Sell Me A Car-What Should I Buy

The Honda CR-V is probably my top choice right now. But I've been hearing good things about the Subaru Forester. I know Consumer Reports gave them both good reviews

Canthetuna, any thoughts on the Toyota SUVs? I know that's your area of expertise.


Believe it or not, the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was rated highest among SUVs priced above $30,000 by Consumer Reports. I'm looking at a bunch on Yahoo autos right now, and I only see a couple over $30K. They are mostly in the $25-$28K range.

I bolded a part of your post because I flat out disagree with it.

Of those cars that you bolded, there are several world class cars in there that are VERY high quality. I think your statement, and post in general, exemplifies the type of attitude that the CNN article above argues is unfounded.

I like how you are analyzing the costs/benefits of each car, because the price definitely has to enter the equation when you're talking about quality.

But be careful in your comparisons, a Dodge Neon (compact) is not the same class as a Toyota Camry (midsize sedan). If you're looking for the same-class comparison, go with the Neon and the Toyota Corrolla or Honda Civic.

But that's exactly my point. Too often foreign car buyers make blanket statements about "American cars" that might be supportable if they cite to cars like the Dodge Neon, Ford Escort, or Chevy Cavalier. I've conceeded that in that segment the Japanese have the edge. Basically I was warning about the same thing you mentioned here too: i.e. let's keep it apples to apples and not make broad generalizations.

The American models are often cheaper, but the quality isn't as good as the Japanese. I bolded a part of your post because I flat out disagree with it. None of the American cars you mentioned in that bolded section rank very high in terms of quality, and the Japanese makers are ahead according to just about every publication available. That is supported by Consumer Reports, JD Power, Motor Trend, etcetera.

It's a given that Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai are better quality than GM, Chrysler, Ford, and Chevy. But you're right to question whether or not the extra money spent is worth it. That part comes down to individual perception.

Well, like I said, we could sit here and argue specifics, but I think you are discounting many of the cars I mentioned based on your own biases. The Covette consistently gets rave reviews for being one of the best performance cars in the world for the money. The Cadillac CTS isn't high in quality? I'd take serious issue with that. The Charger has gotten exceptional reviews for its bang-for-the-buck.

Really a lot of this comes down to personal preference. But my personal preference for American cars doesn't have me making broad statements about other foreign cars. I mean, personally, I wouldn't trade you my friend's lexus SUV for my Denali unless he threw in an extra 10 grand. Quality? I've ridden in it, it's an ok car. Overpriced for the money, lacks features, lacks power, and is fairly uninspiring. But again, that's just my preference.

My other friend's BMW 3 series? I dusted it with my old 2001 Stratus RT, and I had less problems with my car in 5 years than he had in 3 with his. Quality? Not from what we saw.

I think that's why cpayne's article was so on point to this discussion. Everyone just assumes that Acura, Honda, BMW and Toyota produce so much better cars than anything GM can put out, but it's just not true. To the extent you can point to lower quality lines like Chevy and Ford, and simply discount Caddillac, Lincoln, and Buick, I could easily point to Mitsubishi, Subaru and Nissan and discount Toyota and Honda. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not as simple as Japan v. USA. There are way too many variations in "foreign" or even "Japanese" cars to simply say that they are better than "American" cars. You'd never catch me buying a Ford (no offense to anyone else), but you'd also never catch me buying a Mitsubishi.

no,i dont own a lexus,my daughter does.got it for school when i couldnt talk her into buying american.im proud to say i have never owned anything but american in my lifetime:)

I really appreciate the advice you guys are giving me.

Of those cars that you bolded, there are several world class cars in there that are VERY high quality. I think your statement, and post in general, exemplifies the type of attitude that the CNN article above argues is unfounded.

The article states that it depends on whose survey you believe, first and foremost. Consumer Reports doesn't rate the American's nearly as highly, and there's a good reason.

But that's besides the point. Take a look at JD Power's survey ratings. Of course the American luxury brands should rank higher than any non-luxury brand. It makes sense, after all you're paying 20-40% more for the car when you buy a luxury model.

JD Power's Ratings (based on problems per 100 vehicles during first 3 years)
Lexus (luxury)
Lincoln (luxury)
Buick (luxury)
Cadillac (luxury)
Infiniti (luxury)
Toyota
Mercury
Honda
Acura (luxury)
Ford
Saturn
Chevy
Oldsmobile
GMC
Pontiac
Mazda
Subaru
Nissan
Mitsubishi
Suzuki
Isuzu

My other problem with JD Power's survey, it rates cars based on the first 3 years only. But everyone here will acknowledge that the Japanese makes do a lot better in the later years than the American makes. Consumer Reports has used car ratings which measure the life of cars over a greater period of time, and they have the Americans down a peg.

And did JD Power not even rate Hyundai??? The JD Power data is garbage in this case.

no,i dont own a lexus,my daughter does.got it for school when i couldnt talk her into buying american.im proud to say i have never owned anything but american in my lifetime:)

If you paid for her college tuition you've owned it alright. :)

Hell, buy American. Buy a tank.

I'm I the only one who thinks JD Powers is a big whore...they'll take your money in exchange for a shiny trophy.

I think that's why cpayne's article was so on point to this discussion. Everyone just assumes that Acura, Honda, BMW and Toyota produce so much better cars than anything GM can put out, but it's just not true. To the extent you can point to lower quality lines like Chevy and Ford, and simply discount Caddillac, Lincoln, and Buick, I could easily point to Mitsubishi, Subaru and Nissan and discount Toyota and Honda. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not as simple as Japan v. USA. There are way too many variations in "foreign" or even "Japanese" cars to simply say that they are better than "American" cars. You'd never catch me buying a Ford (no offense to anyone else), but you'd also never catch me buying a Mitsubishi.
True.