When American quality began to dip and Japanese quality began to rise starting in about the mid-1970's, many American consumers started buying imports over home-grown American automobiles. However, American quality seems to be making a comeback. Many American consumers who had previously bought Japanese are now buying American again. This trend does not seem to have affected the Asian-American community - many of whom, it seems, would rather die than buy an American automobile. What's the reason? Brand loyalty? Regional loyalty? Lingering perceptions of inferior American quality?

Here's an idea.

Hire some Japanese-American designers (those who studied design in Asia and Europe, not here in America) and get them to design some 'cool' looking American cars and I'll buy them. It's not an accident that Sony's products are always so beautifully designed (regardless of its performance against its competitors, its designs are always best in my eyes). The American designs aren't that pretty. They're clunky and large looking, and somehow, doesn't seem to flow very well.

I have a friend who works as a designer from Europe and Australia, and she tells me American designers are so far behind the times in all facets...not just cars, but electronics, clothing, furniture, even architecture and civil infrastructures! She thinks our homes and roads are ugly and could use some European innovative design.

Australia's civil engineers are awesome, she says. They have really nice streets and houses...at least that's what she says when she sees the identical boxes that we call tract housing, and the numerous potholes in all our roads and streets...construction work that goes on forever and ever and ever, tangling traffic for months and years at a time and making ugly patchwork of streets, etc..

MLK,

Interesting idea! I wonder if the corporate cultures of Ford and GM have been sufficiently shaken up by having their lunch eaten by the Japanese for so long that they have actually started looking into better styling and the emotional appeal of cars rather than just putting out an engineering marvel that looks awful.

I would say that Ford seems to understand this, after putting out their new T-bird which is stylistically a throwback to the original T-bird. Unfortunately, the price is so high that most people opt for another car in that price range.

GM, on the other hand, doesn't seem to understand the concept of style at all. I mean, who in the heck ever approved the ugly as sin Aztek? I swear, that car is the ugliest thing on wheels ever! I think that is what happens when you give engineers the run of the place, without a thought to marketing - the Aztek actually got good reviews for quality and functionality, but its hideous looks guaranteed it a lot of air time on Leno's show.

I don't think the American car manufacturers care what the public thinks about their car designs. Their best selling vehicles are all SUVs and PU trucks anyway. The midsize, and compacts, and roadsters have all been taken over by the Asian and the European car makers.

Personally, I think it's because Non-Asian-Americans are, on average, larger than the normal size that compact Japanese & European cars are made for, and seem to fit more comfortably in the larger sizes of the American cars. The designs for the larger cars are...clunky in their largeness, and these cars can't be designed as sleek small shapes because, well, these cars are not sleek small cars.

I have a tiny little Miata that most people over 170lbs, 5'10" would have trouble fitting into.

BTW...have you seen the latest Mazda RX-8? WOOOOOW!!!! It's baaaack! It used to be the RX-7 (I had one of those, an old one, a loooong looooong time ago), and that got discontinued. But now, it's back again, better looking than ever before.

My Miata looks puny and girly next to the powerful design of this new stylish hot roadster. It's a good thing I'm a girl!!! Otherwise, I'd feel emasculated.

I think American cars have some nice features coming up. I've really been contemplating the new Hybrid Ford Explorer recently. Save the planet and feel manly all at the same time.

MLK,

Yeah, I've seen that new Mazda, and boy - it really is a beautiful car. However, you might note that Mazda is owned by - oops! - Ford Motor Corp! The stylish Jaguars which I like, are likewise owned by Ford.

I've never sat in a Miata, but when I was in high school, my buddy owned a Honda CRX. One of the most uncomfortable cars to be in at high speed. And when you're 16, there's no such thing as driving under the speed limit. It's a good thing I was only 5'9" and 135 pounds at the time. I don't think I could fit in that thing now!

oh, Mr. hot rod AC needs a manly car to feel manly. hehehe

Basin...sooooo did you shrink or grow beyond the 5'9?

Jags are cool. When I get to be an older lady (in my fifties) I'm gonna get one. right now, it just feels too old for me.

I would consider getting an american minivan if I ever have children. They're quite nice and safe for the kids.

In other parts of the world, your car is a means of transportation. In car-culture America, your car is your ego and id. Hence, many peeps want something big and fast. A hot ride is the male version of big b00bs. Nevermind lowered fuel efficiency, increased pollution or dependance on MidEast oil. Not to mention, Americans are easily by far the most obese people in the world, so may also physically need larger vehicles. It just goes along with the American size obsession with supersize drinks, meals, bodies, etc etc..

MLK,

Actually this year the Japanese are making a serious moving into the mini-van market. Toyota and Honda have both introduced Minivans that are the same size and with more powerful engine than their USA counterparts this year. I guess the Japanese car companies really want to own the passenger car market in the USA.

I have noticed that mini-vans now have fold down flat seating so it becomes like an Asto Van. Hehe. Who knows what Mon and Dad are doing behind tinted glass when the kids are running around outside. Auto sliding doors for privacy. DVD player to get in the mood. And even a built in cooler for the wine. Forget about soccer moms. Those minivans are the shag machines of the future. Oh yeah, baby.

Is that how you screen for boyfriends, to see if they will fit in the passenger side of your Miata? Wow what nice big manly hands he has, too bad he can't fit. hahaha. Where do you put the dog?

Yeah but my hot rod is battery operated, just like yours. That didn't sound right, did it.

AC

Hmmmmmm...Minivan excursions...we're talking from experience here, aren't we? Minivans are getting more and more sexy sounding to me...even more so than my car does!

You married folks have got to give us single people pointers that are this relevant and this valuable. My Miata is cute, but no shag machine. The seat won't even fold back that far because there's a solid wall right behind it, where the trunk begins.

And no...if I find a man bigger than my car, I'll make him get me a bigger car!!!! How's that for the ultimate car test? hahaha

...battery-operated...hmmmmmmm...better not let others onto that big secret. Gotta keep your male reputation intact you know.

MLK,

Well I guess you gotta go to the hood of the car then. But be careful not to burn your backside if the surface is too hot.

Well I would prefer a hybrid hot rod. Fossil fuel to sudden accelerations and electric for energy conservation endurance.
That didn't sound right either.

Actually I saw a Ford Windstar with a built in washer/dryer in the back. I don't know where minivans are heading. But boring is definitely not it.

You need one of those large convertables with bench seats in the front, if you want to be adventurous.

And once again MLK has ruined another good topic with her allusions to the illegal.

QUOTE

And once again MLK has ruined another good topic with her allusions to the illegal.

That, she did! Yeah, some people just couldn't or wouldn't break their old habits, I guess.

Anyway,... looks? What looks? The hell with the looks when it comes to autos, I say! Give me my Macho Randy Savage, V8, diesel, full-size p/u truck so that I can lord over the peons in their flimsy compacts. Better yet, an 18-wheel International or MACK rig will let me own the roads downright and push those peons off the roads whenever I feel like it. Honk, honk... out of my way!!!

OE,

Pickup truck and 18 wheelers? That is as redneck as one can get I see. Why not just buy a laser sight and point the red dot at cars that annoy you. That should get them off the road pretty fast.

ACD,

That still wouldn't macho enough for me.

MLK,

Haven't grown up or down from that 5'9", but have packed on a few pounds
How many? I'm not saying!

When you get married or have a kid (these days they no longer seem to go hand-in-hand) you'll soon want a bigger car. I had no problem with the boring 4-door sedans my wife and I drove prior to the birth of our son, I thought people who owned big cars without needing the space were: a)wasting their money on a big car with a big appetite for gasoline endangering the public with driving skills more appropriate for the smaller, nimbler cars they were used to, and c) blocking my view of the road with their Suburbans and Expeditions that were taller than Shaq.

However, before our son was born, my wife insisted on a big car. I fought her tooth and nail for a while, because I kept saying that our parents seemed to get along fine with your standard mid-size sedans, why couldn't we? But of course, even though she said the decision was mine, she kept conspicuously looking through the car ad pages in the newspaper every Saturday, until I broke. I am now the proud owner of am expensive, gas guzzling, poor-handling, view-blocking American SUV which can seat seven but has only done so on a handful of occasions - usually in the direction of the Baskin-Robbins to augment our already corpulent bodies!

Oh, and one more thing, ACD, and OE,

I plan on getting those really annoying cartoons of Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes) pissing on a space which will be occipied by whatever is "pissing" me off at the moment!

Re: Pickups and rednecks. I think my cousin (who lives in San Antonio) once told me that getting a rifle rack installed at the dealer was an actual option at one local dealership! No kidding!

BasinBictory,

Well if you really want to go for the Riceboy custom sport look, don't forget to tint all your window pitch black. And get some "No Fear" or "Storm Rider" Decals too.

Rifle Rack....What no American Flag Decal for the entire rear window of the truck and free Country CDs....hehehe.

But I think American cars have some value in the SUV line for asians. But most Asians I know stick to Asian brands for reliability or European Brands for status.

QUOTE

Well if you really want to go for the Riceboy custom sport look, don't forget to tint all your window pitch black. And get some "No Fear" or "Storm Rider" Decals too.

ACD,

That makes me laugh! Just after I got it, my sister was riding in it with me, and she made a comment on an item I had hanging on the rear-view mirror. I usually don't like to decorate my car with bumper stickers or anything like that. I prefer my cars stock, if anything. Anyway, she said, "Are you trying to be typical" - that is a code word we've used since we were kids to describe the ultra-conformist AAs at our school who seemed to all dress-alike, talk-alike, think-alike, drive-the-same-car-alike, and cheat-at-school-alike. I was a little irritated, especially since her boyfriend (who was also riding in the car) made a comment about my car earlier. I said, "No, if I were trying to be typical, I'd be driving your Honda Civic. Oooooohh! She didn't talk to me for the rest of the trip.

QUOTE

"No, if I were trying to be typical, I'd be driving your Honda Civic. Oooooohh! She didn't talk to me for the rest of the trip.

Yes, it's always a good strategy to use when men want to silence women, isn't it? Say something just enough to tick them off for awhile so that they become quiet while pouting in silence. I guess at least you could drive the rest of the way with a less distraction if only her boyfriend did the yakking.

Yup, only few things can be more "typical" than AAs and their Japanese autos. Thankfully I'm "atypical" that I drive a vintage Ford F-150 pickup.

BasinBictory,

I'm not one to put down other people's ride. But there is one really annoying thing about asian customization at time. All the toys and trinkets people put in their cars. These are the some of the worst things that I find the annoying asian put inside their cars

- Plush toys that take up the whole back seat
- Little minatures of Japanese anime glued to the dash board
- Cell phone assessory that sing and light up whenever the cell phone rings
- Cup holders that fit in air vents to keep drinks cold or hot
- Cup holders that fit in air vents to keep drinks cold or hot with a spinning propeller

...not to mention:

- brightly patterned custom seat covers, expertly home-sewn by the Missus
- hanging disco balls on rear-view mirrors
- Japanese/Chinese characters painted on doors and windows
- fuzzy pastel rugs on back dash boards
- large flower arrangements on fuzzy pastel rugs on back dashboards
- small statuettes of Mother Mary or Buddha glued to front dashboard
- small fancy flowery cushion on driver's seat to boost the rump-height of petite AFs

QUOTE

Japanese/Chinese characters painted on doors and windows

hehe - Might be slightly off-topic, but I find myself annoyed with people (especially non-Asians) who tattoo Chinese characters on themselves, as though it gives them some sort of mystical power or something. It's probably an urban legend, but there was the story of the white guy who had gotten a tattoo for what he thought was a Chinese character combo meaning "Great Warrior." When his Chinese classmates giggled at him, he asked them what it meant - and they replied "It means you're gay!"

While we're on the topic of over-accessorizing one's car, I remember when I was in high school how much I'd get a kick out of people who put gold rims, spoilers, a ground package, and a stereo box in the trunk ---- of their run-down, beat up 1989 Civic/CRX/Sentra/other econo-box. Kinda like an ugly-ass woman putting on gobs of makeup in a desperate attempt to make herself pretty. Only it has the opposite effect.

I think a skull of a Texas longhorn will make a nice hood ornament for my truck. In fact, it would probably be the only ornament fit for it.

getting back to the original topic (sorta), I personally will never EVER buy a Japanese car. for safety reasons. I'm somewhat jealous of the people who are ok with it.

growing up (in Cleveland), my parents were insistent on Toyotas for whatever reasons. however, we were often harassed when we went out by nice friendly local whites who would yell at us to "buy American" and tell us to go back to our own country if we didn't plan on supporting American companies, and our cars have actually been vandalized in mall parking lots, typically with the words "buy American" carved on the car. we've even been harassed in electronics stores when we were trying to choose between, say, Panasonic and Sony. we've moved on to Ford. which is highly acceptable in Cleveland.

so, although Japanese cars are often considered higher quality or better looking or whatever else, I'll never be able to bring myself to buy one. I don't need to add to my problems.

on a funner note, I drive a '98 F-150. I love it, except for the extreme lack of gas mileage and the fact that all parking spaces are too small. as my friend likes to say, "little girl, big car."

BasinBictory, I had a Chinese friend in college who drove this little beat-up ancient Civic (2-door and stick shift), which had no trunk space because there was a HUGE speaker/subwoofer thing in it. he didn't do anything to the rest of his car, but everyone could always hear when he was coming down the street.

QUOTE

on a funner note, I drive a '98 F-150.  I love it, except for the extreme lack of gas mileage and the fact that all parking spaces are too small. as my friend likes to say, "little girl, big car."

daeana, except for a state like Texas where pickups are so commonly driven by both sexes, it's unusal to see many "desk-job" folks to driving them in other parts of the country (particularly in the N.E. and W. coasts) and even more unusual to see women driving them. But, an Asian woman driving a full-size p/u? I must say, you're the first one I either saw or told by herself who drove one! Hey, I'm no blue-collar worker or a farmer either (...not, yet, anyway), but I'm a rare AM who drives a p/u, so I feel an instant bond and kinship with you, all the more because we drive a same make and model. Good to hear from you, my fellow AA truckerI

And, yes, I know what you mean with the gas mileage and parking space. On the other hand, we'll rarely have a problem with not having enough "trunk space", would we? Anyway, I also have a camper top over the bedspace that keeps the stuffs I carry safe and dry.

"friendly local whites who would yell at us to "buy American" and tell us to go back to our own country if we didn't plan on supporting American companies"
Wow, what a bunch of shytheads. Oh well, I guess it worked on you.

krome, yeah, now the only thing needed for the final transformation... is for daeana to start carving up cars herself and tellin' those asians to "go back home." I didn't know threatening people worked so well as a sales technique. Perhaps the Japanese can learn and improve on such an advanced knowledge of marketing. I bow.

I thought I'd posted a comment on this board a few months ago. Apparently not.

Here's something I've noticed:

Older Korean Americans whom I know almost exclusively drive American Cars, or occasionally will drive a Hyundai. Their reasons are hatred towards Japan because of past history, and a rather strong patriotism I've observed from among them. I know one young Korean-American woman whose father threatened to disown her for buying a Camry.

My argument in favor of buying nominally Japanese cars is that the bulk of them are made in the US these days--Japanese technology merged with American labor, and they are very reliable cars to say the least.

The only US made cars I've seen some younger Asian Americans buy have been Saturns (for the economy minded) and Cadillacs (nothing says American excess like Caddies.)

I've personally owned a Ford (84-89), a Mitsubishi (89-98) and a Saturn (98-currently). The Ford was junk and a waste of money to keep running. The Mitsubishi gave me over 200,000 miles of relatively worry-free service (I am very regular on auto maintenance for the sake of avoiding breakdowns) before I sold it. The Saturn is much better than the Ford was, but has had a few more troubles than the Mitsubishi despite strict maintenance. My next vehicle (next Spring) will be either a Mitsubishi Montero Sport or an Isuzu Rodeo.

kimchi devil & krome,

Let's be thankful that we live in areas that are a little more tolerant of us "foreign devils" than the Mistake by the Lake. Daeana figures that personal safety and peace of mind is worth driving an American car (which is probably made of parts from Germany, and Canada, and assembled in Mexico) than a Japanese one (which is assembled probably in the US) Can't say I blame her - it's a pretty [expletive]ty thing to have to deal with ignorant f*cks like those Clevelanders.

Heck, if I lived there - with my dark complexion, I could shout at them "I'm a Chippewa Indian! - You go back to Europe first, A-hole!" Probably would cause them to get out of their car and such, but that is another topic.

Outofeast,

A friend of mine from my old job bought himself a Ford F-150 pickup too. I thought it was hilarious that a 23-year-old, Chinese/Vietnamese kid would want a vehicle like that. After he got it, he told me that drivers in adjacent lanes did double-takes when they saw this skinny Asian kid behind the wheel of a big ol' pickup truck. As far as my SUV, I don't feel like I've got a real big or manly car - if anything, the fact that it is strictly a "road SUV" meaning it does not have 4-wheel drive, is not tricked out with metal grille headlight protectors and such, makes it feel like basically a giant station wagon, which it really is.

I'm Chinese and I never really liked American cars. However when it comes to the gas guzzling V8's of the past, I do like them, but not as much a European car. I happen to pefer European cars over Japanese cars and I also drive one too. My dad came to America in 68 so of course he happens to buy a 74 Mustange that was unreliable, but after that bought VW. Now he likes Honda's now after the last VW we had was giving us trouble. For some reason I see myself in an Audi/VW before driving any other car.

I drive a 1956 Dodge Sedan. My girlfriend loves it..... My friends can't seem to stop making fun of it... My Japanese parents won't even acknowlege it's existance in my garage. But it symbolizes what America is to me. Big, inefficient, confident, powerfull, and adorned in chrome pageantry. And it's mechanical simplicity amazes me at times. There are no computers, complicated wiring, hoses, and the such.. Just a vacuum tube here and there to make the AM radio work. And Oh yes.. It's ugly, load, and a constant strain on my bank account.
It's funny to me the looks some people give me when they see me in that car. It's like they are seeing the oposite of what they expect.. Instead of the greasy heaired, wife beater wearing rock-a-billy with bad teeth whos pompador is bound to cause them injury on the right ceiling fan...... they see a 6"2 Japanese guy wearing all black, with dark sunglasses driving an all black Detroit hot rod monster....

Does prefering my Detroit monster make me a "white-wash sell out"? No.... I've owned my share of Toyotas and the such. And I'm still very much in touch with my ancestrial roots through language, and some tradition.

Do chicks dig it? Mormon white chicks in Utah love it. (Experience talkin here) Latinas laugh at it, and Asian women from all over think I'm a scumbag.

gad, i cant believe you people make such a big deal about what country manufactures your cars. OOO, im only going to buy this car cause its made in japan or ooo, this car sucks cause its made in america..... a car's a car, and you people are making everything into some political statement.

All thought all cars in the USA were manufacture more of less here.

But I hear cars of the future will all be manufactured in China.

I recently purchased a new vehicle a few months ago and figured I'd share my experience. I purchased a GM. The reason for my purchase was not based on company quality, history or background. It was the actual vehicle that sold me. I've owned several vehicles over the year (from VW to Toyota to Nissan to GM). My views after actually working on them (as well as performance and power) lead me to a front engine/rear wheel driven vehicle. Plain and simple. Replacing a simple oil filter in the Tercel looked like it required me to hoist the engine out! (Which, I've noticed of many foreign cars, I don't understand why they make it so difficult to get to). On a side note, notice almost all performance vehicles are either rear wheel driven or all wheel driven. (There's a reason for that but another topic altogether). That narrowed my choices immensly. I needed cargo room and did not care for the need of carrying more than 1 other passenger, which is why I puchased a pickup truck. Plus, they're fun to drive. A 2003 Chevy S-10 extended cab. This is coming from a 5"10", 175lb-er who was born and raised in Manhattan. I knew this year was the last year of the standard S-10 (next year introduces a new line of compact pickups, but only the crew cab version of the S-10 will be available) which means, after 9 years, more or less, most of the bugs have been worked out. What made it so much more enticing was the amount of rebates and incentives offered (which scraped about 1/3 of the total cost off the vehicle!). The foreign makers offered nothing nowhere close. Bottom line: I purchased my new vehicle based on functionality and budget.

As far as quality over the numerous automakers, the big 3 own a majority of the vehicles sold worldwide (GM owns Saab, Hummer, Opel, Vauxhall, to name a few; Ford owns Aston Martin, a large stake in Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover; and DaimerChrysler, in its name I don't need to say much). I have to agree that quality over the 80s and 90s were horrible. But due to the number of acquisitions and consumer feedback, thins definitely have improved over the years. All 3, in my opinion, are headed in the right direction. Chrysler decided to "borrow" some parts from the Mercedes brand like the Crossfire which is 60% Mercedes including the drivetrain. The Fodr Focus, despite it's world renouned number of recalls since its inception, was designed by Europeans (in case you didn't notice the influence). And GM coming out with the GTO which is nothing more than a rebadged vehicle from Australia with the LS-1 Corvette engine. (By they way, off topic, the all american pushrod V8 in the 400hp Corvette gets 28mpg on the highway. How's that for American engineering?)

Of course, not to say, that foreign automakers don't do the same. VW were known to be crap. My 1987 VW Fox was junk. Now, you'll often see Audi labeled parts in many of their cars. And don't you think the new Toureg resembles the Porche Cheyenne? Makes you wonder. (VW owns Porche, by the way). BMW had a HUGE stake in Land Rover but then sold it to Ford. Notice the new Land Rover uses an engine that closely resembles that of the 4.4L found in the X5.

Oh, another thing, as 'girlish' as the Miata is (I thought that way myself), it's all about the power to weight ratio. And the Miata is hellishly light for the amount of power it puts out (still could use a blower, in my opinion).

Just my 2 cents.

Major Tom,

Unfortunately, it is an issue here in the states. I remember having an argument with a co-worker once over just this issue. This man was a middle-aged black man, who was very successful and had bought cars from many different countries (German cars seemed to populate his garage more than others). Anyway, he aserts that Americans should "help out" fellow Americans by buying American cars, while I countered that "If it's my money, I'm going to get the best value for my dollar" He shakes his head and says "Well, that's why all our jobs are going over there!"

At the time (mid 1990's) I really did believe that American cars were ugly, gas guzzling monstrosities that were poorly manufactured by lazy workers. My dad furthered such perceptions by routinely bashing the (mostly) American rental cars he had to drive while out of town on business, saying that they rattled, had "spongy" steering, pillow-y handling, and felt like driving a roach coach with all the pots and pans unsecured and clanging and banging around in the back - contrasted with the neat, tidy, tightly-wound Japanese autos he preferred.

However, my perceptions started changing in recent years because, while I still think American cars are built to much looser tolerances than Japanese or European (well, German and Swedish, anyway) cars, they are much better-looking, with the bleak, boring, utilitarian styling of the 1980's and 1990's becoming a thing of the past. Plus, they are also getting better reliability-wise, although that is true of almost all automobilies now.

Anyway, I really do think that most buyers, particularly those who have already bought more than a handful of cars, have a brand-, or country-loyalty that is not easily broken.

Banana

Hey, don't mess with my Miata!!!

I have to agree with MajorTom a bit. He makes a really good point. Brand/consumer loyalty isn't isolated to a single race/age/gender (the last one is more debatable, I think). I have, in a garage, a 1986 Monte Carlo SS. When the car first came out in 1981/1982, many europeans at that time actually liked it enough to compare it to their own vehicles because of it's handling characterisitcs (front end had upper and lower A arms and the rear was a 4 link setup) and add to that, over 2 decades later, the front suspension of my new truck is nearly identical to my Monte Carlo. Given, it's still a truck, but to maintain that same front suspension and have pretty good handling characterisitcs definitely tells you GM was a bit ahead of its time. Don't get me wrong, It's still nothing compared to the europeans.

Counterpointing "Americans should buy American" is very patriotic, but do you realize how many foreign automakers have their own vehicles built in America? But to counterpoint my counterpoint, the VW Jettas are made in Mexico (didn't know that, did ya?) but the others are made in Germany. Fishy... And, yes, GM is, indeed, shifting auto production to China. Personally, it sounds like a bad thing for the economy, considering the steel tariff imposed by Bush administration earlier this year (but by the WTO and the EU acted to remove the that tariff recently) but that's another story altogether. Quality of work is yet to be seen. Chinese work production quality does seem to have improved. Enough, I personally don't know but don't think so. But, we'll see in a few years.

I totally agree with BasinBictory in the fact that almost all automakers have increased reliability.

MLK,

Hey, I love Miatas. I still think it could use a supercharger.... Or, shoehorn a Ford 351 V-8. (And, yes, it's been done before...) Now, THAT"S an awesome power to weight!

Happy motoring.

I think Russian and North Korean cars are the best to convey status in the USA. You can't buy these cars just anywhere in bring them to the USA without some resources.

...but----wouldn't the weight of the over-charged engine make it top heavy, and therefore, prone to spinning out of control? And could the frame take such power? I know cars like the Corvette is created in one piece, so no need to worry that it's going to break apart under high steam, but the Miata...it's just a lil ole roadster. I do know that because its wheels are 'sticky', it does real well on turns, gaining speed there where it lost in the straight runs. Also, if you power up a roadster, it's no longer a roadster. Now, it's a race-ster!!!

MLK,

To my knowledge, there's only one maker of superchargers for that roadster and that's Eaton. Everyone else pretty much takes theirs and rebadges/rework them. Superchargers will generally produce about 35 to 50% more power (yes, that's a percentage). And the one for the Miata is only about 40% (but can be modified, of course). Which, the latest Miata-at best, makes about 142-hp and 125 ft-lbs of torque. Add, say, 50%, at ever best, without going too far, equals about 213hp and 188 ft lbs. That's not a frame flexing amount of power, believe me. Still doesn't sound much, but it's still only 2500 lbs. The supercharger that Eaton makes is a roots-type blower as opposed to a centrifical type which gives it a low profile, low enough to fit under the hood. Top heavy? No. Remember that the Miata is also a 4 cylinder and the supercharger is maybe about half the size of the engine block (without the head). And, it's alot lighter than you think. And since it fits under the hood, actually adds weight to the front end and, actually, lowers the roll center of the front of the car a hair but not noticable enough to affect handling. Horsepower is what gives you your top end and torque is what drives it. So, if you have a speed limiter/governor on there, you won't be able to take full advantage of the top end. However, with the increased torque, you'll definitely notice the ease of reaching to the desired speed and, if you're like me, leave quite a bit of rubber on the asphalt launching from a stand still. If you want some real power, drop in a 4.6L or 5.0L V8 motor from Ford (same engines as the Mustangs). Until that point, I wouldn't be looking into the suspension all too much. Mazda did a pretty good job for it coming out of the factory. Sorry for the long explanation and the really REALLY off topic.

hhhhmmmmm.... (kelly scratches head)

Thanks for the info. but not sure i know what you're trying to convey. i think i need to get a refresher course on automobile mechanics.

AC,

Do the Russians and N. Koreans even make autos?

It would raise a few eyebrows if one did drive one of those around. However, quality would probably be such to make a late 1980's Hyundai seem like a top of the line Mercedes.

Trust me, I know about late 1980's Hyundais. Rolling death traps, every one. Rodney King got one to go 130mph? That's a laugh.

BasinBictory,

I wasn't trying to convey quality. People get certain brands of cars as a expression of one self. These days cars are more or less the same with auto makers going to the same suppliers and same consulting groups and same government standards....you get the picture. Mega mergers also help cars become more uniform these days.

I mean people who drive exotics and classics aren't doing for the quality. Compared to a Toyato based on reliabity, those car just plain suck. A 15-20 year old car is just a metal coffin compare to the cars of today. For pete sake they run on lead gasoline most of the time. Even those that we view as luxury brand such as Jag, Land Rover, BMW are all plague by reliabilty issues. That is why Japan was able to dominate the market among the middle class. They value low maintaince vehicles.

You do it be convey wealth status and a leisure life style.

The mere fact that you are unaware of Russian and North Korean automakers, means you are a victim of the lack of information. Do you think Russian and North Koreans are just riding horses to get around these days. Even China has domestic cars. We usually don't know about them because we are blocked having access to that kind of information. Europe has a whole slew of automakers we don't know anything about, because of domestic protectism.

MLK,

Why do you break down somewhere on the side of the road and I'll check under your hood...

AC,

You got a website that has pictures of Russian and NK cars? I supposed they did have their own car makers, but seriously, their top officials probably mostly drive foreign autos.

AC,

Of course I didn't think they got around on horses - I mean, why use a perfectly good horse when a Water Buffalo is available?

But seriously, in both countries, automobile production was mainly tied to the military, and production numbers were relatively small in comparison to Western and Japanese automakers who were selling their wares in a capitalistic system.

QUOTE

You do it be convey wealth status and a leisure life style.

Yeah, I'm sure I'd get a lot of loose women jumping into my Soviet-made automobile next time I go clubbing!

As far as domestic protectionism - I don't think too many products from behind the Iron Curtain ever made it to American department store shevles, and vice versa.

Actually Porsche is an idependent company. They just use various VW parts because its cheaper. I know for a fact that my VW can use Porsche front control arms and the iginition console is the same part. Things like various interior bits are probably VW parts. But Porsche is totally idependent, they just made the CHyanne because it would be profitable and probably we might see a comeback in racing.

Theres a V8 Mazada Miata conversion. Sick...

But I am more of a turbo guy. Thats why I like old Audi turbos and I really want to buy an AUdi 5000 Turbo with Quattro and mod it to hell. Turbo cars like Nissans/TOyotas I also like.

A V8 Mazda Miata?

Heck, I'll do you one better - have you seen that "motorcycle" being put out by Dodge, that is basically a Dodge Viper engine with wheels attached? It looks like a motorcycle, but actually has four wheels. Looks ridiculous, and probably would kill anyone who tried to drive it, but damn! That's some power to weight ratio there!

AC,

Leaded gas actually got phased out in the 1970s, thus, making it about 30 years ago. But its harmful effects were known since the 1920s. I can't agree with your point on the foreign automakers not known by us. For one, the U.S. has one of the most (if not the most) stringent emissions laws by any nation. Smaller import companies simply cannot pass emissions and/or inspections to be legally safe. (Which, personally, bothers me since the TVR is only sold in the UK area and the Europeans always have higher output from their motors as opposed to the US version). Second, by the time those vehicles make it over here, the taxes and duties wouldn't make them even worth the cost. And thirdly, by the time they do make it over here and you go get your hands on one, where are going to get parts and support? I'd be hard pressed to order simple things like oil filters overseas and then pay an arm and a leg for them. Another reason, from an enthusiast standpoint, I really wouldn't care too much for a vehicle like that. If there's nothing that exists to make it stand out for the better, (i.e. faster and/or quicker, more efficient, etc..), I'd rather not know about it - I'd be a waste of my time, in my opinion.

Wong,

You may be right about VW and Porche. However, they've always been ka-hoots together. Totally independent? I'm not quite sure about that. The Chayenne and the Toureg initially roll out of the same plant. The driveline is where things split off. I remember the original Beetles (Type 1s) were able to interchange numerout parts from Porches. Even the motormounts were the same, if that's any indication. It's probably a very similar relationship like Mitsubishi has (or had) with Dodge. Though, thinking about it, if Porche uses VW parts, what does that say about Porche? And about VW? Check out V8Miata.com for Miata conversions. If you do price one, don't forget at least 5 sets of rubber you'll be shredding in your first year of ownership. I like anything involved with forced induction. Turbos are great but require alot of fabrication and have cooling issues, but they are extremely efficient. Superchargers require little fabrication, can take less space but since they are belt driven, do take power away. Bang for the buck, just shoot up with nitrous.

Basin,

The "motorcycle" you're referring to is the Tomahawk. Yes, incredibly way over the top performance vehicle... but I like being alive, if you know what I mean. And yes, it does have an independent 4 wheel suspension and the cost is projected into the six figure area if it does go into production.

MLK,

Just get the blower, you won't regret it. I believe JacksonRacing.com has a list of distributors in their website. And , besides, why would they warrant it (and keep the factory warranty) if it doesn't work good?

Piech, I think thats his name owns shares of Porsche, heres some info I read from another messageboard on VW & Porsche relationship.
"Ferdinand Porsche is the one that started the Volkswagen company. after World War II, his son (also named Ferdinand Porsche) started a small company in Austria making "hot rodded" versions of the VW Beetle and put the family name on the cars, instead of "VolksWagen". the rest is history.

every single Porsche made has VolksWagen parts in it. whether it's just switches and distributo caps, or full engines... Porsche and VW share parts on cars. of note: BMW, Mercedes, and Audi also share parts from the same bins too. it's just like in the US how Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler have common parts.

there are members of the Porsche-Piech family on the board of directors of both VW A.G. and Dr Ing hc F. Porsche A.G.

other than that, there's no relation "

Example Porsche lets other car companies use their technology, like the tipronic used in Hyndai's are porsche licensed, and Porsche was the one who tuned the Mercedes 500E sedan and Audi Rs2 Avant

Thanks for the clarification. Though, I'm curious where you're quoting that from. Are you sure BMW, Mercedes and Audi pick from the same bin? I find that questionable. Audi, Porche and VW I can see. If you're referring to having a common contracted company is one thing, but my knowledge of the suspension and drivetrain of the BMWs and Mercedes is what makes it questionable. But I think we (at least the 2 of us) are getting a little sidetracked here. But, decent segway here, Ferdinand Porche was affiliated with Hitler, Nazi Germany, rather by designing military vehicles for them. "Nazi Germany honored its leading designer [Porsche] in 1938 with its own equivalent of the Nobel Prize." "...in World War II, two thirds of its workers were slaves." Now, with that history, would you still turn down a Porche? Qutoed from "Small Wonder: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen". Food for thought.