Americans, if you knew you were hurting the U.S. would you still choose foreign cars and products?

Question

Americans, if you knew you were hurting the U.S. would you still choose foreign cars and products?

Answer 1

If the foreign cars serve my needs better I will choose them. American companies need to compete in the market by offering superior products, not appealing to nationalism.

Answer 2

Yes, I have the freedom to buy whatever I want. If American car companies produce crap, then they need to go the way of the dinosaurs.

Answer 3

I like Toyota's..don't forget..many are made here in America..by Americans. They are reliable, durable..very well made.

Answer 4

I support having a car payment I can afford, gas mileage that won't put me in the poorhouse, and still having a car that runs when I finally pay it off.

Answer 5

I would never buy an inferior vehicle just because I'm patriotic. If domestic auto makers make inferior cars (and for years, that has been the case) then I'm not going take the hit just because I want to see American companies make money. When American products become compatible or superior to foreign products, then I'll buy American. Don't blame the consumer if American companies make poor vehicles.

Answer 6

I drive a Chevrolet that was made in Mexico. Does that count?

Answer 7

Part of the spirit of America is the Spirit of Competition...



If imports are more than exports, then maybe us Americans ought to have incentive and motivation to beat the competition with better stuff...



That's how everything gets better...competition and motivation...and nothing quite motivates Americans like "Money..."

Answer 8

I support US companies. However, I also support MY pocket.. Looked at prices and reliability lately?



**eta**We've had this vehicle less than 2 years. We DID buy American going by the same premise as your question, now we are in trouble.

Answer 9

I Buy american when i can and shop at local companies...last 5 rides were all american built.



However when it comes to important things that i have to rely on for both my saftey and that of my family, sorry i have to go where the quality is.



and the US automakers have been skimping badly for a long time on quality. drove american all my life till just this last year. GM, Ford, Chevy, Etc. now, went Honda. both for the BIke and the Car.



The auto industry put themselves in this mess, by their own hand. you build quality, you get more sales. you cut corners and build junk, you cry to the government for a bailout.... and continue to build crap? sorry no.



when they can pay their people 75 bucks and hr, and build their cars with crap parts and cut corners, ill go elsewhere rather then get screwed from home who should be taking care of us with teh products they produce.



And yes, Wallyworld/chinamart/ could burn to the ground and i wouldnt shed a tear.

Answer 10

i support anything not pro union, you think we are the cause of this?? strong unions+weak management=disaster, being from detroit i know how these union people are, they are parasites and the fall of the auto industry

Answer 11

I buy American and only American!

Those are some of the points I have been trying to make since this all started. But sadly, most people don't agree and won't even look at the products the big three are making. They don't even know or want to know about all of the hybrids, flex fuel and the high gas mileage cars that are on the roads today made by the big three.

The big three built this country and it's middle class, they were a major reason we won WWII.





Besides, you show me three cases of "problem" american cars and I can give you six good ones.

Answer 12

I have bought American autos since I was old enough to drive, blame the super rich and the yuppies out there for buying the BMW's, Ferrari, Pantera, Mercedes, and all those Asian made vehicles.



America has made it a status symbol to own foreign made autos-

But then again, The Big 3 has done nothing to encourage Pride in American Ownership of their Makes and Models.



Then factor in the government with all the restrictions of producing a Car/truck in America are just as high if not higher then the Foreign made autos.



People will inevitably feel: If I am going to pay that much for a vehicle why not spend a few dollars more for the Status Symbol, or spend a few dollars less for just a mode of transportation.



Me I have always been a Ford person since I was old enough to buy my own car.

My parents were GM enthusiasts.

My brother was solely a Honda (Every GM product he had always left him on side of the road).

Answer 13

When our nation faced a recession in the early 90's, Americans became increasingly focused on where products were made. If was near impossible to hear a discussion about the economy without someone pointing out the trade deficit with Japan. The American public rallied around the "Made in the USA" label. In fact, WalMart became a household name because they promised everything sold it their store would be "Made in the USA".



MalMart became the giant it is, and the American economy boomed. Yet somewhere we lost track of how that happened. Somewhere along the line, WalMart abandoned only selling "Made in the USA" products. By that point, the American public didn't care because they could get things cheap and save a dime. The implications of their actions didn't matter. They didn't care that WalMart was driving ma and pa stores out of business. The American public didn't care that manufacturing couldn't compete with cheap foreign labor and as a result, has fallen apart. Americans were simply looking at the short term benefits--they saved a dime here and there shopping at WalMart.



The public fails to realize the power of their dollar is more powerful than their vote. If a company is corrupt or insists on selling cheap foreign goods rather than "Made in the USA" products when they can, then don't support that company. If someone is unhappy with a busineese practices, simply don't support that company with your dollar. Just like if you think it's crazy that an actor makes millions while teachers struggle to get by, then don't waste your money on that DVD or by going to the movies. Maybe one person can't make that big a difference, but if we ALL started living by principle rather than by what just happens to be best for us at the time, then maybe we can make a positive difference.



However, I have a different feeling about the auto industry. When "foreign companies" have been building new factories and creating jobs in the US, "US" companies have been shipping production and jobs outside the US. The "Big 3" failed to keep up with the times. These companies had an opportunity to corner the market on alternative fueled vehicles yet failed to act. They had the opportunity to be the world leader and set the standard for alternative fuels. Instead, they are simply trying to play catch up. And now they want us to bail them out? FORGET IT! I would rather the government help out Americans that used their ingenuity, like Aptera, to help them build. Why reward and bail out failing companies that refused to change with the times? Instead, help the little company that developed a 300 mpg car get those out and available to America.

Answer 14

It's not as simple as that. Are you also saying that the Chinese should stop buying GM products (where there sales are strong)? Should Ford stop selling product in Europe? It's a global game...consider the jobs created by foreign car companies is bring significant money to the U.S. - all those workers pay taxes, buy homes, support local business, etc. Now ask, this - shouldn't we insist that American producers are efficient and competitive? After all, that's the basis for our free market. Are they doing all they can? The labor contracts are seriously out of whack, and the product image is lacking (quality is much better, but they have not figured out how to compete against "sexy" foreign product).



Also, where do you stop, is it cars? televisions? stereos? Wall Mart ?(they've pushed more product production off shore than anyone else). Do you stop buying product produced overseas, but owned by American companies (better check where they manufacture, many products sold by the big three in the U.S. are actually manufactured out of country).



So, are you ready to stop buying iPods (mfg. in China), shop at Wal Mart, buy just about any television (and you better check out who made the computer you just typed your question upon), before you bail on "foreign" products. Or, you better prepare to pay much more for those items.



My answer is, I support companies that make the products that fit my needs. It's a global economy, and American companies need to know how to compete in it.

Answer 15

I tried to buy American when I bought my last vehicle. I say tried because after visiting several dealerships it became obvious that they really weren't interested in having my business. Let's set aside the fact that there sticker prices were higher and that they were unwilling to budge very much on them. Let's also forget that most of them do not get better ratings than the foreign alternatives, contrary to your claim. Lastly let's forget that their warranties, fuel economy and maintenance records are not better than the alternatives. Let's just concentrate on the bottom line. As I said, I went to several different dealerships. I went armed with the bluebook value of my trade, a confirmed offer for my trade from a foreign competitor and a set list of requirements for a new vehicle. They could not provide many of the features I wanted without absorbitant additional pricing, even though many of these features come standard on the foreign alternatives. They would not budge on the sticker price and tried to stick it to me on financing with higher interest rates than those offered by the foreign alternative, even though in one case it was the same finance company. Most distressing of all though, at every dealership they tried to lowball my trade 2000 to 3000 lower than bluebook. I'm sorry, I am a proud American. I believe in buying American when talking about equal or superior products offered for a competitve price, but it will be a cold day in hell before I will let an American company roll me just to satisfy the view of someone else concerning what makes a good American.

Answer 16

Yes I would. I support companies that give me value for my money.



Every dollar I have is valuable. And for each product and service I purchase I look to get as much value out of it as I possibly can. I don't buy the most expensive product, nor the cheapest. I buy the right product for what I can afford.



My daughters are learning this lesson as well. They don't like to go to Dollar Tree any more and would rather save their money for better toys (because the Dollar Tree ones always break).



I do not look at each product and toss it aside if it wasn't made in the U.S. And I know you don't either.



If U.S. companies want my money, they can compete for it. That's capitalism. Isn't that the current conservative rally cry?



Already, there are high barriers to importing products (tariffs, transportation, taxes on profits, cost of setting up business in foreign countries, etc.). If American companies can't win with that head start, what does it say about the way we create products? High cost of labor, medical plans, huge profit margins. It also says that our government doesn't care about other countries' policies (lax environment regulations, child labor, unsafe working conditions).



We set this economy up to behave the way that it is. Don't be surprised when you reap what you sow.

Answer 17

Considering the quality of the US companies products, yes.

If the US companies want to compete, they need better cars at better prices.

Besides, many foreign owned auto makers have plants in the USA.



Edit: Purchased a brand new 1998 GMC Sonoma that had transmission problems (despite scheduled maintainance) after 37,000, which is 1,000 past warranty.

In 2001, got rid of that truck, and purchased a closeout (never owned or leased) 2000 Mazda 626s. It now has 264,000 miles on it , it gets its scheduled maintianance, and the only thing I've replaced is the stereo.

This experience made up my mind for me.

Answer 18

Has anyone done a study to detemine which helps the US economy more:



- A foreign brand car built at a US factory.



- A domestic brand car built in Mexico or Canada.



Yes I know the parent company location makes a difference, but having a factory in the US supplies money to the US economy in the form of those workers spending money to live and eat, along with taxes and such.



It's a question I've wondered often, but haven't read a good comparison yet on where the money goes. It also depends on where the individual parts come from I'm sure.

Answer 19

I make a conscious effort to buy American products wherever I can. I have always purchased an American made car. Regardless of what the cool crowd says there are some good American cars out there.

Answer 20

I will only put my hard earned money on a major purchase into a name that I trust. Unfortunately that would not include U.S. automakers. I believe the U.A.W is a major player in this debacle along with the ceo's and cfo's of these dinosaurs. It is like the economy of the american family. We all should save for the future, Keep educating ourselves and our children about making plans for a changing economic environment and we would not have to worry about bailing out companies or families with taxpayer dollars. So I believe I will only buy products from companies that actually stand behind their products.

Answer 21

Actually, if you look at your Honda and Toyota cars most are made in the United States including parts where as the Big Three get most of there parts from overseas.



Also, you need to ask why is Toyota, Honda, Kia, Volkswagon, and other foreign car companies BUILDING plants in the United States while the Big Three can not get their plants to be competitive? I don't think that it is management's fault. Finally, a lot of your automotive suppliers supply all of the automotive manufacturers not just the big three if they are smart. This minimizes your losses.

Answer 22

Aren't most of the US car manufacturing centers in Mexico? I also remember hearing that most Asian car companies actually build their cars in the US to avoid tariffs. So, I guess to answer your question, you should buy foreign to help American workers?



Besides, if you build a better car people will buy it. A lot of management jobs hit the chopping block lately. I think that the reason for that is they weren't offering a product that competes with foreign auto makers.

Answer 23

There is no such thing as a U.S. manufactured car anymore. Just about all of their components are outsourced to Mexico, China, and other countries. We merely assemble the parts that arrive from other countries.



I'm a parts distributor and know where these parts come from.



I say let them go by way of Chapter 11, regroup, and finally begin manufacturing quality vehicles that hold up, compete and are reasonably priced. Bailing them out is only going to prolong the inevitable.

Answer 24

I have absolutely no pity for the auto makers or the UNION workers.

First, the auto makers refused to try and compete with the importers.

The importers were making more superior cars and our auto makers refused to try and compete. This happened 30 years ago. Same with higher fuel economy.

With the Union auto workers, they forced higher wages on the auto makers, Much higher wages and benefits. The auto makers have to pass on the cost driving up the prices of autos.

The Carpenters Union forced themselves out of jobs in the 70S. They demanded to high of a wage and the public wouldn't pay it so down went the union and the industry in a whole.

The auto makers were asked to concentrate more on hybrids and electric vehicles. Did they? NO!

If I stood to my own self made standard and didn't compete I would be out of a job myself. I can try and compete but NAFTA has helped in a great deal to force me out of business.

Answer 25

I buy used cars with cash to stay out of debt. Our country and businesses need to learn this as well. I normally buy imports though because they are more reliable. Supporting American auto industry only supports unions which were started by communists. Look it up, this isn't a lie.

Answer 26

If American cars were made as safe and well as Foreign ones i'd buy them. But they aren't. So I'm going to buy foreign cars and as for products...what exactly is still made in america? Everything in WalMart has a made in china sticker on it...and almost every article of clothing comes from South American countries or europe if your buying name brands. If you can find me some products to buy that are made in America then sure...but nothing I own is.

Answer 27

all of the foreign manufacturers are growing and making a profit. all the domestic man are about to go under. average foriegn car worker makes 45 dollars an hour, US man makes 70 dollars average. both employee american workers. the US auto makers have been charging to much for a lesser product and that is directly attributed to unions. i read that of the 25 billion, more than 2/3 was going towards retirement benefits. WTF.

Answer 28

I would buy American owned. Any company that takes away good jobs to become a trans national corporation, should be picketed.

Answer 29

i buy american when ever i can,sure it might cost more,but i know it is keeping money and jobs here in this country. unlike alot of people i place this above my bank account,real sham is most don't know how badly buying foreign hurts the US

Answer 30

Where do you think they make buses at? cause i do not want my children riding a bus to school unless it is an American bus.

Answer 31

Yes.



Because if we did not buy the best product for the best price those American companies will have no reason to change things so that their products are competitive.



All the 'buy USA' talk is nothing but promoting subsidies for unions.

Answer 32

as far as cars.. they need to bring up the quality.



as far as other products and goods.. i no longer go to ChinaMart (you may know it as walmart)



china-mart has ruined many smaller businesses including grocery stores, while their employment is half assed (lousy pay and no benefits)



so yes, the consumer has their part in the destruction of the US economy.

Answer 33

the us never batted an eye hurting me, i don't get a penny or a ripple from detriot, they can rot. you say it ripples into everything while i have nothing so i certainly don't get anything from your burgiose, those arguments won't work on me. i support whatever compnay has a better and less expensive product.

Answer 34

My mom just bought an 09 Accord and I couldn't be happier that she did so.

Answer 35

U.S.??? Try Mexico. Thanks, NAFTA!

U.S. parts manufacturers and distributors are going out of business year after year, aside from those manufacturing Hondas in Ohio.

Answer 36

they ran themselves into the ground

we,(liberals)warned them about building gas guzzlers

get real with yourself its not about foriegn and domestic

its about living with the decisions that you make

Answer 37

The damage to America has already been done . anyone who voted for Obama are now realizing they sold out on America!