Why do you think the Imports are taking huge market share from the domestic car makers?

Onyourmarkgetsetgo :)

no, too many old people

Because most domestics are huge, ugly wastes of plastic?

because....Teh seven can't lose!

some imports last long, look better, drive better, and are just cooler
if you had to pick bewteen a calaiver and say a civic
what would you pick. id take the civic

I'll let you guys post away, then i'll give you my input. :)

I have nothing against domestics but as far as being dependable the imports have it on lock.

some imports last long, look better, drive better, and are just cooler
if you had to pick bewteen a calaiver and say a civic
what would you pick. id take the civic

http://www.carntruckinfo.com/picture-2003/2003-chevrolet-cavalier-front.jpg

vs...

http://www.vtdinc.com/images/honda/2003_honda_civic.jpg

I'll make my own decision. The last Gen Cavalier was a lot more attractive than the current gen Civic. Sure the Cavy's interior quality may not have been as good, but it damn sure looked better.

imports own domestics

i will admit that the civic loses when were talking about looks here. but if something broke and i were to fix it, id rather the civic. easy as pie to work on.
plus the inside is much better and dosnt feel as cheap. id rather that then a bit better looking body

I have nothing against domestics but as far as being dependable the imports have it on lock.

But can that be said across the board? I doubt it. It may be true in some cases, but not all cases.

For example, ______ has had problems with their automatic transmissions a couple of years ago. I've known of people personally who've had trannies clunk out at less than 50k miles. The company shall remain nameless, i'll let you fill in the blank.

i will admit that the civic loses when were talking about looks here. but if something broke and i were to fix it, id rather the civic. easy as pie to work on.
plus the inside is much better and dosnt feel as cheap. id rather that then a bit better looking body

What makes you so sure that the Cavy isn't easier to work on and the parts aren't cheaper? Are you just saying this, or do you have proof?

I've replaced an alternator on a 2k Civic, and I own a 98 Cavalier. I'll gladly tell you that the Chevy was a lot easier. As far as the interior goes, the Civic wins hands down. No questions asked.

Any more counter arguments? :)

Because most domestics are huge, ugly wastes of plastic?

I take it you haven't seen many Toyota Camry LE's lately

you own a Cavailer? I'm sorry

you own a Cavailer? I'm sorry

I also own a Prelude ;) I play both sides of the fence.

ive only just done small things on a cavy, and on the honda it was much easier.
i havnt really had a chance to play around with the cavy, jsut from what i have herd from mechanics i trust.

Forgiven :)

I hope I don't come off as anti-import, but this is technically for a marketing class. We're discussing this topic and I want to see what some of you guys had to say about the issue.

But in case you haven't noticed, i'm defending the home team for now :)

But can that be said across the board? I doubt it. It may be true in some cases, but not all cases.

For example, ______ has had problems with their automatic transmissions a couple of years ago. I've known of people personally who've had trannies clunk out at less than 50k miles. The company shall remain nameless, i'll let you fill in the blank.
U mean MAZDA........That started after they got bought or involved with FORD! I dont think that was the case in japan.....
And yeah the cavalier looks 10million times better then the civic,,,,But i would choose the civic Just B/C its not a GM POS....and it has proven reliability....
But IMO any car is reliable If well mantained.....(EXCEPT YUGO)

For example, ______ has had problems with their automatic transmissions a couple of years ago. I


Who gives a fuck about AT? Automatics are for women and homos.

U mean MAZDA........That started after they got bought or involved with FORD! I dont think that was the case in japan.....
And yeah the cavalier looks 10million times better then the civic,,,,But i would choose the civic Just B/C its not a GM POS....and it has proven reliability....
But IMO any car is reliable If you maintain it good .....(EXCEPT YUGO)

Honda, is actually the answer to the blank :) Know a female friend with a 2000 Prelude that had a tranny pretty much fall apart at around 50k. Also, a friend of the family owns a 99 Odyssey, and it's tranny took a shit at around 40k.

Ford owns about 30% of Mazda, so Mazda still has pretty much complete control over themselves. Although i'm not sure who Mazda gets their trannies from, but the tranny/engine combo in the 6 is the same combo from the Taurus, and so far it proves to be pretty reliable. I wasn't aware of any tranny problems from Mazda, so i'm surprised to hear that.

Believe it or not, the last gen Cavalier has proved to be pretty reliable. It gets a bad name because it loses value rather quickly, and for some reason the people who buy Cavy's used, beat the shit out of them. My Chevy has about 112k on the clock, and i've had no major problems. BUT, it was a former state fleet vehicle.

If I bought a new import it would be a Toyota, Nissan or Honda. The only domestic I can think of I would buy would be a F-250 Turbo Diesel. There aren't any new cars I've seen that are work me making a payment on IMO.

Because Detroit and everyone else are running out of ideas...

Why do you think the Imports are taking huge market share from the domestic car makers?

Onyourmarkgetsetgo :)

Personally, I don't see where the imports have "taken" anything from the domestics. Imports really have created their own market. If imports weren't the bang for the buck and as attractive as they are, then the domestic market would not have taken a hit. If domestics are tired of losing their "market" to someone else, then put out a car that is attractive, that people like and want. It was a long time coming for GM to put out this gen cavalier. Before that, look at how long the civic held, and is still carrying the torch of "car of choice for racers and people on a budget."

It's evolution. No one stays on top forever. Look at Germany. Kuwait. England. Rome. Now look at the United States. Everyone gets to the top and has to back down to someone else for one reason or another.

That's my piece of the cake. Feel free to add more :)

Personally, I think that *most* domestics are aimed at people in their 40's and above.

That being said, let me qualify a few things:

I would not pay $40k for a 4runner.

I would take a Cobalt over a Civic any day of the week.

The type of car I'm looking for as a 32 year old father, the sportier designs are all German or Japanese. I mean really, what would YOU rather have, an Audi A4 or a Pontiac Bonneville? Plus, american designs all look "fat" to me.

Personally, I think that *most* domestics are aimed at people in their 40's and above.



Zaxctly, and that's where the civic struck gold. They targeted the teens with a price tag of only 23k if that.

All of the domestics are in the upper 30's. Especially the new C6. . . . G*ddamn I want one so badly. If I would put the money I keep spending on my FD and save , I could walk off the lot with one. Instead, I keep pouring money into the FD. Not that i'm bitching. Well .. . . I am aren't I? C6 :drooling: FD :drooling: God I wish it was feasable to get a Spirit R. Mainly for the chassis, i'd road race the hell out of it.

My 92 MX-6 GT shit 3 transmissions, 3rd gear everytime.












Oh yah that was also at 20 PSI :firedevil

Zaxctly, and that's where the civic struck gold. They targeted the teens with a price tag of only 23k if that.

All of the domestics are in the upper 30's. Especially the new C6. . . . G*ddamn I want one so badly. If I would put the money I keep spending on my FD and save , I could walk off the lot with one. Instead, I keep pouring money into the FD. Not that i'm bitching. Well .. . . I am aren't I? C6 :drooling: FD :drooling: God I wish it was feasable to get a Spirit R. Mainly for the chassis, i'd road race the hell out of it.

Civic struck gold because it's a Honda, it's bland, it's small, and good on gas. In a nutshell, that's why the Civic has been a hit, especially over the past decade. It's nimble at best, but it surely doesn't have sugarfoot handling by any means, although ricers seem to think so.

As far as domestics being in the upper 30's, what domestics are you referring to? The only domestics you can get in the upper 30's are the higher end of domestics.

A base 6 will set you back over 40k. The C6 Z06 will burn a hole in your pocket at well over 60k.

http://www.carntruckinfo.com/picture-2003/2003-chevrolet-cavalier-front.jpg

vs...

http://www.vtdinc.com/images/honda/2003_honda_civic.jpg

I'll make my own decision. The last Gen Cavalier was a lot more attractive than the current gen Civic. Sure the Cavy's interior quality may not have been as good, but it damn sure looked better.

Well, it's like most Americans............ surface appeal (if any ) and once u get inside their are fugly.

Personally, I think that *most* domestics are aimed at people in their 40's and above.

That being said, let me qualify a few things:

I would not pay $40k for a 4runner.

I would take a Cobalt over a Civic any day of the week.

The type of car I'm looking for as a 32 year old father, the sportier designs are all German or Japanese. I mean really, what would YOU rather have, an Audi A4 or a Pontiac Bonneville? Plus, american designs all look "fat" to me.

Agreed on the 4Runner. Why in the hell would I want that puny man V8 anyway. The Blazer with it's 4.2L I6 has the same power, and cost less.

Cobalt is a better car than the current gen Civic. Next gen Civic may be different.

American designs do indeed look "fat" if you will. The Bonneville is a great car to get with a V8 and tons of rebates, but I wouldn't pay over 30k for one, because then i'm creeping into Acura TL territory.

The one big domestic car I like would be the 300C. Great styling, although subjective, and a ton of power, for the right price.

i think that some of the domestics are stuck in past.
they are bringing back cars from the dead, charger, 300c, the new stang, gt

sure those are awsome cars, and were awsome back in the day when they were orginal. but with gas a buck a liter where i live, those big ass v8 days are over, the general public cant afford the gas.

thats why the honduhs and stuff are takingover, they offer decent amounts of power from small engines that are good on gas. and the interior dosnt look like shit either.

Well, it's like most Americans............ surface appeal (if any ) and once u get inside their are fugly.

Yep, probably because american are fat and unhealty, but that's another discussion.

The interior of the "newer" domestics are pretty good when compared to their import competition. I hate to keep bringing chevy and honda into this, but check out the Cobalt's interior, then check out a Civic interior. The Chevy's is clearly better. The plastics may be a little better in the Civic, but if you're gonna be a dash stroker, why buy a Civic anyway.

i think that some of the domestics are stuck in past.
they are bringing back cars from the dead, charger, 300c, the new stang, gt

sure those are awsome cars, and were awsome back in the day when they were orginal. but with gas a buck a liter where i live, those big ass v8 days are over, the general public cant afford the gas.

thats why the honduhs and stuff are takingover, they offer decent amounts of power from small engines that are good on gas. and the interior dosnt look like shit either.

American's can afford the gas, they just have been spoiled all these years with cheap ass gas prices. And 9/11 didn't help when gas was 89 cents a gallon.

Honda's aren't taking over, but Toyota surely is. Bland, good on gas, and I wouldn't go as far as saying the interior of the imports are much better than the domestics, especially when it comes to the midsizers. A base Camry, Accord, Malibu, Altima, etc. all have crappy ass interiors in their base form. It's just that the Camry has the best crap of them all. And it just so happens that these base models are the most popular.

Agreed on the 4Runner. Why in the hell would I want that puny man V8 anyway. The Blazer with it's 4.2L I6 has the same power, and cost less.

Cobalt is a better car than the current gen Civic. Next gen Civic may be different.

American designs do indeed look "fat" if you will. The Bonneville is a great car to get with a V8 and tons of rebates, but I wouldn't pay over 30k for one, because then i'm creeping into Acura TL territory.

The one big domestic car I like would be the 300C. Great styling, although subjective, and a ton of power, for the right price.

Yeah, I would pimp a 300C on some 20" rims.

Civic struck gold because it's a Honda, it's bland, it's small, and good on gas. In a nutshell, that's why the Civic has been a hit, especially over the past decade. It's nimble at best, but it surely doesn't have sugarfoot handling by any means, although ricers seem to think so.


I wouldn't necessarily say the civic is anything near good at handling, but that's another can of wormies, haha. Let's stay on track a little.

In regards to the topic of the thread, in the import area, you have the civic, integra, rsx, eclipse (94 body style), 240 sx, 200 sx, miata, base lancer, old mirages, etc.

From the Domestic side, all I see are cavaliers, cobalts, some mustangs, and neon's. What other cars are there for the domestic side in the sub-compact catagory? What other sub-compact is there? There is more variety from the import side, and thus, is why the market is leaned in their favor. Many US based companies make parts for imports, as well as the Japanese companies due to demand.

That is just the sub-compact area. If you wanna step it up a notch to the higher end arena of RX-7, Supra, 300ZX, 350Z, 3000GT vs the Firehawks, Z06, C6, etc, then it depends on which market you are looking at. Not too many American companies make parts for the imports, and not to many Japanese companies make parts for the USDM cars. Its not that the market is being taken over in this section, its just they are more specialized. Its really just split down the middle.

I wouldn't necessarily say the civic is anything near good at handling, but that's another can of wormies, haha. Let's stay on track a little.

In regards to the topic of the thread, in the import area, you have the civic, integra, rsx, eclipse (94 body style), 240 sx, 200 sx, miata, base lancer, old mirages, etc.

From the Domestic side, all I see are cavaliers, cobalts, and neon's. What other cars are there for the domestic side in the sub-compact catagory? What other sub-compact is there? There is more variety from the import side, and thus, is why the market is leaned in their favor. Many US based companies make parts for imports, as well as the Japanese companies due to demand.

That is just the sub-compact area. If you wanna step it up a notch to the higher end arena of RX-7, Supra, 300ZX, 350Z, 3000GT vs the Firehawks, Z06, C6, etc, then it depends on which market you are looking at. Not too many American companies make parts for the imports, and not to many Japanese companies make parts for the USDM cars. Its not that the market is being taken over in this section, its just they are more specialized. Its really just split down the middle.

You forgot about the Focus, pretty much best in class compact right now.

Since you've brung up the sports cars, I will say this: The American V8 n/a sports cars were a lot cheaper than the Supra, 300ZX, etc., and just as fast, if not faster in some cases. But the plague of the American muscle cars is that they are very much 1 dimensional, straight line fast, so so handling, with the exception of the Corvette.

I'd be nice if the domestics could get back on top, but it's gonna be a while. I've been rather happy with my Chevy and the fact that it's been incredibly reliable, considering what I've heard about domestics in general. It would be nice if my next car is a domestic. A CTS-V would be a great if I can afford even a used one once I graduate from college.

I'd take a 4Runner any day over a GM. I like the 300C but the auto trannys are garbage. The Ram Hemi we had developed some type of shifting problem and it only had 27k miles at least it was under that 7/70 warranty.

Focus is junk. Almost as junky as a Contour hope Ford quit making those.

Since you've brung up the sports cars, I will say this: The American V8 n/a sports cars were a lot cheaper than the Supra, 300ZX, etc., and just as fast, if not faster in some cases.

No doubt there bro. But then again, this wasn't a who's faster debate. At least not that I read into, I was just stating on the import vs domestic market share :)

American V8's are fast indeed, but as you stated, that one dimension mentality sans the few exceptions is why I don't own one. I personally road race, so a 800 hp stang would prove useless to me. However, a very well balanced 350 hp FD is more my style. . . . which is why I own one ;)

However, we disgress. Back on topic :swords:

I'd take a 4Runner any day over a GM. I like the 300C but the auto trannys are garbage. The Ram Hemi we had developed some type of shifting problem and it only had 27k miles at least it was under that 7/70 warranty.

Focus is junk. Almost as junky as a Contour hope Ford quit making those.

What's wrong with the Focus? Countour wasn't a bad car, although it wasn't great either. But i've driven a 99 Contour SVT, and that was a blast to drive.

Hopefully the 300's won't have the same transmission woes that the Ram has suffered from. I hope they've corrected it in the Ram at least.

id take the cobalt(beefier cav) over a civic

Honda, is actually the answer to the blank :) Know a female friend with a 2000 Prelude that had a tranny pretty much fall apart at around 50k. Also, a friend of the family owns a 99 Odyssey, and it's tranny took a shit at around 40k.

Ford owns about 30% of Mazda, so Mazda still has pretty much complete control over themselves. Although i'm not sure who Mazda gets their trannies from, but the tranny/engine combo in the 6 is the same combo from the Taurus, and so far it proves to be pretty reliable. I wasn't aware of any tranny problems from Mazda, so i'm surprised to hear that.

Believe it or not, the last gen Cavalier has proved to be pretty reliable. It gets a bad name because it loses value rather quickly, and for some reason the people who buy Cavy's used, beat the shit out of them. My Chevy has about 112k on the clock, and i've had no major problems. BUT, it was a former state fleet vehicle.

It is true. I dont know about the 1st Gen, but The 2nd Gen Mazda MX-6 AUTOMATIC tranny has issues. The Manual however, is pretty solid. My MX-6 has about 175,000 miles with no major problems * knocks on wood * Many people even find it cheaper to swap in a manual when their automatic goes rather than rebuild/replace the automatic.

Back on topic. I don't really have an opinion one way or the other. I've seen plenty of Domestics AND Imports with over 250,000 miles. In most situations, it just depends on how well you take care of the vehicle. Obviously, there are exceptions - both ways - to this.

id take the cobalt(beefier cav) over a civic

you can have it. think the Civic is due a new body style for 06 looks like a mini Accord. also think the SI is getting 200hp and doesn't need a supercharger.

you can have it. think the Civic is due a new body style for 06 looks like a mini Accord. also think the SI is getting 200hp and doesn't need a supercharger.

new style might be 07 not really sure. dont quote me on that one either 06 or 07.

http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_05_chicago_civicsi01_l.jpg
http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_05_chicago_civicsi02_z.jpg
Base model will be 140hp. SI will have opt 200hp / 6spd manual. Sure the base model wont look like the SI concept above.

What's wrong with the Focus? Countour wasn't a bad car, although it wasn't great either. But i've driven a 99 Contour SVT, and that was a blast to drive.

Hopefully the 300's won't have the same transmission woes that the Ram has suffered from. I hope they've corrected it in the Ram at least.

The Focus has Fords patented "insta-collapse" front suspension.

Otherwise its the best Mazda 3... uhh... original Ford product... they've ever sold.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/Sup1661/5fe6cffa.jpg

I should be sleeping so I can be to work at 8:00 AM, instead I am up reading about goddamned Civics and Cobalts!!! :D

I should be sleeping so I can be to work at 8:00 AM, instead I am up reading about goddamned Civics and Cobalts!!! :D
:rofl:

http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_05_chicago_civicsi01_l.jpg
http://motortrend.com/autoshows/coverage/112_05_chicago_civicsi02_z.jpg
Base model will be 140hp. SI will have opt 200hp / 6spd manual. Sure the base model wont look like the SI concept above.
oh shit! the RICER's Dream car

oh shit! the RICER's Dream car

:) lol

oh shit! the RICER's Dream car
my wife likes her honda, i'll stick with my 7.

Anyone else really like those new Acura TL's?

Well, ill definately have to go with the Italian cars like my ferrari. The fit, finish, styling and performance can not be matched by any other.

My boyfriend loves to drive it too, sometimes when he's driving I..... well you know. :bj:

Well, ill definately have to go with the Italian cars like my ferrari. The fit, finish, styling and performance can not be matched by any other.
Dude! SHUT THE FUCK UP ALLREADY!......

Hell since its still going..wtf is up with all these ugly ass cars coming out in 2006? God damn, first the eclipse (sorry guys) .. that ugly ass thing up their.. the new altima (or was it maxima....eh, whatever) but shit.............

Hell since its still going..wtf is up with all these ugly ass cars coming out in 2006? God damn, first the eclipse (sorry guys) .. that ugly ass thing up their.. the new altima (or was it maxima....eh, whatever) but shit.............

What's wrong with the new Altima and Maxima? They look a lot better than some of their competitors (Accord, Avalon, Camry).

What's wrong with the new Altima and Maxima? They look a lot better than some of their competitors (Accord, Avalon, Camry).
That statement is true. However, I still don't like the new 2006 lineup so far. Ya never know tho, maybe in a couple months I can add to the "what grows on you" thread.

I like a lot of new Toyota stuff -vs- Nissan.

What's wrong with the Focus? Countour wasn't a bad car, although it wasn't great either. But i've driven a 99 Contour SVT, and that was a blast to drive.

My friend grazed one with her buick- scratched the bumper on her car- snapped the axle on the focus.

The trend I've been noticing with newer model imports is one that leans to these bubbly, gay looking cars. They need to bring some better exterior styling into the market. The TL is a good looking car, and the I like the G35 as well. Everything beyond that is basically blech.

I own an '05 Stang and an FC. I like the Stang better. Would I buy another import again? Most definitely. However, I would only get something along the lines of a G35, a TL, or an NSX. Everything else is far too common, and doesn't really impress me. I think the Altima's and Maxima's are ugly pieces of shit, and both handle like a sack full of assholes. Granted the 3.5 is an excellent motor, but that's about all they have going for them IMO.

Ma Dukes picked up an '05 Acura MDX not too long ago, and I really wasn't impressed with that either. If only they can find a way to make a luxury car that doesn't completely block out all feel for the road and driving in general. I feel like I'm sitting in a massage chair drinking a beer when I drive that thing, I don't like it.

But I personally think that my next purchase will be German, C6, or '06 Cobra. The Jap market needs to put something majorly impressive out for me to shell out that kind of dough on it.