[Lokibob]

How can you say "quality cars"?

I remember the 60's (we apparently are the same age) when any American car was totally worn out at 50,000 miles.

VW came out with a 60,000 mile warrentee, and Toyota raised it to 100,000 miles, in the 70's. then, and only then did GM, Ford, and Mopar put emphasis on quality production.

Before you say I'm down on American products, I had a GM truck that I put 180,000 miles on it (93 s-15), sold it to a friend, and he has put another 110,000 miles on it. There has been NO mechanical breakdown, not even an alternator. the A/C is gone due to a deer accident and the cost of the freon, however. LOL

[ZULU]

"How can you say "quality cars"? "

Before emission controls came into effect, Americans DID make quality cars. I know people who put 200,000 miles on Dodge Valiants and Pontiacs easily, and even more with routine maintenance.

Something happened after the emission gadgets were required. Its as though American technology never could quite handle it. I usually buy Toyotas now myself, but certainly not for the price. They cost more than American cars but are of higher quality. They are so dam reliable. Take care of them and the body falls apart but the engine keeps running.

I think the American Truck were better than the cars, but they use more gas than the Japanese models of comparable weight.

I just don't understand why America can't produce the same quality cars they made before the emission gadgets were required. If they did, I'd buy them, even if the price WAS more.

I think in the long run, you save money when you buy a quality reliable product that lasts rather than a piece of cheap junk.

Maybe its because modern day Americans are so into immediate satisfaction. They want it now, even if they can't afford it. I remember when half the fun was working and SAVING to get that car or gun or tool or whatever.