I love my American car

ben62670

Well all this crap about buying outside the USA has prompted me to post this. I had to make a run to the store in my 96 Pontiac GrandPrix. It has over 160k, and I was traveling back roads at speeds up to 100mph. at times it was a little hairy, but never to the point of a slide. This is an old car with original shocks and struts. I felt comfortable the whole time. This car gets over 30mpg at 80. What do you foreign lovers really want. I mean how much more can you expect from a vehicle? I love my domestic cars. My T-Bird was a great car too. good mileage, and performance to boot. Comfort is top notch. What do you really want? I love my AMERICAN CAR!!!
Ben

audiobliss

Amen! My Cherokee rocks!!

Ricardo

Good for you. I love my Honda too.

VR3

My F150 (2004) was the last run of F150 to actually be manufactured in America...

The window regulator is made in china, the cigarette lighter is made in America...

I would probally say my vehicle is assembled in America, Imported parts...

And if you look at 2005 + it would be Assembled in Mexico, Imported parts from various places... very American made

But I like my truck too - fwiw

bigaudiofanatic

UM ya did you look at the production label when you bought it. NO CAR is made in the USA anymore it is usually like 75% import parts and 25% American. That is what i don't get about people saying buy American THERE IS NO BUY AMERICAN CARS ANYMORE. I love my Honda and will swear about it to anyone our first one a 96 died at 298k miles because of something I did to it if I didn't do that it would still be running.

shack

ben62670 wrote:

It has over 160k, and I was traveling back roads at speeds up to 100mph...This is an old car with original shocks and struts.

I'm just thankful nobody I know happened to be on that road with you. There are very few people who know anything about cars that would feel comfortable in a 160,000 mile, 12 year old car with original suspension parts on back roads at 100 mph. :rolleyes:

ViperZ

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

UM ya did you look at the production label when you bought it. NO CAR is made in the USA anymore it is usually like 75% import parts and 25% American. That is what i don't get about people saying buy American THERE IS NO BUY AMERICAN CARS ANYMORE. I love my Honda and will swear about it to anyone our first one a 96 died at 298k miles because of something I did to it if I didn't do that it would still be running.

And your Honda is most probably made in Canada...

Just a rant...

Jstas

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

I love my Honda and will swear about it

Really? I used to swear about Hondas too when I had to repair them for a living.

Ron-P

ben62670 wrote: »

Well all this crap about buying outside the USA has prompted me to post this. I had to make a run to the store in my 96 Pontiac GrandPrix. It has over 160k, and I was traveling back roads at speeds up to 100mph. at times it was a little hairy, but never to the point of a slide. This is an old car with original shocks and struts. I felt comfortable the whole time. This car gets over 30mpg at 80. What do you foreign lovers really want. I mean how much more can you expect from a vehicle? I love my domestic cars. My T-Bird was a great car too. good mileage, and performance to boot. Comfort is top notch. What do you really want? I love my AMERICAN CAR!!!
Ben

How sure are you that it's 100% American.

Joe08867

There is no such thing as a pedigree car or a totally American, Japanese, German or whatever car. They all use parts from different countries. Alot of them have cars built in other countries or use each others cars as there own. Ford/Mazda Dodge/Mitsubishi Chevy/Geo the list goes on.

I personally have liked all the cars I have owned. 20 and counting and most of them were American cars. Not all built in the US but atleast the money for the car went to the US company and not somewhere else.

Jstas

Joe08867 wrote: »

There is no such thing as a pedigree car or a totally American, Japanese, German or whatever car. They all use parts from different countries. Alot of them have cars built in other countries or use each others cars as there own. Ford/Mazda Dodge/Mitsubishi Chevy/Geo the list goes on.

I personally have liked all the cars I have owned. 20 and counting and most of them were American cars. Not all built in the US but atleast the money for the car went to the US company and not somewhere else.

DING!

We have a winner!

Tell him what he's won, Johnny!

heiney9

shack wrote: »

I'm just thankful nobody I know happened to be on that road with you. There are very few people who know anything about cars that would feel comfortable in a 160,000 mile, 12 year old car with original suspension parts on back roads at 100 mph. :rolleyes:

+10 to that

BigMac

Want some info. on your car and how it stacks up against the competition? Want to see if your American car is more reliable than an import? Then check this site out. Very cool.

http://www.truedelta.com/index.php?session_code=

concealer404

I love the fact that i paid $600 for my car, it gets 35-36mpg mixed, has a nice body, looks nice, handles amazingly well, and i felt entirely comfortable tossing it around Deal's Gap/Tail Of The Dragon with less than an additional $600 invested.

I don't think i could do the same in an American car for the money.

That being said... i have a huge lusting for a Jeep Cherokee right now.

sucks2beme

shack wrote: »

I'm just thankful nobody I know happened to be on that road with you. There are very few people who know anything about cars that would feel comfortable in a 160,000 mile, 12 year old car with original suspension parts on back roads at 100 mph. :rolleyes:

You wouldn't of wanted to ride with me on the backroads of Iowa.
I did stuff with cars that was scary. On gravel, too!

treitz3

Chevy2500HD checking in at 108,000 miles. No major repairs. Minor repairs include new battery, oil changes, tires and tire rotation, 2 light bulbs and a lot of car washes.

The Heartbeat of America is till running strong and even after all of these miles, it's still a very comfortable truck to ride in.

VR3

I still got ya beat Tom

120,000 ---

No "repairs" - I'm just anal retentive...

ohskigod

1991 GMC Sierra, shortbed/stepside, i love this truck. It was my dad's when he passed 4 yrs ago....I've been driving it ever since as my daily driver

just crossed 100k this year. it has the nearly indestructable 4.3l V6. not the fastest thing in the planet, but it does the job, reliably, even at its age. No major work except meintenance (tires, shocks, brakes, etc when needed) I frikkin LOVE this truck!!! and while the new trucks and ridiculous deals are tempting, I will probably drive this thing until it evaporates. this is a truck built while I was still in high school!!!!

of course, I love my 2007 Mustang as well.

that said I had some foreign cars I liked as well. 03 Corolla, loved that car (and made an appearance at the 05 Polkfest). very well designed compact, especially since my big @ss fit in it comfortably.

In the spirit of the thread's OP, I also feel that the general negative feelings about the overall big 3 line up are unwarranted. I just traded in a Toyota Matrix that I liked, but not loved, for a new off the floor 07 Ford Fusion. I drove the Camry, and the Fusion...less power be damned, feels can run circles around the Camry, especially in the handling department. this is coming from someone who really didnt like fords (always loved the mustang though)

the big 3 have some gems out there....dont just rule them out because people say "american cars suck" buy what you like, and what you can get a good deal on.

ben62670

BigMac wrote: »

Want some info. on your car and how it stacks up against the competition? Want to see if your American car is more reliable than an import? Then check this site out. Very cool.

http://www.truedelta.com/index.php?session_code=

Not even going to read it. The only problems I have ever had were a bad thermostat, and a power steering hose. My 94 T-bird over 200k before having problems, my 89 T-bird had around 170k, my 84 F250 240k(ball joints, and U joints it was a plow truck), 75 Bronco 260k, 73 Bronce 160k died from rust. I think I have made my point here. The 100mph spurt was just a short one with no trees on either side. I do not drive faster than I can see/stop;) The car is still tight except it could use some shocks. I am not worried about a component flat out failing:rolleyes: My only concern was a deer. I did drive down it once to make sure nobody was watching it before I turned around to do my little spurt;)

ohskigod

oh, an example of a gem? the new Cobalt SS. yes, its a cobalt, but its a turbocharged cobalt that has a shot at high 13's stock (R&T got 14 flat) in the quarter.

this thing pulls .90G's in the lateral skid pad and does the slalom at around 71-72 mph (apparently this thing did alot of laps at the Nurburgring in Germany during development to get those #'s).................. for 24 GRAND!!!!! thats insane!!!!! and GM can't build a car? really?!?!

ohskigod

ben62670 wrote: »

Not even going to read it. The only problems I have ever had were a bad thermostat, and a power steering hose. My 94 T-bird over 200k before having problems, my 89 T-bird had around 170k, my 84 F250 240k(ball joints, and U joints it was a plow truck), 75 Bronco 260k, 73 Bronce 160k died from rust. I think I have made my point here. The 100mph spurt was just a short one with no trees on either side. I do not drive faster than I can see/stop;) The car is still tight except it could use some shocks. I am not worried about a component flat out failing:rolleyes: My only concern was a deer. I did drive down it once to make sure nobody was watching it before I turned around to do my little spurt;)

sounds like you know how to get the max out of a car. thats becoming a lost art brotha!!!

the way a car is driven makes a HUGE difference in reliability potential.

ohskigod

treitz3 wrote: »

Chevy2500HD checking in at 108,000 miles. No major repairs. Minor repairs include new battery, oil changes, tires and tire rotation, 2 light bulbs and a lot of car washes.

The Heartbeat of America is till running strong and even after all of these miles, it's still a very comfortable truck to ride in.

While I have 2 Ford Cars now, I'll always have a mushy soft spot for Chevy Trucks. as much as I love the Ford Dealership I deal with, if I do get a new truck down the road, it will most likely be a Chevy......unless the new 150 REALLY impresses me drivewise (cause the looks sure dont..LOL)

ben62670

BigMac wrote: »

Want some info. on your car and how it stacks up against the competition? Want to see if your American car is more reliable than an import? Then check this site out. Very cool.

http://www.truedelta.com/index.php?session_code=

Not even going to read it. The only problems I have ever had were a bad thermostat, and a power steering hose. My 94 T-bird over 200k before having problems, my 89 T-bird had around 170k, my 84 F250 240k(ball joints, and U joints it was a plow truck), 75 Bronco 260k, 73 Bronce 160k died from rust. I think I have made my point here. The 100mph spurt was just a short one with no trees on either side. I do not drive faster than I can see/stop;) The car is still tight except it could use some shocks. I am not worried about a component flat out failing:rolleyes: My only concern was a deer. I did drive down it once to make sure nobody was watching it before I turned around to do my little spurt;)

shack wrote: »

I'm just thankful nobody I know happened to be on that road with you. There are very few people who know anything about cars that would feel comfortable in a 160,000 mile, 12 year old car with original suspension parts on back roads at 100 mph. :rolleyes:

Can I get some cheese to go with the whine:rolleyes: I know plenty about cars. The only time in 20 years I have been to a garage was to have a puter check;) I have rebuilt motors, an automatic tranny, converted a few Bronco's to PS,PB,RD,FD,AT, and changed the axles to lockers and LS's thank you very much. If I did see anyone coming I would have slowed down:rolleyes: Really I wonder why people say dumb stuff like this 12 year old car scares you? How about a 50 year old vette, 70's Jag? If its tight its tight.

BigMac

Well for those of you that like the newer Ford Mustangs, this guy was responsible for it getting to the showroom floor. http://goldsea.com/TAAP/S-V/thaitangh.html Just goes to show that no matter where you come from anything is possible.

ohskigod

damn, looked at that reliability site, and the Mustang REPRESENTS....LOL

Jstas

I thought the Cobalt SS had a supercharger?





Anyway, 2001 Ford Lightning just clicked past 108,000 hard driven miles the other day.

That reminds me, I gotta change the oil! Probably should take it in to the dealer to get the 100,000 mile service done.

ben62670

This is the deal with American cars. We have and still do make some lame cars. With the **** cars you are pretty much fine as far as reliability with any of them. You certainly can buy an American car that is going to last to 200k with no hitches. Do a little research.

BTW 2000 VW Passat 1.8T 60k in the shop for over a week because the pickup tube was clogged because some plastic part failed and it clogged it. They had to get the parts from Germany:rolleyes: Same car engine light comes on. OK they tell me that the tranny fluid is low. Guess what. You need to have it serviced to add tranny fluid You can not check, or add fluid to the tranny. It's sealed. This makes me wonder where did the fluid go? Never a spot of oil under the car. What would happen when its time to change the tranny fluid? IT has to go in the shop?
Buy American

Systems

Over 30mpg at 80.......hmmmm....okay

ben62670

Lorthos wrote: »

Over 30mpg at 80.......hmmmm....okay

I drove from GA to CT, and back. I know how to calculate mileage. The thing with this, and my T birds is they rev very low at that speed. An engine is like an air pump. The faster it spins the more air, and fuel it needs. My V8 T-bird got around 26 on the open road;)

Fill tank
Set trip odometer to zero
drive till tank is empty
Fill tank
read how many gallons were needed
divide miles by gallons
you have your accurate MPG
Thank you very much:)

Ricardo

ben62670 wrote: »

Fill tank
Set trip odometer to zero
drive till tank is empty
Tow/push car to gas station?
Fill tank
read how many gallons were needed
divide miles by gallons
you have your accurate MPG
Thank you very much:)

Just added a step for you.

concealer404

ben62670 wrote: »

This is the deal with American cars. We have and still do make some lame cars. With the **** cars you are pretty much fine as far as reliability with any of them. You certainly can buy an American car that is going to last to 200k with no hitches. Do a little research.

BTW 2000 VW Passat 1.8T 60k in the shop for over a week because the pickup tube was clogged because some plastic part failed and it clogged it. They had to get the parts from Germany:rolleyes: Same car engine light comes on. OK they tell me that the tranny fluid is low. Guess what. You need to have it serviced to add tranny fluid You can not check, or add fluid to the tranny. It's sealed. This makes me wonder where did the fluid go? Never a spot of oil under the car. What would happen when its time to change the tranny fluid? IT has to go in the shop?
Buy American

That Era VW was/is LEGENDARY for being piles of poo, whether it be issues like you describe or the hilariously bad wiring issues.

It's rather unfair to condemn them to make American cars look better just because VW, one of MANY foreign manufacturers couldn't keep their act together at that point in their existence.

There ARE American cars that i would buy, but for the most part, for what i'm PERSONALLY looking for, they just aren't competitive. I'm not going to take a hit on paying for something that i want, just because our economy blows and the Big Three can't keep their act together. I won't buy a car that doesn't exactly fit my needs/wants just because i feel sorry for a company. That defeats the point of a market driven economy, and it's passive socialism.

You don't see Toyota asking for a bail out, and they have a VERY large consumer base in the same areas the Big Three do. This doesn't directly mean that everyone should buy Toyota.... but makes you wonder why they aren't in the same dire straights.


The only car that GM makes that interests me currently is the Cobalt SS. Which really.... is just a copy of what us "import tuners" have been doing for decades, with a warranty. I could duplicate the comfort, performance, and reliability for a $5k investment in my $600 car, tops, and have the added bonus of having a car that i actually like the way it looks, and is configured to exactly my tastes.

So really... there's no initiative for me to buy it.

But again... this is all opinion.