Where Do Your Allegiances Lie? American, European, Asian?

Isn't the TSX based off the old DC5 Integra/RSX platform

— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:45:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

if the tsx were rwd, i'd take it over a 3 series

— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:20:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

No...

It's based on the old Accord/(current) TL platform.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:21:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

The TSX is the European Accord - it's a good car!

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 9:18:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

the TSX is my favorite 30k car..great choice !!! im jealous

— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 10:03:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

the current TSX is based off the Civic platform.

— courtstone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 6:35:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

'how much power do you need...'

I require no less than 300 horses. end of story.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 1:31:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

European then Asian.
European due to the styling, performance, and uniqueness that USUALLY comes along with a Euro car.
Asian- specifically japanese, for the tuneability of the performance cars.

— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:33:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

USA and Japan

— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:38:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I have three cars. They are very different and I like all of them for different reasons . I don't have to feel that I must choose one nor do I feel that repeat brand purchases are necesarily a display of automotive monogamy.

If a car manufactuer of a certain region produces a great car --the soil is irrelovant . In fact many domestic cars use imported parts and visa versa.

My choices are based on a variety of things -- safety, reliability, performance, value, style,finction, and whatever emotional appeal the car delivers to me . Whether others like or dislike the car is irrelovant.

I own these cars and the brief reasoning is as follows:

1) Modified 2007 Porsche 997 Turbo -- I wanted to own what I feel is practical daily driving supercar (personalized to my specific taste) .

2)Honda Civic Si 2007 - I won't take the Porsche to the supermarket or crowded parking areas . I won't valet the Porsche . I wanted a cheap reliable car which offers fun with no worry .

3) Mercedes Benz E class 2007 - makes a great car for passengers and comfort that my girlfriend also likes to drive .

— yrralis1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2007 11:58:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I drive a 2005 subaru WRX STi and i absolutely love it. I have a Stage Zero Vishnu remapped ECU that adds about 50 hp to the stock 300. I'm 19 so the car suites me very well and adds a kind of badass persona to me(i think). I still love German and Italian cars also.

Hopefully after I graduate from school and make some money I can look at m3's and GT-Rs hahaha.

— GetemHigh125 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:11:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I never thought of it like that, but you got a point there.

— courtstone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 6:37:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Give me the best mix of performance, luxury, price, and reliability. That is where my allegiance lies.

— finalheaven (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:16:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I have a proclivity for English cars. I simply like their aesthetic, you know rather...woody, stitched leather and whatnot. I happen to love the sort of droopy rear-ends of English cars.

The underlying reason for it? Probably based in childhood- I had exposure to many a beautiful english car as a child. In fact, I have rather strange associations with certain english cars as a result- such as the song "Where have all the Cowboys Gone?" by Paula Cole (right?) with a white eighty-something Rolls-Royce. Of course that would have been a little later in my childhood.

— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:32:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Euro of course.

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:48:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Having owned a number of BMW's, VW's and an Audi. I am a Euro type of guy. I keep wanting to buy an American car but there isn't anything that compares. I want to look at the G8 when the V8 6spd arrives. Should be a good value. I will want a delete option for the phony hood scoops.

— 02chuck (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:02:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I currently own the following:

BMW X5 4.8is (E54)

BMW M3 (E46)

Jaguar S-Type R

and I feel no 'allegiance' to any of them, or their manufacturers.

Admittedly, I have owned some 7 BMW models over the past 25 years, but I wouldn't consider myself a BMW 'fan' by any measure.

I buy what I like from the choices available at the time I'm in the market for something new.

I will say that my next sedan will most likely be the Cadillac CTS-V.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:20:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I definitely desire European cars the most--I'm not going to pretend I don't. German, Italian, British, French... those are the cars that just do it for me. They put the most passion into their designs and engineering, and whenever a hot new European car comes out (Jaguar XF, Audi R8, Ferrari Scuderia, BMW 335i, Merc CL, etc...) I always want it. LOL.

But between Asian and American, it's a case-by-case affair. Some Japanese cars, I really love. There are none I truly hate. On the other hand, there are some American cars that I think are even better than their Asian competition; some American cars are garbage. So probably a tie there.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 1:30:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

europe.

— 1evlaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 2:00:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

There was a time in my life when I was really caught up in the whole Japense thing about reliability, durability and quality. Now, I lease cars so it doesn't matter anymore. I took a huge step when I leased my CTS, but time after time the car never dissapoints. It seems like my next car will still be a CTS, hopefully a coupe.

Im going with American, Japanese and European.

— no1listensanyway (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:14:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I actualy own a BMW 330xi and a MAZDA RX8. For my next car i will probably buy or the new LEXUS ISF or BMW M3 or NISSAN GT-R or the new the AUDI S4. My favorites are Japaneses and Germans without any order.I think actualy these 2 countries make the best cars.

— LE34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:20:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

European, for a long time European cars have led the way, though i admit the competition has caught up in recent years alot. They have history, racing pedigree. But still somehow, when looking at their designs, their vehicles stand out, they have better design cues and more passion put into them.

However, for cheap, bland, solid family cars. Asia does indeed do them best. And being from the U.K, i've no interest in American cars at all.

— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 5:40:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

European then Japanese
Just works out that most of the vehicles that really impress me happened to be of European Origin.

First BMW then Jaguar now Audi
Recently Lexus has been producing some interesting alternatives to the German Vehicles, I was impressed with the new IS & LS models

And I am 90% sure Nissan will be taking money from me for their GT-R

I currently own a 2007 RS4 Cab in the UK {5 months now}
Will probably keep it till the S5 Cab is available { Might wait till RS5 Cab, not sure yet }

— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 5:53:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Over the last 20 years, I've driven only BMW (2), Audi(2), and Infiniti (3). Each had its own balance of "sport vs. tourning" character. And as I've enjoyed driving them all, each new lease was primarily motivated by a current "deal" on financing. I prefer Infiniti for reliability.... current ride is '07, M35x.

— Hose (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 7:49:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I own a Lexus and a BMW and I like them equally the same from different aspects.

I don't believe in the history/passion/tradition/soul garbage that companies constantly brag about. What matters to me is current innovation and a clear future direction and a good business strategy.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 8:38:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I own a 1981 280ZX Turbo, a 2004 Armada, and a 2006 G35. I will by not just from one country, but from one company. I my Grandfather was a Buick man all the way. Times have changed, I am a Nissan man all the way.

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 8:58:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I prefer to buy the American owned car companys products so more of the money stays here in order to better pay for our schools rather than have to rely on , tear offs , powerball and lottery sweepstakes .

— toolatetorace (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 9:18:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

my first 3 cars were rx7s and i never thought i would go with a piston engine until i wanted something more reliable..lol..then..i had an 91 integra (great car) and an 89 civic, which was great until i crashed it. now i own an 02 civic ex which has never given me any problems and an 07 IS350 which i love. i recently put a down payment on a blk/blk isf so... i would say that id prefer japanese..german cars are great performers but i usually wouldnt buy a car unless i really like the exterior, and there are only a few german rides that i like. id love to have a porsche but it would have to be the turbo and i really cant afford it unless i got rid of my IS and the ISF (thats on its way) so...japanese japanese japanese, then MAYBE german, and i wouldnt buy american unless it was a truck

— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 10:21:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Buying a car means very different things to very different people. Some people have to own a car becuse of the climate they live in or location, the mountain or farm buyer is very different then the desert or coastal buyer.A Euro sports sedan would be nice for many but if they live and work in rural areas of the world the car is not practical.
MFG's today have many lines of cars available to the public, the perception is important also, a cowboy on a ranch wants that big pick-up with all the power to them this is their ultimate machine, the city dweller may want that high end Euoro or Asian car so when a valet parks it they want to show we have made it in the world.
Most people like what they buy and tend to stay loyal to that MFG. Where multi cars in a family arise then you often see a Asian car and Euro car in the garage. American MFG still must rely on trucks for their support, they still have not gained back the trust of the consumer and world wide the American car still has a long ways to go altough they are trying to close the gap, the Euro's and Asians always seem to have a answer.
I still say though if a person had the money they would most likely have at least a 4 car garage and in it would be a American pick up, a Asian crossover, a Euro luxury car and a Euro sports conv.

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 10:45:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Japanese and European, for specific reasons:

Nissan/Infiniti
(power, reliability, affordability)

Mazda
(always the soul of a sports car :)

Land Rover
(design, design, DESIGN! and off-road capability)

BMW
(iconic design, performance)

Mercedes
(because you have to love a car that feels that good when you shut the door)

Audi
(best interiors in the biz)

Maserati
(beautiful)

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:41:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'm all for German brands. My first car was a 84 Rabbit with a 91 16-valve GTI engine dropped in. Headers and a loud muffler - oh to be 17 again! Then I had a string of Japanese cars - a 93 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 96 Nissan Maxima and a 96 Nissan Pathfinder. I bought all of those used (sublet the Pathfinder from a co-worker over her head in debt) but then my I bought my first new car in 2000 - a 2001 X5 3.0. I've only driven BMW's since then (745Li and then an M3).

Hey I like variety so I switch up every few years. Never had any problems with the BMW's but I must say that the options available today for what I want in a car are infinite. Compared to 2000 when my only options were MB and BMW. I will likely stick with a German brand but I like the new CTS (looks good on the outside) and the GT-R (throw back to when I like tuner cars and best bang for your $$$ - watch out Corvette).

— vman1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 12:43:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Sir as much as America is a melting pot especially for Europeans if it wasn't for the good old USA you could have all the advancement in the world, the USA saved the world from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, right now you would be on a BMW skate board rather then a car so stop the propoganda, the US is still the engine that makes the world go around!

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 2:11:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

That's the most dumbest comment I've seen. USA is probably more practical when it comes to new technology than any European country.

And to shed some more light, the foundations of Math/Science/Engineering were laid in the east while Europeans were still fighting each other for more land. All that knowledge was transfered to Europe via Arabic scholars and then further developed there to the stuff we use today (Renaissance period). So, most of the modern technology came from USA and the foundations came from the east. Everyone had their ups-and-downs so, don't make it seem like it was only one part of the world that invented everything we know today!

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 4:37:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Your view of history is quite narrow.

http://www.economist.com/markets/indicators/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9193893

— Ingenieur (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 5:24:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_science

There you can see the contributions of many other cultures well before Europeans. They were the pioneers of bringing the ideas. If you believe that all we know today came from Europe then you must not know about world history or refuse to know. But, the truth is there and you can't deny it by posting sources over and over again that support only your points.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 10:23:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IQ_and_the_Wealth_of_Nations

— Ingenieur (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:10:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"Scientific Revolution, the period roughly between 1500 and 1700 during which the foundations of modern science were laid down in Western Europe. Before this period, nothing like science in the modern sense existed."

Yea, nothing existed WITHIN Europe! That doesn't mean it didn't elsewhere. Just because we're brought up learning only about the European history from an earlier age doesn't mean they were the ones who discovered everything. Give credit where its due! There were many other cultures who were there way before the Europeans. People thought the world was flat during Columbus times and people in other cultures already knew it was round by observing other planets and movements of stars but, nobody in Europe knew until one of the European astronomer thought of it.

While people in UK were building simple archaic Stonehenge, the Egyptians around the same time were building jaw-dropping monuments (i.e. Pyramids, Obelisks, etc). So, clearly, this is an example of where the power of knowledge was thousands of years before the 1500s of Europe. Need to think outside the box and learn about other cultures before making foolish claims.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 9:39:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Their is still no doubt with the ability to produce a truly great car in total terms of sevice,mpg,safety and creature comforts America could do it hands down. The problem is the purest form of capitailism, dirty hands getting involved,lobyist, and the general marketing of such car as the evolution of such a machine is taking place the project would be derailed for the reasons already spelled out.
If the pure soul of the USA was at stake and we had to produce such a car without interfernce then you could be assured we would have the Asians and Euro in a total industrial revolution because nobody would be able to turn out the number and distribute the car world wide like America.
But don't worry Earthlings, America isn't going to send our friends back to the drawing board and cause massive upheavel in the auto business, giants like Ford and GM are just as happy to keep snowing the public with marginal cars and ideas because it is safe for them to keep crying the blues and getting lots of tax loss and the CEO's and board of directors with tons of money in their pocket.
Retooling a truly great car really isn't in there interest anymore, let Asia and the Euro's keep fighting each other for supreme maker of cars, the US Auto industry is still very happy with its Caddy and Lincoln customers and very satisfied with farmers and soceer Mom's buying the luxury Suv's and pick up trucks.
You people across the ocean's of the world it is a American thing, shiny chrome wheels, loud 50's and 60's music and thirsty V8 egines,America is just wanting for another oil downturn and watch these monsters cars sell hot off the lot again it is inheirant in us bigger is better, show off what you made of yourself in life, not saying this is a good thing just saying that is America. We are still the young pup in the world, our elder allies are like our parents, they say we know what is best for you we have history and industrial revolution on our side, but this country is what childern say to themselves they listen but then use their own brain that God gave and decide what is best for them.
At this time in the early 21st century, Toyota can be #1 in sales and is, the Euro's have their nice machines, but they better not slip up because only one nation has ever shown resolved in adversity time and time again and that is the good old USA, don't ever sell this country short?

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:19:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I own 2 showrooms, that's my business. We r doing car business for more than 4 to 5 decades now. My grand father started it.

In business as u all may know, we don't see cars from this angle. Be it a S Class or the new Hyundai. We only look for profits.

But aside from it, if u ask my personal choice i can't exactly say German or Japan. It better be whoever makes the best car (to my liking) or i can tell u my current favorites.

My current favorites are Lexus, BMW and Infiniti.

Lexus, I just love nearly everything new Lexus (except the old SC and GX470), especially post L-Finesse and their new world class engines. Fine luxury and never had problem with any of their car nor the dealership.

BMW, Really love their sporty nature and unique (though new models being a bit ugly and unusual) exteriors and interiors. They r very appealing and catchy.

Infiniti, to me there current products are one of the most desirable, look at G35/37, M45 and FX and new EX.
Simply stunning and equally good to drive with beautiful interiors.

Many maybe doesn't know that MB was my favorite company nearly all my life. I remember i never used to look anywhere other than MB. I even kept the first A Class for sometime which was seriously no better than the car half it's price that time.

but then there similar interiors and quality problems (Serious change came when i started earning seriously and i felt MB is really very overpriced especially at that time. 1992-2000)...etc

and thus i started looking elsewhere and they lost one of their die-hard fan.

Btw for the last few days i am driving the 2008 G35, a car from my store. And i am really impressed with the car, especially interior and it's enjoyable driving.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 3:40:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Im a big fan of japanese cars, but I like euros makes, BMW, ferrari and porsche my favorite. I like certain domestics, but I'm in favor of w/e warms up to me.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 6:54:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Japan and American,
(most) Japanese cars do everything well, American cars are getting better day by day. European cars tend to live on past accomplishments too much.
However, there's no replacing a Porsche though.

midengine,
You'd better get yourself checked out if you have 12 fingers.
http://www.aneki.com/nobel.html

The US has more nobel price winners than the UK, Germany and France combined. Now count how many belong to English speaking countries. The majority of the revolution was because of the UK and US. However, as mentioned, there underlining principles (i.e. writing and mathematics, foundations of engineering) were derived elsewhere.

What the hell is the nobel prize anyway? It has to do with research and theory, not inventions and technology. Even Al Gore's big mouth won a prize.
I suppose Adam Smith was stupid because he decided to be born before the Nobel Prize was created?
If the nobel prize went back to say 5000BC, I'm sure you'd see a better representation of humanity, unforunately it started in 1900 at the height of Europe's influence.

You should touch up on your history.
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ENLIGHT/INDUSTRY.HTM

It mentions social changes as well. Do you know what "demos" and "krateo" is? Well, it was coined a few thousand years before the industrial revolution.

Now why don't you go goose-step back to Europe and watch the world pass you by.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 10:13:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IQ_and_the_Wealth_of_Nations

— Ingenieur (View Profile)

Posted on 12/17/2007 11:09:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

USA then Japanese. If I had money when back in college I would not have even thought of buying US cars, but due to financial situation I did. But now and for the rest of my life will be Japanese. Due to their styling, performance, and peace of mind.

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 2:36:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

LOL! I think you should think about who you're calling a moron. lol.

Majority of the cars that Toyota makes for the US/N. American market are made in the USA, that includes Camry/Avalon/Solara.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 10:04:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

If it wasn't for the American students, you wouldn't be here typing on your computer.

— RealitySmack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 9:55:07 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Im a hardcore BMW fan but I wouldnt mind anything that has luxury, is sporty, and has style :).

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 11:57:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

ripper,
If your Suburban is th extended one, it was built in Mexico. The regular wheelbase should still be assembled in Wisconsin.

Midengine, cdoke,
NOt sure what you're trying to say about the U.N. but I think they're useless outside of the health and welfare arena.
2/3rds of the assembly are made up of dictatorships/totalitarians that feel they have a right to vote when its against the West (usually with assistance from Europe).
UN should really stand for "United against America" Nations.

I need to retract something though. A Porsche is a Porsche is a Porsche unless its the pseudo-Porsche Cayenne. Yuk!

cptamazing,
True, American kids are getting dumber. The cream of the crop are still leading the world though. On top of it all, the US system seems to help foreign students flourish and do their best work, hence all the research that's done there instead of in their home countries.
It goes to show innovation is a product of the system, not some particular ethnic group (like Midengine seems to think). Probably a leftover trait from the English/American idea of freedom of thought.
http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2005/05/16/News/u.Scientists.Create.Bendable.Concrete-1430557.shtml
ECC will be great for earthquake prone areas to prevent building collapses.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2007 10:55:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I prefer Japanese, then German, and the occasional American (Caddy CTS for example).

But really, no manufacturer deserves 100% loyalty. You'd be missing out on some very cool cars doing so.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/19/2007 2:15:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

ripper,
I blame hiphop culture and Hollywood for dumbing kids down. Who needs to learn to add (unless its in grams) when you can talk about booty and bling all day while you're getting the lowdown on who's doing who after they do someone else? And if things don't work out, just claim that you have it bad and shoot someone to get some whatever it is that "the man" is keeping from you.

The system may seem poorer because it takes an entire cross section of the population, its debatable (I still think an ever growing number of kids today have no desire to learn). But to counter Eurocentric arguments, I just ask why then are research, thinking and most of the World's top schools in English speaking countries (US, Canada, UK)? We aren't technology focused like Asia, and arts focused like Europe.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/19/2007 8:29:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

cptamazing,
In 2001, the US was ahead of Germany. It's harder to have an immigrant kid who's ESL score high in a literacy test, don't you think? You do know 1/3 of the scores are for literacy, along with mathematics and reasoning?

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/19/2007 8:33:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1