http://www.indy.com/posts/8392 en-us rictor Wal-Mart wouldn't sell American cars...they would sell Chinese cars. Actually, China is opening auto factories left and right. My guess is they overtake the Japanese and Koreans as the leading auto import in this country in the next few years. Their biggest selling point will be price, not quality. They will probably be much less than the price of a Korean-built Kia. Thu, 22 May 2008 15:38:53 -0400 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22803 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22803 Jammy I don't think it has nearly as much to do with gas mileage as it does with fit and finish and reliability. Comparing a base level Chevy to a base Honda and the difference in driving feel and interior is fairly obvious. There are cars that have made strides in the recent years. The redesign of the Malibu made it competitive, but by large the domestics are lacking in features & overall quality compared to their Japanese counterparts at the same price level. Picking up a recent car issue of consumer reports or any of the car mags you'll find the same conclusions. The Pontiac Solstice is a nice niche example, it's a gorgeous car. Absolutely a stunner, but in the handling and fit department the S2000 and Mx-5 teach it a good lesson. IMHO, Mercury should just be killed, I'm amazed they are still selling re-badged cars and are still alive. For the life of me I'm not sure what Dodge is doing with it's "We want to make ugly cars" kick. It seems to be working all right for them though. After having a Mercury Sable, a Cavalier, a Pontiac Convertible, a Cadillac and driving in countless domestic models I pretty much decided 5 years ago I wouldn't buy another American designed car unless something drastic changed. (granted if you handed me the keys to a Z06 or a CTS I'd gladly take them) I have seen two hybrid domestic SUV's on the streets of Indy for what it's worth. Thu, 22 May 2008 15:25:02 -0400 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22802 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22802 serigraph73 I do not have any answers for this, but i do have an opinion. American car designs have just blew for decades now. Especially GM. My dad retired from GM and it's hard not to buy GM because of the discount I get, but they look terrible. American cars used to be sexy. Each had its own "look"..Now, they all look the same..Like a cheap piece of Sh_T. If Wal-mart sold cars, they would sell GM cars and/or Fords and Chryslers. I wish the industry would realize it did something right with the retro look of the Mustange and the new Camero that's due soon and apply this to other models. I understand fuel efficiency and aerodynamics, but I guarantee if they would design cars that look half way decent and "feel" halfway decent, that that would make SOME difference. Ah whatever....armageddon will be here soon.... Thu, 22 May 2008 14:39:32 -0400 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22801 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22801 EuroPmP My full time job consists of managing the Detroit market for my employer. As a result, I've become far more familiar with the auto industry than I ever wanted to be. Domestic manufacturers aka the big 3 actually have identified the problem with SUVs that rely on a gas tank the size of Texas. Only thing is, it seems to be too little too late. GM has made great strides in designing/building hybrid vehicles. In fact, they boast an entire lineup of hybrid vehicles including a hybrid Suburban if that makes any sense. In my opinion, they will regain the market share they lost in the next decade or so. The probability that all three will survive the current crunch is slim though. Chrysler has been slightly misguided in recent years as the company was purchased by Daimler. Why would a foreign company be interested in bettering a product that grew from roots born in American soil? Thu, 22 May 2008 14:05:19 -0400 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22800 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22800 randydaytona American made cars suck, it's the one thing America can't do right. Why but a piece of s--- that'll last until 80k miles when you can get a nice Toyota or Nissan that'll last until 200k? Thu, 22 May 2008 13:44:14 -0400 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22796 http://www.indy.com/posts/8392#comment_22796