I think what the author has missed is that Toyota/Honda quality is higher than the competition. They have return buyers for cars essentially made in the US by Americans. In a Fiat an American car?? Would you by a car from the ChiComs?
I guess time will tell the tale.
My brother-in-law has a 2006 Malibu. I have a 2003 Toyota.
OH MY GOSH. The fender guard strips as peeling off the Malibu, the doors creak when opening/closing.
Toyota still in tip top condition.
Would I buy a car from the Chicoms? You bet I would if it were well-made.
The “Chicoms” are to the right of the U.S. now.
What I would like to see is an explanation as to why there is apparent “price equity” between manufacturers, especially between UAW and non-UAW brands.
Why does a Toyota Camry cost about the same as a Ford Taurus when Toyota doesn’t have to subsidize legacy costs or union contracted pay-raises?
Quality is the issue. We are about to trade an F-150 for a Toyota truck. We usually keep vehicles 9 or 10 years, but getting rid of this after 4.5 years (and less than 50k miles) due to ongoing problems.