Do you drive an American car?

[Holly_Hobby]

Poll question: Do you drive an American car?

I drive an '08 Dodge Nitro, but since I work from home, I only have 3,300 miles on it since I got it a year ago. My husband drives an '06 Chrysler PT Cruiser (tee hee). He drives about 10,000 miles annually. We have Chryslers because my husband's BIL works on the line at Jeep and we get an employee discount. It saves around $2,000 off a lease on a new car.

I've only owned one foreign car in my long life, that was a '76 Super Beetle. Never again. The heater only worked while going 60 mph.

My husband has never owned a foreign car. He would rather cut off his arm than drive a foreign car.

So what do you drive? American or Foreign?

[peacebird]

1. toyota prius & jeep cherokee

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. '91 Tercel, and '94 Toyota 4x4.

Unbreakable. They'll probably outlive us both.

[obiwan]

59. My brother swears by Tercels.

He says they run forever and are simple enough that he can fix them when they need it.

[marano35]

202. I am 40 years old....

and I have never owned an American car. My Dad started buying Japanese in the very early seventies due to the quality or lack therof in American cars. I followed his lead. I have owned Nissan, Toyota,
VW, Volvo, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and now Honda. All great but the Volvo. It was not on our part a diss of the American worker but of the industry in which they worked. If the American auto industry had produced fuel efficient, quality cars that had provided reliable transportation, instead of gas guzzling disposable shit for the last thirty years they would not be in the shape they are in and Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan would not be in the position they are in. Down here in the deep south a lot of people, probably the majority own American cars, they are also in debt up to their eyballs and their average car payment is about $450 to $500 a month from constantly trading in their piece of shit for the next piece of shit. The resale value of a piece of shit dictates that you trade rather than sale just to get rid of it only to replace it with another piece of shit. American workers could produce good cars if their bosses allowed it but they are way to interested in profiting from making shit and financing out the ass to stupid people. It worked for a good long time, but it is OVER.

[cboy4]

Why would your husband rather cut his arm off than drive a

foreign car?

I've driven Japanese and now a German car, and they've all run beautifully.

[Holly_Hobby]

5. He's a die-hard Buy American

He gets very upset at foreign made products. It's very difficult shopping with him. Nothing is made here anymore.

[cboy4]

18. Are you sure??

Some American Cars Are Foreign-Owned, but Made in the U.S.A.

BMW

Workers assemble a BMW X6 in Spartanburg, S.C.
Car companies like Honda, Toyota and Hyundai also make cars in the U.S.

==========================================================================================

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | FoxNews.com
By Jennifer Lawinski

When GM, Ford and Chrysler pleaded their case for a multibillion-dollar bailout, the automakers' CEOs told Congress that letting their companies fail would diminish the choices of patriotic Americans who want to buy American cars.

But buying a Honda or a Toyota or any one of several other "imports" can be buying American, too.

Many "foreign" cars built by the Big Three's competitors are made in the U.S.A. — coming off assembly lines from South Carolina to California and providing jobs for tens of thousands of Americans.

"We make them here and they're built by American citizens and increasingly we're designing them here," said Kim Custer, spokesman for the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, which represents Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Isuzu, and Subaru.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,465005,00.html

[dysfunctional press]

27. when the profits are being sent out of the country- it's a foreign car.

plain and simple.

[DainBramaged]

30. Don't try and confuse the fucking issue, the profits go to Japan

give me a break.

[cboy4]

32. LOL. Who the fuck do you think takes home a paycheck, Einstein?

The American worker.

You give me a break.

[HughMoran]

73. Who owns the technology? Where are the engineers employed? Who reaps the profits?

Answer:

Japan, Japan & Japan.

[cboy4]

113. So? Whose fault is that? The bottom line is their technology

provides auto assembly factory jobs in this country.

This phenomenon should have been a wake-up call a long time ago for the American companies.

Maybe they wouldn't be in the shape they are now.

But to infer people who drive wildly dependable Hondas, Toyotas and Hyundais, are responsible for hurting the Americian auto industry .. well that's shameful.

Blame the American companies for not doing more.

[HughMoran]

114. I will never own a foreign brand car - if I have to make the car myself

I did make one of my cars as a matter of fact - 100% US content.

[cboy4]

115. Why won't you ever own a foreign car?

[HughMoran]

117. As I said below, I've owned several and they cost me more to own than American cars

I do all of my own work and I just find American cars easier & cheaper to get parts for and work on.

Also, I like American cars and as an unemployed engineer (1 month and counting) whose job was shipped to China, I feel that supporting American brands is important. How can I complain about my job going to China if I don't make an effort to buy American goods?

[cboy4]

118. Right on then .. I can understand your position in light of what

you just explained.

[HughMoran]

119. Thanks

I was hoping you would understand where I'm coming from.

[Kalyke]

175. That's exactly why my family doesn't buy foreign products when we can help it.

My dad was an engineer. He'd get a great job, keep it three to five years and then be laid off as the job went to somewhere in Asia.

So, we only buy Fords and Chevys and have never had a problem.

My husband and his parents - all with foreign autos - are constantly taking them to the shop. I realize that foreign cars were better than their American counterparts in the 80s, but, geesch, that's 30 years ago! American cars are as good - and cheaper to purchase and maintain - now days!

[Hassin Bin Sober]

160. It's funny you should mention Hyundai when talking about dependability.

Hyundai had such a high repossession rate due to its inability to keep running past the 5 year loan (people tend to let cars go back to the bank when they stop running) it was next to impossible to secure bank financing on Hyundai and other Korean made cars ( like Kia). Hyundai just about broke First Chicago Bank (now owned by Chase).

Sure they have improved their quality and offer a huge warranty (cause their name sucks so bad - still sucks for re-sale, BTW) but so have the American brands.

[spoony]

185. Why? It's the same principle as saying

that people who choose to shop at Walmart hurt small businesses. It's completely true. If you're putting your money behind anti-union foreign goods, that's your business but don't pretend it doesn't have an impact when your decision is compounded by others doing the same.

[greguganus]

138. I work for a Japanese pharma company in the US.

We have over 120 American employees. Management and engineering is American. (I work in engineering). There are only 3 Japanese on staff. This group is rotated out every 3 years. They do not make the millions that the US company CEO's make. Their salary is based on 10 times the lowest paid employee on site. Based on my salary, they would make way less than a million dollars each, and I'm not near the lowest paid employee. If the car companies' CEO salaries were based on this scale, the lowest paid employee would have to to make $5 million a year.

The company has to pay royalties to the main company in Japan, and the rest of the profits go to pay salaries, research, new construction, etc. We have full benefits plus extra perks. We get our insurance for ourselves and our families for free. There used to be a $1 million cap for insurance payouts, but that has been removed and now there is no cap. We have no union, and we are in the process of expanding and we are hiring.

I have worked for American, German, Japanese, and Swiss companies. The Japanese are far better at taking care of their employees in my experience.

[ieoeja]

169. Toyota trucks are engineered by Americans in the US. n/t

[DainBramaged]

105. Go turn Japanese

"Click" I have NO patience for people who don't even know how to check their own oil and think they can tell me the transplants are American cars.

Merry Christmas, and you can translate those two words any way you'd like.

[cboy4]

120. Wow. Your skill of not knowing what you're talking about is

impressive to say the least. :eyes:


TYPO

[spoony]

184. No one who belongs to a union.

[jhrobbins]

33. It's just not that simple - "The profits go to Japan". It is a more complicated economic

paradigm. But the main point is that we are really becoming more of a global village and national boundaries are getting very blurry.

[amandabeech]

39. Maybe to you.

I have had the privilege of befriending a lot of newcomers in the past 2 or 3 years.

Most, but not all, are decent people, but the more I get to know them, the more cultural differences I see.

I've ended up feeling more American, and appreciating all that goes with it.

[Toucano]

122. And they invest those profits in

American real estate, perhaps?

And pay taxes to buy your American bombs and bullets?


Yeah, I thought so.

[Freddie Stubbs]

188. Honda is a publicly traded corporation. It's stock is owned by peopel from many countries including

the US.

[swishyfeet]

191. LOL! Profits? Detroit? At this point I'll take the jobs.

[ogneopasno]

50. We always check the label to find out where it's made and where the parts are sourced out.

[pokercat999]

142. His "American" car may have more foreign parts than

some Toyota's and Honda's!

http://www.clevelandfed.org/research/trends/2009/0309/02ecoact.cfm

As sales have declined, Ford, GM, and Chrysler have cut their U.S.-based production in an attempt to adjust to the decreased demand for their vehicles. Production data for 2008 has not yet been released, but it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that production declined during the year, as in recent years.
The major Japanese automakers have, however, been increasing their production in the United States steadily over the past 20-plus years. Including production from other foreign- owned companies. A full 30 percent of automobiles produced in the United States in 2007 were made by companies headquartered outside of the country. These automobiles are not just assembled in the United States, they are also most often built from parts made by U.S. companies. The use of parts manufactured in the U.S. by foreign-based brands has led many people to reconsider what exactly constitutes an “American” car. In some cases, the domestic content of foreign-based models is actually higher than that of their U.S.-based rivals.

[DevonRex]

3. Ancient Chevy. And we're holding out for another American made car.

Auto workers need jobs. The US can't just stop making cars. So, I support the American auto workers and what's best for this country. I put my money where my mouth is.

[PM7nj]

4. Sorta... 2005 Mazda 6

Built in Ford's Flat Rock, MI plant.

[Holly_Hobby]

8. That counts :) n/t

[amandabeech]

40. Until recently, Ford held 30% of Mazda.

I'll give you a pass, but for next one, I'd go Detroit.

[PM7nj]

86. I probably won't be replacing it anytime soon.

Plus, the only "American" cars I actually could see myself driving are the Ford Fusion and the upcoming Ford Fiesta... both of which are made in Mexico, apparently.

[Kalyke]

176. Nope! They'll be made here!

The new Focus will likely be built in Wayne, Michigan, and Louisville, Kentucky, industry sources have revealed to Automotive News. The North American Focus is currently manufactured at the Wayne site, while the Louisville plant is responsible for Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs.

http://www.motorauthority.com/two-us-plants-to-build-next-generation-ford-focus.html

:bounce: I love it!!

So, now, will you buy one?

[PM7nj]

178. I'm not talking about the Focus.

I was talking about the Fusion and Fiesta, both of which are/will be hencho en México.

[flvegan]

6. 2007 Mazdaspeed 3.

Roomie drives a VW Jetta.

I've owned a number of American cars in the past, and I wouldn't hesitate to own another if it met what I wanted/needed from a vehicle at a particular pricepoint.

[tabbycat31]

7. I did until early 2007

when my Ford died very suddenly. Now I drive a Subaru that I bought off my parents, and like it better than the Ford. It will probably be replaced by another Subaru.

[tammywammy]

9. There's only me and I drive a VW

But I work at a VW dealership so, while not made in the US, it did directly effect people I work with. Oh and I love my VW.

[GoneOffShore]

10. Bought my Saab 9 years ago. When it dies we'll probably get a Mini, if we buy a car again.

[jhrobbins]

34. My next car may be a sorrel mare.

[tinkerbell41]

11. Saturn and Ford

Say what you will, not allowed to drive foreign cars. Old Union rules. If you drove one to a jobsite it would be trashed when you came out at 3:30. Less likely now, things have changed. But my Family would kill me.

[Holly_Hobby]

14. Oh, it's still that way

My husband made the move from Union to management, but still refuses to buy foreign. Foreign cars in union parking lots are still trashed.

[tinkerbell41]

20. I wish!

It was fun to see them hooked up to some big pickup with a chain and spun around the parking pit.
Sorry for the owner but hey, Americans NEED to protect their jobs. When we used to get cases of foreign made boxes, connectors and couplings the guys would toss them out the window and tell the foreman to have American ones sent. THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!!

[Ms. Toad]

91. If we need to protect American jobs,

then why support trashing cars made by American workers (like most Hondas are), and defend to the death the corporate owners of "American" car companies who are increasingly sending the jobs to workers outside the country (like all of the big three "US" automakers have been doing).

Sorry - but if supporting American jobs is important, we need to start supporting the companies that are providing the jobs in the US, regardless of the ownership of the corporation.

[tinkerbell41]

171. Uhm This was 25 yrs ago

We have a list sent out to us every year what has been made here. They were well aware of what they were trashing.

[Ms. Toad]

181. It would be nice if that list were shared more widely

The people you were talking about may have known what they were trashing, but I seriously doubt the fools I have encountered do. I, personally, am tired of getting run off the road and honked at by some fool in a "American" car that was made in Mexico every time the "Buy American" meme is reaches a frenzy because I drive an American made car from a foreign named corporation (the car I drive is even made in the state I live in).

Just look in this thread to see the "buy the American name cars - and reject all Foreign name cars" theme. That does not serve the purpose of saving/creating jobs for people living in this country.

[tinkerbell41]

201. A code in the vin #

I think depending on what your vin # starts with it designates where the car was made. Like 9-mexico etc... Yes, things have changed I was surprised at first to see Toyota on the list years back, and I know even if it rolled off the line here many of the parts could be made somewhere else. Tons of guys would be pissed and refuse to buy foreign, on the other hand tons of guys would shrug and think it didn't matter. The fruit has come to bear now.

[tammywammy]

204. Look further down the thread, I listed the beginning VIN and Countries

Mexico is 3. 9 is Brazil.

[chollybocker]

12. Other: My household has no car(s).

[wickerwoman]

128. Ditto.

I'd rather pay a little extra in rent to live close to my job than worry about gas, insurance, accidents, theft, maintenance, etc.

Plus I get some exercise hauling groceries and walking to the subway every day.

[dixiegrrrrl]

13. I need you defintion of "American" and "foreign" made.

Because there are cars that are partly made/built in one country but assembled, built in another.
And there are "foreign" cars that are made in USA.

My "foreign" car was built partly in Mexico, partly in USA.

[Holly_Hobby]

16. Ok, let's see

If the car was built here in the US by US workers, it's American.

Does that sound reasonable?

[Occam Bandage]

28. That might change things for quite a few people,

given the number of Japanese auto plants in America hiring American workers.

[DainBramaged]

29. NO, because the Japanese and Koreans for a FACT import over 70% of their parts

and through LOTS of third parties, assembled as modules and components, claim them to be "Domestic". It's all an elaborate ruse. If the car has MADE in America, not Assembled in America parts, it's MADE here, not assembled. GM's Canadian vehicles are ASSEMBLED in Canada, not MADE. Just because they build the hunk here doesn't make it American. Is Toyota, Honda or Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai or Mercedes Benz American corporations? GM doesn't bring in Opel's from Europe (although they do bring in the G8 from Holden in Australia as a body/chassis and the final assembly is here).

[amandabeech]

45. No. The profit has to stay here.

You're just trying to justify your behavior to a bunch of folks who are currently really pissed.

Sorry, I'm not fooled and no one else is, either.

[Fumesucker]

134. American auto companies are making a profit?

Could have fooled me..

[dixiegrrrrl]

83. Great...we build Hondas and Mercedes here in Alabama. and read this:

from :
http://seekingalpha.com/article/122470-is-a-car-produced-in-alabama-really-an-import


1. Here's a list of 8 "American-made" vehicles produced by American UAW workers, in American factories, but for foreign-based car companies. If you purchased one of these vehicles, would that count as "buying an import"?

American-made UAW vehicles:
Mazda 6
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Mitsubishi Galant
Toyota Corolla
Isuzu i-Series Truck
Mazda B-series Truck
Mitsubishi Raider Truck
Toyota Tacoma Truck

2. What about these nine Canadian-made vehicles, produced by UAW brothers and sisters at factories in Canada, for the U.S.-based Detroit Three. Wouldn't they qualify as an "import"?:

Canadian-made UAW vehicles:
Buick Lacrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Chrysler 300
Dodge Challenger

Dodge Charger
Ford Crown Victoria
Lincoln Town Car
Mercury Grand Marquis
Pontiac Grand Prix

3. What about the Chevy Aveo, which is built by Korean automaker Daewoo for Detroit-based General Motors (GM)? Or the Chrysler PT Cruiser, built in Mexico? Aren't those imports despite the American-sounding names of Chevy and Chrysler?

4. What about the 2008 Honda Pilot and Honda Civics, built in the U.S. with higher domestic content (70%) than the 2008 Dodge Ram (68%) and the Michigan-built Ford Mustang (65%).

5. What about the Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, which rank #5, #6 and #7 for the "Top American-Made Cars" in 2008 by Cars.com?

Bottom Line: When it comes to cars, trying to define an "imported" or "American" car will drive you crazy! The Detroit News should know better....

[SidDithers]

155. You an add the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and Ford Flex...

to your list of cars made in Canada by CAW members. They're made here in Oakville, home of the headquarters of Ford Motor Company of Canada.

Sid

[Statistical]

183. You can also add Honda Ridgeline as "American" made at Alabama plant

I am glad you brought this up.

So to those who enjoy trashing "foreign" cars which is more "American"?
2008 Honda Pilot - 70% Domestic Content
2008 Honda Civic - 70% Domestic Content
2008 Dodge Ram - 68% Domestic Content
2008 Ford Mustang - 65% Domestic Content

People who try to make it a black & white issue like it was in 1970s are only fooling themselves or trying to push an agenda.

[screembloodymurder]

140. Congress seems to think so.

Since the introduction of Betty Sutton's CARS bill, I've been trying to find out which cars are built in the US. Here's one for those with a union bias.
http://www.uaw.org/uawmade/auto/2008/2008vehicles.pdf

[blondeatlast]

154. Edit: self-delete. nt

[Lorien]

192. Then my Toyota Camry is an American car. nt

[skooooo]

17. Same here - American "brand" but what does that mean anymore?

[amandabeech]

46. It can mean a lot of jobs and a lot of money recycled in the U.S. economy.

[PM7nj]

100. So, does the Ford Fusion count as an American car?

[obiwan]

48. Chrysler PT Cruisers are entirely made in Mexico.

The maquiladora-mobile.

[javadu]

111. I Think The Question Should Really Have Been Focused on UAW Built Cars

I just traded a BMW for a Ford --- good trade and it was not because the Bimmer was not built by the UAW, but I would say that I am proud that I now own two UAW built cars.

[louis c]

15. 2 Mercury's--Sable and Mariner (NT)

[taught_me_patience]

19. Me: Honda Accord/Wife: BMW

When my car dies, I'd be willing to buy a Buick, though. She refuses to drive anything that isn't German.

[amandabeech]

49. Maybe you should move to Germany, then. n/t

[obiwan]

56. With all due respect, this sounds like the old rethug line...

... If you don't like the way we are doing things in America, leave.

[amandabeech]

132. You took me seriously, which looking at my comment now, I understand.

What I was thinking was that there are more German cars in Germany, specifically Opels.

My first two cars were Opels, and I loved them both. The Manta had great handling and a dynamite 3rd gear. The Kadet was just cute as a button.

[FSogol]

21. Jeep Wrangler and wife has a Jeep Liberty n/t

[WyLoochka]

22. Subaru made in Indiana n/t

[SeattleVet]

31. Same here. Just turned over 228,000 miles on a '96.

Poll needs another option - " 'Foreign' car assembled by US workers"

[krispos42]

23. Alas, no

Wanted a smallish AWD car with a stick, wound up with an Impreza wagon. I don't think Detroit makes one. Gets 29 mpg if I drive slow (60mph). If I drive fast it gets 26mpg.


I think the catalytic converters are getting clogged. Never had that problem with a domestic.


Previous car was an Olds with 192k on it.

[rrneck]

24. 87 Nissan PU

But my first car was a 72 Monte Carlo. I still sorta miss it.

[dysfunctional press]

25. dodge caravan and a vw new beetle.

my wife loves her beetle.

[Dem_4_Life]

26. '97 Honda Civic and '98 Mazda Protege

[OhioChick]

35. Always bought American, never foreign. n/t

[nonconformist]

36. Damn straight. Always have. nt

[lukasahero]

37. My family mostly owns Honda's - my brother-in-law is a Honda mechanic

Regardless of who put the car together, at least a portion of my family is supported by the 'foreign' car industry. I suppose his livelihood doesn't count though...?

(I drive a Subaru, my husband drives a Mini Cooper, we have a Porsche and a Studebaker. The rest of my family drives Honda's.)

[katandmoon]

38. The Fords and Chevys I've had have ALL been CRAP. The Japanese cars (Mazdas and Acuras)

Have had minimal problems. The quality difference is truly dramatic.

[femmocrat]

41. The last American car I owned was a Dodge Dart!

Great little car, BTW. We have owned Japanese and German cars since forever.

[amandabeech]

51. If the Dart was good, why not check out another U.S. car next time you buy?

You might be surprised.

[obiwan]

65. New American cars are the equal of any...

... but they are way more expensive than their foreign competition.

[lutefisk]

158. I had a Dart and a Duster at one time. Very well made cars.

The engines and transmissions on those cars would run and run - the best of 1960's engineering.

[Ohio Joe]

42. 2002 Thunderbird

I love it.

[obiwan]

43. I drive a Honda Fit.

It was $15,900 brand new, has anti-lock brakes, stability control, VVTI engine and front, side and side curtain airbags.

It also gets 37 miles to the gallon, is air conditioned, and has an automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

I am 6' 3" tall and weigh 230 pounds, and this car seats me comfortably. I also play music, and this car hauls all my speakers and equipment, no problem.

I shopped extensively but comparably equipped American cars were $20-22,000 and didn't get near the gas mileage and since I have low income, I couldn't afford them.

I would buy an American car, but there are no American cars this well equipped and engineered at this price.

[nonconformist]

55. The Chevy Aveo is basically the same car. nt

[obiwan]

62. Nope. Looks like the Fit, but not made by Honda.

Made in Japan by wholly-owned GM subsidiary, I think maybe Suzuki (same company that made the Geo Metro.)

I drove the Aveo, and believe me, it's not as good a car as the Fit. More expensive, too.

BTW the Fit has been sold for years in the Japanese and European markets. In those markets it's known as the Jazz.

[flvegan]

69. It's a friggin Daewoo, built in Mexico.

[PM7nj]

81. You're kidding... right?

Most Japanese and German cars are more "American" than that thing. And they wont fall apart once your hit 70mph.

[cascadiance]

44. I have a Hyundai now, but WANT to get an American car the next time around!

Please American car makers, give me a good reason to buy a good hybrid, etc. when I'm ready in a year or so! I want to do my part to bring back our industry!

If GM can come out with a competitive car, I think it would clean up now with the mood the nation is in, in terms of relative new car sales numbers. Maybe not in total until we get this economy turned around!

I have a gut feeling that congress soon is really going to provide heavy incentives to get green cars in terms of hybrid or other similar technologies, and that might drive some newer sales if people feel that their old gas guzzlers will start losing their resale value quickly as a result. If our car makers have good entries in that area, I think it would be the right equation for a turnaround.

[amandabeech]

53. I'm more familiar with the Ford line up. You could get the hybrid Fusion sedan

or the hybrid Ford Explorer and Mercury Mariner small SUVs.

I appreciate your willingness to look at U.S. cars!

Happy motoring!

[pokercat999]

146. Why doesn't any one of the big three advertise a

"truly American car" one made with 100% AMERICAN parts content and 100% AMERICAN labor? Because they can't!

There is no such thing as an "American" car. That or the executives are to f---ing stupid to understand the sentiment of the country.

[ogneopasno]

47. We have six union-made American cars and they all run. That, as kids say these days, is how we roll.

[Fuzz]

52. Subaru Forester is the family car. My wife uses a little Hyundai to go back and forth

to work.

[Individualist]

54. Mercury Cougar

[obiwan]

58. BTW the (new) Cougars are made in Korea.

[Individualist]

74. Ford stopped selling the Cougar in 2002

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Cougar

http://www.welovemercurys.com/past_models/cougar.html

Do an internet search for Cougar, Korea, and you'll find nothing.

[amandabeech]

57. '03 Ford Taurus with the big engine.

Same mileage but easier to merge into D.C. beltway traffic!

I love it as much as my late departed Jeep which died with its engine running strong in a crash. No one hurt but my favorite vehicle ever.

[Historic NY]

60. 1-36yrs, 1-35yrs, 1-62-yrs, & 1-9yrs old.

[corruptmewithpower]

61. I voted "other". I drive a '99 Toyota Avalon. Don't know where it was

built, Japan, Kentucky, or wherever. They've got factories all over the world.

It's the best damned car I've ever driven, and I think I'll keep driving it forever

[tammywammy]

63. The first digit of the VIN tells you where it was made

A 1, 4 or 5 means USA, J means Japan.

[corruptmewithpower]

84. Thank you, I'll check it when it's daylight.

[obiwan]

64. If it's relatively new, then the Avalon was made in Ohio.

So technically it's an American car.

This same plant makes Camrys for the U.S. market.

Avalons are great cars, absolutely top of the line. Since it's a Toyota, expect to drive it a long time.

You are a lucky person.

[corruptmewithpower]

80. Many thanks.

I get the recommended service every three thousand miles, at which time the oil doesn't even look dirty. In 127000 miles, I've had one unscheduled service, a battery died. The thing has been as perfect as a machine can be, so I do indeed count myself as lucky.

[Number23]

66. Nope. E-class Mercedes Benz and X-Type Jaguar

[obiwan]

67. If the X-Type was from before Ford spun off Jaguar....

.... then it's a reworked British Taurus.

Still a good car, though.

[Number23]

70. Obi, what year did that happen?

[No.23]

112. You drive these cars on an island in the pacific?

Have much rust on 'em?

<--- rides two wheels only, both motorized and peddle-powered

[Number23]

lol Hey, I just love your user name. How terribly creative!

:eyes:

:) :)

[No.23]

125. So do you drive the Merc and the Jag...

on an island in the Pacific?

They must be rust magnets there.

[Number23]

133. When the island in question is Australia, it's really not that much of an issue.

:)

[Davis_X_Machina]

68. '89 Volvo, '97 Pontiac, '99 Nissan (US made, though)

The Nissan Quest was then the same car as the Mercury Villager, and made in Avon Lake, OH.

The two companies ceased the joint operation in 2002.

[Canuckistanian]

71. A Ford and a Chrysler in this household

A Sable and an Intrepid.

Had them both for about 5 years. Both relatively solid, dependable cars.

But I miss my stolen Honda.

[HughMoran]

72. I'll never own another foreign branded car

I've had a few - Volvo, Subaru, Toyota - they were all shitboxes that were harder to work on than my American cars.

[Marrah_G]

75. Yes

I have a Dodge Caravan.

[frylock]

76. my honda element was built in ohio..

The Element has had a look all its own since 2002 when it was introduced at Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant. The plant has produced right-hand drive units for export to Japan and fancy sport versions like the SC. The Element was the first Honda light truck designed and produced in Ohio. Its fanciful colors, like Metallic Root Beer, share a paint shop with the Civic and CR-V, which uses only environmentally-friendly waterborne paint.

http://www.ohio.honda.com/CompanyInfo/products.cfm

[Rosco T.]

88. mine too, had an '05 Element Fiji Blue, just traded for an '09 Polished Metallic...

love'em to death.. and build in Ohio. By Americans.

[frylock]

104. 2006 2wd ex, nighthawk black pearl..

with the 5-speed manual. best car i've ever owned.

[1]

77. both! but the newest one is an '87 jeep. my truck is a '78 chevy...

i love the '78.

you open the hood and there is an engine, an alternator, a distributor, a radiator and a battery. a couple of belts and the fuel pump which bolts on the side of the engine and runs off the cam.

you can fix anything under that hood with a screwdriver and a crescent wrench. maybe some wire and duct tape if its really bad.

i'm all for the modern emission controls and what not, but there is a simple beauty to a 1978 chevy pickup truck once you get under the hood...

[Fire1]

78. Both American. GM and Chrysler.

[lutefisk]

79. My last American branded car was a 1970 AMC AMX

Now I have an American made Honda and a Japanese made Toyota.

[roamer65]

82. '06 UAW made Chevy truck and '99 Nissan.

Another year and the Nissan will go and I am going to buy a UAW made Ford.

[rucky]

85. I don't know where my cars were made. n/t

[tammywammy]

90. The first digit of the VIN tells you where

A 1, 4 or 5 - US, 3 - Mexico, J - Japan, K - Korea, V or W - Germany

And the 7th digit from the end tells you where it's assembled. :)

[BlooInBloo]

92. Yes you do....

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_do_the_individual_numbers_of_a_VIN_number_mean

[BlooInBloo]

87. Good god no.

[tammywammy]

95. So, am I super evil?

I work at a VW dealership.

:rofl:

[CBR]

89. Saturn Ion and Cadillac Deville... nt

[csziggy]

93. We've got two of the horrid SUVs - one is my farm "truck" Suburban

The other is my husband's Envoy which we just bought used last fall. He's tried smaller cars - we had a Honda that I loved, but he had trouble folding up to fit in it and started getting knee problems. And with an SUV when he needs to carry home a load of feed, he can. We wanted a more efficient vehicle for him to commute to work in, but the Envoy was the best deal for our price and the time we had to look.

The Suburban leaves the farm about twice a month - usually to get feed, lumber, whatever. I think I am putting about 50 miles a month on it. I last filled it up in February or maybe even January. I'll have to fill it tomorrow when I get feed.

Aside from the Honda mentioned above, I had two foreign cars before hubby and I got together - a Toyota sedan (which went to my sister) and a Datsun station wagon which I loved and drove to near death. Hubby's father had a Simca which hubby inherited. Now THAT was a cool little car! If we hadn't wrecked the transmission we might have kept it, but getting parts for a 1968 Simca in 1980 was absolutely impossible.

[MazeRat7]

94. Nope not since the mid 80's

I cut my teeth on muscle cars in the 70's. But by the mid 80's I gave up and bought Toyota. Have been a loyal and satisfied customer ever since.

Peace,
MZr7

[TBF]

96. Both Subarus - wouldn't trade them for anything

My first 4 cars were American - old Chrysler, old Buick, brand new Ford (always in shop), tried brand new Ford again (likewise), gave up and bought a Subaru. Then bought another one.

90K miles on the first and going strong. I won't replace it until I absolutely have to. I've probably put $5000 max into repairs (including routine tires, brakes & oil changes) since I bought it 6 years ago. The Fords were in the shop constantly. Those were early 90's cars though & I've heard since then Ford has gotten much more reliable.

[kwassa]

97. A Chevy and a BMW, and the Chevy quality is just fine, thank you very much.

[Aristus]

98. I've got a PT Cruiser. (What's the 'tee-hee' for?) My wife drives an Acura, which I think is Honda's

luxury line.

[LuckyTheDog]

99. A Chevy and a Pontiac (nt)

[salin]

101. 2 closely related homes

2 priuses. I voted 2 foreign cars, but actually it is two (not one) households, but each has one prius.

[Wiley50]

102. I still own a Chrysler K car, an Airies station wagon

The body is falling apart, inside and out

But the motor and tranny just keep on kicking

Starts with the first touch of the ignition

Go figure

[ConcernedCanuk]

103. Yes and no - 1979 F150 4x4 extended cab - it's a TRUCK - 30 years old this month built 03/79

.
.
.

Bought it in 1990 for $3,000



It's s keeper . . .

[fujiyama]

144. Wow how many miles on that thing?

[ConcernedCanuk]

162. 265,000 kilometers - don't drive it very much, average 2,500 clicks a year for the last 15 years

.
.

Was 137,000 when I bought it in 1990.

It IS a gas hog.

But I use it as a truck, gather wood, camping in the bush,

unfortunately moving around alot.

Intend to keep fixing it as long as I'm able to drive.

Have NO intention of replacing it,

just keep repairing it.

[greguganus]

198. I drive a '94 Geo Prism. (Toyota engine). I have 271,000 miles on it.

I bought it new and do all my own maintenance on it...except I've never gotten around to changing the timing belt. Book value says it's worth around $400.00, so if the engine goes, I'll just let the wrecker company have the car for scrap.

[redqueen]

106. No. I did almost exclusively for 20 years,

right up until last year.

[bigwillq]

107. We all have Nissan (nt)

[InkAddict]

108. Chrysler, Jeep, Neon n/t

[kiranon]

109. Sold my Dodge Grand Caravan and bought a Prius.

Years ago bought a Chev Malibu Estate Wagon and the heater never worked and the dealer couldn't fix it. Figured if they couldn't fix a heater in a car with a V8 engine, there wasn't much use in buying another Chevy and I never did. Had 2 Ford Explorers - a 92 and a 98 and the 92 was a better vehicle. Figured if they couldn't improve the Explorer after making all that money on it, I didn't need another Ford Explorer. Bought a Toyota Sequoia and loved it. Nothing ever went wrong but it took too much gas during the gas crisis and I didn't need all that room. Sold the Sequoia to a family with 5 children. My Dad died and left me the Dodge Grand Caravan and nothing ever went right on that vehicle. It chirped like a bird and Dodge couldn't fix it. It was nice to drive and was comfortable but I was always at the dealership getting it fixed and again the dealers never could fix it. The service centers at Dodge were terrible. My husband has a Honda Element and he loves it. Except for replacing the windshield (Honda paid for it), nothing ever goes wrong with it. Oh, in between we had a Ford Ranger truck - bright orange one - but the steering wheel shook so much at certain speeds we could hardly drive it. Again, the dealer couldn't fix the problem. I think poor service has as much to do with the problem as anything else for the American cars. Have not had that problem with Toyota or Honda. When Saturn first came out, my daughter and I went to a Saturn dealership to see about buying one but the salesman was very rude. He walked up to us and said, "What do you want?" and did not want to talk to two women. They lost a sale that day. Women buy cars but at that time, Chevrolet was into male buyers. Such nonsense. My daughter bought a Toyota Corolla and they treated her like royalty. This is just one person's story but you can see we bought a lot of cars and our children also bought cars and they bought Toyotas.

[javadu]

110. Ford Taurus X and Jeep XJ -- just traded a BMW for the Taurus

[footinmouth]

116. Ford & Chevy here

I'm driving a 2002 Ford Taurus and my husband just traded in his 1992 Buick for a 2009 Chevy Impala. The only foreign car we've ever owned was a VW Rabbit, many moons ago.

[Toucano]

121. My Dodge is from Mexico

She runs with the prettiest south of the border accent.


I mean REALLY!



Does anyone actually believe that cars have NATIONALITIES?




It's a CORPORATE PRODUCT. CORPORATIONS know no boundaries.



The idea that a PRODUCT has a nationality, in this modern, globalized world is just an illusion that too many people have decided to accept.




The capital is free to move between nations with no obstacles, but the LABOR is not?




Por fa fuckin' vor!

[Lugnut]

123. I drive a Buick.

Hubs has an S-10 Chevy pickup and a small Chevy Blazer for work.

[doc03]

124. I drive a Toyota Tacoma

that was assembled in Freemont CA. Is it American? I also have a Mercury that has a Mazda engine and transmission from Japan but it was assembled in Wayne, MI. Is it American?

[leftofthedial]

126. Drove various Saturns since '93

until my last one was stolen last November.

I replaced it with a '93 Toyota.

[geegollygosh]

127. no car now, but planning on fixing up my '92 ford taurus for the summer

My immediate and extended family always drove fords, because all of them worked in the plants (and got discounts). Unfortunately, the last one remaining got laid off this year. My dad now owns a Chevy. Which he hates.

[Codeine]

129. UAW-made Toyota Corrolla

Close enough. I voted American on a technicality -- at least it's union!

[MadBadger]

130. 2004 Toyota Solara

[BamaGirl]

131. 94 T-bird and 04 Hyundai

And if Ford would bring out a new T-bird that seats more than 2, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I love my T-bird. I love my Hyundai's gas mileage but not the car itself. I bought it cause it was the cheapest I could get for the gas mileage locally at the time. And price and time were a major issue. Funny tho, the gas mileage ain't much better than my T-bird and it's 10 years older (and the Hyundai is a much less comfortable car).

[Norrin Radd]

135. I've never owned a car. I've always been too poor.

[Fumesucker]

136. '92 Isuzu Trooper 4WD

Doubles as a tractor when we need to move logs, boulders and such around the property, I've actually considered hooking a plow to it to bust up our near rock hard red clay for a garden, if we had a plow I'd probably have already done it. I've even dragged good sized outbuildings with it and I smooth out our gravel/dirt driveway by hooking a 9' long chunk of oak tree trunk to drag sideways down the driveway. It's a real offroad vehicle, the mirrors even power flat to the body when you have to drive in brush and power back out when you are done, just push a button.

And it triples as a mobile blind when I'm photographing wildlife, wildlife pretty much ignores a car after it's been parked a few minutes and the back is big enough with the rear seats folded down that I can set up my tripod and camera with plenty of room left over for me to relax in a stadium seat behind the camera.

The thing is old and ugly enough where I don't mind driving it places I'd never even think of taking a newer, nicer vehicle. The leather interior is still pretty nice though, since that is where I drive, that's all I care about.

[Hepburn]

137. Honda lover!

Best cars I EVER owned! :hi:

[GTurck]

139. We have...

a Mitsubishi Galant made in Bloomington, IL. I think that qualifies as both foreign car and domestic car. So many parts of GM, Ford, and Chrysler cars are made overseas that it is impossible to say any car is truly domestic except for the final assemblage.

[greenbird]

141. 2001 Toyota Echo

Anyone know where those were made? I get 42 miles to the gallon.

[Ganja Ninja]

143. I drive a Mazda truck.

It's as American as a Ford Ranger.

[ima_sinnic]

145. a 95 Honda Odyssey with almost 190K miles and never had a breakdown in 6 yrs

-- unlike a stinking Ford Escort I was given after an uninsured driver totaled a Honda Civic I had. The Escort was junk after about 6 months. What a piece of crap. Sorry to have to say it, but there it is.

[and-justice-for-all]

147. 98 Pathfinder, 01 Grand Am GT, 94 Chevy Corsica and 91 nissan truck.

[spinbaby]

148. I used to drive Saturns

The last two, however, developed serious problems before they hit 35,000 miles--leaky radiator, malfunctioning door locks, slipping transmission (on both!), and a failed fuel pump that left me stranded at the side of the road. Repairs were covered under warranty, but it was still a pain in the butt. I traded both in at around 60,000 miles because I felt they were no longer reliable. I thought the first Saturn's problems were a fluke, learned my lesson on the second.

My Toyota Prius is well over 35,000 miles now and NOTHING has gone wrong.

[ejpoeta]

149. our first brand new car ever.... a 2008 chrysler town and country.

we bought it a year ago.... right before the shit hit the fan pretty much. part of me wonders if we should have waited for all the great deals, but then again.... would we have been able to get the loan. lol. Actually, even though I worry about the chrysler company not being around to honor their warranty on our vehicle, I'm glad we got the van when we did. I didn't want to wait til our explorer died completely and left me without a vehicle and scrambling. that's what usually happens and then we don't really get to choose what we want. we only have the one vehicle. my husband has a company vehicle which is a dodge minivan also.

[RebelOne]

150. Ford Taurus. I love Ford, but I'd have a Cadillac if I could afford it.

The only Cadillac I ever owned was a Cimarron. I called it my baby Cadillac because I couldn't afford a bigger, more expensive one.

[Orsino]

151. Only Japanese hybrids.

Not even American-assembled.

Back in '05, the only American hybrid available was a damned SUV, and the car I was driving already got better mileage than that thing. I got a Prius. My wife insisted on a V6 sedan, and after I begged her to test-drive the Accord hybrid, she was sold.

So we killed the American car industry by buying all-Japanese...but I'll also claim that we helped push Detroit toward making those hybrids the rest of you can now consider.

You're welcome.

[SidDithers]

152. Dodge Caravan and Hyundai Elantra...nt

Sid

[LWolf]

153. '94 4x4 Tacoma.

My 3rd Toyota truck.

If American made vehicles were as reliable and long-lived as my 'yotas, I'd buy them.

If I had the resources to keep 2 vehicles, I'd drive a prius for every day stuff, and keep a full size 3/4 ton 4wd diesel American-made truck for hauling hay, hauling horses, and hauling stuff to the dump. As it is, I can haul small loads in the 'yota, and have to borrow a friend to haul anything else.

[RedstDem]

177. I got a '17 year old Cherokee

It thrives on neglect.....

actually, i have no idea why this thing still keeps going, but it runs smooth, a I take it off road regularly....

[old mark]

156. OTHER: We have had both over the years, now have 2 imports,

although I think the VW was made in the US.

We are considering trading one in to buy an American car if we can find a good one.

mark

[sakabatou]

157. They're both American made,

just one is not an American brand.

[Iggo]

159. I ride an American bus. (n/t)

[Lance_Boyle]

161. I drive a gente-wagen. n/t

[Bill McBlueState]

163. I bought the car with the best gas mileage in my price range

It happens to have a Japanese name on the back, but gas mileage was a higher priority for me.

I did recently spend seven years paying UAW dues and occasionally lobbying legislators on issues important to the UAW. I'm hoping that balances out my choice a little.

[Godhumor]

164. I own a Ford, but we just sent some money to Japan for a "Fit"

Talked about it before, but the Fit factory being used is in danger of being shuttered. It also happens to be located right outside my wife's hometown in Saitama and is the major source of income for many of the people who live there.

I just donated a 2000 Taurus to the Kidney Car Foundation (Got 215K on it before the repairs outweighed the worth of the car.), but when we looked to replace it we decided to help the wife's town out this time around (Everyone in her family also owns a Fit).

That said, I love the Fit. It is one of the most fun to drive cars I've had the experience of owning.

[Twinguard]

165. You got a '76 Super Beetle to go 60mph?

I kid, I kid.
After I graduated high school, I bought a bright yellow '73 super beetle. The heater worked great on the highway and over the 4th of July weekend. I spent more on repairs for that car then I would have had I bought a different car that was better maintained. Both door handles broke, and then the replacement door handles broke as well. I had to do a major rewire of that car's fuse box to install a crappy tape player so I could listen to something other than AM radio (and trust me-- in Montana, AM radio leaves lots to be desired). The driver seat was only attached to the floor at one point, so it was like driving while sitting in a rocking chair. The accelerator cable broke, the brakes went out, and I even had the battery burn the back seat springs and "cushion" while my girlfriend (now wife) and I were trying to *ahem* play scrabble (yes I know it was the back seat of a VW bug, but damn if our options weren't limited). I could go on for days about what was wrong with that car. However, at the end of the day, I loved that car. It was my first car, so it has a special place in my heart. Plus, everyone in town knew me as the "Glo Bug guy." I would love to get another VW bug and restore it.

Now I drive a dodge charger and the wife drives a honda accord. Both are great cars, and while they may have some creature comforts like a working heater and power steering, neither of them can come anywhere close to matching my old bug in the character department.

[Vidar]

166. A Chinese bicycle for the last 5 years though a Buick I can't afford to drive

sits in the garage.

[StreetKnowledge]

167. '08 Pontiac G8.

My wheels. My girlfriend drove an Acura Integra until she tried out my cousin's Cobalt SS. Then she bought one herself. :)

My entire family drives American. The last import was a '93 Nissan Sentra, which was a POS. We swear by GM and Chrysler, except for one who drives a Mustang.

[RedstDem]

173. Nissan Is The Most Overated Car Brand In The U.S.

In My Opinion.....

A Co-Worker Has A 2008 Altima, Been Problem After Problem For Him...He Regrets Buying It.

[StreetKnowledge]

174. I agree.

And I once worked for them! :) I love my G8. I wouldn't drive anything else. It even gets 27 mpg on the highway! :o

GM can make great cars. They just have to do it more often.

[PM7nj]

179. The G8 is an Australian import.

It was designed by GM's Australian brand, Holden, and is built in Adelaide.

[RedstDem]

168. I've got 3 US brands & 1 VW

I regret leasing the VDub, 1) leasing instead of buying was stupid, and getting the foreign brand when the US brands need sales makes me feel terrible. I got two years ago, and didn't know our brands were in trouble then. I'd love to get rid of it and get a Buick!!

[cherokeeprogressive]

170. 2 Chevy Tahoes. Both 4x4's, 2003 and 2004. ZERO REPAIR DOLLARS SO FAR.

We live in the mountains of So. Cal. Those puppies just keep on runnin'.

[Kalyke]

172. Currently, my household has my American car and my hubby's foreign POS.

At the end of the year, when he's not quite as upside-down on his payment, he will be getting a Ford Escape Hybrid.

His car is in the shop every three months like clockwork. My Fords are never in the shop for anything other than maintenance until they're ancient (12+ years old).

[aikoaiko]

180. Scion Xb and Volvo station wagon

I've had the Scion for 5 years and not a single mechanical or manufacturing issue.

I've had the Volvo for 3 years and not a single mechanical issue or manufacturing issue.

[Statistical]

182. Yes. Honda Ridgeline assembled in Alabama (USA)

[RexDart]

186. 01 Accord, 01 CRV , 61 Metropolitan at my house.

So all "Foreign". Before the Accordian, I've had a Volvo, 2 Honda 600s, and an old SAAB 96.

And yes, the Metropolitan is a foreign car. Built in England for Nash. But, on the other hand, the accordian was built in some stinking foreign spunkhole called Marysville Oh.

[Freddie Stubbs]

187. Many 'foreign' cars are made in the US, and many 'American' cars are made in Mexico or Canada or

have a significant number of their parts made outside of the US.

[Reeta77]

189. '03 Nissan Maxima and '08 Ford 250

I love my Maxima and if it had not been for the better deal, my partner would have picked the Toyota Tundra instead of the Ford.

[RedCappedBandit]

190. Drive an s10 and hate it

Think I'll get a miata sometime soon.

[county worker]

193. Two Fords but I think some of the parts are made overseas.

There really isn't an "American" car. They may be assembled here but parts come from many different countries.

[nolabels]

195. Thus making the case we workers need to band together for our own good

The people people milking off the top now pit together region and country and we compete for those connivers advantage. Obama or anybody placed in such positions are only allowed to hold such positions under condition that they keep hold for the status quo. The moment any of those ornamented leaders start to swerve off track they get targeted. We have do it as a group without leaders, there is no other way.

Made in another country shouldn't be bad, but made for less than human should be paid for making it should not be allowed, aka they are pitting us against each other.


But lastly our biggest problems arise from that we are all being trained to be consumers instead of humans who want contribute to the better world for everyone


Btw, we mostly have that Ford brand too and that's just mostly because i find Chevy's more of pain in the ass to work on and fix :shrug:

[swishyfeet]

194. Subaru Outback and Audi A3

Only American cars I've owned (but didn't actually buy):

1973 babyshit brown Nova with three on the tree and the V6.
1977 light lime green Vega Wagon. I actually liked it (other than the hideous color) before it died.

Other than that, a bunch of VW's, a couple Mazdas, a BMW and a Honda.

I'd love to buy American but they choose not to build cars that appeal to me. Bring some of those Euro Fords over and I could consider it.

The Fiesta:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLhnLJl4TZA&feature=related

[KamaAina]

196. Other: I don't drive any car

you'll have to speak to Oahu Transit Services about buying American-made buses.

[sad sally]

197. Have an 11 year old Ford Mustang

and an old Porsche and old VW Bug. When we heard the Prez' was advising Chrysler to hitch up with Fiat, it reminded us of what Fiat meant in the old days: Fix It Again Tony:)

[eridani]

199. If you only buy used cars, is the question relevant?

First car was an American Motors Rambler. Hubby had a 1947 GMC truck when I met him. We sold the truck when we moved, and the Rambler was stolen in Boston. Inherited a Datsun picking from MIL, and a VW diesel from BIL. Bought a used 1990 Honda for $5K and drove it til it crapped out. Then bought a used 1999 Saturn--still driving it.

[DailyGrind51]

200. '97 Ford Mustang

[tonysam]

203. Other

All three of my cars were American made although my 1990 Geo Prizm (rest in peace) had Toyota parts.

I will probably buy a 1988 Toyota Camry with just 68,000 miles on it. It's a steal at $1100. My nephew's friend is holding it for me.