I want to like American cars. Really, I do. All things being equal, I prefer buying local products, supporting local jobs, sparing the impact of shipping cars from overseas.
But I’ve been traveling a lot lately, which has included a lot of time stuck in rental cars. They have all been American sedans, almost brand new cars. And they have all been crap. 🙁
Since 1988, I have owned or regularly driven an older model used Volvo, a new Toyota Camry, a new Mazda pickup truck, a new Subaru Outback, a used Maxda 626, a new VW Passat and a used VW Eurovan. I can’t think of a single time with any of those that I have had trouble with something as simple as starting the car. I mean, unless it was majorly broken, you turn the ignition, maybe give it a bit of gas and vroom, the car is running. Of the last five American rental cars I’ve had, three had trouble turning over, requiring multiple efforts and lots of pumping of the gas pedal.
Or there was the Chrysler where I accidentally set the parking brake while waiting for a green turn arrow, blocking traffic for three light cycles while I found the release. That embossed rubber oval on the floorboard right next to the parking brake? That’s not it. It’s the unmarked handle on the very bottom of the dash, under the (labeled) push button for opening the trunk.
And the brand new Dodge rental car (I was the second renter) where the AC flat out didn’t work.
And they all handle like land yachts. I have never felt so isolated from the road, with trouble seeing traffic around me and no clear sense of how fast I’m going or how close I am to the cars around me.
Gahh! No wonder Ford and GM seem to be circling the drain.
I like most Saturns– and Ja’s Saturn is made in our state! I like to *look* at Camaros and Mustangs. The others can go hang.
Oh, and besides, it’s just as likely that your Toyota was mostly made in the USA. The one I had was; I was able to look it up by VIN somewhere. (I had a used Toyota Camry once that I loved– it died because someone didn’t screw on the cap after my oil change, apparently…)
That’s a valid point. I suspect my issues have less to do with where the car is manufactured and more to do with where/how it is designed and engineered.
So you can still be loyal to American *workers* and buy a well-designed car.
Greetings and agreement!
I just noticed that you recently ‘friended’ me and decided to check your journal out. Boy O Boy…. This post pretty much sums up my feelings about late model American cars.
The people down at the local Enterprise Car Rental shop know me pretty well. I’ve had the misfortune of being involved in numerous accidents over the last several years, the most recent being the hit and run damage (totalling over $7500) to my then two week old Hyundai Tucson. Every time, they assign me a sub standard, uncomfortable, and cheapo American car. This last time, I first received a 2006 Dodge V8 4×4 pickup. The price tag may have been high, but this was the cheapest, plastic lined, uncomfortable ride I’ve ever driven. I traded it in and ended up with a Chevy Cobalt. It was supposed to be temporary, but due to infrastructure issues, they never found another suitable vehicle. I hated that car unlike anything I’ve ever had the misfortune of driving.
My little Hyundai has all the bells and whistles, lots of comfort, a great warranty, and a reasonable price tag. Take that, GM!
*OK, now that I’ve ranted… Thank you for adding me to your ‘friends list’. I’d like to add you back and get to know you better. Always room for a fellow Oregonian in my journal. 🙂