Reply #65: Here's a good example why

[flvegan]

A person looking for good and inexpensive transport with $18k to spend are more and more going to choose, for example, a Toyota Corolla over a Ford Focus. Even a Mazda 3 over the Focus, even though it's the same platform. Much of it is reputation for reliability and resale value. It's an unfortunate mindset that the big 3 allowed to develop.

American automakers could stand to look at why their European subsidiaries are doing so well. Take some styling cues for the Cobalt from the Astra. Even the Focus is better looking in the UK.

I think they'd also do well to bring their overseas performance trim levels over here. The Focus RS is a great little car. The SVT we got here is a mess. The Cobalt SS is a good start, but bring that Astra VXR over here and you'll sell every single one of them. While at it, don't get stupid with the prices like Pontiac did with the GTO, just to make them "exclusive".