quote:

Originally posted by 22lover:

quote:

Originally posted by deanodog:
PLEASE buy American while we still can...........

I'd like to know how to do this. Aside from the brand name plastered on the emblem, how exactly can this be accomplished? Buying strictly on the basis of legacy American brand doesn't necessarily accomplish what I believe is the spirit of your post. In fact, there's as much (maybe more?) American content (labor, parts, etc.) in some foreign marques than some legacy American names.

Well, Honda must be American, because they're made in Ohio. I guess Toyota is American, because they're made in Kentucky. (BTW, those plants aren't laying off, but they're closing the local GM plant.) I know some people would criticize you for buying a "rice burner," but last time I checked, those were AMERICAN workers getting paychecks and benefits at those plants...

Oh, you could buy a Ford, that certainly sounds American... but depending on the model, it might come from Canada, which is not American...

I've owned most of 'em over my 60+ years on the planet. American, Japanese, & European.

American's getting better than they used to be. Volvo is as expensive for parts as Mercedes (but a Volvo 240 wagon saved my daughter's life in a nasty head-on collision). Mercedes had quality problems back in 2003 (when I bought my last one), but is better again. VW has had quality control & mechanical design problems over the years, but the recent ones are better.

My current cars are a 2007 BMW 530i and a 2008 Honda Civic EX coupe. The Beemer is a blast, but expensive. The Honda is my 6th since 1979. They've all been great. I've owned Accords, Preludes and Civics. If you're planning to drive a car into the ground, you can't beat a Honda for the money, IMHO.

They don't make the Accord wagon any more, but you might look at the Pilot ot the CRV.

I've had great luck with Toyotas. Especially the Camry, I've owned four that had over 200,000 trouble free miles (they are all still on the road being driven by new owners).

I tried two VW Jettas (including a Turbo Diesel) and I wouldn't recommend one. I had numerous mechanical issues that never got resolved. Great driving cars with terrible service issues.

I'd look at a Honda Pilot (as recommended by Wingwiper). I've never owned a Subaru, but hear good things about them from long term owners.

I have a 2005 Honda Civic EX that is a great car so far, only my second Honda. I'm glad I bought it.

If you want a wagon take a look at the Dodge Magnum. Granted it doesn't have the reputation for quality of other brands. Truth be told there probably will be little annoyances like power window motors burning out. But the overall platform is great. Basically a simplied Mecedes E-class platform, rear wheel drive, and a lot of interior space. I'm sorry but I learned as a young child with my tricycle that front wheel drive basically sucks.

Another one to consider might be a Nissan Murano. It's really nore of a "cross-over" rather than a wagon. Also check out Car and Driver on-line. They had a big comparison test a couple of moths ago of the various "cross-over" wagons.

quote:

Originally posted by smith revolver cop:
Well, Honda must be American, because they're made in Ohio. I guess Toyota is American, because they're made in Kentucky. (BTW, those plants aren't laying off, but they're closing the local GM plant.) I know some people would criticize you for buying a "rice burner," but last time I checked, those were AMERICAN workers getting paychecks and benefits at those plants...

Oh, you could buy a Ford, that certainly sounds American... but depending on the model, it might come from Canada, which is not American...

This, sir, is precisely my point. Buying Ford or GM does not equate to buying American any more than buying Toyota or Honda does.

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Originally posted by Jerry in SC:
I'd look at a Honda Pilot (as recommended by Wingwiper).

The Pilot is a fantastic car. Just be advised that like other SUVs, the fuel economy is pretty poor. In fact, it is very un-Honda like. I have a friend with one that manages around 16mpg in the city.

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I've had great luck with Toyotas. Especially the Camry

I totally agree here. I think the Camry is probably the best car, consistently year after year, for the money ever made. They're not very exciting but they are smooth, quiet, comfortable, and get good mileage. They rarely break.

My wife, Donna, has had a Toyota Carolla for the last three cars. They seem to be great, economical, little cars. Peobably, the best of the little shit boxes!!! For small cars, I would say that Toyota and Honda are your best bets.

But, after my bummer experience with a 2000 Toyota Tacoma, I'd say that the Japanese still can't design a good pick-up truck. The "American Pick-ups" have been pretty good to me.

BTW, Canada doesn't really qualify as a "foreign country". Their economy is dependent on the USA economy. Not too many people in Canada , to sustain the industrial complex if they didn't sell in the US. Bob

Most of the Jeep Liberty was made in Ohio. I feel fine, thank you very much Car Guy, driving my Liberty while my wife has the 'rocket'. I just love my new light khaki range bag, it matches the interior so well... tres gauche! Ta ta!

Seriously, I love the driving position - the extra clearance and suspension travel. The fold-down rear seats give you a decent carry capability when down - room for five adults when they are up. Fairly quiet, too, especially with those Good-for-a-years gone. Good handling, despite it's high c.o.g. - decent brakes (4w discs - ABS), too. At least look. Avoid the Italian-made diesel... the 3.7L gas job is a known quantity. Not the rocket acceleration of the SRT-4, of course, but plenty of poop to blend with any traffic.

I may drive the Liberty to the range again today - mustn't slam that meanie door on my kilt again, however... ruins the crease!

Stainz