Debunking Myths About Detroit

Wards Autoworld ^ | 12/11/08 | John McElroy

[Liberty1970]

Ironically, my worst vehicle was a Toyota (the thing rusted out and the body basically collapsed one day as I was driving it home.) My best has been my Hyundai Sonata in terms of reliability, although it was badly lacking in features/refinement. (It was a 2001, and when I drove a 2008 as a rental I was _very_ impressed).

Our Dodge Grand Caravan has also been reliable, apart from the 5' section of front end trim I found hanging off it the other day. But that was probably from my wife running over a dead deer a few weeks ago. :-)

And my Ford Taurus held up superbly for 10 years, including 6 after I rolled it on a icy highway at 75 MPH. I just had the worst dents banged out and replaced the shattered windshield and both side mirrors (never did find them in the snow), and it ran like new. I did get used to overhearing comments like "That thing looks like it's been through a war" though... ;-)

[grellis]

If you would like to be added or dropped from the Michigan ping list, please freepmail me.

[grellis]

I’m certain the UAW gave this a big old gold star. I disagree with nearly everything in the article.

[grellis]

Unless forced by the government...

If it came to that I would bike. Never again will I buy a union-made car.

[70th Division]

Not strange at all. The big 3 have the cost of retirees and health benefits. A Toyota plant is new so no legacy costs. Plus they get hunderds of millions in tax breaks to locate there. And their profit goes WHERE? Japan of course

[Loyal Buckeye]

The Dems' solution to the Big Three is as follows:

Off load retiree and employee health care expenses onto the taxpayers through a national health care plan;

Off load retiree pension costs onto the PBGC (i.e., taxpayers); and

Continue to make loans as long as necessary.

Could be wrong, but that's my take on it.

[bronxboy]

Lord-thank God you were not injured...and not driving a Yugo!