So SAD..Americans DON'T CARE

[Angelqute1]

Originally Posted by marlboromike

I was reading the NY Daily News the other day and the question asked to 8 people were "Do You Care that Toyota beat GM in Car Sales"? The answer... Nobody cared if they bought an American car any longer.

I know Toyota and Honda are made in America...but they r not American companies and they do produce a better quality car but the question asked, "Do You Care"?....not ONE Cared!

I am too old!

Mike, Mike, Mike, since when do 8 people reflect the feelings of the "American People". You seem sensitive, is it that time?

I think there are a whole lot of people that care about the American Car. We're on our way too, did you see the new Mazda RX-7? It's uglier than the RX-8 if that's possible.

Those were obviously just the wrong 8 people to ask. Okay? Relax. We're all behind you!!! And the country!!! And American made cars.

Chin up my friend, chin up.

[jayman]

Hey Mike, don't know if i'm behind you...but i'm definitely with you

[marlboromike]

Sorry Rachel...even when talking to my peers...they reflect that non-caring attitude toward American car companies. The LEFT has done a wonderful job of mind altering our attitudes.

I cannot shovel the SH-t against the tide....but thanks for helping with the shovel..u 2 Jay

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by marlboromike

Sorry Rachel...even when talking to my peers...they reflect that non-caring attitude toward American car companies. The LEFT has done a wonderful job of mind altering our attitudes.

I cannot shovel the SH-t against the tide....but thanks for helping with the shovel..u 2 Jay

I honestly think it's more a case of people just wanting a quality product. The perception is that foreign cars are better. Over the last few decades, that perception has been well-founded in reality. Even just 5 years back, companies like hyundai were offering 7 year/70K warranties, whereas GM warranties were usually 3/36. American car companies would claim that their cars were as good or better, but wouldn't back them up with a warranty. That speaks volumes to a lot of people. Even if the hyundais were crappier, the fact that they were willing to back them with that type of warranty gave them a big edge perception-wise.

It's only recently that American cars have started to come close to getting past the "foreign cars are better" perception that many people have. Even when the Solstice came out, it only had a 3/36 warranty. That's pretty lame if you ask me, and it's one of the main reasons I looked at the Sky a lot more seriously than the Solstice. I know that now the warranties are the same, but something like that can leave a lasting impression on people's minds.

Anyway, it's a matter of perception, some of it based on reality, and simply wanting to get the best product for your money. I am going to go with what I perceive to be the best car for my money. If it happens to be an American car, so much the better. In the case of the Sky, it was. I had no interest in its most often compared to foreign competitor, the Miata. If GM and the other American companies can do with other cars what they have done with the Sky and Solstice, I think things will start turning around. Although I should add that the jury is still out on the reliability of the Kappas since they've only been out a couple of years. So far it looks good though.

[marlboromike]

If they could/would only resolve the LSD...sigh!

[Desertsky]

I am sort of shocked at some of this thread. But maybe it does show that there is more passion than the original post made light of?

I have only owned 1 car that was not billed as an american car and I did like it. But my misguided nationalism will lead me to only own American cars now.

I strongly agree with the nostalgia that Robotech's post brought out in me. I loved my first cars! I loved the Chevelle, Mustang, and Cougars of the 60's! I still miss my 68 Cougar and will someday own another! My work trucks are Fords not Toyotas!

We should be happy with being Americans I would not wish to be anywhere else. I might visit elsewhere but I love USA!

[TOY4TWO]

I think this thread argument breaks down between the generations. The young aren't living in same country that the Baby Boomers were. Someone mentioned "how many Japaneese cars do you see at auctions". Well none, because the US did a great job bombing the hell out of the country. See lots of Honda and Toyota's in those service bays huh? Couldn't be because they sell 1200 Camrys alone every hour, go ask the service people what work is being done.

The whole reason the US became a superpower was following WWII. The entire world HAD to buy goods made in the US because France, England, Germany, and Japan had their entire manufacturing base wiped out by the Axis and Allies bombing everything in sight. Now decades later, those countries have rebuilt their manufactuering, and while the Americans were getting sloppy and not innovating companies started making CVCC engines, good gas milage, and reliable to boot.

Some Gen'Xers could give a rat's ass about supporting some American multi-national corporation out of the compasion of their heart, please, young people want a inexpensive, reliable piece of transportation.

These Detroit 3 don't treat their employees any better or worse than those collecting paychecks at Toyota's plants. Borders are breaking down, I would personally have no problem moving to some house on the Mediterrainian or the coast of Costa Rica if there was a job waiting for me, whats keeping young people here, social security <chuckle>? Frankly with some of the attitudes of people that live around here in So Cal and their sense of entitlement its sickening, Americans have a negative savings rate just to keep up with the bling of the Jones next door, driving 8 MPG Hummers to and from the Supermarket and then bitching about the war in Iraq... it might be refreshing moving to another country.

The world is mobile now with the new technologies like the Internet out there, I can turn on the satilliete TV in Spain and watch my San Diego Chargers just as easily as here in the US, and pick up a Starbucks coffee on the way to work.

[marlboromike]

Give up your American citizenship and see who comes running back to the INS....there is a reason why everyone is knocking at our door...another self-hating AMERICAN

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by marlboromike

Give up your American citizenship and see who comes running back to the INS....there is a reason why everyone is knocking at our door...another self-hating AMERICAN

And the perceived quality of American cars is definitely not it....

(obviously, and for the record, I myself drive an American car so no, this wasn't a dig at American cars in general)


Anyway, I think you were being facetious....at least I hope you were...I literally just woke up so I'm a bit slow right now...

[CountryGirl]

The thing is, other countries are very nationalistic - as is almost everybody else I've met from other countries, many of whom have made their home here . It seems as if only Americans are not allowed to be.

I was stationed in Japan in the 1980's, and observed first-hand how the Japanese erected non-tariff trade barriers. If anything came from the US that was less expensive than the Japanese made, they would invent some mechanism to make sure that it cost more when it came to market, if it got to market at all. I don't know if it's still that way, but I prefer to buy American whenever possible.

I'm not sure why Americans call Americans incompetent and lazy. Many Europeans think we're nuts for working so hard. They certainly have shorter days, longer vacations and more holidays. Often the Japanese stay at the office because it's nicer and more comfortable than their 600 square foot home. Why don't we give ourselves a break and be proud of what we do? I think we need a national "self-esteem" movement.

[MidniteBlues]

I was not going to reply to this post, but ah, I couldn't help myself--

Originally Posted by TOY4TWO

I think this thread argument breaks down between the generations. The young aren't living in same country that the Baby Boomer's were. Someone mentioned "how many Japanese cars do you see at auctions". Well none, because the US did a great job bombing the hell out of the country. See lots of Honda and Toyota's in those service bays huh? Couldn't be because they sell 1200 Camry's alone every hour, go ask the service people what work is being done. I can tell you one reason, recalls, take a look-- Tons of them looks like: http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut...ota/index.html happy reading--
The whole reason the US became a superpower was following WWII. The entire world HAD to buy goods made in the US because France, England, Germany, and Japan had their entire manufacturing base wiped out by the Axis and Allies bombing everything in sight. Now decades later, those countries have rebuilt their manufacturing, and while the Americans were getting sloppy and not innovating companies started making CVCC engines, good gas mileage, and reliable to boot.

Some Gen'Xers could give a rat's ass about supporting some American multi-national corporation out of the compassion of their heart, please, young people want a inexpensive, reliable piece of transportation.

These Detroit 3 don't treat their employees any better or worse than those collecting paychecks at Toyota's plants. Borders are breaking down, I would personally have no problem moving to some house on the Mediterranean or the coast of Costa Rica if there was a job waiting for me, whats keeping young people here, social security <chuckle>? How about a better life?? Frankly with some of the attitudes of people that live around here in So Cal and their sense of entitlement its sickening, Another reason why NOT to live in California, waaayyy to liberal for me, no thanks Americans have a negative savings rate just to keep up with the bling of the Jones next door, driving 8 MPG Hummers My savings rate is just fine thank you, at least I have something saved. I can care less about the Jones living next door, they get what they can afford and want for themselves, BTW, and FYI, I have a Hummer H2, my mileage on that vehicle has been averaging 12 MPG--not your erroneous assumption posted above- it might be refreshing moving to another country. Please, as you leave our wonderful country, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE A$$

Bye-Bye-- PS, I went ahead and corrected all your mis-spelled words-- (Checked via iSpell)

[Siouxsie]

Originally Posted by shenvalley

The thing is, other countries are very nationalistic - as is almost everybody else I've met from other countries, many of whom have made their home here . It seems as if only Americans are not allowed to be.

I was stationed in Japan in the 1980's, and observed first-hand how the Japanese erected non-tariff trade barriers. If anything came from the US that was less expensive than the Japanese made, they would invent some mechanism to make sure that it cost more when it came to market, if it got to market at all. I don't know if it's still that way, but I prefer to buy American whenever possible.

I'm not sure why Americans call Americans incompetent and lazy. Many Europeans think we're nuts for working so hard. They certainly have shorter days, longer vacations and more holidays. Often the Japanese stay at the office because it's nicer and more comfortable than their 600 square foot home. Why don't we give ourselves a break and be proud of what we do? I think we need a national "self-esteem" movement.

The Japanese have gotten better at that, but they still have their quirks. Those trade barriers are part of what started Japan Bashing in the 80s.

I agree that Americans work too hard. I don't think our cars are crap, but like so many in my generation I feel no obligation to support someone just because they're American. If an American company crumbles, and the jobs go overseas, that company often buys materials or services from the US. What happened to the huge fiasco in the 80s when all the automobile factories closed down? Are there no more jobs in America as predicted? Has our unemployment risen at all?

I am proud to be an American, but I hate that damn song!

[Siouxsie]

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

I was not going to reply to this post, but ah, I couldn't help myself--



Bye-Bye-- PS, I went ahead and corrected all your mis-spelled words-- (Checked via iSpell)

I can't even begin to explain how wrong your post is. If you drive a 12MPG vehicle, you have no right to complain about gas prices IMHO. If someone explains that barriers are breaking down and they wouldn't mind living elsewhere it is no reason to become xenophobic and piss on their way of thinking. That close-mindedness is the number one reason that the younger generation dislikes the older.

[MidniteBlues]

Originally Posted by Siouxsie

I can't even begin to explain how wrong your post is. If you drive a 12MPG vehicle, you have no right to complain about gas prices IMHO. If someone explains that barriers are breaking down and they wouldn't mind living elsewhere it is no reason to become xenophobic and piss on their way of thinking. That close-mindedness is the number one reason that the younger generation dislikes the older.

Being that your a young pup, I am not upset with your "how wrong my post was", I have my opinion, just like you stated yours, (in error of course). Who said I was complaining about gas prices? I didn't say 1 word on that? Are you assuming something? I don't think that has anything to do with the young hating their elders, it's just a sign of being un-educated and dis-respectful--BTW, you also can jump on that same plane with your buddy if you wish--

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

Being that your a young pup, I am not upset with your "how wrong my post was", I have my opinion, just like you stated yours, (in error of course). Who said I was complaining about gas prices? I didn't say 1 word on that? Are you assuming something? I don't think that has anything to do with the young hating their elders, it's just a sign of being un-educated and dis-respectful--BTW, you also can jump on that same plane with your buddy if you wish--

The beauty of this country, and what keeps it as great as it is, is the fact that we ALL have the right to express our opinions without having to "jump on the next plane and leave" if that opinion happens to disagree with someone else's.

It irks me to no end when people to claim to have so much pride in this country and what it stands for are so quick to question the patriotism of those who choose to exercise the very rights that our military has fought to ensure that we will continue to have.

Instead of telling someone to jump on the next plane if they don't like something, you should be commending them for using the rights that you yourself claim to be so patriotic about, even if, and ESPECIALLY, if you don't agree with their point of view.

[southphillylakes]

Originally Posted by Siouxsie

I can't even begin to explain how wrong your post is. If you drive a 12MPG vehicle, you have no right to complain about gas prices IMHO. If someone explains that barriers are breaking down and they wouldn't mind living elsewhere it is no reason to become xenophobic and piss on their way of thinking. That close-mindedness is the number one reason that the younger generation dislikes the older.

Are you the person that "when a Miata pulls up next to me, I can't help but look down my nose at them." . I have never look down my nose at anyone... the finger, well yes,,that the America way , right ? LOL

[MidniteBlues]

OK, at this point I'll apologize to those that are offended--Yawl can stay in our wonderful country if you wish- -OR you can leave if you wish, it don't matter to me- -I ain't leaving, tell me 1 country that is better?

Since it was brought up, on this post I will complain about high fuel costs, thats another matter that has cause words to be exchanged BTW forum members and those threads can be found in the frontier--For now I will say that IMHO, the prices that you see today is because of manipulation by BIG oil--Summer driving season (poor excuse)--They also control the refineries, that they can shut those down at any time (for maintenance they say), once one of those goes down (for ANY reason) you see fuel prices skyrocket--

All I'll say is that fuel prices was the one of the reasons we bought our Sky. The H2 is now mainly used part time when shopping or more than 2 people are riding--More like the families SUV. It is one of the most safest vehicles on the road, you hit a hummer, you will just bounce off. However, when I purchased my truck, gas prices were reasonable and only $1.43 for regular. Am I going to get rid of my big truck? Yea, when everybody else get rid of theirs--I love my truck, nothing like it made (except another H2)--Eventually I will get rid of it, when I can buy another truck that can run on electricity full time--I should not have to defend the hummer crowd, they (we) can do that rather well, AND this IS a free country, I can buy what ever the hell I want, however, we have many many members here that own other BIG vehicles, SUV's and other trucks that get as much if not less fuel efficiencies--You guys wanna save fuel? quit going on these Sky runs--

MB runs to door waiting for the next attacks---

[Desertsky]

We are American young and old! Before anyone gets too hot about Gen X understand that I am one and I do not agree or identify with the self hatred we seem to spew!

I was taught to respect everyone and I think we should keep that practice here. I respect your opinions and applaud your expression of them but can we do it without hate or resentment on both sides?

Human nature can be inherently good or diabolically evil... Americans have no more capacity for evil than any other human. We as humans have persecuted each other long before we had Americans to blame!

An H2 does not make one evil -so back off! He never complained about gas and he has the money to drive it! His choice! The sky does not get that good of mileage for us to stand on that soap box! My Sky is just a toy does that make me bad? Do you hate me because I choose to buy a car for the fun of it? I thank God we have the choice to drive whatever we can afford! My 68 Cougar almost sucked as much gas as his Hummer!

Sorry I guess he did complain about the gas...

Now stop the personal attacks on both sides and state your side without the emotionalism! A good debate is hard to beat!