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Are There Any Foreign Cars, Really?May 09 '00 (Updated Jul 28 '02) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line With so much platform sharing, and corporate mergers, it's is really difficult to distinguish between which cars are imports and which are domestic.
What does DOMESTIC mean? What Does FOREIGN mean? Hard to say. Here are the brands that Ford owns or has a controlling interest in; 1) Volvo, 2) Mazda, 3) Aston, 4) Jaguar, and now they will be buying Land Rover. So is Volvo a domestic car? General Motors owns or has a controlling interest in; 1) SAAB, 2) Saturn, 3) Opel, 4) Holden, and 5) FIAT. Maybe a SAAB is a domestic car. It seems that what is important is perception. People perceive that Dodge is an American company, but is it? Most people, the average person, consider an American car to be one that was ORIGINALLY conceived and built in America. The same goes for German or Japanese cars. If a car was conceived in a certain country it is most likely a citizen of that country. For example I can live in Mexico as long as I want, but I am still American. Maybe I even speak Spanish only, and adopt Mexican customs, I am still an American - I was born in America. That said, American cars are very close to getting my vote for best car. I drive a different car each week as part of an automotive radio show. I have been VERY surprised at how good American cars are. 10 years ago I'd say stay away from Chevy's and Buick's and Ford's, but now they are very good cars. For my own car I bought a Toyota Camry - frankly I am sorry I bought it. There are many cars that are less expensive and give you more features. Most American cars (especially GM) come standard with such features as ABS, climate control, traction control, driving lights, remote keyless entry... the list goes on and on. Some of these features are not even available on Honda's or Toyota's, even if you have extra money to spend. Try getting cornering lights or steering wheel mounted radio controls on a 1999 Camry. A perfect example of American cars being better is Buick. Buick consistently tops JD Power's initial quality survey, often ranking near the likes of Audi, Acura, and BMW. A Buick regal GS is about $27,000. For your money you will get many standard features including 16 inch wheels and a 240 hp supercharged V-6. I don't dislike Japanese cars, I once drove an 81 Honda Accord 300,000 miles. Unfortunately Japanese cars were able to do that sort of thing much earlier than any American car. It's also become obvious to me that many American cars are much sportier, and have more soul than their Japanese counterparts. American cars are becoming more European. Don't believe me? Try driving a Pontiac or an Oldsmobile or a Lincoln LS. Another reviewer wrote something about Japanese cars being better sports cars. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact Japanese cars are the best SPORTY cars around, but not the best true sports cars. The notable exceptions would be Nissan Skyline GTR, Toyota Supra and 2000 GT, and the Honda S2000. Germany clearly builds the best, baddest, fastest, ground pounding sports cars - period. Germany makes cars that are fast, fun, and functional. BMW's M5 and any Porsche or AMG are all the proof you need. Japan excels at building SPORTY cars like the Prelude or the Infinity G20, but these types of cars are clearly not REAL sports cars. American sports cars seem to have all the muscle, but somehow lack the refinement of the Europeans. No discussion about sports car would be complete without mentioning Italian cars, but let's face it, the Italians build car that are SO exotic or extreme, no normal person could afford one, or live with it on a daily basis. It seems like the only true import cars sold in the US are German, Italian, English and Korean cars. Most or all of those country's brands are built in the country the originated in. Korean automaker Hyundai is just now building a factory in the US, but up until now Kia and Hyundai cars have been built in Korea - you don't get much more IMPORT than that. Strangely, the Korea cars are begining to fill the spots once occupied by Japan's finest. Reliable, inexpensive, and sporty cars where Japan's main contribution to the US automotive world, now the Koreans may have a lock on that title. Sure, sure, many will say "what about reliability?" Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina are just two examples of American cars that will usually go 100K without major problems. Honestly, are most people really keeping their cars that long ? All in all the American cars have my vote for most improved. the deciding factors being 1) Price 2) Value and 3) Fun to drive. Korean cars are cheaper, European cars are more fun, and Japanese cars are the most reliable. However, overall German cars are the best - as a whole. But when you consider price and value, the Americans win. Still have your doubts?? Here is a list of cars that might lure you out of your soul-less Japanese car. Buick Regal GS BMW (all) Lincoln LS Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Tahoe (probably the best all around vehicle made - does everything well) Audi (all) Oldsmobile Aurora Pontiac Gran Prix GTP New Ford Taurus As for styling look at Chrysler's PT Cruiser, Chevrolet's Corvette, Oldsmobile's Alero, Lincoln's LS and Chrysler's new Hemi concept.  |
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