For years, it has been a common perception – or misperception as the case may be – that Japanese cars, particularly Toyota and Honda, were of better quality than their American counterparts, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.
Don’t get me wrong, American cars did plenty to substantiate those perceptions, especially considering they were behind the curve when it came to moving from massive trucks and SUVs to more fuel efficient sedans, compact cars, and hybrids.
However, with the news the Toyota has recalled 2.3 million vehicles – including some of its best selling models –due to a problem that could make the vehicle’s gas pedal stick, and its announcement that the company will halt sales of all affected models for the time being, is the tide finally starting to turn in Detroit’s favor?
Over the past several years, American car makers – Ford in particular – have received praise for drastic improvements in reliability and quality. In fact, the Ford Fusion was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 2010, which is a pretty big deal.
I think when you couple Detroit’s momentum with Toyota’s huge setback, I think we’re on the verge of viewing American cars as being at least as good as, if not better than, their foreign counter parts.
What do you think? Leave your comments below!
I wouldnt bet on it. Hell, imports are made more in the states then domestics are. Look where ford makes a majority of their cars, not trucks. Same with gm.
Unfortunately I don’t believe so just yet. Look at all the top vehicles per whatever list you want to look at….heck look at your last green car post….what are the vast majority of those vehicles???? Not Ford or GM. Like most of Corporate America the major automotive companies were asleep at the wheel and got fat on big, flashy and comfortable….The American automotive industry has a long ways to go to even get in the race with Japan and others when it comes to fuel efficiency and all that comes with being “green.” Ford, to their credit, has been a step above the others, but still lags way behind the foreign producers.
I tell you what, I’m not taking my chances on a car where the gas pedal floors it while I’m sitting behind the wheel pumping on the brakes. No thanks.
This happened to Toyota first but I suspect they will not be the last. I never liked the fly by wire idea. Having computer electronics control your throttle position with no automatic override when you apply the brakes is not smart. All car makers should incorporate an emergency by pass. Computers can monitor brake pedal position! I think the root cause should be debated and addressed by all manufacturers using this system because it will happen again! This is a lot bigger then just Toyota.