I've had a bunch of American and a bunch of foreign cars, and my experience has been that the foreign ones have been more dependable, lasted longer (more miles) and needed less major services. My dad was a Chevy mechanic most of his career.
At the moment, we have an Olds Alero and a Mitsibushi Eclipse.
Truth is that with all of the cross-ownership between foreign and domestic companies and outsourcing of parts as well as foreign companies opening assembly plants in the US, I'm really not sure how much difference it makes.
The only company I stay away from is Chrysler because I've owned three of their products and have not had good luck with them at all.
It was a little strange when I moved to Detroit some years ago. We had an MGB and a Lincoln Mercury Capri (imported and sold by Ford, but built in England and Germany). While there, we bought a "new" Capri which was by then built in the US. That last Capri came to Denver with us along with a Ford station wagon.
You can bet I wouldn't have parked the MG at Solidarity House -- the headquarters of the UAW.
Here's our list or our cars, as best as I can remember...in close to chronological order...
Austin Healy Sprite (British) in high school.
Triupmh TR3 (British) in College
Chevy Corvair US)
Mercury Capri 4 Cyl. (Anglo German)
Mercury Capri V-6 (Anglo German)
MGB (British)
Mercury Capri (US)
MGB (British)
Ford Station Wagon (US)
Ford Sedan (US)
Dodge Caravan (US)
Dodge Sedan (US)
Mazda Protogee (Japan)
Mazda Miata (Japan)
Saturn Sedan (US)
Olds Alero (US)
Mitsibushi Eclipse (Japan)
Generally speaking, I've driven the smaller (roadster) cars and Mrs. DA has driven the bigger sedans, etc. The two that lasted the longest (mileage), by far were the Triumph (140K) and the Miata (170K).
__________________
Fraternally,
DeltAlum
DTD
The above is the opinion of the poster which may or may not be based in known facts and does not necessarily reflect the views of Delta Tau Delta or Greek Chat -- but it might.
Last edited by DeltAlum; 06-14-2008 at 01:18 PM.
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