That is true of so many things. Your car no matter what the brand is a computer on wheels. A computer? Imagine putting a computer in the hot engine compartment, throw in vibration, pot holes etc. Then, add in pollution controls, you cannot substitute, legally a non approved part.

The reliability is truly amazing. In the not that long ago days, you would need a tune up, plugs, points, adjust the carb, every 10,000 or so miles. You would change the oil very 2-3,000 miles. Oh and my VW got 30 mpg with a stick shift. My far more comfortable Chevy Malibu does that and more with an automatic and AC.