Heartland schmartland. Quality is what counts.
Consider this:
My first car was a Nissan Sentra. I had it over 82,000 miles with only one problem - a leaky radiator. This car still had much life left in it when I traded it in.
Next was a Saturn Wagon. Two recalls and a few stops in the shop to fix problems such as a horn that didn't work, a faulty sensor, and a motor mount that gave out after about 70,000 miles. I owned it until it started needing major repairs, but I did get 139,000 miles out of it.
This was supposed to be the high quality American car, and it was good, but the Nissan was better in quality.
Then came another Saturn Wagon. Three recalls, and trips to the shop to fix a broken latch on the cargo floor, a piece on the front passenger door, and the electrical system(twice). These were minor problems, but it showed that there was some sloppiness in workmanship.
I had the car for 96,000 miles.
Now I have a Toyota Highlander. I have yet to take it into the shop for repairs after two years and 35,000 miles. This car feels solid and has a quality feel to it.
The Saturns had already visited the shop for repairs by two years and 35,000 miles. My experience indicates that the Japanese car makers pay more attention to quality than the American counterparts.
For the average consumer, what nationality's carmakers build the better car?
American (Why?)
British (Why?)
Chinese (Why?)
French (Why?)
German (Why?)
Italian (Why?)
Japanese (Why?)
Korean (Why?)
Swedish (Why?)
Other (What is it?)
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