[J-Ri]

IMO, I would MUCH rather have an "American" (all parts of all cars made everywhere now) car. Asian (Japanese) cars such as Honda and Toyota are as good as American, but are nothing special. Asian (Korean) cars like Daewoo and Kia just plain suck. Initial cost would be the only benefit there. European cars seem to be the worst of all. They are no more reliable than American cars, and when they break just as often, parts are WAY too expensive (I know part of that is shipping them over here).

I have no idea what you mean by disposable (maybe a 'chips' vs. 'French fries' kindda difference?). I own 3 GM vehicles, and all have far out lasted similar vehicles imported from various other countries. '86 Silverado 170,000 miles, it runs PERFECT. I have replaced the water pump, master cylinder, and power steering pump (and of course wear items). EVERY other part is original. Find me an import that can compare to that!

I also have a '96 Beretta (159,000 miles) and a '98 Grand Am (190,000 miles). In 2 years NOTHING has gone wrong with the Beretta (and I was told only the A/C compressor had been replaced when I bought it). I have only owned the Grand Am for ~6 months, but have hardly driven it due to worn out tires and lots of snow. Both of them run great. I have seen Toyota engines that have worn out around 130,000 miles, both the 3L V6 and the 2.4L I4.

Do you have any sources to back up what you said or is this all just opinion?