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Ameican Cars
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Posted by: GoingToRussia

I heard tonight that sales of new cars sold in the USA which are based in the USA (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) is less then half. Foreign based cars get 50+ percent of the sales ... first time in history!

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

I heard tonight that sales of new cars sold in the USA which are based in the USA (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) is less then half. Foreign based cars get 50+ percent of the sales ... first time in history!

I heard the same thing tonight.I only buy North American cars and trucks,the others would stand up to my beatings.LOL

Randy

Posted by: Big wheel

And people wonder why they cant find jobs.

As they drive to Wal-Mart in there Honda's and Kia's

Posted by: Texas Proud

The thing that is interesting is that the Honda's and Toyota's are being built in America also.. and I would bet that some have more American content than some of the 'American' cars...

I probably will be buying Toyota and Honda from now on... I got tired of the American cars needing constant care...

Posted by: Spakoyna

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud

The thing that is interesting is that the Honda's and Toyota's are being built in America also.. and I would bet that some have more American content than some of the 'American' cars...

I probably will be buying Toyota and Honda from now on... I got tired of the American cars needing constant care...

And I thought Texan's were the most patriotic of all.

I went through issues with our cars in the late 70's til the early 80's. But nothing but bliss since. I buy American and avoid walmart as much as possible! Wonder when everyone who works at walmart will have dem diffrent eyes?

Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spakoyna

And I thought Texan's were the most patriotic of all.

Yes, we are patriotic, but are not willing to get ripped off just to prove a point...

And.... what is an "American car"? Some GMs are made in Canada or Mexico (I own one and it has the Canadian flag on the door...) one at least in Australia... the Accord is made in the US. The Camry is made in the US. Chrysler was (or should I say STILL IS) owned by a GERMAN company...

I saw one article that said the Saturn VUE increased in American content when they added a HONDA engine as the V6 option... seemed that the GM was built in Europe and the Honda in Ohio...

They rank the Camry the NUMBER 2 top American made car in this article...

What Are the Top American-Made Cars?
Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts are made and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. Models that have been discontinued are disqualified, as are those with a domestic-parts content rating below 75 percent.
Rank Make/Model U.S. Assembly Location Last Rank
1. Ford F-150* Dearborn, Mich.;
Kansas City, Mo.;
Norfolk, Va. 1
2. Toyota Camry**,
Camry Solara Georgetown, Ky. 3
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500* Fort Wayne, Ind.;
Pontiac, Mich. 2
4. Chevrolet Cobalt Lordstown, Ohio 5
5. Ford Explorer,
Explorer Sport Trac Louisville, Ky.;
St. Louis 6
6. Chevrolet Malibu,
Malibu Maxx Kansas City, Kan. 7
7. Chevrolet TrailBlazer* Moraine, Ohio 10
8. Toyota Sienna Princeton, Ind. 9
9. Pontiac G6 Orion, Mich. —
10. Ford Escape** Kansas City, Mo. 8

Posted by: GentleGiant

My family drive (mostly) Toyota's; at one point we had 5 Previa's and can count the number of road side breakdowns on the thumbs of one hand; and we rack up some serious mileage, nearly all of it short stop-start trips that really punish the drive chain.

My step fathers BMW tho, seems to break down every time it rains.

That one break down btw was the alternator blowing 1/2 way to the airport; would'nt have counted it as a roadside job normally, but I was 130 miles from home and you cant limp home on battery power that far.

The few US cars I have driven are prehistoric tanks in comparison to the Japanese and European cars I normally get to drive when I moonlight for Vauxhall Fleet/White Arrow.

Posted by: Texas Proud

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleGiant2

My family drive (mostly) Toyota's; at one point we had 5 Previa's and can count the number of road side breakdowns on the thumbs of one hand; and we rack up some serious mileage, nearly all of it short stop-start trips that really punish the drive chain.

My step fathers BMW tho, seems to break down every time it rains.

That one break down btw was the alternator blowing 1/2 way to the airport; would'nt have counted it as a roadside job normally, but I was 130 miles from home and you cant limp home on battery power that far.

The few US cars I have driven are prehistoric tanks in comparison to the Japanese and European cars I normally get to drive when I moonlight for Vauxhall Fleet/White Arrow.

Hey GG... all the 'European' cars are even worse than the 'American' cars now... BMW and Mercedes have lost a lot in reliability... they are very nice looking cars, but come on guys...

We don't get any Vauxhalls over here... or Renaults (sp??) or those tiny cars such as the A class, the 1 series etc... I have heard that Smart is going to start selling over here, but they dropped the sport coupe which is the one I might have thought about buying... (though I probably wouldn't because of the price).. oh well....

Posted by: Chrismc

Cadillac Seville STS

Back in 1998 when these were first brought into the UK I bought one brand new right hand drive, I found it to be a great car, but the model got panned by the British press, it was great to drive, but the depreciation was extraordinary, I lost over £20K ($40K) on it on a little over 18 months.

Now I see them selling for peanuts, probably due to the cost of running them over here, to buy the fuel alone is the equivalent to financing the debt repayments of a small third world country

and of course you have others like the Chrysler 300C now in the market place which is very similar to it, but I still like the things

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Hey GTR, I know we are talking about cars in this thread, but can you tell me what an "Ameican Car" is

Posted by: joelunchbox

Unforunately, american manufacturers have lost market share not because of their products so much as their customer service. My last talk with someone in Bombay cost me as ever being new Dodge buyer. I like the new dodge/chrysler line but I will not allow myself to be put through the wringer like that again. I am so glad they saved a few pennies by going overseas with their customer service. Actually, I am so glad they sent their lack of customer service overseas. haha
I am still holding out hope for ford and gm....

Posted by: Spakoyna

TP I new you would come back at me with that scenario! There are not to many cars that are wholely made in 1 country any more. Probably one of the closest is Hundi'a and Kia's. I remember in the old days the Beammers and Mercedes were the car to buy if you wanted a trouble free car....don't know about Mercedes but the Beammers are probably worse than some of the American cars now.

Joe....I would go for a GM if I were you. Never had a new Chrysler Product.
Had it stuck to me a few times by Ford! 1st was a 1980 Mercury Capri. Probably the best example of just how bad a car could be made. Battled with ford for 6 months....after it really became public locally the dealer finally bought the Piece a sh*t back! Limppin around town with signs does wonders ya know!

Next was onna the 1st Ford diesel pickups. I kindda blame myself for this 1. Truck was outstanding....awesome power and economy. Well they had a recall on seeping head gaskets. Shouldda never let em touch it....don't know if I ever added any coolant but there was just enough of a leak where it would show. They ruined that engine. Went in gettin 20 MPG and never saw a puff a smoke...came out gettin 12mpg smokin like a freight train. I know exactly what happened...underpaid mechanics taking shortcuts.Pulled the heads intact and ruined the injectors and glow plugs. Course dealer wouldn't do anything about it. And the recall was not free! Spent over a grand on that truck and was never able to get it right.

I never understood my next issue as well....96 Lincoln Mark VIII I loved that car. Onna the options was a 100,000 mile tune up! Somewhere just over 50,000 miles it started throwing misfire codes. Guess what...I had to pay for plugs,wires,etc.

Ford! I hope you are reading this! I now have 5 GM vehicles and a boat with GM power sitting round my house. I have never,ever had even the slightest customer service issue with any GM product I own! In fact I would even say they bend over backwards and I have seen them go the extra mile for others.

LOL! So much for my rant....no one can go 100% buy American anymore...but some do try!

Posted by: GentleGiant

Vauxhall is GM in the UK, and I used to have to drive re-badged "Yank Tanks" and they were over heavy, thirsty and did not handle very well compared to the Vectra's, Mondeo's, Astra's, or even the ancient Audi 100 I used to own.

The only thing going for them was the room for a medium sized orgy in the back ( and another in the front).

I agree about customer care tho, none of the big brands give a toss once the car is out of the showroom except Skoda, the big surprise in JD Powers in recent years; going from a joke 10 years ago to top of the tree customer satisfaction wise,and "Car of the Year", this year for the Fabia.

If I could pick my own car, instead of having to drive what the family firm needs; I would have a Skoda, I wanted the Octavia as soon as it was launched, think the Superb is ...errr.. superb, and the Fabia is fabialous.

They are not to everyones taste, and a lot of people still associate Skoda with the 60's/70's clunkers they turned out under communism; but they are well made, have good equipment levels, and are reliable.

The only problem with the Octavia is that it has become the car of choice for all the taxi-cab firms !!!

Posted by: Longfellow

I don't know what you all are going on about... I buy only American and it is the best fuel economy possible. I have never put one drop of gas into it and maintenance is virtually 0.

It's called a Segway, and because of it, I can afford a much nicer home and have many fewer headaches. I can even drive it into the market if I choose to!
When I want to go farther, that's what public transport, trains and air flight are for.
I've had this for nearly 4 years now, and it is the best decision I've ever made. Plus, my carbon footprint is like the Chinese Empress in 1800!

Posted by: GentleGiant

Yeah, but you cant get 7 kids in the back of a segway, and public transport in the UK is a sick joke that only gets sicker by the year.

As for affording a new home, the segway costs the same here as a medium price car.
Carbon footprint... I suggest you check how your electricity is generated, either fossil fuels or by creating radioactive waste that will pollute the planet for 100,000 years minimum.

I did suggest we bought all the children roller blades and towed them behind a SMART, but the idea never caught on.

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleGiant2

Yeah, but you cant get 7 kids in the back of a segway, and public transport in the UK is a sick joke that only gets sicker by the year.

As for affording a new home, the segway costs the same here as a medium price car.
Carbon footprint... I suggest you check how your electricity is generated, either fossil fuels or by creating radioactive waste that will pollute the planet for 100,000 years minimum.

I did suggest we bought all the children roller blades and towed them behind a SMART, but the idea never caught on.

Well fortune smiles on the dim-witted.
Her nearly all our power is hydo-electric.
As to kids and travel, isn't that why we buy the little red wagon for them?
And a segway is about $5000 USD with nearly infinite lifespan. I challenge you to purchase any car new at that price, SMART guy! LOL

BTW, who cr*pped in your corn flakes today?

Posted by: GentleGiant

So all those nuke plants are optical illusions ???

As with most Us products the importers like to convert $1 into £1; so it costs about $10,000 over here ( £5000 ), at least it did last time I looked; and you can buy several cars for about £5k; crap cars I will admit, but new anyway.

For example...
Perodua Kelisa:
The line-up includes three cars: the EX, GXi and an automatic EZi. The entry-level EX costs £4,795, the EZi £6,506. All are powered by the same three-cylinder engine.

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleGiant2

So all those nuke plants are optical illusions ???

As with most Us products the importers like to convert $1 into £1; so it costs about $10,000 over here ( £5000 ), at least it did last time I looked; and you can buy several cars for about £5k; crap cars I will admit, but new anyway.

For example...
Perodua Kelisa:
The line-up includes three cars: the EX, GXi and an automatic EZi. The entry-level EX costs £4,795, the EZi £6,506. All are powered by the same three-cylinder engine.

I only say that power to SW US and San Diego particular, is hydro.
We're screwing the world like a free whore anyhow... apparently no one worries about the 10,000 year consequence.

Posted by: GentleGiant

OK, I misunderstood what you were saying.

Hydro is a green way for electricity, but there are other issues with it, such as downstream safety and the destruction of habitats from their creation.

You weren't serious about owning a Segway tho?? honestly ???

I didn't think anyone admitted to owning one any more, don't the owners cruise round looking like this ??

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleGiant2

OK, I misunderstood what you were saying.

Hydro is a green way for electricity, but there are other issues with it, such as downstream safety and the destruction of habitats from their creation.

You weren't serious about owning a Segway tho?? honestly ???

I didn't think anyone admitted to owning one any more, don't the owners cruise round looking like this ??

I am completely serious.
I haven't owned a car for over 9 years, by choice.
4 years ago I got the segway and it is the best decision I've made since abandoning autos.
Yes, I look like a 9-foot geek, but what do I care?
To impress American women? There's a mountain to steep to summit in any event.

Yes, yes - riding a Segway is like shagging a fat woman- it's a lot of fun but you don't brag to friends about it!

Posted by: GentleGiant

As the family own and run a Kindergarten, a Nursery, an Afterschool club and a holiday club, we need to carry lots of children around; the Previa is the best compromise, big enough for 8 people and bags, cellos, etc, but small enough to drive privately and ( more importantly) get onto the driveway.

The OLD model tho, the new version is crap, no load space and front wheel drive.

Posted by: j_c

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

Yes, yes - riding a Segway is like shagging a fat woman- it's a lot of fun but you don't brag to friends about it!

We will have to take your word for that one LF !!!

I was at a Vauxhall VXR day last week, and they had the "cadilac" there, apparently they are launching a 1.9 diesel version which they somehow think is going to appeal to the fleet market in the UK - I for one cannot see this happening, the car is just plain ugly!!!

JC

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_c

Yes I agree JC the new one is no where near as good looking as the old one that they brought over in 1998, I wouldn't have a new one, for various reasons,

1) I only got around 18 to the gallon out of the old one, I don't get much more out of the car I have now, but they were too heavy on juice 2) they look crap 3) there are loads of alternatives now, much cheaper 4) depreciation, the killer, the value drops quicker than a brides nighty on wedding night

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Hey GTR, I know we are talking about cars in this thread, but can you tell me what an "Ameican Car" is

Well the key word is based and then they said GM, Ford, and Chrysler ("The Big 3").

Some of the Hondas sold in Michigan are made in Canada. They even sell a "Canadian Package", gives the temperature outside so you know if you should plug in your block heater.

Yes Saturn is a Honda/U.S. car and Chrysler is based in Germany ut not for long. Dymler is trying t sell Chrysler.

Actually there isn't a true American made car. The closest is some part are foreign but assembled in the USA.

The story mentioned The Big 3 so this is their definition of an American based car.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

You missed the point

you called this thread 'Ameican Cars' do you notice anything wrong?

Posted by: Manchester

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Cadillac Seville STS

Back in 1998 when these were first brought into the UK I bought one brand new right hand drive, I found it to be a great car, but the model got panned by the British press, it was great to drive, but the depreciation was extraordinary, I lost over £20K ($40K) on it on a little over 18 months.

Now I see them selling for peanuts, probably due to the cost of running them over here, to buy the fuel alone is the equivalent to financing the debt repayments of a small third world country

and of course you have others like the Chrysler 300C now in the market place which is very similar to it, but I still like the things

I have a Chrysler 300C, the car is OK but not a patch on the Merc I had before it.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manchester

I have a Chrysler 300C, the car is OK but not a patch on the Merc I had before it.

The Caddy was a fine car, I liked it a lot, but Jeremy didn't have a good word to say about it

apart from the fact that he said if you broke down in the desert in it, you could drive home OK, but we don't have many deserts in the North West, so not a consideration really

it was expensive to run with its 4.2L engine but if you want luxury you have to pay for it, I would never buy another one new though, the residual is pathetic, best to get a good cheap nearly new one, didn't have any problems with it at all and as they were brand new to the UK very rare too.

I like the 300C but I have not driven one, so cannot comment on what they are like to drive, having said that, I bought the Caddy after trading in a Porsche 911 Carrerra 4 which I hated and only had for 6 - 8 weeks, great to play in but crap to drive (IMO) long distances which is what I was doing at the time.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

You missed the point

you called this thread 'Ameican Cars' do you notice anything wrong?

Yes, one doesn't exist. The story defined American Cars as GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

Posted by: Chrismc

No still wrong, keep guessing

sorry does no one see the obvious mistake here

Posted by: GentleGiant

I'm keeping stumm, I spotted it after you highlighted it.

I would probably have noticed on my own if I didnt have a head cold; everything is a bit woozy and the whole world keeps swinging to the right every now and then.

Posted by: Chrismc

he he its funny how things so obvious sometimes arfe totally missed, our brains automatically rectifies the problem without telling us

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

No still wrong, keep guessing

sorry does no one see the obvious mistake here

Spelling?

Posted by: Chrismc

Yeeehaaaaaa sorry GTR...but I just thought it was so obvious?

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

No still wrong, keep guessing

sorry does no one see the obvious mistake here

Seen it a while back...but didn't say any thing

Randy

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermopar

Seen it a while back...but didn't say any thing

Randy

maybe Randy you shoud start a thread on 'Candian Cars'

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

maybe Randy you shoud start a thread on 'Candian Cars'

LMAO...yes I think a thread on Candian cars is a good idea

Randy

Posted by: OzGuyLooking

I miss my old 1977 Pontiac Trans Am 6.6 litre (400 cube Pontiac engine not the Oldsmobile 403 crapper) 4 speed manual genuine BANDIT model. She flew and handled.

My 1st car was a 1954 Standard 10 (English so the Brits might now what they are)
2nd Holden (Isuzu so it was a Japanese designed but locally built car) Gemini.
3rd, the MIGHTY Pontiac (American Iron at is best, well for the late 70s anyway)
4th Toyota Landcruiser Troopcarrier (Japanse) with a 5.7 litre 220 kw (300 hp) HOLDEN (AUSTRALIAN AND PROUD OF IT THANKS) v8.

I guess you could say I'm multicultural when it comes to cars.

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking

I miss my old 1977 Pontiac Trans Am 6.6 litre (400 cube Pontiac engine not the Oldsmobile 403 crapper) 4 speed manual genuine BANDIT model. She flew and handled.

Hey OZ,I should not admitt this in public but I also had a 1977 Trans Am 6.6 4 speed manual.Car was black,but had no strips or decals on it.Had to fix something on it every day.Drove it like I stoled it...LOL

Randy

Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermopar

What is wrong with admitting it? I was the same although mine was more reliable than yours sounds. She (why are all cars a she?) was also black with no eagle or stripes most people said she was a plain firebird, I didn't mind that because all the hotted up ford and holden drivers used to think they could take her on. As soon as they tried they saw her fly by and heard the hum only a Ponty can make coming out of the exhaust. Sweet as moments.

Did I ever tell you I miss her? ha ha.

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking

The reason why it is wrong to addmitt that I had one is...well my screen name should be a good indication MISTERMOPAR...LOL

Randy

Posted by: OzGuyLooking

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermopar

The reason why it is wrong to addmitt that I had one is...well my screen name should be a good indication MISTERMOPAR...LOL

Randy

Now I get ya, sorry Randy had a momentary brain fade there.

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzGuyLooking

Now I get ya, sorry Randy had a momentary brain fade there.

All is forgiven....LOL..them dam brain fades.....

Randy