Sad state of affiars

[BigAlOfMD]

Consumer Reports' 2011 Top Picks
Only 2 US  vehicles made it in the top 10 catagories.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1181887

[MCRIDER]

And, do you know why?  Because all of their poll results are from their own controlled group.  They only poll their readers.  It's like asking a room full of Democrats to vote on their favorite administrations.  Would they vote for Bush or Obama? 

[Hoser]

Sure is a sad state of affairs, everybody knows a crew cab F150 is a better truck!    

[solo1]

I got my panties in a wad over the Democrat remark 

I've been driving Toyotas and now a Mazda and I've also been a subscriber to Consumer reports for years. Yes, i do fill out the survey and I do tell it like it is.  I can't speak for the results that are posted here today BUT I can speak to the reason why I switched from the Big Three.

In 1983 both the wife and I were driving Chrysler products.  She had a 'K' car and I had a Dodge Shelby 2.2.  Both cars were chit!, in and out of the dealers for lots of fixes.  Out of desperation, we both test drove Toyotas.  We switched.  My daughter switched from Chrysler after having two of their products, a 'K' car and a Dodge Intrepid, she's now driving a Camry.  Her husband had a Dodge truck, had trouble with it and switched to a Toyota T100. In all fairness, the transmission went out on the Toyota after warrantee.  It was fixed and he's driving it still.  He now has also bought a GMC truck based SUV with no trouble.

When I bought my first Toyota SR5 truck (turned out to be a HUGE rust bucket) I was asked by a union millwright as to why I was driving a Japanese truck. I looked at his truck, A Chevy LUV, and asked him the same.  He was a great guy and a WWII vet who served in the Pacific.  He had nothing to say when I told him that the truck that he was driving was made by the same company that made the Japanese Zero.

That brings me to another point. Japanese cars and motorcycles have always gotten a bad rap because of the war but German cars and motorcycles seem to get off scot free and yet Nazi Germany created the Holocaust. I don't have the answer.

Now before i get any flack for driving other than American made,  I would remind everyone that the Valk was made by Honda employing American labor.  That reflects much on what's going on in the manufacturing world today.

American brand cars have come a long way today. I bought the Mazda Three sport ,however, because there is nothing quite like it in GM or Ford. 

[the inspector]

All I can say is Americans better start buying American Products so we can put Americans back to work or we all will be slinging burgers......

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

[six2go #152]

"All I can say is Americans better start buying American Products so we can put Americans back to work or we all will be slinging burgers......"

It doesn't matter what name is on the product(car) in this world economy. American car companies should be the ones putting Americans to work instead of investing in overseas factories and buying foreign car companies like Daewoo, Saab, and others.
Some of my more recent American made vehicles have been a Monte Carlo built in Canada, two trucks also built North of the border and my Son's PT Cruiser which was built in Mexico.

This past Summer, we bought a new car, a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and it was "Built by Bubba" in Alabama. I think it's important to buy products that our American Brothers & Sisters produce.

Buick is the largest selling car in China right now(or so I've heard). Is GM building those in Michigan and shipping them over? Don't think so. I'll bet they have a nice new factory in China.

[Bobbo]

And, do you know why?  Because all of their poll results are from their own controlled group.  They only poll their readers.  It's like asking a room full of Democrats to vote on their favorite administrations.  Would they vote for Bush or Obama? 

I think Consumer reports bases their new car picks on a set criteria that they establish, not from polling their readers.  I used to subscribe to CR, and also wondered why so many Japanese cars were favored over American brands.  It seems they relied heavily on fuel economy estimates for their scoring, so a lightweight 4 cylinder will beat a V6 or V8 heavier car in that category.  Fuel economy is a factor, but I want more in a car than just good mileage.

[Dubsvalk]

My 1994 Jeep Cherokee has 147,000 miles on it.  My 1995 Chevy S10 has 247,000 miles on it.  My 1992 Corvette has 83,000 on it.  Not one of them has had any mechanical problems other than normal maintenance.  I have owned and driven Fords, Chevys and Jeeps and never had issues with any of them.  If I were in the market, I would not hesitate to buy another American vehicle.
Dubs

[Bobbo]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

[old2soon]

Bear with me a moment.This ain't scientific in the least-just an obsevation. And no-i can't supply you with a reason. I live in an economically depressed area. But when i go anywhere down here and look at the parkin lots-wally world micky ds sears you get the picture-i see a lot of other than american cars in the parking lots. Myself-mama and i have 2 older G M products. For what they are(transportation) they do well. Buying G M was our choice-nobody stood on my neck with a pistol screwed in my ear. I think people will buy what they want when they want it. My daughter and son inlaw bought a toyota-their choice NOT MINE-i still love em both. RIDE SAFE.

[valkmc]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

[Varmintmist]

In 1983 both the wife and I were driving Chrysler products.  She had a 'K' car and I had a Dodge Shelby 2.2.  Both cars were chit!,

I had the 83 Dodge Charger 2.2, a buddy had the Plymoth Turismo 2.2, all the same car, all the same Mitsubishi engine all the same results. They ran fine until 56000 then died.
We were victims of the first Chrysler bail out. That was Lee Iacoccas throw away.
I havent bought a Crysler since and I dont intend to. GM will have to put up real numbers for a few years before I get scammed by them to. Fords have treated me good.

The Jap stuff gets a bad rap because they dumped a LOT of cheap cars to a hungry public in the 70's. They certainly got better over time, but the first ones left a lot to be desired.

[Michael K (Az.)]

And, do you know why?  Because all of their poll results are from their own controlled group.  They only poll their readers.  It's like asking a room full of Democrats to vote on their favorite administrations.  Would they vote for Bush or Obama? 

From CU's website:
"Consumer Reports offers:
# Scientific tests and ratings of thousands of products every year.
# More than 100 experts working in 7 major areas:

    * Appliances
    * Cars
    * Baby & Kids
    * Electronics
    * Foods
    * Health & Family
    * Recreation & Home Improvement

# Information that empowers consumers to make the best purchasing decision.

We are a non-profit organization that is supported by the subscriptions to our
web site and magazine. To maintain our independence, we do not accept any
outside advertising and any free test samples."

I believe that all of CU's research is done this way and polling doesn't enter into their testing and subsequent results.

[PAVALKER]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

 ???

[BigAlOfMD]

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.
[/quote]

The otrher countries send US dollars on OIL and US Bonds.
So it all goes to the big oil companys and Ben Bernanke

[Bobbo]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

 ???

Global Economics 101

I’ll simplify this, so I hope the meaning doesn’t get lost.  I’m not a global economist, but here’s my take on it:

You (USA) grow potatoes, and your neighbor (foreign country) grows carrots.  You want to make stew, so you get (purchase) some carrots from your neighbor.  You give him an IOU (money).  The neighbor needs some home repairs, and gives the IOU to a repairman (purchases from another country).  The repairman is hungry and wants French fries.  He gives the IOU back to you in exchange for potatoes.  You have essentially sold your potatoes (work) for goods purchased outside of your yard (country).

Simplified, money is just a way of standardizing and integrating a barter system.  If the repairman never returned the IOU to you, would you be better or worse off?

[PAVALKER]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

 ???

Global Economics 101

I’ll simplify this, so I hope the meaning doesn’t get lost.  I’m not a global economist, but here’s my take on it:

You (USA) grow potatoes, and your neighbor (foreign country) grows carrots.  You want to make stew, so you get (purchase) some carrots from your neighbor.  You give him an IOU (money).  The neighbor needs some home repairs, and gives the IOU to a repairman (purchases from another country).  The repairman is hungry and wants French fries.  He gives the IOU back to you in exchange for potatoes.  You have essentially sold your potatoes (work) for goods purchased outside of your yard (country).

Simplified, money is just a way of standardizing and integrating a barter system.  If the repairman never returned the IOU to you, would you be better or worse off?

TMI....  you said more than enough when you said...  "I’m not a global economist, but here’s my take on it:"  Now if you could just preface all your posts with a similar caveat maybe others wouldn't get so riled up to your responses and could just ignore your rambling that might follow.

My previous post of  ??? was mainly to your comments of "No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good."  When in actuality IF and when those US dollars are traded or redeemed overseas.... and not necessarily on American products, they were already made good for the person/s that spent them.  I was/am also curious as to what American products were purchased with those US Dollars spent overseas that you mentioned.

Your use of the term IOU, instead of dollars or other currency etc, was quite interesting....  one day all those IOU's will come due.

[Bobbo]

My previous post of  ??? was mainly to your comments of "No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good."  When in actuality IF and when those US dollars are traded or redeemed overseas.... and not necessarily on American products, they were already made good for the person/s that spent them.

I'll have to respond with the same ??? for this comment "they were already made good for the person/s that spent them".  What does that mean?

I was/am also curious as to what American products were purchased with those US Dollars spent overseas that you mentioned.

Your use of the term IOU, instead of dollars or other currency etc, was quite interesting....  one day all those IOU's will come due.

What goods do we export?  Weapons, aircraft, food, cars, scientific equipment, medicine, fuel oils, high end semiconductors, specialized chemicals, and plastic are most of them.  Those IOU's come due all the time, and we pay with those items.

[the inspector]

Prime real estate!!!!

How's your Chinese?

"the inspector"

[the inspector]

Oh ya and do you like rice???

"the inspector"

[MCRIDER]

I got my panties in a wad over the Democrat remark 

I've been driving Toyotas and now a Mazda and I've also been a subscriber to Consumer reports for years. Yes, i do fill out the survey and I do tell it like it is.  I can't speak for the results that are posted here today BUT I can speak to the reason why I switched from the Big Three.

In 1983 both the wife and I were driving Chrysler products.  She had a 'K' car and I had a Dodge Shelby 2.2.  Both cars were chit!, in and out of the dealers for lots of fixes.  Out of desperation, we both test drove Toyotas.  We switched.  My daughter switched from Chrysler after having two of their products, a 'K' car and a Dodge Intrepid, she's now driving a Camry.  Her husband had a Dodge truck, had trouble with it and switched to a Toyota T100. In all fairness, the transmission went out on the Toyota after warrantee.  It was fixed and he's driving it still.  He now has also bought a GMC truck based SUV with no trouble.

When I bought my first Toyota SR5 truck (turned out to be a HUGE rust bucket) I was asked by a union millwright as to why I was driving a Japanese truck. I looked at his truck, A Chevy LUV, and asked him the same.  He was a great guy and a WWII vet who served in the Pacific.  He had nothing to say when I told him that the truck that he was driving was made by the same company that made the Japanese Zero.

That brings me to another point. Japanese cars and motorcycles have always gotten a bad rap because of the war but German cars and motorcycles seem to get off scot free and yet Nazi Germany created the Holocaust. I don't have the answer.

Now before i get any flack for driving other than American made,  I would remind everyone that the Valk was made by Honda employing American labor.  That reflects much on what's going on in the manufacturing world today.

American brand cars have come a long way today. I bought the Mazda Three sport ,however, because there is nothing quite like it in GM or Ford. 

As usual, you use comparisons with American cars of the 1980's and 1990's.  You bought the Maza because it's trendy.

[MCRIDER]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

But, it's not hard to tell which country gets the profit dollars, is it?  You get the economy that gets your investments.

[MCRIDER]

And, do you know why?  Because all of their poll results are from their own controlled group.  They only poll their readers.  It's like asking a room full of Democrats to vote on their favorite administrations.  Would they vote for Bush or Obama? 

From CU's website:
"Consumer Reports offers:
# Scientific tests and ratings of thousands of products every year.
# More than 100 experts working in 7 major areas:

    * Appliances
    * Cars
    * Baby & Kids
    * Electronics
    * Foods
    * Health & Family
    * Recreation & Home Improvement

# Information that empowers consumers to make the best purchasing decision.

We are a non-profit organization that is supported by the subscriptions to our
web site and magazine. To maintain our independence, we do not accept any
outside advertising and any free test samples."

I believe that all of CU's research is done this way and polling doesn't enter into their testing and subsequent results.

Think about that.  You got it from the CR website.  The CR people wrote it.  The CR people want you to think their way.  You've bought into their theory. 

[Michael K (Az.)]

And, do you know why?  Because all of their poll results are from their own controlled group.  They only poll their readers.  It's like asking a room full of Democrats to vote on their favorite administrations.  Would they vote for Bush or Obama?  

From CU's website:
"Consumer Reports offers:
# Scientific tests and ratings of thousands of products every year.
# More than 100 experts working in 7 major areas:

    * Appliances
    * Cars
    * Baby & Kids
    * Electronics
    * Foods
    * Health & Family
    * Recreation & Home Improvement

# Information that empowers consumers to make the best purchasing decision.

We are a non-profit organization that is supported by the subscriptions to our
web site and magazine. To maintain our independence, we do not accept any
outside advertising and any free test samples."

I believe that all of CU's research is done this way and polling doesn't enter into their testing and subsequent results.

Think about that.  You got it from the CR website.  The CR people wrote it.  The CR people want you to think their way.  You've bought into their theory.  

Error. I haven't bought into anything. I just posted a quote from a website and identified it as such. If you think that CU doesn't actually test all the products before reporting, how do you think they get their data?

[Serk]

As far as reliability data, Consumer Reports compiles that information from surveys filled out by members.

However, any vehicle that they get less than 100 (I believe) responses on, the reliability data IS NOT LISTED.

So yes, the reliability (Not over all "goodness" data, just the reliability) data is gathered from their members who happen to own the products in question.

[PAVALKER]

My previous post of  ??? was mainly to your comments of "No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good."  When in actuality IF and when those US dollars are traded or redeemed overseas.... and not necessarily on American products, they were already made good for the person/s that spent them.

I'll have to respond with the same ??? for this comment "they were already made good for the person/s that spent them".  What does that mean?

I was/am also curious as to what American products were purchased with those US Dollars spent overseas that you mentioned.

Your use of the term IOU, instead of dollars or other currency etc, was quite interesting....  one day all those IOU's will come due.

What goods do we export?  Weapons, aircraft, food, cars, scientific equipment, medicine, fuel oils, high end semiconductors, specialized chemicals, and plastic are most of them.  Those IOU's come due all the time, and we pay with those items.

If you buy a motorcycle part from me and pay with an IOU (or American Dollar) and I in turn take it on a cruise overseas and somehow talk a French bartender or hooker into accepting that IOU as payment for a drink or service, and they accept..... that IOU (American Dollar) was made good for me when I spent it on a drink and services.  It might not have made full circle and been cashed in from the original issuer (you) but it was made good for me.  But, that was just an example... because I am mainly into domestic beverages.  Furthermore, that French hooker will probably realize that the IOU of yours isn't worth what it once was, or should be, and only offer reduced services, if any..... and I will get screwed either way.   

As far and Imports/Exports, I will agree that we do export the items you identified (as is readily available info on the internet), but we obviously import much more than we export.  Furthermore, I believe we have exported more major companies and jobs than we have imported... but feel free to prove me wrong.

Here is some interesting information on the balance of trade.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_trade

[Michael K (Az.)]

As far as reliability data, Consumer Reports compiles that information from surveys filled out by members.

However, any vehicle that they get less than 100 (I believe) responses on, the reliability data IS NOT LISTED.

So yes, the reliability (Not over all "goodness" data, just the reliability) data is gathered from their members who happen to own the products in question.

Good answer! Thanks. I had tried to find that info but didn't dig deep enough I guess!

[Bobbo]

If you buy a motorcycle part from me and pay with an IOU (or American Dollar) and I in turn take it on a cruise overseas and somehow talk a French bartender or hooker into accepting that IOU as payment for a drink or service, and they accept..... that IOU (American Dollar) was made good for me when I spent it on a drink and services.  It might not have made full circle and been cashed in from the original issuer (you) but it was made good for me.  But, that was just an example... because I am mainly into domestic beverages.  Furthermore, that French hooker will probably realize that the IOU of yours isn't worth what it once was, or should be, and only offer reduced services, if any..... and I will get screwed either way.   

Notwithstanding the exchange price fluctuations, that IOU still has to get back to me before it is any good.  I might exchange something I built for the IOU, and then my work ultimately purchased your motorcycle part.

[valkmc]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

But, it's not hard to tell which country gets the profit dollars, is it?  You get the economy that gets your investments.

I don't believe it is that simple, many fortune 500 companies and very wealthy people in this country invest in those companies operating on foreign soil. Lots of annuity funds sink money they collect from the average worker into those foreign companies, so when dividends are paid and profits are realized some of that $ returns. It is very hard to determine where all the money ends up, but thinking that just buying American will make a huge difference.....I don't know. I own a Jeep, a Mustang, a Saturn and three Jab Bikes (Valk, Suzuki, and a Kawasaki). I will not be buying an American Bike.....

[the inspector]

Foreigners snap up Memphis real estate
International investors are drawn from as far away as New Zealand by low home prices and high rents. Move over, Miami.
Posted by Teresa at MSN Real Estate on Thursday, March 3, 2011 9:48 AM
International buyers have long played a key role in the real-estate fortunes of cities such as Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

 

But who know they were flocking to Memphis, Tenn.? And they're not going there to pay homage to Elvis.

If Americans won't buy homes, foreigners will
A company called Memphis Investment Properties, which buys distressed properties, rehabs them, rents them to tenants and then sells them to investors, stumbled upon the international market by accident last year, reports Steve Bergsman at Inman News.

 

This year, the company expects 50% of its sales to go to foreigners, up from zero percent two years ago.


"the inspector"

[Garfield]

Foreigners snap up Memphis real estate
International investors are drawn from as far away as New Zealand by low home prices and high rents. Move over, Miami.
Posted by Teresa at MSN Real Estate on Thursday, March 3, 2011 9:48 AM
International buyers have long played a key role in the real-estate fortunes of cities such as Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

 

But who know they were flocking to Memphis, Tenn.? And they're not going there to pay homage to Elvis.

If Americans won't buy homes, foreigners will
A company called Memphis Investment Properties, which buys distressed properties, rehabs them, rents them to tenants and then sells them to investors, stumbled upon the international market by accident last year, reports Steve Bergsman at Inman News.

 

This year, the company expects 50% of its sales to go to foreigners, up from zero percent two years ago.


"the inspector"

They can have Memphis. The most rudist and rasist city I have ever lived in.

[Chattanooga Mark]

Profit dollars.....go where.....really, oh please.



The 'profits' go to pay the shareholders, the company and to build infrastructure where ever in the world the company deems neccessary. Many 'foreign' brands are building infrastructure right here in the USA. Many 'American" brands can't seem to leave the USA fast enough.

Mark

[x]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

Too bad it is not actually working that way.  How do I know?  Because of the huge trade deficit that the US carries every month and every year.  That means it imports more than it exports.  Countries like China pile up huge foreign currency reserves in US dollars.  They buy massive amounts of US Treasuries.  Their currency should be appreciating because of the huge foreign reserves but it's kept artificially low.  China is going to suffer massive inflation, and when it comes to allow the US dollar to inflate, it's a good way to even things up with China.  They won't appreciate, we depreciate.

[Bobbo]

I'm not getting in the debate over what is better but the majority money always goes back to the mother country, we may have some American workers in foreign owned companys but the bulk goes you know where. You can't help it sometimes to buy foreign because of lots of issues, but we better wake up real soon.

"the inspector"

When American dollars go "back to the mother country" what happens then?  Do they wallpaper their houses with it?  No, they use it to buy American products, since American dollars eventually have to be redeemed here.  Even if they buy goods from other countries with them, those dollars still have to make it back here to be any good.

Too bad it is not actually working that way.  How do I know?  Because of the huge trade deficit that the US carries every month and every year.  That means it imports more than it exports.  Countries like China pile up huge foreign currency reserves in US dollars.  They buy massive amounts of US Treasuries.  Their currency should be appreciating because of the huge foreign reserves but it's kept artificially low.  China is going to suffer massive inflation, and when it comes to allow the US dollar to inflate, it's a good way to even things up with China.  They won't appreciate, we depreciate.

Of course a trade deficit is not the optimal situation, but who might fare worse?  We import tangible goods from China, and they hold onto our money.  In the short term we lose manufacturing jobs, and they only have a number in a bank.  They eventually have to spend the money, inflated or deflated, to get tangible goods.

I'm not trying to say the system is without problems.  Capitalism is also a great way for entities to generate income and accumulate wealth.  We only have to look at Bernie Madoff and Wall Street bankers to see it can have blemishes.

Addendum:  Looks like China is giving back some dollars and putting some St. Louisans to work.

http://www.stltoday.com/business/national-and-international/article_114fa147-b2fd-5ca1-8ae0-a4f221136b1e.html

[big d]

wayne, dont want to burst your bubble but mazda is owned by ford and the sister car to the mazda 3 is the focus.

[Trynt]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

Very true, that Chevy Avalanche featured in the article is made in Silao,(central) Mexico .

[Varmintmist]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

Very true, that Chevy Avalanche featured in the article is made in Silao,(central) Mexico .

Worse than that.


Its not a truck. That is a station wagon for yuppies who watched Bigfoot run over cars on Saturday morning.

[alph]

my first car was an '84 toyota corolla.  put 130,000 miles on that thing, then hit a deer with it, collected $3500 from the insurance and bought an '89 ford ranger.  later saw my old car in a parking lot, talked to the driver he had 194,000 miles on it, he said it didn't burn a single drop of oil.  i did have to have the tranny rebuilt, although being a teenager when i got the car i did beat the crap out of that thing. 

now have two fords.  one is an '01 F150 supercrew, the othere is a '99 windstar minivan, both with about 130,000 miles each.  the van has had it's tranny rebuilt at 80,000 miles the truck runs great.  opps, take that back, i did replace the axel seals on the truck last summer.  that cost a whole $100......  the van needs a new serpintine belt, and is due for an oil change...... 

my brother is a chrystler idiot.  he has a sebring convertible, it leaves him stranded at least once a month on his way to/from work.  i know, he calls me to help.....  he lives 250 miles away.....  i'm not much help most of the times.....

[solo1]

wayne, dont want to burst your bubble but mazda is owned by ford and the sister car to the mazda 3 is the focus.

If I recall correctly, Ford sold its interests in Mazda just lately.  Yes, i did know about the Focus.  When i traded my Miata and Highlander in, I chose the Mazda dealer to do business with because he always treated me fair.  I suppose that I could've gone to the Ford dealer. i like Ford as well, especially since they didn't take any of Obamas' (our) money.

As far as someone else saying I bought the Mazda because it was "trendy", I 've never bought a car because it's trendy.  He must think that he's a good mindreader.  Besides I do not have to justify my purchase to anyone. I've earned these American dollars and I will use them as I see fit, just as I and many here have bought Valkyries, etc.

I don't normally get pissed but the word "trendy" rubs me the wrong way.

[FLAVALK]

As I tell my HD friends often, the buy American arguement is over, Things with American names like Ford, Harley, etc. are no longer totally made here. It is hard to tell what is made here and what is not.

Very true, that Chevy Avalanche featured in the article is made in Silao,(central) Mexico .

The toyota Tacoma is made in Mexico as well. So we have an American truck and Japanese truck both made outside the mother country. Where are Mexican trucks made??