What Do Americans Think of American Cars: An Insider’s Perspective
As a lifelong car enthusiast and occasional American car owner, my relationship with American vehicles has been a mixed one. While I have a deep appreciation for certain classic models, my contemporary experiences have not always been favorable. American cars have evolved over the years, reflecting a blend of innovation and flaws that are often debated by consumers.
Quality and Reliability
Despite the allure of innovative design, modern American cars frequently fall short when it comes to quality and reliability. Consumer Reports recently tested a brand new Buick luxury car and uncovered an alarming tally of twenty-three manufacturing defects. To ensure unbiased testing, Consumer Reports purchases the vehicles they audit anonymously, eliminating the possibility of handpicked test cars from the manufacturers.
My personal experiences with various American vehicles reinforce these concerns. For instance, a GMC Yukon has required frequent repairs due to poorly engineered components, particularly the door hinges. Similarly, the 4.6-liter V8 engine in a Ford Expedition proved to be underpowered and frustrating to drive. However, a late model Ram 1500 has brought unparalleled satisfaction, thanks to its robust engineering and ease of maintenance.
Accessory Availability and Cost
One aspect that has significantly impacted my opinions on American cars is their ability to source replacement parts. Unlike Japanese or German luxury vehicles, American cars have a reputation for having parts that are readily available and affordable. This was evident when dealing with my Honda Civic, where I faced exorbitant costs for air conditioning components.
Overall, my choice to continue purchasing American vehicles has been rooted in reliability and affordability. However, these factors would vary greatly if there were no constraints on price. As a parent, my goal would be to provide my teenage daughter with a reliable vehicle that she could trust, leading me to consider Honda or Toyota as top choices. Their reputation for longevity—often outliving 300,000 miles—is compelling, though the current economic climate threatens to complicate these purchasing decisions.
Reflection and Conclusion
Reflecting on my history as a car owner, ranging from a 1965 classic to a 2003 model, reveals a consistent pattern of prioritizing desire over practicality. My purchases were driven by the desire to own what I truly wanted, whether for sentimental or practical reasons. This same passion for American cars endures, even if it is tempered by the need for reliability and affordable maintenance.
For Americans who value the craft and engineering behind classic American cars, there remains a deep appreciation for the era when domestic automakers held their own in the global market. However, for those seeking modern innovations and superior reliability, the American market falls short in many respects.