You guys have made some good points and some worth questioning. In rebuttal:
Yes, the place where a product is designed and manufactured has a great impact on the quality of the product. Can you expect engineers and workers from a (non-western) company in a third world country to meet or exceed the quality from those of the USA or Europe? Is their manufacturing equipment state of the art? Is their technology equal? Is OSHA, the EPA or litigious lawyers breathing down their necks?
Part of the problem is ourselves. We are too quick to condemn and criticize our own companies and products and then praise the foreign competition. We are not willing to change things. We have been brainwashed against American products. Granted, greed is probably a great motivating factor herein this country, which lends some credence to your statements. Huge profits rule!
I have talked with many people about my automobiles. My conclusion is that foreign made products are no better, sometimes worse than ours. Its funny how people brag-up their Jap cars and then when questioned suddenly remember all those problems they?ve had, like my friend?s Honda. Intermittently, the car mysteriously won?t start. Too bad its out of warranty at 38K. Or my neighbor. Toyotas are the best. What have you done to the thing? Only a water pump and computer failure, all before 80K! How about cost of replacement parts? My own experience with a GEO forced me into buying a $600 alternator and a $500 radiator (labor not included). Almost paid $1,600 for a rack & pinion. Whew!
Furthermore, why do Ferraris and other exotics come from the factory with Goodyear? I don?t think you?ll see any with Kumhos or Hankooks any time soon.
Lastly, how can anybody sensibly compare a car costing $15K with those costing $100K or even $50K?
