Why do American cars not last?

It’s Not Just Europe, Australians Don’t Want American Cars Either

You might remember a few months back Donald Trump complained that Europeans don’t buy enough American cars. A couple of weeks ago, in the midst of trade war talks, an op-ed was published by Top Gear outlining why Europeans don’t buy American cars. Us Aussies don’t want them either. Our tastes are actually very different

There aren’t a great deal of American cars sold in Australia, and no manufacturer relies entirely on them. Ford, Holden, Fiat-Chrysler, Toyota and Nissan all have US-built models in their respective line-ups. Among the top 10 new vehicles sold in Australia last year, not one was American. The Ford Mustang was the only American car to lead it’s segment, with 9165 sold, well ahead of the second-placed Toyota 86 with 1935 sales. The highest selling American-built vehicle in Australia was the Toyota Kluger (Highlander). 12,509 units were shifted, placing it second in the large SUV segment, behind the Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Most people wouldn’t even be aware that the Kluger is built in Indiana. No other American car featured anywhere near the top of their respective segments. Even the Chrysler 300 couldn’t make the top five in large cars under $70k, a segment with limited competition. It was even beaten by the Ford Falcon, despite no Falcons being built in 2017. They couldn’t even sell the 300 SRT to the Police as a highway patrol car in absence of the Commodore SS and Falcon XR6 Turbo. The BMW 530d got the job instead. Holden recently released the Equinox in Australia. Until the Acadia arrives later this year, it’s the only US-sourced model in Holden’s range. If early reviews are anything to go by, it doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of the Mazda CX-5, and won’t be much of a success.

Many of the quintessential American cars, and especially American pickups, are simply too big for our roads. The ones that aren’t, like the Ford Focus and Toyota Camry aren’t really American at all. The only thing American about the former is the badge. Our parking spaces and driveways are designed around two different passenger car turning templates, B85 and B99. The B85 has dimensions that make it less manoeuvrable than 85 percent of the cars on Australian roads. It’s more or less an amalgam of Falcon and Commodore. The B99 is roughly the size of an S Class or Holden Caprice. Broadly speaking our infrastructure wasn’t designed to accommodate massive American pickups and SUVs. Ford offered F250 and F350 in Australia for a short period but sales were too low to justify offering the second generation Super Duty in right hand drive. Holden sold the gargantuan Suburban in the late 1990s but hardly anyone bought them. These days Walkinshaw holds the exclusive Australian import and RHD conversion rights to both the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram Trucks. They sell them for over $100k each to the handful of people who actually need them.

Other American cars struggle to be taken seriously. The Chrysler 300 is a decent car, but has been outsold by everything you could consider a direct rival. Its bold styling is off-putting in what is one of the most conservative market segments in Australia and there’s nothing it does better than a Holden Calais or Caprice for the same price. Maybe with the Caprice gone the 300 can attract more buyers. Over it’s 13 year tenure, the 300 has been a success when compared to the Hummer H3. Holden imported right hand drive H3s from the US between 2006 and 2009, but sold less than 2000 of them. This is partly because it was objectively terrible, but also partly because it was seen as a joke. 4WD enthusiasts are fiercely brand-loyal, so Holden was always going to have a hard time tempting buyers out of established models like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Prado. It didn’t help that the H3 lacked a diesel engine and had a towing capacity lower than any SUV you could name, never mind any other 4WD. It was viewed as a poser’s car. It wasn’t the real thing, nor was it civilised enough for SUV buyers. It was basically a rebodied Rodeo with an extra half a tonne of mass and tiny windows and drove accordingly.

Jeeps tend to come in and out of fashion. They have a habit of releasing models that are popular early on, but don’t hold their showroom appeal once the novelty wears off, something better comes along or reliability concerns arise. In the early 2000s, they became very popular. When the Ford Territory arrived, Jeep Cherokee (and Ford Explorer) sales, already below those of the Mitsubishi Pajero, dropped off. When the massively improved current model Grand Cherokee was released, people started buying Jeeps again. Then Jeep, along with every other FCA product, quickly earned a reputation for building lemons.

Even when the Americans are selling more conventional cars, they tend to flop in Australia. Poor build quality is largely to blame. Until recently the lack of diesel engine options in 4WDs didn’t help either. The Chrysler Neon and Sebring, every Dodge, and every pre-2011 Jeep has been burdened by interior plastics far worse than the competition. The Holden Malibu was a much better car than it’s Chrysler compatriots, but still relied on low prices and sold in meagre volumes. Even when they got the perceived quality sorted out, FCA models were still plagued by recalls. Making matters, worse, a lemon Jeep Cherokee was destroyed by it’s owner in a video that went viral.

Poor quality isn’t the only issue. Americans seem to have fundamentally different tastes to Australians. Well made, Japanese and Korean cars pitched at the American market have failed to make an impact on Australia. The Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Murano and Altima, Hyundai i45 and Lexus ES are a few examples. Most Australians aren’t interested in soft suspension, chrome grilles, grey interiors and fake wood. Cars that hardly figure in the US, like the Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Liberty (Legacy), do much better in Australia. Despite having less than 10 percent of the population, we buy more Mazdas than America does. The Toyota Camry is the biggest selling midsize sedan both here and in the US, but don’t expect it to stay that way. Camry sales in Australia were propped up by fleets, buying them at heavily discounted prices offered by Toyota in a desperate attempt to keep to keep the Melbourne factory open. The 2018 model costs just as much as it’s rivals, so is unlikely to enjoy the sales dominance of its predecessors.

If American car makers want to sell cars in Australia, they need to make them smaller and sportier, with better perceived quality, less chrome and more understated, better proportioned styling. Consider this. The Holden sourced Pontiac GTO and G8, and the Chevy SS looked boring to American tastes, but they were well received in Australia. The Yank-focussed Mitsubishi ASX (why they named a car after the Australian Securities Exchange is beyond me) and Outlander are… outlandish to Australian eyes. The American cars that would actually appeal to Australians (Mustang excepted) are the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, Dodge Challenger, and Cadillac ATS and CTS. Cadillac would have a hard time competing directly with the Germans, however. Jaguar-Land Rover, Lexus, Alfa Romeo and Maserati have had a hard time competing with BMW, Mercedes and Audi. You’ll rarely spot an Infiniti in Australia. It’s hard to see Cadillac doing any better.

If American car manufacturers can’t succeed in Australia, what hope do they have for Europe? Instead of blaming Europe for not buying American cars, Trump should point the finger at GM and Chrysler for not making cars the rest of the world wants to buy.

5 Reasons that make American Cars less Reliable

If you are a regular person who needs a car for daily usage at work, at home, and with the family. You will most probably need to look for a reliable car that makes your life easier and less stressful.

Car maintenance is essential for the vehicle and reduces repair shop visits. But some cars tend to love visiting the repair shops frequently, even with a regular maintenance schedule.

Reliability is the factor that really matters the most when buying a practical family car that will be ready any time for the next trip.

American cars are considered one of the most popular cars in the world, along with German and Japanese cars.

But why do American cars have a bad reputation when it comes to reliability? Let’s find out the top 5 reasons that make American cars less reliable.

1- More Recalls

When deciding between automakers, customers often consider the number of recalls issued by each company. Vehicles manufactured in the United States have a substantially greater recall rate than those manufactured in other countries.

Furthermore, the severity of these recalls is often higher in cars built in the United States. As an example, a fire-related recall on the Chevrolet Cruze pushed many customers away from the car and the brand.

It is common for recalls to occur early in the life of an American-made car. The recall rate is relatively high in the first few years after launch. Once the initial issue has been addressed, the firms often do a redesign. But this shows that American cars have been launched far too soon and with little testing before release.

2- Cars Build Quality

In addition to major recalls, many American-made automobiles have poor design and construction quality. To put it another way, these manufacturers are attempting to get an edge on the competition by moving a bit too fast. Several American automakers have issues with door alignment and gaps in doors and windows, and poorly built frames.

Additionally, new features are released before they have been carefully examined and are therefore not yet available for purchase by the general public. Ford’s MyFord Touch technology is one example of this.

The technology employed is fascinating, but it has severe usability flaws and so many faults that some users are unable to make use of it efficiently. As a result, the technology requires frequent upgrades to correct the difficulties. These updates usually contain additional defects and problems.

For decades, non-American cars have been recognized for their high-quality construction. There are numerous good reasons for this, one of which is that these cars must meet a number of strict international standards. If the cars are of poor quality, they will not be launched in many of their targeted nations.

Similarly, American auto-manufacturers have improved the quality of their vehicles over the previous few years, but many are still behind. Several auto experts argue that foreign manufacturers have long had higher standards and that American automakers are just beginning to live up to these expectations.

3- Style and Design

It’s a toss-up between international and local automobiles when it comes to style. To claim that American automobiles are missing or excelling is tough because everyone has a different stylistic approach.

The style of cars built in other countries, on the other hand, has a history of being more stylish, with sleeker lines and a more appealing appearance. But if you desire a more rugged appearance, go no further than an American-built automobile.

4- Fuel Economy

For most individuals, fuel economy is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a car. Cars that achieve good gas mileage save money in the long term. People that drive a lot, as well as workers, can benefit from it.

International manufacturers have worked hard to secure the highest possible gas economy due to the strict rules of many nations. They have frequently blown the competitors out of the water.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), imported Toyota cars averaged 44.2 mpg in 2014, whereas American Ford vehicles averaged 36.8 mpg.

However, it is worth noting that American automakers are working hard to improve their cars’ fuel economy. The need for hybrid cars is partly due to governmental restrictions on fuel economy, while the other portion is due to customer desire.

Despite the fact that American automakers are decreasing the gap, many buyers are still sticking to foreign-made cars.

5- Affordable

Automobiles built in the United States are often less expensive for American buyers than vehicles made in other countries. There are several reasons for the price difference, some of which have previously been mentioned.

The higher the cost of a foreign automobile, the higher its overall quality, fuel economy, and production expenses will be. Furthermore, importing a car is more expensive than buying a car that was made in the United States.

Consumers in the United States can now afford more foreign automobiles. Depending on the brand of the car and the specifications of your search, the price variations are becoming less noticeable. Previously, there was a considerably larger gap between local American cars and foreign cars, which was really a disadvantage for American vehicles!

Lower prices were often seen as a sign of poor quality, yet this is not wrong in most cases.

It’s up to you

Although American-built automobiles are getting better, several foreign models still outperform their American counterparts. Foreign automakers are able to produce higher-quality automobiles due to more strict restrictions in Europe and other parts of the world.

Japanese cars, for example, are famous for their reliability. Read this article to know why we consider Japanese cars to be more reliable than German cars.

Every automobile purchase is a unique case. The buyers must measure their demands and goals against the vehicles within their budget.

Are American Cars Reliable?

There are a lot of debates about whether or not American cars are reliable. Some people swear by them, while others think that they are nothing but trouble. So, which is it? Are American cars reliable or not?

American cars may have their share of drawbacks compared to German or Japanese cars, but they most certainly are reliable. The simple design of the 20th century American cars made them into some of the most reliable vehicles in the world, while the modern, technologically complex vehicles retain a reliability standard that is on par with other manufacturers.

Are American Cars Reliable?

American cars have a bad reputation for being unreliable. It’s true that some American cars are less reliable than others, but there are plenty of reliable American-made vehicles out there. The key is to do your research and choose a car from a reputable manufacturer.

There are several reasons why American cars have a reputation for being unreliable. One reason is that American manufacturers often use lower-quality materials than their foreign counterparts. This can lead to parts breaking down sooner or later.

Another reason is that American assembly lines are often not as efficient as those in other countries. This can result in more defects and problems with the finished product.

Finally, American cars are often driven harder and longer than those in other parts of the world. This can also lead to more wear and tear on the vehicle, which can make it less reliable over time.

Despite these reasons, there are still many American-made cars that are quite reliable. If you do your research and choose wisely, you can find a dependable American-made vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.

American automobiles are not as unreliable as they are made out to be. Decades of poor manufacturing and cutting corners have sullied their reputation.

American cars from the 1970s and 1980s were highly prone to failure, but today’s American automobile can compete with any other vehicle on the market.

Why Did American Cars Lose Quality?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the American auto industry is “Why did American cars lose quality?”

There are a number of factors that have led to this decline in quality, but the two most important are probably competition from foreign manufacturers and a change in consumer preferences.

In the past, American automakers had little competition from foreign manufacturers. This meant that they could get away with producing higher-quality vehicles because there were few other options for consumers.

However, as foreign manufacturers have become more established in the United States, they have been able to offer better-quality vehicles at lower prices. This has put pressure on American automakers to improve their quality if they want to remain competitive.

At the same time, consumer preferences have changed. In the past, American consumers were more likely to value things like size and power over quality.

However, as foreign cars have become more popular, American consumers have begun to place higher importance on quality. This has led to a decline in the quality of American-made cars.

There are a number of other factors that have contributed to the decline in the quality of American cars, but these are two of the most important.

As competition from foreign manufacturers increases and consumer preferences change, it is likely that the quality of American-made cars will continue to decline.

American Cars Compared to Japanese Cars

One of the most popular questions is “How do American cars compare to Japanese cars?” When looking at this question, it is important to consider a few different factors.

First, it is important to look at the overall quality of the two types of cars. In general, Japanese cars are considered to be of higher quality than American cars. This is due to a number of factors, including better engineering and more rigorous quality control procedures.

Second, it is important to look at the price of the two types of cars. Japanese cars are typically more expensive than American cars. This is due to a number of factors, including the higher cost of labor in Japan and the fact that Japanese manufacturers often use higher-quality materials.

Third, it is important to look at the reliability of the two types of cars. Japanese cars are typically more reliable than American cars. This is due to a number of factors, including better engineering and more rigorous quality control procedures.

Fourth, it is important to look at the safety of the two types of cars. Japanese cars are typically safer than American cars. This is due to a number of factors, including better engineering and stricter safety regulations.

Overall, Japanese cars are generally considered to be better than American cars. However, there are a few key areas where American cars have an advantage over Japanese cars. These include price, size, and power.

American Cars Compared to Korean Cars

It’s no secret that American cars are often cheaper than Korean cars. But what does that mean for you? Are American cars really better value for money?

American cars tend to be cheaper upfront, but they may not be the best value in the long run. Korean cars, on the other hand, may cost more initially, but they could save you money in the long run. So, which is the better option for you?

To make things fair, we’ll compare two similar cars – a Hyundai Elantra and a Ford Focus. Both are small sedans that offer great fuel economy and plenty of features for a relatively low price.

The Hyundai Elantra has a starting price of $17,150, while the Ford Focus starts at $16,775. So, right off the bat, the Focus is cheaper. But what does that extra $375 get you?

The most obvious difference is in fuel economy. The Elantra gets an estimated 38 mpg on the highway, while the Focus only gets 34 mpg. That means that over the course of a year, you’ll save about $120 in fuel costs with the Elantra.

The Elantra also comes with a few features that aren’t available on the Focus. For example, standard features on the Elantra include heated front seats, a sunroof, and automatic headlights. If you wanted those features on the Focus, you’d have to upgrade to a more expensive trim level.

So, while the Ford Focus is cheaper up front, the Hyundai Elantra could save you money in the long run. When you’re considering your next car purchase, don’t just look at the sticker price – consider all the factors that will affect your ownership experience.

American Cars Compared to European Cars

It is often said that American cars are not as good as European cars. There are a few reasons why people might say this. One reason is that European cars generally get better gas mileage than American cars.

Another reason is that European cars tend to be more expensive than American cars. Finally, some people simply prefer the way European cars look over American cars.So, which is better? American or European cars?

Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in a car. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, then you might want to purchase a European car. If you have a larger budget and you prefer luxury vehicles, then you might want to consider purchasing a European car.

However, if you like the way American cars look, and you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit in terms of fuel efficiency and luxury, then an American car might be the way to go.

FAQs

What Is the Most Reliable American Car Brand?

The most dependable American brand, according to many people, is Buick. This is a General Motors car brand that has consistently ranked highly in customer satisfaction surveys and other independent measures of quality.

Other American brands that have received high marks for reliability include Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Ford.

While Buick is often cited as the most dependable American car brand, it should be noted that this does not necessarily mean that all Buick models are highly reliable.

In fact, some Buick models have been known to have significant problems. However, on balance, the brand has a good reputation for quality and reliability.

The bottom line is that when it comes to finding a dependable American car brand, Buick is a good place to start. However, it is important to do your research before buying any car, regardless of the brand. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find an American car that meets your needs and is also reliable.

What Are Some Bad American Made Car Models?

There have been a number of American car models that have been known for being particularly unreliable. These include the Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon, and Pontiac Sunfire.

All of these models have received poor marks from consumer reports and other independent measures of quality.

If you are looking for an American-made car that is reliable, it is best to avoid models like these. Instead, focus on brands that have generally good reputations, such as Buick or Cadillac.

With a little bit of research, you should be able to find an American car that meets your needs and is also dependable.

Why Did American Cars Lose Quality?

There are a number of reasons why American cars have generally lost quality in recent years. One reason is that the Big Three automakers (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) have been through a lot of financial turmoil in recent years.

This has led to cuts in research and development, which can impact the quality of cars.

Another reason is that American carmakers have been increasingly relying on lower-cost parts from overseas. While these parts may be cheaper, they are often not as high-quality as parts made in the United States. This can lead to problems down the road.

Finally, it is worth noting that many American consumers simply prefer foreign brands when it comes to quality. This is because brands like Toyota and Honda have built up a reputation for reliability over the years.

As a result, American carmakers have had to work harder to compete on quality.

Despite these challenges, there are still some American car brands that are known for being high-quality and reliable. Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet are all examples of this. If you do your research, you should be able to find an American car that meets your needs and is also dependable.

When Did American Cars Increase Quality?

The quality of American cars has generally been on the decline in recent years. However, there are some signs that this trend may be starting to reverse. For example, J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS) shows that the average number of problems per 100 vehicles has been declining since 2013.

In addition, a number of individual American car models have been receiving high marks for quality in recent years.

The Chevrolet Impala, for instance, was named the Most Dependable Large Car in J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study. Similarly, the Cadillac CTS was named the Most Dependable Luxury Car in the same study.

These studies suggest that American carmakers are starting to improve the quality of their cars. If you are in the market for a new car, it may be worth considering an American-made model.

With a little bit of research, you should be able to find an American car that meets your needs and is also dependable.

How Can I Find a Good American Car?

If you are looking for a good American car, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that you find a reliable model. First, it is important to do your research. Read reviews from multiple sources and look for any patterns of problems that have been reported.

It is also a good idea to check out independent measures of quality, such as J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study or Vehicle Dependability Study. These studies can give you a good idea of which American car models are most likely to be reliable.

Finally, it is worth talking to friends and family members who own American cars. They can give you first-hand insights into what it is like to live with a particular model. By following these tips, you should be able to find a good American car that meets your needs.

Conclusion

So, are American cars reliable? The answer is a resounding yes! If you do your research and choose wisely, you can find a dependable American-made vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.

Don’t let the reputation of American cars dissuade you from considering them – they’re worth taking a look at!

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