Why do the US make, by far, the worst cars on the planet?

Question

Seriously it is great news to me that Ford US and GM are pretty much broke these days, because the US hasn't made a decent car since the Model T Ford.

But I really want to know why they are so inept at building decent cars? Are they just ignorant to the fact that the rest of the world make dynamic, attractive and well-built cars, whilst the Yanks continue to churn out the most pathetic c**p, that cost all of a nickel to manufacture?

Answer 1

I love american cars.......they are so big.If I ever move to America I already know what car to buy....a red pick up truck,4 doors.

Answer 2

It has been so long I can't remember last time I drove an American brand car. Been driving Toyotas for years. Presently a 1.5 Petrol that does everything I could ask for and is comfortable.

They can look knackered, have been through three wars, but Toyotas keep running with very little upkeep.

Answer 3

Are you even looking for a real answer?  Nobody is forcing you to buy any product, American cars included.  

If you're so unsatisfied why not go rally the people of whatever country you're from to make a better car and stop polluting the internet with your pointless remarks.

Answer 4

When the rest of the world was concentrating on engineering and reliability the big three gave us,,,,,,,more cup holders.

The sad part is that was what we wanted,

Answer 5

Its a matter of taste I s'pose the americans like the way their cars look.

The Mustang is pretty cool tho and I really love the sound of those big V8 motors, but I do feel you have a point

Answer 6

you are absolutely right ..but the americans are so xenophobic and patriotic that they would buy anything that had made in usa stamped on it and then argue until the end of time that they were right......................take a look at Harley Davidson motorcycles they havent changed the engine since the 1940s but 90% of america still rides them....................its all down to brainwashing

Answer 7

Are economy is to blame more of it leads back to drugs, smoking and laziness

Answer 8

Chet gave you the correct answer, maybe it's your head that is in.

Answer 9

I'll take American V-8 muscle over a whinny little 4 banger any day. Besides, if you're looking for junk right off the production line, I give you LA car..

Edit: When I was 15 I had a race modified 1962 Austin Healy Sprite which I rebuilt from the ground up, it was a fun little car to drive. But, a few years later I rebuilt a 72 Mustang, The car was much easier to work on, and very easy to obtain 456 hp. It also out preformed the Sprite in every aspect.

My point is that I know cars, and most people I know can tell you more about cars than I can.

In the 70's and 80's our car companies did turn out some poorly built cars, I'll give you that. But as far as technology, and reliability we're catching up and passing Europe.

The only country that builds a better car than the U.S. is Japan, and most Japanese cars sold in the U.S. are built here in the U.S. I believe Mercedes has a plant in South Carolina.

Answer 10

They do not! You should be thankful for these cars! No nation is perfect on everything, it just happens the U.S. makes worst cars. If you ride a school bus, then those are the worst. I mean, they're all metal and they don't provide enough padding.

Answer 11

Back in the sixties thru the seventies,car manufactures had the opportunity to advance with intelligent design and mileage friendly cars..Environmentalists ,sought to engage auto makers to improve auto's and standards..The major auto makers fought against these people and the changes they wanted..Instead of embracing change,,they sent lobbyist to Washington to block increased mileage,,fight EPA regulations.. Along came foreign cars ,,smaller and energy efficient,,and American car mfgs started losing ground..But gas was still cheap,,and profits for GM and FORD and the others  remained high and strong,, so they continued as they where.. Today Gas is thru the roof,, and they have gotten what they so richly deserve..I have no sympathy for them..I don't and won't buy foreign cars,,because 90percent of profits go back to the country of origin..Which means,,even if the car is made here,,(which is 10percent of the cost of the vehicle),the rest of the monies goes back to the foreign country...I refuse to contribute to the demise of America.. Their GREED, has led to their situation !!   And the last eight years have only compounded the situation..Our govt. in concert with Big Business has raped the American Economy and working citizens for the benefit of the Rich and Big Business.. I blame WE THE PEOPLE for being so stupid and naive like ''SHEEPLE" to allow them to do so ,,and voting against America's Best Interests..         SOLOMON

Answer 12

All people are not in love with their car like you are.  The majority of people use a car for transportation, not as a status symbol or a toy.  American cars deliver the best dollar value in transportation when maintenance and trade in value is important.  That is the bottom line.

It appears that a good number of people agree with my answer, maybe it's not my head that is inserted, could be someone else that has the problem!!

Well thedons1, you have a lot to say, but none of has much value.  You are just plain wrong, and too stubborn to learn anything about economics.  To many people, it is the total cost per mile, original price plus maintenance.  If you figure the total cost per mile to drive a car the American cars skunk the foreign competitors easily.  Anyway, I have to give you credit for making a good argument, maybe you could go into politics where BS is the name of the game.