<< And for sure our consumers just dropped the go-kart market right into the Japanese' lap. No way we could shift gears fast enough to compete. It IS the consumer's fault. We could have kept on building Novas, Darts and Falcons for the budget minded. But no, we had to go to FWD instead. Detroit had nothing at all to offer. Complete retooling required and we still haven't caught up. It's a given that the RWD platform is sturdier, but don't let that stop you. American consumers are STUPID! >>
Well, that's a lame argument if I've ever heard one. That's essentially "We used to be okay making gas-guzzling RWD beasts, but American consumers now want better build quality, better gas mileage, front wheel drive, and smaller sized cars, so they're stupid." Last I heard it's usually considered the company's fault when it fails to recognize and deliver what its customers want. Having driven those beasts 15 years ago, I can sure as hell tell you I want nothing to do with them, because they don't suit my needs. And if US/Canadian car makers can't make a good quality product that suits me, I ain't gonna buy from them.
The only reason monster engines have survived as long as they have in the US is because gas prices are far too low by world standards. If you had to pay European prices for gas, I can tell you than V8 yachts would disappear pretty quickly.
Edit:
<< I'll tell ya what is a good feeling. Buying 50% more house because you don't get sucked into to buying a damn new car. You tell me where the money is better spent, real estate or automobiles? Take your time... >>
??? Where do you live? I am looking to buy in the $20000 US range - probably more like 25000 when all is said and done. That wouldn't even cover 10% of most full-sized detached homes around here - probably more like 5%. US$20000 would probably get you a third of a 500 sq. foot condo with no bedroom. Gas in Canada is already a heluvalot more expensive than in the US, and if you're only able to afford a condo like that, then gas mileage is very important, too. Hence a US$13000 foreign compact becomes a strong consideration, although you'd probably buy it used.