9th Dec 2008, 17:31
"The question remains unanswered, if the Ford and Mercury have never needed a repair, where is the incentive to buy a Honda or Toyota?"
This is a very good question. Since we've put well over 200,000 miles on Fords, GM's and Chryslers, and since we no longer have to keep a car more than 100,000 miles, WHY BUY A JAPANESE CAR? I greatly prefer the style, comfort, quiet and reliability of domestic vehicles. With a 100,000 mile warranty, that's no worries for the life of the car for us. What would be the possible reason for paying thousands more for a car that is not as well built and has a very poor warranty?
9th Dec 2008, 10:10
No, you need to understand what those reports are saying. JD Powers gives most domestic automakers high marks for initial quality. Initial meaning what is the overall fit, finish, and driveability of a new car. Most consumers are more concerned about long-term quality, as in how long a car lasts 10-15 years. In that measure, Ford, GM, and Chrysler fail miserably. Thus its easy to read a report such as this and make generalized statements that Ford and GM are better overall than Toyota and Honda. But the standard remains. Ford and GM build vehicles that don't have the same long term quality standards as Honda or Toyota. That's what consumers already know and why the Big Three keep losing ground.