I have had a lot of cars. And I work in the automtoive business as an Engineer.
Now, from my experience I would by a Japanese built product. Japanese products have better quality then anything out there right now. That could change, but right now they are king. Nobody can touch them, not the Big Three, or the Germans.
All the American vehicles I have owned and still own need to be repaired more often then Japanese vehicles from my experience. Since I bought my Japanese built Protege, I have never had to bring it to the dealer for any repair. It has been rock solid for three years. I could not say that for my Pontiac Grand Prix (7 times to the dealer with in one year) Sold it, Chevy Cavalier( 4 times to the dealer on a shift issue that they never fixed) SOLD it.
I also have a Toyota Highlander (what a beautiful truck), never to the dealer. Had it for almost two years.
I am very concerned about the Big Three and what will happen if they can't keep up with the competition. But this is reality, a car is a big purchase. I don't want to loose my job or does anyone else. But if your going to dish out money for a vehicle, sorry man your going to get the best you can get right.
Concidering FORD's past, stick with quality. I am talking about proven quality. And that isn't FORD, yes Ford says quality is job one. But that is just a saying, they can say what ever they want.
Do I wish it was the other way around, yeck ya.
Why do the japanese dominate the tv, stereo market just to name a few. QUALITY.