Reply #53: you obviously know nothing about cars

[lithiumbomb]

It's not 1985 anymore, or even 1995. Such generalizations don't work at all.

The Americans are generally on par with the Japanese at this point with their newest products, they probably were not 5 years ago. The best American car you can probably buy today is a Ford Fusion. Look it up. The Saturn Aura is also quite good, as well as the Chevy Malibu. The two GM offerings are available as hybrids, the Fusion will be available as a hybrid in 2010. Current media preview tests have it getting 42 mpg in all-around driving.

Generally below average are the Europeans. I love my Volkswagen, but it's not a low maintenance vehicle by any means.

Do the Americans still have some catching up to do in the quality department? Yes. Are they selling 1980s quality crap? No way.

I recommend browsing JD Power, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports to start your research journey.