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A definitive opinion...May 06 '00 (Updated Jun 24 '00) Write an essay on this topic.Ah... a forum in which to vent my various musings about the automakers! Wonderful!! :-) ...Deep in your heart, you feel this odd pang that says, "I should buy a domestic product and keep the money in the US." Yet, when confronted with reviews of various automobiles (especially comparison tests and reliability projections), the American brands almost always seem to come in dead last when compared to the Japanese brands. This is not some grand plot on the behalf of the automotive press, let me assure you. So, you need a new car, and your heart is telling you one thing, but your brain says, "What are you, NUTS? Everybody knows that Toyota* makes the best cars." [*substitute Toyota for Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, etc...] So, like so many others, off you go to the local automall or strip of dealerships in your area, intent on figuring out which car you should buy. The trouble is that you are already predisposed to one of two points of view: 1) You have (unintentionally) had implanted in your brain the suggestion that Japanese cars are more reliable. 2) You are a genuine patriot, and no amount of bad press could stop you from buying a Ford, Pontiac, Lincoln, Chevrolet, etc. If the current statistical data regarding auto sales within the US is to be believed, the latter is obviously not a major factor. The Japanese automakers are selling a very large number of cars and trucks here in the US. So, the big question on everyone's minds is... Japanese or American? Well, I hate to effectively blur the line even further, but I must point out that a good number of "imported" cars are actually manufactured right here in either the US or Canada. Take (for example) my last car, a leased 1997 Acura 2.2CL. That car was built in the US and is actually classified as a "Domestic Product", since the majority of it's parts (everything but the engine, actually) were manufactured right here in the United States. That said, what follows is a brief synopsis of those automakers I (personally) have confidence in. Bear in mind that these opinions are based on my many years of experience examining, interacting with, and writing about the automotive industry, my life-long love-affair with the automobile, and my affliction with a love for statistical data. :-) Note that many automakers do not appear here, since there is little or no chance I would purchase one of their products at this time. So, here's the list: Acura Employing everything Honda has learned about manufacturing what are considered by many to be the most reliable engines in the world, Acura has earned a fantastic reputation as a purveyor of moderately upscale, extremely reliable automobiles. The original Legend was a fantastic car, and many are still on the road today. Currently known as the RL, the Legend lives on, albeit slightly devoid of character. The original Integra started things off with a strong showing in product quality, and this has resulted in the Integra being considered among the most reliable automobiles in the world. The newly redesigned CL and TL take both nameplates to a higher level. The originals were excellent cars in terms of quality, but both lacked real finesse. The latest models have definitely addressed these issues. Please note that the TL replaced the relatively unsucessful Acura Vigor, which while apparently a reliable car, was decidedly underpowered and bland to the extreme. While still searching for a stylistic direction (and they are getting closer), Acura builds rock-solid cars. Their handling is the epitomy of Japanese engineering, as everything they make (NSX excluded) is just slightly this side of truly exciting. Their cars feel like very fancy Hondas in some ways, although this is becoming less true with each new model that debuts. Overall, I do like Acura, and would reccommend their products to my friends with confidence. Buick Believe it or not, Buick builds good cars. Those of you who have ever owned one will readily attest to their reliability, and those who have not may be shocked by this statement. Buick (like Lincoln) seems to embody the current view of what American cars are "supposed" to be. I do not necessarily agree with this statement in it's entirety, but it's certainly true that the traits of a Buick will absolutely not be found in a Honda, Toyota, Kia, etc. Buick builds big cars. Put a LeSabre next to an Accord, and you will see what I mean. By and large, Buicks actually have the best overall reliability history of any North American brand of car. Consumer Reports has rated the previous generation Regal as a "best buy" for reliability several times. LeSabres apparently never die. Century's have continued to sell well, even with all their design flaws --and they are apparently quite reliable as well. Even the (sadly departed) Riviera was a reliable car. About the only things buick suffers from are: 1) a definite image problem (ever seen a single guy under 50 in a Buick?) 2) low-quality materials used in their interiors. Overall, I would have to reccommend Buick automobiles due to their excellent overall value and relatively strong reliability. Honda Honda makes great cars. Everybody knows this (I think), but what everyone might not know about are their apparently inherent shortcomings. I like a lot of what Honda builds, but there is certainly something in the way of character lacking from (almost) everything in their current lineup. For example, the current Prelude is a fantastic car, but I must admit that the design is bland (and what's with those wierd headlights?!?). The Accord is a great value, but it is almost as invisible as a Toyota Camry in traffic. Honda has mastered the art of building cars that are great value for the money, but are the stylistic equivelant of a blank sheet of paper. The only notable exception to this is the new S2000, which is a fantastic looking car (IMHO). The Civic is another example of a great vlaue, but the road noise is almost unbearable. Sound insulation is sorely needed here, folks. The same can actually be said of the Accord, but to a lesser degree. In fact, this is a recurring theme with all Honda products. Honda simply needs to employ more (or better quality) sound insulation in all of their products. A five hour drive on the highway in a Civic or accord will leave you feeling very cranky and unhappy, I assure you. Another common theme with Honda products are their suspensions. While very competent (i.e. they handle very well), they also treat you to a harsher ride than those of their primary competitor, Toyota. Test drive an Accord and then go drive a Camry, and you will immediately understand what I'm talking about here. Overall, Hondas transmit better road feel than Toyotas, and generally handle better when pushed to the limits of adhesion. However, Toyotas are smoother and feel more refined, thus giving the driver the impression of a higher quality product. When it comes to reliability, this is not necessariy the case, but overall I would have to say that Toyotas will (on average) out-live Hondas, albeit by a relatively slim margin. Hondas represent an excellent value for your money, and are solid, reliable cars. Infiniti If you are familliar with my works here on Epinions.com, you will already know that I am a major fan of Infiniti products. Infiniti builds really good cars. Of all the automobile manufacturers out there, Infiniti and Lexus are demmed to be the two most reliable brands. Ask anyone who has ever owned an Infiniti, and they will tell you all about it. In addition to being of extraordinarily high quality, Infiniti products also represent an excellent value in the luxury car market. Compare any of their models to a competing Lexus, and the Infiniti will always be several thousand dollars less. I strongly reccommend Infiniti to anyone, in terms of value for your money, reliability, and level of luxury. For more of my thoughts about Infiniti, please see my other Epinions in the Infiniti section. Lexus These guys know what they are doing (or at least they seem to, for the most part --I have to wonder about some of their product planning decisions, though). Lexus makes a very high quality product. Period. There are very few cases of problematic Lexus'. Do not be overly worried about a Lemon if you are considering buying one. Stylistically, Lexus have a tradition of being a bit on the bland side. They are currently trying their best to spice things up a bit, but it's not working all that well. The best-looking (IMHO) vehicle they make is the RX300, but I am not a fan of it (read my Epinion on it for more info if you like). The GS300/400 sedans are just plain out of proportion, at least to me. They are all greenhouse, with these tiny-looking front and rear overhangs. Wierd... The LS400 is a very nice car, but it's more than a little on the boring side. This is a car for people who truly hate driving, and would instead prefer to pretend they are sitting on their living room sofa. Smooth as silk, and completely unable to offend anyone with it's styling aptly describes every aspect of the entire car. The ES300 is a well-built car, but it is definitely a little on the small side for a $32,000+ entry-level luxury car. It's roughly the same size as the Toyota Camry upon which it is based. The Infiniti I30 is much roomier inside (and cheaper too). The ES300 is a bland, flavorless car, trying (as do most Lexus products) very hard not to offend anyone in any way. However, it is very reliable, even though it's engine uses a timing belt instead of a chain. The SC coupes (SC300 and C400) are very, very nice cars. They too are extremely reliable (surprised?), and just a tad on the bland side. The understated elegance thing rears it's head once more with regard to the interiors of these otherwise beautiful cars. Do not expect sports car-like handling out of either one though. Weight is just too much of a factor in the engineering equation, and the suspensions are definitely tuned more for luxury than for sport. I won't go into the SUV thing here, because try as I might, I dont have very much good to say about the Lexus SUVs. Sure, they are deemed reliable, but the small one (RX300) is too small, and the big one (LX470) is too big and expensive for my tastes. Both are good cars though, and the big one has received many accolades from the automotive press in the past as it is truly a very luxurious and capable LSUV. Overall, I would have to reccomend Lexus for their outstanding product quality. Some people might like the conservative styling of Lexus products, but they are not to my tastes. Excellent cars for those who do not demand excitement or character from what they drive, but do demand a smooth, quiet ride and trouble-free motoring. Nissan Nissan has just woken from a deep sleep, one filled with nightmares about bland styling and red ink on the balance sheet. I mean, have you seen the new Sentra? It's ten gazillion times nicer than the old model. The Maxima (as usual) makes lunchmeat out of its competitors on the performance front, and also happens to be a decent value for your money too. The Altima is a cool alternative to a super-boring 4-cylinder Camry or Accord, and the Nissan Quest minivan is still the most carlike of 'em all. Nissan's product quality has always been just about the same as Honda, or at least about 99% thereof. This too is reportedly improving. It is generally expected by the automotive press that their quality will continue to improve until it is the equal of Toyota by the end of this decade. Currently, Nissan builds a great car --one you can easily feel confident in purchasing for the long haul. One significant product worth mentioning is the new Pathfinder. This is by FAR the best SUV in it's class, in every category. More power, better handling, better looks, nicer interior, etc. Where Nissan really shines is in the areas of styling and performance. Toyota and Honda are both very conservative, while Nissan is more likely to take risks. The 2000 Maxima will blow the doors off of a V6 Accord or Camry. Watch for two new Z-cars in the near future too. :-) I am a big Nissan fan, so I have to reccommend their products. Objectively, I would probably still purchase a Maxima over the Camry or Accord. I would definitely get a Sentra instead of a Corolla, but not necessarily instead of a Civic --that would be a tough choice. Subaru Many people will be surprised by this reccommendation, but have you driven a Subaru lately? These are great cars! Full of unique engineering and styling touches, Subarus employ horizontally-opposed engines (think Porsche). I like this company for their all-wheel drive stsyem and their funky engines. Subarus are also very reliable cars. The only area where they need to fire the entinre design team is the interiors. BLAND, BLAND, BLAND. But quite likable and very easy cars to live with. trust me on this one --you will definitely be in for a surprise if you haven'e been to a Subaru dealer in a few years. Toyota With the exception of the dearly departed Supra and MR2, and the all-new Celica and MR2 Spyder, I have never been much of a fan of Toyota. However, I must admit this is due to their decidedly bland designs of the past. I cannot find a single bad thing to say about their reliability though --Toyotas are notoriously reliable cars. Corollas seem to last forever, and there are more than a few 15-year old Camrys on the roads today. This tells you something. How many 15-year old Fords do you see? ...Exactly. I have several friends who have owned Toyotas, and each of them rave about how trouble-free their Toyotas have been. People seem to be fanatically loyal to this brand, and this is undoubtedly the reason why. Highly reccommended for product quality and reliability. Slightly overpriced though. ------- So, there's the list of brands I would consider purchasing. Kind of short? Yep, but for good reason. Here's the really brief "I wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole" list: (note that any brands which do not appear here are neither "love-em's" nor "hate-em's", and therefore don't really belong on either list. I would, for example consider purchasing a Pontiac Bonneville, VW Passat, or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Audi BMW Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Daewoo Dodge Ford Hyundai Jaguar Jeep Kia Lincoln Mazda Mercury Mitsubishi Plymouth Saab Volvo So, there you have it. My very own opinions regarding who makes great cars and who does not. Of course, who am I? ...Just a humble freelance automotive journalist, that's all. You do not have to agree with anything said here, but I sincerely hope that you do take what I have to say with at least some seriousness. If you ignore my reccommendations and buy a Ford Explorer, only to have it in the shop three times a year, don't come crying to me. *L* of course, I expect some flack from those of you who happen to be Ford (or Cadillac, or Lincoln, or whatever) fans, but please bear one thing in mind: I will not gratify flames with a response. If you don't agree with my opinions --write your own! :-) C ya! ~Matt :-)  |
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