 01:16 PM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts
About 1955 US auto manufacturers decided to EMPHASIZE style OVER reliability. VW , MB and Volvo proved that foreign cars could be made to be reliable. Then in the 70s Japan entered the US market. Pretty soon they were producing excellently reliable cars and they were smart enough to improve their styling for the US market. Today Ford is probably the most reliable of the US brands. But, many people have their own favorite US brand.

Michael G.
04-27-2025, 01:23 PM
Question:
Which car/truck is considered American made Today??

biker1
04-27-2025, 01:53 PM
No. Ford is among the worst of the American brands according to J.D. Power. Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, Jeep, and GMC were all better. Ford did manage to beat out Chyrsler and Lincoln.

About 1955 US auto manufacturers decided to EMPHASIZE style OVER reliability. VW , MB and Volvo proved that foreign cars could be made to be reliable. Then in the 70s Japan entered the US market. Pretty soon they were producing excellently reliable cars and they were smart enough to improve their styling for the US market. Today Ford is probably the most reliable of the US brands. But, many people have their own favorite US brand.

Dilligas
04-27-2025, 02:22 PM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts
Other than 50 years ago, I have not owned an American car (overpriced and under designed) except for company cars when working. I favor Japanese Lexus, but have had Audi, Volkswagen & Fiat. The great American cars of the 50s & 60s were not perpetuated in the 70s, 80s, 90s & 2000s. Some where around 2000, American auto makers woke up and began developing competition for the Japanese cars.

craarmy
04-27-2025, 03:15 PM
So what is a forgien car these days? A Ford out of Mexico and Canada or a Toyota or Honda made in the USA?

Woodbear
04-27-2025, 03:35 PM
I sure wish Toyota still made the Avalon. To me it was a Lexus with Toyota pricing. Loved Oldsmobiles, had a 1970 W-30 442 and an Aurora.

mbene
04-27-2025, 04:33 PM
Currently drive a 2013 Chevy Cruze Eco from new, 1.4L turbo motor and 6 speed manual trans. 246k miles, had to replace the air conditioning compressor because they don't sell a replacement clutch and the thermostat leaks because they thought it was a good idea to make it plastic. Finally found a metal one and will be replacing it this week. Love the car, a blast to drive.

kingofbeer
04-27-2025, 04:37 PM
Is the Corvette a reliable car? I see many for sale here with low miles. Wondering if I should buy one 2015 and newer.

Ecuadog
04-27-2025, 04:59 PM
I sure wish Toyota still made the Avalon. To me it was a Lexus with Toyota pricing. Loved Oldsmobiles, had a 1970 W-30 442 and an Aurora.

This review of a 2025 Toyota Crown Signia may interest you.

The Nicest Toyota in 2025 video... click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx666pTESSs)

HORNET
04-27-2025, 05:30 PM
Have a good friend up north, who has a son that is Shop Manager/ fill in Mechanic at a Mercedes Dealership! He used to tell me, how many new Mercedes needed worked for workmanship problems! PS: I am a GM owner, and PS: I have a 95 Corvette, and it is still running great! I also have had Cadillac’s, also great. I will always buy American!!!!!!!!!

BunnyA
04-27-2025, 07:23 PM
I hated that our new 2024 Subaru cut off, I felt the idle was too high as it would jerk us while foot on brake, feeling like we had been hit from behind. Dealership said twice that they couldn’t do anything about it since it was required by law. The oil change guy did tell me that someone else could do work so I looked online and found a highly rated auto stop eliminator. $99 and my son who watched the YouTube video instillation had it done in a snap. Makes me happy every time I start the car and see it is off!

ithos
04-27-2025, 07:46 PM
I hated that our new 2024 Subaru cut off, I felt the idle was too high as it would jerk us while foot on brake, feeling like we had been hit from behind. Dealership said twice that they couldn’t do anything about it since it was required by law. The oil change guy did tell me that someone else could do work so I looked online and found a highly rated auto stop eliminator. $99 and my son who watched the YouTube video instillation had it done in a snap. Makes me happy every time I start the car and see it is off!

Auto Starts only make sense for Hybrids.
Why Not to Buy a Car with Stop/Start Technology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7524u5w4ZE

Tvargo
04-28-2025, 12:32 AM
I have owned a C6 2009 Corvette LS3 for 6 years. Not a single repair issue. Great styling. The C8 IMHO looks like a kids toy. However, it is awesome fast. The problem is that you can get out of second gear driving in the Villages.

J1ceasar
04-28-2025, 02:24 AM
I bought quite a few GM Buick and very happy, of course do you realize that the encore GX and money of the Buicks are now made in South Korea? The only 100% made in USA car is Tesla.
I've had several Toyotas with good quality , Volvo whose car seat never warmed up correctly, a beautiful Audi A6 that had 12 issues in 24 months. And actually stranded us on the highway to do a faulty gas meter. I'd say we've been lucky over All.
Every car company has crappy cars and some good cars it just depends who actually made them in the factory that week and let's not forget GM's fiasco with jiggly car keys turning off the car because of a 2 cent spring

RICH1
04-28-2025, 04:16 AM
I'm a Toyota guy, but even Toyota has made a few mistakes recently. I don't like small dispacement turbo-charged engines. I don't think that they'll last for as long as I like to keep my vehicles.

Last September, I replaced a 2008 Toyota with what I consider one the last, most reliable vehicles ever made, a 2024 Toyota 4Runner with a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine. I expect it to outlast me.
sorry to hear about your failing health!

dewilson58
04-28-2025, 05:47 AM
Is the Corvette a reliable car? I see many for sale here with low miles. Wondering if I should buy one 2015 and newer.

"most reliable GM".

few miles???.......it's a fun car, never a primary car. peeps just don't drive them a lot.

mrf6969
04-28-2025, 06:43 AM
GM failed so many times. Towards the end, they built all their pontiac vehicles to look the same, then cut their own throats by making a gto look like a piece of s___.

I don't have a Dodge, but working in the industry, they look the best and run the best. It started with the Dodge truck design in the 90s with the tractor trailer front end design. Then they started retro builds which have far out sold other usa manufacturers for luxury, speed and reliability.

As far as all vehicles, nothing in the US even comes close to foreign cars for luxury, speed and reliability.

1) MB
2) Audi
3) BMW
4) Genesis
5) Acura

Cadillac and Lincoln may end up in top 10. Corvette is a phallic symbol and isn't really a car to consider when you compare to Cadillac and Lincoln, buy why even consider it when foreign cars are TOP.

According to JD Powers today, out of 31 manufactures here are the true rankings from that manufacturers you listed. BM 24th. Audi 28th. BMW 9th. Genesis 18th. Acura 25th. Chevrolet is actually pretty good at number 6.

Ecuadog
04-28-2025, 07:35 AM
sorry to hear about your failing health!

Ruh-roh... who you been talkin' to?

ElDiabloJoe
04-28-2025, 08:28 AM
Other than 50 years ago, I have not owned an American car (overpriced and under designed) except for company cars when working. I favor Japanese Lexus, but have had Audi, Volkswagen & Fiat. The great American cars of the 50s & 60s were not perpetuated in the 70s, 80s, 90s & 2000s. Some where around 2000, American auto makers woke up and began developing competition for the Japanese cars.

I might have some of these details incorrectly but as a casual observer, it seemed as soon as Japan invaded the U.S. auto market in the mid-70's (anyone remember the Civic CVCC?), The Big Three started to respond. Slowly.

It wasn't until the mid-80's as Toyota and Honda started getting a solid foothold did they turn their focus more sharply. Remember Ford's laughable "Quality is Job One!" slogan? Or Lee Iacocca's stunning statue of ubiquity, the Chrysler K-Car?

Management styles were trying very hard to play catch-up as the 90's showed even more Japanese inroads to the U.S. auto market. TQM (Total Quality Management) tried to replicate the Japanese production style. Then came the One-Minute Manager, followed by "Management By Walking Around." Then more American corporate upheaval as they attempted to implement Jack Welch's (G.E.) Six Sigma, Hybrid Teams, Theory Of Constraints - TOC, LEAN, etc.). Always trying to find the golden key to successful corporate productivity, but really still just playing catch-up after their global domination of the mid-century.

MichiganKid
04-28-2025, 09:10 AM
I agree completely, i too was a GM fan.

Ponygirl
04-28-2025, 02:32 PM
Recommend Lexus SUV

Had a 2003 Lexus 350rX. Donated in 2019 with 354,000 miles Never an issues other than routine maintenance like oil and tires

Now have 2010 Lexus 450RH. Hybrid with over 267,000 miles Never an issue other than battery in spite of driving back and forth to DC frequently

Great cars Always treat as truck like carrying enough porcelain tile to tile the entire house in a few trips. Sweet ride and work horse

Nell57
04-28-2025, 04:38 PM
While we are talking about Japanese cars…Mazda CX-5 gets my vote. I have 2 in the Soul red.
One is 2021, the other 2020.
When purchasing them, I researched Consumer Reports and YouTube.
In their class, Mazda and Lexus consistently came in first and second. I needed two cars, so it was MUCH more economical to buy two Mazdas, rather than two Lexus. And if I need a dealership, Lexus is in Clermont or Orlando, Mazda Leesburg or Ocala.
My Mazdas are terrific. Another Japanese success story.

Ruger2506
04-28-2025, 04:58 PM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts

I've never been brand loyal. I buy used with cash (no financing for this guy). So I have the luxury or history and recalls and reports so I can buy the most reliable of that particular year class when I'm shopping.

kingofbeer
04-29-2025, 07:40 AM
While we are talking about Japanese cars…Mazda CX-5 gets my vote. I have 2 in the Soul red.
One is 2021, the other 2020.
When purchasing them, I researched Consumer Reports and YouTube.
In their class, Mazda and Lexus consistently came in first and second. I needed two cars, so it was MUCH more economical to buy two Mazdas, rather than two Lexus. And if I need a dealership, Lexus is in Clermont or Orlando, Mazda Leesburg or Ocala.
My Mazdas are terrific. Another Japanese success story.
Mazda is in Clermont not Leesburg.

Bay Kid
04-29-2025, 08:00 AM
I have had most car models in my life. All were great if driven and maintained properly. Except for the 60's MG.

Caymus
04-29-2025, 08:04 AM
or you could wait for the new C9 Corvette

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/video-general-motors-releases-design-concept-for-futuristic-c9-corvette/vi-AA1Cyv7m?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=93828890c09a4cdd9b4cca303035fbd4&ei=28

Rodneysblue
05-04-2025, 09:39 AM
When I was in high school enjoying cars and working at a local Chevy/Buick dealership, I would never think twice about owning any car except from GM.
All 5 makes where the holy grail of the auto industry.

Well GM, today you can go to hell with all your producing expensive junk,
then convince the public to buy into it, then today, recall 80% of everything you make.

Remember when the word Cadillac could be used in the same sentence as Lexas?

Also, if Corvettes, (the only reliable car from GM) where smart, they would break away from GM and become their own company.

Your Thoughts

Before moving here, sold my Chevy pickup that had 350000 miles on it never had a problem. Currently driving an Equinox with 120000 miles on it.

OrangeBlossomBaby
05-04-2025, 10:28 AM
I bought quite a few GM Buick and very happy, of course do you realize that the encore GX and money of the Buicks are now made in South Korea? The only 100% made in USA car is Tesla.
I've had several Toyotas with good quality , Volvo whose car seat never warmed up correctly, a beautiful Audi A6 that had 12 issues in 24 months. And actually stranded us on the highway to do a faulty gas meter. I'd say we've been lucky over All.
Every car company has crappy cars and some good cars it just depends who actually made them in the factory that week and let's not forget GM's fiasco with jiggly car keys turning off the car because of a 2 cent spring

Tesla is not 100% made in the US. It still has components made in Canada, and even some still made in China. It is the company with the MOST components made in the US, but no - it is not exclusively American made.

Stu from NYC
05-05-2025, 10:31 AM
Two camry's ago got 350,000 miles but ultimately it failed inspection due to seat belt retraction sensor and for just under 1000 replaced it.

Current one is 3 plus years old and is great. Concerned that it will be hybrid in future. Thinking about trading in current model for this year to avoid hybrid change.

MorTech
05-05-2025, 02:00 PM
I never even touch UAW junk.