Why are American cars built so badly?
Discussion
not sure what you mean - I have had a number of american cars over the years and not one of them has ever broken down or left me stranded. (none of the cars have been new)
You could say that the plastics are not as soft feel as the ponsier european cars, but they do what they say on the tin for the most part, for many hundreds of thousands of miles
You could say that the plastics are not as soft feel as the ponsier european cars, but they do what they say on the tin for the most part, for many hundreds of thousands of miles
I don't think modern American cars are that badly built at all. They all seem to be capable of astronomical mileages too.
I'd say my old truck has a build quality on par with anything ARG were chucking out at the same time ('89).
I like the fact American built stuff (much like classic cars) seem to have plenty of character, are a bit different and are fun to drive. Modern BMWs, Audis and Mercs etc. seem completely soulless and hugely over complicated.
I'd say my old truck has a build quality on par with anything ARG were chucking out at the same time ('89).
I like the fact American built stuff (much like classic cars) seem to have plenty of character, are a bit different and are fun to drive. Modern BMWs, Audis and Mercs etc. seem completely soulless and hugely over complicated.
That bit of the car is as flexible as any european car bumper.
I've been to the states many times, and always hire an american car. There is nothing wrong with the build quality. Look at what sort of car you could get here for the same money. The problem is people will compare them to similar spec and sized cars, when thay should compare on price.
I've been to the states many times, and always hire an american car. There is nothing wrong with the build quality. Look at what sort of car you could get here for the same money. The problem is people will compare them to similar spec and sized cars, when thay should compare on price.
Those soft flexible bumpers are there to satisfy Insurance Industry crash testing. Don't recall the exact specifics, but it is judged on how much damage results from a 5 mph crash into a solid object. If the bumpers were more rigid they would sustain more damage and receive a lower rating which results in higher insurance category for that car.
I think it is partly perceived. The picture shown is just to do with crash regulations.
I can't really think of many european cars with over 430hp that are as reliable or as cheap to run as the vette (that goes for the 500hp and 640hp models as well). They are built to last rather than just look like they can.
I'm not sure about other yank cars though. I remember renting a Cadillac Deville whilst out in the states and the interior was very flimsy. Probably underneath it was quite sturdy though.
I can't really think of many european cars with over 430hp that are as reliable or as cheap to run as the vette (that goes for the 500hp and 640hp models as well). They are built to last rather than just look like they can.
I'm not sure about other yank cars though. I remember renting a Cadillac Deville whilst out in the states and the interior was very flimsy. Probably underneath it was quite sturdy though.
oh dear Lord this s
t again... yes the plastics used in Yank cars isn't the latest soft touch stuff made from chinchilla gonads, yes they *appear* to use low tech materials and... actually you know what? fk it you buy your overpriced soul-less German luxo barge and I'll enjoy my 'cheaply made hunk of yank tank crap' with not many (if any) assorted squeaks and rattles safe in the knowledge that when they do occur I'll be a lot less pissed of than you having paid a huge amount less for something that looks better, sounds waaaay better (in most cases) and for the performance returns very acceptable economy
t again... yes the plastics used in Yank cars isn't the latest soft touch stuff made from chinchilla gonads, yes they *appear* to use low tech materials and... actually you know what? fk it you buy your overpriced soul-less German luxo barge and I'll enjoy my 'cheaply made hunk of yank tank crap' with not many (if any) assorted squeaks and rattles safe in the knowledge that when they do occur I'll be a lot less pissed of than you having paid a huge amount less for something that looks better, sounds waaaay better (in most cases) and for the performance returns very acceptable economy redtwin said:
Those soft flexible bumpers are there to satisfy Insurance Industry crash testing. Don't recall the exact specifics, but it is judged on how much damage results from a 5 mph crash into a solid object. If the bumpers were more rigid they would sustain more damage and receive a lower rating which results in higher insurance category for that car.
This.They are also better for pedestrians that might be dumb enough to stray into the path of a slow moving car.
The bumpers on my 2006 Mustang are similarly flexible, but behind that and the foam that holds them in shape is more or less an RSJ at the back/front of the monocoque. As far as build quality goes the car is pretty solid, the plastics might not be those europonce soft feel types but then I don’t have a fetish for fondling car interiors like most motoring journalists seem to have so I care not about that and as for it rattling etc. at speed, sorry OP but I have no idea where you got that from (probably Top Gear) but at 60, 70, 80+ I can honestly say nothing vibrates or rattles and the car in general feels rock solid, there are a few rattles and squeaks going over severe bumps and really bad roads, but then I have replaced most of the suspension with stiffer poly bushed bits so that makes NVH worse.
Dunno about anyone else, but everytime I've been to North America I'm amazed how many older cars are still in daily use. Cars and trucks from the 60s/70s/80s or older seem to be everywhere and generally in decent nick.
When was the last time you saw a 1970 Vauxhall Ventora, a 1980 Audi 100, or even a 1990 Ford Escort?
Me neither.
When was the last time you saw a 1970 Vauxhall Ventora, a 1980 Audi 100, or even a 1990 Ford Escort?
Me neither.
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