Why US customers kill US automakers !?!

Another bad year for US carmakers. America buys Toyotas, Hondas, more and more Hyundais and european cars and less americans. There are many reasons: GAS prices, the quality of cars and so on. The problem is that soon US carmakers will begin to die one after another. First was Oldsmobile.

Who's the next!?!

Ford - they rely on european market and give all of their power to make newer and nwer models in Europe, but they can't understand that these models could work in America too and these euro-models can give new life of Ford America.

Mercury - Thank's God that Canada exists. If Canadian stop buying Mercury, it will follow Oldsmobile.

Lincoln - Where's the point of designers of Lincoln. The SUV models are the most popular models in America. Why then they made these horrible looking models? Who's gonna prefer Lincoln's SUVs to New Escalade, X5, GL, M-calss, Lexus, Infiniti, even new Acuras!?!

Chrysler - Another not good going US carmaker, and why? Because it's using Mercedes-Benz's old platforms, but till when!?! Why you'll prefer to buy old Mercedes E-class called Chrysler 300C, then the new one called just Mercedes E-class? If they want success they should make their first SUV sooner, and now to have two or three different SUVs. Another mistake is the sortage of convertible version of 300. Look at tunning shops, they made huge money on the back of Chrysler, just because nobody wants to see the truth!

Dodge - The new models for Europe can give power of Dodge, but on it's own land the positions are feeble. New spyshots of 2008 Dakota looks good but America doesn't want any more huge senseless cars, that "drink" more fuel than a tank.

Jeep - New models of Jeep will make it may be the only one good going american carmaker. The models are international-looking and people in Europe and in America accept them equally good.

Buick - Only China can save the name of "The old lady of America". New Enclave looks very good, but why should they wait so long?

Chevrolet - "The car of America" or it was. Now this title is for Toyota and Honda, but where's Chevy? Well Chevy's all around the world, but it's not a real Chevy, it's Daewoo just called Chevy. It's made in Asia and it's sold in Europe, Asia, Africa and even new Aveo in USA and Canada.

Cadillac - "The king of the road" Well the king is DEATH, let's live new king - Lexus. Only Escalade keeps Cadillac alive. Well if they would realize "Sixteen" concept years ago and some other great conceptcars, now Cadillac could have better positions and higher standing, but alas!

GMC - FBI may like Yucon, but who normal man with normal income can pay for fuel for this SUV? And if it's not for normal people if it's for richer, who of them will prefer it to other Japanese or Europen luxury SUV's?

Hummer - Hummermania is OVER! Real Hummer doesn't exist anymore. Now you can buy expensive copies of Hummer called H2, H3, H4 ... H101 and so on. They are too heavy and not as good as Land Rover Range Rover for example! They make the air foul and using of they it's getting more and more expensive!

Pontiac - Nobody can't find the right formula for saving Pontiac. The brand has its own style but that doesen't help to people to prefer it to Toyota and Honda for example and it's just because of Pontiac's quality / price!

Saturn - The youngest member of GM's family was looking for right image and it found it. Its called OPEL. GM tries to save these brand by reselling German OPELs under Saturn make. If that's profitable, will show the future!


So 13 US bands, 13 of the greatest in the history of auto-industry barnds are gonna slow but surely die, because of their own compatriots. The first victim was The oldest one - Oldsmobile.

Who's the next and why is all this happened?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 12:36:46 AM
+4 Boost
I agree with this article. But, fortunately, I don't buy American anyway. Not because of gas and reliability, but because they don't look good and they don't feel good to drive. If they could improve in those areas, they would succeed. They know this, but I think it's too late for some makers (Ford, Buick, and Mercury).


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 12:38:42 AM
+2 Boost
I forgot about Pontiac, Jeep, and Saturn. They're going down, too.


SilverAeroSilverAero - 12/18/2006 12:59:08 AM
-1 Boost
Once Saturn come out with the Astra their will be no Saturn model that is over 20 months old. Saturn is moving up market and is already taking people out of their imports (i know its opel, lets not start that argument).
Cadillac is on a comeback from the 90's, but the next generation that the new escalade started will be so much better especialy on the interior. just wait for the new CTS to be unveiled, that thing will set the direction for caddy.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 1:10:03 AM
+1 Boost
I knew about Cadillac (which is why I never said they were in trouble), but Saturn is news to me. I still won't buy one, but all the same, good for Saturn.


SilverAeroSilverAero - 12/18/2006 1:57:25 AM
0 Boost
Sorry about the Cadillac part, i intended to direct that toward the article but failed to indicate that. But seriously go ahead and update yourself on Saturn, check the website or read about the upcoming Astra, saturn is in the middle of an incredibly quick transformation. To change their whole lineup in 20 months is pretty impresive.


con_tikicon_tiki - 12/18/2006 9:29:01 AM
+6 Boost
Honda and Toyota have proven themselve to built very good quality vehicles with great reliability while the domestics have fallen short on these issues.The public have become wise about the poor quality and reliability in the domestics.The domestics continue to have reliability issues in the long run after 3 years to 5 years and the public know this and have lost interest in buying domestics again.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 11:57:27 PM
+1 Boost
SilverAero-
I looked at Saturn's website. That's pretty impressive that they changed the whole lineup. They have that retro look that GM has been going for. But, I think that those designs are a little bit overbaring. Maybe if you see them in person they would be better. The Sky is a pretty cool car though.


neutralneutral - 12/18/2006 12:38:01 AM
-2 Boost
OBSERVER1984, what are you talking about??

Maybe you forget that US cars are often of the same quality as their Japanese rivals and most of the time, the US brands are lower cost. How about the Ford Fusion, oh yea, that one must have slipped your mind. Or how about how about the demand for the Chevy Impala is tens of thousands of cars more than the supply. Let us not forget the Dodge Caliber (no matter how much I think it is ugly) is selling so well that DCX had to open up another shift at the factory where it is being produced. Yea, the domestics have been having a hard time, yea theyve had to re-structure and get their acts together. You count them out like you are some sort of Gypsy who can tell the future. Why don't you make like that ship full of Mazdas and drown yourself.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 12:41:09 AM
+2 Boost
I agree with most of what you said. But notice, you mentioned just one vehicle from each maker, I don't think that one car will save them. But, they have been redesigning their products like crazy, hoping to make a comeback. Lincoln has changed their designs and added to their lineup, Dodge has done the same, so has Ford, and so has Chevy/GMC.


neutralneutral - 12/18/2006 12:43:28 AM
+1 Boost
lexusis350,

I appreciate your posts. Its nice to know someone who obviously has a preference in vehicles (your username says it all) can make a tangible comment. I was just trying to prove a point with my first post. The domestics will be back, don't count them out. They just got to get past this period in their histories and start out anew.


paul3230paul3230 - 12/18/2006 1:07:46 AM
-1 Boost
Just wait till the new 08 Malibu and the 08 CTS...why doesn't anyone give GM any credit for being the most improved player??? Look at their designs...those interiors...GOD it blows anything out of the water they offered just 2 years ago.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 1:15:38 AM
+2 Boost
neutral,
I definitely don't count domestics out. Some of their vehicles appeal to what people want/need. In fact, the Ford F-150 is the #1 selling vehicle in the U.S., followed by the Chevy Silverado. I was just trying to say that they need to have several vehicles to appeal to people, not just one or two. Like Honda, for example. They have the Accord. The Accord appeals to people who need a safe, reliable family car. But they also have the S200, a car that is for the sport enthusiasts. That is why Honda does well, they have a wide variety of vehicles that are very different from each other. But GMC for example, only makes trucks and SUVs.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 1:17:54 AM
+1 Boost
"Its nice to know someone who obviously has a preference in vehicles (your username says it all)..."

I don't favor Lexus. I own an IS 350. That's why I have that username.


SilverAeroSilverAero - 12/18/2006 2:03:23 AM
+1 Boost
Honestly, i am so glad to see that we can actually communicate with you "Lexusis350" unlike "SexyLexusDude" who is kinda giving lexus and toyota owners a bad name around here.


SilverAeroSilverAero - 12/18/2006 2:11:02 AM
+1 Boost
"Paul3230" They will get their credit in due time, we just have to be able to see and touch those cars. I am excited for GM i think they have some wonderful cars coming. But until you see a red camaro drive by as you look out from your little RSX, its hard to be jealous. Same goes for the CTS, the malibu, the Astra, the next Impala, the G8, and more.


neutralneutral - 12/18/2006 12:40:45 AM
0 Boost
Pontiac and Saturn going down, not a chance. Saturn is on the way up. They're lineup went from really mediocre (sorry I cannot spell) to pretty sweet in a short amount of time. Pontiac's quality is impressive for the price and I like their styling of certain vehicles. If you ask me, GM needs to competely drop their 3.8L pushrod engine completely in favor of their 3.9L with Active Fuel Management.


paul3230paul3230 - 12/18/2006 1:06:10 AM
0 Boost
Bingo! Saturn sales are up this year and they will continue to rise as the Aura and the Outlook will continue grab share. When the Astra makes it debut in Chicago, it will effectively round out the bottom section of Saturn. Don't count out the new VUE as well as redline and hybrid versions. Saturn is on roll right now. Pontiac is different..let's see how the new G8 defines their design language


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 1:20:57 AM
0 Boost
Wow, that's actually kind of sad that Oldsmobile is gone.


SilverAeroSilverAero - 12/18/2006 2:13:00 AM
+2 Boost
Yeah given the retro fad going on i wonder what they could have come up with if given the chance. Sounds like a great oppertunity for Photoshop


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:44:57 AM
+1 Boost
They could have done the retro sedan like the oldie cars. You know, with the flared tail lights and the turquoise body with the white roof and a chrome strip down the side. I actually like those cars.


RupertRupert - 12/18/2006 4:14:08 PM
0 Boost
maybe you should learn how to spell offence.


RupertRupert - 12/18/2006 4:15:27 PM
0 Boost
oh wait that's the american spelling.
sorry.


neutralneutral - 12/18/2006 2:36:06 AM
+1 Boost
lexusis350,

It seems as if you may think I am trying to insult you or something.....my apologies if you took my comments the wrong way. Either way...the IS350 is a badass vehicle.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 11:54:14 PM
+1 Boost
Oh, I wasn't offended. I just thought that you were taking my opinions as being biased. I get a lot of that on some of the other articles, and thought the same thing here. Sorry for taking it the wrong way.


chewychewy - 12/18/2006 3:06:51 AM
+2 Boost
It has become to write about the supposedly on coming collapse of the American auto industry, or any other brand in general. It is too easy to see the apparent faults of others. It is also to easy to pretend that you would be able to magically save a company because the current managment is made up of complete idiots.


chewychewy - 12/18/2006 3:07:15 AM
+1 Boost
It has become "popular"


OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 12/18/2006 3:27:47 AM
+1 Boost
SORRY about this article!

It was my first one and probably the last one. And about the english, it's not really my first language, it's my 4th. That's why I don't claim that the article is correct!

Have a nice day everybody!


chewychewy - 12/18/2006 3:44:04 AM
0 Boost
You don't have to be sorry. People here are just giving you some constructive critisism. You have to realize that while the American manufacturers have fallen on hard times, they are far from dead. Or at least as long as more than 1/2 of all vehicles sold in America are pickups and SUVS. General Motors has will desplay the new Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Malibu that probably won't be the best vehicles in class, but ones that are probably not that bad at all.


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 12/18/2006 8:16:55 AM
0 Boost
Your english is great for a fourth language!


Agent009Agent009 - 12/18/2006 4:33:59 PM
+1 Boost
You have to have a thick skin around here sometimes. If you get an article posted and everyone starts responding, then you did good.

Just take the criticism as just that. A critical comment.

Many will not agree with you, but you you need to stand by your arguments. We never expect, nor would want everybody to agree with us. All we would ask is that we discuss (maybe argue) and then realize there are as many opinions out there as people in the world. Every viewpoint is encouraged and respected.

Remember we are a thick headed bunch and need to be woke up every once in a while.


BillBill - 12/18/2006 6:09:17 AM
+3 Boost
Back in the 1940s, we were at war with Japan and Germany. What "exports and imports" are you talking about?

Also, there is nothing good about the US car industry going down the toilet. Think of all the unemployment that will occur should this happen. Not only the car companies will go bust, but also those companies that deliver them with spare parts, raw materials etc. They'll take a major blow. If this should happen, a great heritage of our country shall be lost forever.


BillBill - 12/18/2006 7:14:27 AM
+3 Boost
Do you have a history teacher? Do you have a gun? Because if you do, have this guy shoot himself in the face. Seriously, where did you read that? Or did you make this BS up yourself?


carfan3carfan3 - 12/18/2006 9:05:09 AM
+3 Boost
that is the stupidest thing i have ever seen. you really think that the japanese would incur the cost of sneaking cars across the Pacific in a sub? what was the profit margin?


neutralneutral - 12/18/2006 1:05:15 PM
+3 Boost
Can we kick sexylexusdude off the site, he's obviously trying to stir up BS. Yea, submarines in WWII carrying cars to USA from axis countries...right.


carfan3carfan3 - 12/18/2006 9:05:50 AM
+3 Boost
it doesn't make sense even today...even with nuclear powered subs


carfan3carfan3 - 12/18/2006 9:11:19 AM
+3 Boost
btw, I fail to see how the demise of the US auto industry can be a good thing, not to mention, something that should be cheered.

need to give the US autos more credit....there are some really great cars out now.


Loki123Loki123 - 12/18/2006 9:23:57 AM
+3 Boost
Bill is right (although his language is unnecessarily harsh) that the Japanese weren't delivering automobiles during the war - considering commericial passenger cars didn't really start production until 1947-ish for Toyota and Toyota didn't start shipping cars to the US until 1956-ish (and they were the first) and around 1970-ish Honda first imported cars to Hawaii/California.


Loki123Loki123 - 12/18/2006 10:15:26 AM
+3 Boost
You find me the book title or send me a link (url) to prove your statement.


Loki123Loki123 - 12/18/2006 10:18:22 AM
+3 Boost
Better yet - why don't you tell me how Japanese delivered their cars to the US before 1945 - if they didn't start production until 1947?


dj06482dj06482 - 12/18/2006 10:35:32 AM
+7 Boost
The author lost all credibility in my book when he slammed Hummer for polluting the environment, but held up Land Rover's Range Rover as a great SUV. If you know anything about Land Rovers, you'll know that they are also known for being very thirsty SUVs. Trust me, Hummers aren't the only vehicles that get poor fuel economy.


RupertRupert - 12/18/2006 4:18:15 PM
+2 Boost
yeah but the hummer is the ultimate symbol of hating the environment. just like how the beetle and citroen 2CV are the symbol of loving it.


Loki123Loki123 - 12/18/2006 12:41:43 PM
+3 Boost
sexylexusdude,

I don't see the point in arguing with you about Toyota's history. Fact is, Toyota didn't start producing (commercially) passenger cars until 1947 and they weren't avaible in the US until about 1956. During WWII Toyota made some trucks for the Imperial Army in Japan.


OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 12/18/2006 3:49:06 PM
+2 Boost
I want to thank to Agent009 for the e-mail wich inform me that this article is picked up by Detroit News and anybody can see it on their web site.

Thank you Agent009!!!


OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 12/18/2006 4:16:36 PM
+2 Boost
After this publication on Detnews web site this definitely will not be my last one article.


topneurotopneuro - 12/18/2006 4:44:45 PM
+2 Boost
The US auto industry demise is multifactorial, yes innovation, quality control, and reliability are poor, but the killer blow in the long run came from the UAW union and other unions, which all other foreign manufacturers with plants in North America have avoided like the plague in their factories in the USA and Canada.


answeranswer - 12/18/2006 4:55:41 PM
+2 Boost
I hope the American brands do recover.

I wish GM would stop putting that little "GM" badge on the sides of all their vehicles though. What is the point of having a seperate branding strategy if you just have the governing company's name on everything?


jt716jt716 - 12/18/2006 6:29:41 PM
+1 Boost
Honestly I think they will recover Ford just came out with the Fusion only prob is interior is cheap they get that fixed thats fine. And Lincoln is having their new flagship sedan built off a Volvo i think...so thats cool we all like Volvo. And that will probably also be the 500's replacement or it will be bulit off a Mazda. GM will live also if they keep Saturn & Buick up. Chevy need some innovating designs like 08 Malibu. They will live!


CBR2200CBR2200 - 12/18/2006 7:11:06 PM
+2 Boost
American cars are plain vanilla transportation. That's why I drive an Audi and an S2000. America does not produce anything I would enjoy driving, except the Z06 that I can't afford, or possibly an SRT8 Grand Cherokee but it's too much of a gas pig.


AgentBrabusAgentBrabus - 12/18/2006 7:52:35 PM
+1 Boost
American Auto companies killed The American Auto Industry Not the Consumer


chewychewy - 12/19/2006 1:41:41 AM
+1 Boost
People go to Hooters for food? They have food there? Mikie Ds with its "America" food has certainly done very well in other countries?

BTW, who holds the current heavyweight titles in boxing?


BoLLeHBoLLeH - 12/19/2006 9:55:23 AM
+1 Boost
Actually, I don't think white America cares about basketball. It is a joke of a sport now. Meanwhile, I swear that a white dude (Russian, so no points to America) holds the heavyweight title. Am I wrong? P.S. I'd whoop your ass in basketball. =))

Since this is a car website, I should say something about cars. The car is a mean of transportation!


InterestedInterested - 12/21/2006 11:39:33 PM
+1 Boost
I find the comments & bias of the writers/readers of this article to be laughable. For example, regarding the Mercury comment and Canada, they don't even have Mercury franchises in Canada, so does this give you an idea of the quality of the comments? Perhaps the moniker, with the 1984 reference, tells the story.

I've had owned a lot of vehicles from a lot of manufacturers and today the worst cars are better than the best cars of five years ago,all brands.So for you guys with vehicles five years old remember this comment, it is the truth.

Let run through a few comments for fun though. Does Ford of Europe make nice cars? Sure & I think this new CEO has identified the need to globablize like the boys at Toyota, so good for him. Guess that means there will be some great stuff coming from a globalized Ford company. Toyota might not like what they caused. Go for a ride today in the F-150,F-250, the Fusion and that Edge...nice stuff, & I suspect more is coming With global platforms from its subsiduaries Mazda & volvo helping. Lincoln, I don't think they look bad at all, I like the MKX & I suspect their designers are going to be a little more aggressive in the future.
Chrysler is owned by a German company sonny and sharing platforms is the smart idea that all manufacturers do, even Toyota. As for age, do you think they crank out a new platform every year? This is not an X box disposable investment. So older MB platforms are just fine for Chrysler & MB, maybe it saves them money & allows YOU to buy one.
N/A Gas mileage comments are just silly, the comparable Japanese vehicles get no better gas mileage.I believe the Nissan Armada gets 13 mpg in the city for example, which is worse than comparable N/A manufacturers models in that class.
Cadillac has been an incredible revival success story for General Motors & I believe that if you could view the archives, Autospies wrote a great article on this. GM is coming back with some nice cars & trucks and Ford is just starting to too. Everybody goes up and goes down, maybe this has been a good exercise for the N/A manufacturers as I think they the sleeping giants have now woke up.Just my opinion but I think that N/A manufacturers will be doing just fine in the future.


OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 11/9/2009 3:36:55 PM
+1 Boost
Well it seems I was right 3 years ago!
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