Buying American Cars What Does It Mean?

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  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    My brother had an 08 Altima 2.5SL. It was a good car. The 4 cylinder was a bit buzzy, but it performed and drove well (IMO). The Altima has aged well, but it certainly wouldn't be my first pick anymore.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,056
    I hear you talking about the Altima all the time. Did you get a chance to drive it? If so, what did you think?

    I liked it, but didn't fall in love with it. I didn't have a chance to drive it, but did ride around in it some. I'd still consider one, but not enough to just go out and blindly buy one without testing the competition.

    I do like it a bit better than the Malibu, mainly because it feels a bit roomier inside, and the base engine is more powerful. I'll be curious to see how the 2013 Malibu compares.

    Cars for the most part have gotten good enough though, that I don't think there's really a loser in this class. I'm even impressed with how Chrysler was able to turn it around when they took the sow's ear Sebring and turned it into the 200. Maybe it's not quite a silk purse, but considering what they had to work with, I'm still impressed.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,528
    The local dealer doesn't appear to be very competent - lost a lease on a longtime location that is now sitting abandoned, now sharing space with a Hummer dealer, ugly faux Quonset hut style building and all, fairly small inventory.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    It turned out BMW NA was dragging their feet regarding putting the re-flash online, so my service adviser gave me a new X3 3.0si Sport for the weekend and overnighted the ECU to Woodcliff Lake to get it re-flashed.

    That's what I'm talkin' about. Many levels up from good ole' GM.

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Well, GMC over here in Freehold has 2 or 3 loaners but because there are many service customers, none are ever available. Guess it depends on the level of volume.

    BMW over in Eatontown, NJ has a fleet of 15 or so loaners....all new cars they then resell as Certified.

    Regards,
    OW
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited September 2011
    I do like it a bit better than the Malibu, mainly because it feels a bit roomier inside, and the base engine is more powerful.

    I'd agree. The Altima's base powertrain performs very well. With the CVT I found it to feel peppier than most 4cyl sedans I've driven. Overall it's a very competent car.

    My guess is the 2013 Malibu will be very competitive with the base engine and less so with the optional turbo. I think they are using the DI ecotec with nearly 190hp for the base engine. That will certainly be competitive. The 220Hp turbo will be on the low side (will be competitive torque wise) of what the top offerings are in other sedans. Toyota is keeping the 3.5 V6 in the Camry and it is rated for better mileage than the turbo regal (i used the regal due to similar platform and powertrains to the new Malibu). But in reality, the volume in this segment is with 4cylinders so, the Malibu should be in good shape.
  • puffin1puffin1 Member Posts: 276
    I was with the guys having coffee this mornin' and someone asked me to check Fords' stock. I think it was around ten bucks.Then I notice that Gm's Cruise outsold fords Focus and is the hottest seller .
    Then,when someone said they wouldn't buy a Cruise because it's built in Canada. I said what's the diference.? They screamed jobs.
    Now Ford builds the Focus in Mexico I think.So they want to know Fords price? Also, they are all republicans and still harp on the unions still ruining the car industry in the states.Ya can't win.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    >they wouldn't buy a Cruise because it's built in Canada.

    Unless Canada is a suburb of Lordstown, Ohio, I think they are wrong. Cruze is built in Lordstown. Very well so, thank you.

    >asked me to check Fords' stock. I think it was around ten bucks.

    I hope they aren't try to compare the merit and value of a company based on the common stock price per share.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,936
    I'm not a Ford buff, but I believe the Focus is built in Michigan unless that changed with this last iteration. As has been well-noted here before, the Fusion is made in Mexico.

    The Cruze has only been built in Lordstown, forty miles from here, as long as it's been built.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I do believe the Focus is made in Michigan.
  • puffin1puffin1 Member Posts: 276
    edited September 2011
    I'll bring your post to cofee to morrow and we will staighten a few people out. I'm sick of hearing that Tenn and some other states are right to work states,and the unions killed us ,or it's Obarma's fault.
    The new President of Ford was asked, since he doe'sn't come from a car backgound how will he make Ford a better company. He answered it takes 40 million parts to keep a boeing 777 in the air and 10,000 parts to build a Focus..
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,960
    That's what I used to hear from all the guys up and down our street who fought 'em.

    Even back then those guys know the Germans had superior engineering for better planes and better tanks.

    We just won because we outnumbered them.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,936
    edited September 2011
    Yep...that's all it was...sheer numbers (shaking head in disbelief).

    Go [non-permissible content removed].
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,960
    edited September 2011
    Well, okay, there were some strategic tactical errors and blunders the Germans made, so maybe we had superior leadership too.

    I know we didn't run through Europe in WWII as easily and as quickly as we ran through Iraq.

    I'm not pro-[non-permissible content removed], I'm pro German-engineering. :)
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    In a show of restraint (and to avoid futile keystrokes), I will simply say that historical record and expert analyses contradict your theory.

    In any event, let's try to do slightly better at keeping conversation on the topic indicated in the discussion title.

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  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,960
    Not to drag on the conversation, but which theory is contradicted?

    That the Germans had better planes?
    That the Germans had better tanks?
    That we outnumbered them?
    That they committed egregious tactical errors?
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,528
    edited September 2011
    "Go [non-permissible content removed]"

    Seriously? Now that's a tasty strawman :shades: :lemon:

    Maybe we can say that when VW buys out GM ;)
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    edited September 2011
    Since "How the Allied Powers Won WWII" is far off the topic of this discussion (and that is non-negotiable), please visit the Off-Topic Chatter board and pick an appropriate discussion. I'm sure those participating in the political ones would be happy to discuss.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    > The new President of Ford was asked, since he doe'sn't come from a car backgound how will he make Ford a better company. He answered it takes 40 million parts to keep a boeing 777 in the air and 10,000 parts to build a Focus..

    That's the kind of thinking some of the GM executives had in the past years: If I can sell dogfood, I can sell cars. But when cars start being bought on the basis of performance and specifications rather than on emotion, that might work. Otherwise, the people have to be car loving people who are willing to say, "It ain't gonna sell that way."

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • iwant12iwant12 Member Posts: 269
    With libation in hand, I'm sitting here reading these post, then I read "Go [non-permissible content removed]," and then the accompanying posts. I nearly fell from my chair laughing! Thank God no rum was spilt.

    On an aside: I eagerly await the reviews of the new 8-speed tranny Chrysler's fixin to use on the Charger/300. Hopefully it doesn't "hunt" to much.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    I don't necessarily agree or disagree with you, BUT... I do think that an insightful mind for product design and marketing is the same across the board. If you have a person at the helm who is astute enough to analyze and understand what the public wants, at what price point, I am not convinced that the industry in which they operate is the key to success.

    In changing industries, though, it is KEY that the execs take the time and steps to analyze THEIR audience. However, I think the ability and willingness to do that transfers across a number of industries.

    I think that there's a limited demographic in the "buy based on emotion" crowd - a number small enough that it cannot, by itself, sustain a company or product.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
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  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Well I suppose the German's in WWII provided one big warning to business - you may have great marketing skills in your market, but arrogance and overrunning your logistics will kill you every time.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I eagerly await the reviews of the new 8-speed tranny Chrysler's fixin to use on the Charger/300. Hopefully it doesn't "hunt" to much.

    I've read a few quick reviews on it and they were positive. Better performance and better fuel economy. Will be interesting when the 8 speed finds its way behind the Hemi in the trucks and SUVs.
  • iwant12iwant12 Member Posts: 269
    I would imagine the 8-speed will need some tweaking before it goes behind a Hemi. Glad to hear the inital reviews are positive!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    edited September 2011
    >a limited demographic in the "buy based on emotion"

    I meant more than just the group that looks at a car and loves it because it's the penultimate motor vehicle with which they can impress their friends, and themselves or they just love the styling of the car.

    Most people are buying a car because they have need for it. Those people also buy on emotion. They are convinced by word-of-mouth or by advertisements that they see on TV or magazines or newspapers that the vehicle is going to serve their purpose.

    OR those people are convinced by the advertisement that the dealership is going to serve their need for easy credit or high trade-in or lease terms they can use to the customer benefit.

    There is some reason, usually emotion related, that brings the buyer into the seller's domain.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,056
    I've read a few quick reviews on it and they were positive. Better performance and better fuel economy. Will be interesting when the 8 speed finds its way behind the Hemi in the trucks and SUVs.

    I was out running some errands this evening, and saw a nice new blue 300 in the Sears parking lot, and a black Charger stuck in traffic on the way to the liquor store.

    Hate to say it, but suddenly that Altima I've been talking about kinda slipped my mind! I keep telling myself I want something smaller and more fuel efficient next time around, but I have a feeling that in the long run, I won't be happy with it.

    With something like a Charger/300, I might gripe a bit every time I have to fill it up. But if I got a 4-cyl Altima, Malibu, Fusion or whatever, I might constantly gripe about how I wish I'd gotten the Charger instead!

    And, just to show how far cars have come in the past few years, a Charger/300 would still save on fuel compared to my Park Ave. The 3.6 is rated at 18/27, which is the same as the updated rating for my 2000 Intrepid (its original window sticker was 20/29). The Park Ave is rated at 16/25 under the new ratings (originally 18/27). I've read estimates that even the V-6 Charger/300 is good for 0-60 in around 7 seconds, which is slightly faster than my Park Ave, with the added bonus of not requiring premium fuel.

    Heck, even the Hemi is rated at 16/25, and only calls for mid-grade, so even that would be a slight savings over my Park Ave! Provided my real-world economy somewhat correlates to those EPA ratings.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,528
    The failure of Saab and the success of Camry might prove that one.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    Heck, even the Hemi is rated at 16/25, and only calls for mid-grade, so even that would be a slight savings over my Park Ave! Provided my real-world economy somewhat correlates to those EPA ratings.

    That's if you can keep your foot out of it. Not easy I would imagine.

    The Charger is starting to grow on me. I'm not sold on the interior, but I've seen a few lately that have been getting my attention.
  • iwant12iwant12 Member Posts: 269
    I drove a new 300 as a loaner while my Jeep was getting some hail damage repaired and I have to say the car was very nice indeed, well put together. Even with the V6 (same engine as my GC) it had impressive power. I took it up to 115 mph before I saw a cop car up ahead, got out of it quickly. But I have to say, the big sedan didn't feel as buttoned down as the new Jeep, which I thought strange. The wind I remember was howling around 35 mph that day, (I'm a sailor, I do keep up with the wind!), and I could feel it blowing me around on the interstate. On the DIC it said I was getting 27 mpg. Not bad considering I had my foot in it most of the time. If I were to buy I'd have to go with the Charger R/T and it's 164 LEDs on the rear end!
  • iwant12iwant12 Member Posts: 269
    That new interior is lots better than the old model. Still, I think they could do a little better . . .
  • azygosazygos Member Posts: 9
    Is it even possible to make a 100% all American car now days and be cost efficient probably not because your competitor is going to have stuff built for cheaper than other competitors to try an make more money and anymore it seems Ford, Chevy's, and some other ones are really bad on quality... Or is it just me?
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,936
    I'd say you haven't looked at a Ford or Chevy lately.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    edited September 2011
    German engineering is needlessly complex just for the sake of complexity. The breech assembly for a German artillery gun had 45 separate parts while the American one had only eight. The German piece may have been an engineering marvel, but it was a logistical nightmare.

    I understand the German uniforms were designed by Hugo Boss. I'm sure the Wehrmacht looked awesome as they froze to death on the Russian front. The Russian uniforms were ugly and looked like they were made out of horse blankets, but the Red Army managed to stay warm in subzero temperatures.

    The Germans managed to build only about 6,500 Panzer and German tanks. The Americans built 60,000 Shermans alone.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I saw a new red Hemi Charger R/T at work the other day and the Charger even looks good in Philadelphia Police livery. For such a Mopar fan, I'm surprised you didn't jump on the Charger bandwagon. Either that, or I could've seen you in a Pontiac G8 GXP. I'm sure there are a lot of bargains to be found out there with a late model G8.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    From the Philadelphia newspaper:
    On Labor Day, Don't Forget the Movement
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,056
    For such a Mopar fan, I'm surprised you didn't jump on the Charger bandwagon.

    Well, when the Charger first came out, I wasn't impressed enough with it to replace my 2000 Intrepid with one. At the time, the Intrepid was about 5 1/2 years old and had about 105,000 miles on it, and seemed to have plenty of life left.

    By the time the Intrepid finally got totaled, in November of 2009, the Great Recession was still fresh in my mind, so a new car was the last thing on my mind. I had thought about a used Charger, but just couldn't find the right combination of age, mileage, price, engine, and features that appealed to me. What I really wanted was one with a 3.5 V-6 and a sunroof, but for the most part, it was only the Hemi models that had a sunroof. And it seemed like most of the cheaper models on the used car market were 2.7's.

    As for the Pontiac G8, I do like those alot, but they were still on the expensive side. Even once Pontiac got orphaned, they still seemed to hold their value pretty well. And, they really weren't all that common on the used car market. Then, before I knew it, I found a listing for a 2000 Park Ave Ultra at the local Cadillac dealer, called about it, came in, and before I knew it, my name was on the title!
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    lol, hey!!!!!! One of my favorite cars I've ever owned was a 93 Probe GT. That car was a standout style-wise and the Mazda mechanicals made it a hoot to drive. I bought mine in 94' paid it off while in college and to this day, wish I never traded it on a lemon Explorer :sick:

    Yes, I'll agree the prelude was a superior car, but the probe (Mazda MX-6)was a credible competitor... :D
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    The #1 Domestic auto getting a little more "American"...

    Toyota to halt Camry shipments to U.S.

    Even the most racist, diehard "Buy Murican" folks out there should recognize this as a positive...
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It probably has more to do with the fact that the US plants (Georgetown, KY and Lafayett, IN) have more than enough capacity to supply the market.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    >Even the most racist,

    What does race have to do with this? That comment is out of place.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,960
    I have to believe that GM employed some Japanese-Americans in the landslide that led to their downfall of mismanagement. I'm sure there were some UAW members too.

    Therefore, I conclude it has more to do with a companies business culture than it does their race.

    Some companies want to maximize short term profits at the expense of the customer, while other companies want to maximize long term gains and loyalty by earning it.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,528
    I was thinking the same thing. Having a preference for home market products is not racism. What "race" is being denigrated? "Racism" is usually a knee-jerk word used when valid arguments vanish. At most it is xenophobia...and IMO with some of the demographic and cultural trends of today, a little xenophobia is not unwarranted.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,936
    edited September 2011
    This is good news. Hopefully no more natural disasters in Japan will completely hamstring even U.S. Toyota production as the tsunami did.
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,936
    edited September 2011
    ...all I can do is quote my favorite Bugs Bunny line..."What a maroon!"

    Although, I enjoy his line "churlish dolt" a lot, too!
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So now my wife's Japanese Camry is a collector's item?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A reporter is looking to interview someone in the greater Washington, DC area who unknowingly bought a car that had suffered flood damage. Please respond to pr@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information by Monday, September 19, 2011.
  • cannon3cannon3 Member Posts: 296
    I was at my daughter high school soccer game the other night. As I pulled into the parking lot I am one of these people who just notice new cars. Someone had bought a new Subaru Forester. During pre-game I was chatting with some parents and up walked a teacher "MR smith" I'll call him. Well, conversation with guys once again turned to vehicles. He piped up he bought a new Subaru Forester. Well, I am sick and tired of hearing teachers complain of no money, blah, blah, blah... I flatly asked do you think your buying forgein products/services helps you gain more money? He said, I'm not in the car manufacturing business, my job has nothing to do with it". Well, after debate and explaining to him how he just gave his money to a working person over seas, along with all his tax dollars.. He got it... Education people, pass the word, buying foreign products and services does NOTHING for ANYONE. It is a short term gain, not a longterm solution.
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    ... buying foreign products and services does NOTHING for ANYONE
    • Creates competition for US companies to remain competitive
    • Does a lot for the manufacturing staff where the product is made (they are SOMEONE)
    • Promotes economic interdependence. Countries that are interdependent go to war with each other less often.
    • Foreign car dealer employs staff, mechanics, pays bills, uses utilities, buys supplies locally, generally stimulates the economy
    • Foreign cars are promoted using US advertising on radio, TV, newspapers
    • Don't forget that foreign makes produce more cars in the US than the D3 do
    You should really look at the bigger picture a bit.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    I agree totally...I believe the other poster still believes that our products would have magically improved on their own, instead of responding to the japanese products of the last 25 years...we needed a kick in the a** because we still have too many folks that think that sweeping floors or sewing on buttons is worth $30/hour plus benefits...it isn't...
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,393
    Education people, pass the word, buying foreign products and services does NOTHING for ANYONE.

    Wrong, "buying foreign" allows me to own cars and motorcycles I truly love to drive/ride.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

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