Capitol Hill Drives Foreign Cars, Not American

Reader Comments
Back to blog

I believe in the American worker, and if it means he has to work building foreign cars, so be it. At least he wont be on the bread line, and losing his home. Yes, the profits go back to the foreign companies, but can you imagine if tomorrow all the foreign car companies shut down their operations in America. I hope it never happens. By the way,Im driving a 2005 Chev malibu, and I dont think I will buy another one. Next car will probably be a Nissan Altima off lease car. A friend has one, I drove it and the Chevie cant compare. Too many problems that GM would not make good for. I cant afford to make the same mistake again.

Ronzo of NJ 8:01PM February 15, 2011

this sight sux alot

do do of CO 4:57PM April 09, 2009

I would like to know how many senators own foreign cars.

Joan of IL 10:38PM April 01, 2009

Ok, so a lot of foreign cars are built here. But where do those companies
take their profits? In the long run the state governments also shell out
100's of millions in tax breaks to have the plants in their state.
You have to look at the TOTAL ECONOMIC picture!

Jack McMillan of GA 9:08PM March 17, 2009

Washington should lead by example they all should be driving an electric car!

Dennis of MI 1:24PM March 16, 2009

Take time to look at where the "foreign" cars are made compared to the traditional "Domestic Big 3":
Toyota Camry/Avalon/Solara/Venza---Georgetown KY
Toyota Sequoia/Sienna---Indiana
Toyota Tundra--Texas
Toyota Tacoma/Corolla--California
Nissan Altima/Frontier/Xterra-Tn
Honda Accord--Marysville OH
Honda Civic--Indiana
Ford Fusion---Mexico
Chevy Impala--Canada
Chevy Aveo--Korea
Dodge Charger--Canada
Dodge trucks--Mexico
The list goes on. Fact is, more of the "foreign" cars are built in the good ole' USA than what Detroit wants anyone to believe. And in addition, the vast majority of the Toyo/Honda/nissan suppliers are here in the USA. Their philosophy is "build them where you sell them". I have become OK with that because they are providing jobs/income in local communities. Maybe Detroit needs to rub the rust off and get back in the business of building vehicles here in the USA. Jobs sent to Mexico and Canada do not provide incomes that are spent in America.
I don't see how they can try to advertise and promote "Buy American" when you're only buying the "american" name and not an "American" product. That would lend itself to false/misleading advertising---aka--the old "bait and hook" if you will.

Tim of KY 4:42AM March 16, 2009

Come on people. American car makers are counting on our patriotism, while they've sold theirs overseas for lower production costs. If they built better cars Americans would buy them. Why should we invest in companies who have very little regard for us. They produce a second rate product but want first rate recognition. Back in the day, American manufacturers were proud people. They took pride in making the best product on the planet. Nowadays, they demand more money for less work; insist through their unions on keeping their jobs even when their work is subpar and defy anyone to buy anything foreign made.
Well, let me first say that my loyalty is first to my family. Buying smart is not negotiable nor is it a litmus test for whether I love my country. Very few USA made autos get thirty miles a gallon and the workmanship is shabby compared to companies like Toyota or Honda. Take any foreign vehicle and compare it with any of our comparable gas guzzling Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD) "economy" cars.
Let's face it, we can't hold a candle to the foreign car makers when it comes to fuel economy or quality workmanship. We feel too entitled to buckle down and do what it takes to really compete.

Concerned In Pismo Beach of CA 1:11AM March 16, 2009

There are more foreign owned cars manufactured in the US than by the American Companies, who long ago took there manufacturing plants overseas to cut cost. So if you wish to keep Americans employed than buy cars and trucks built by Americans, in American Factories not just cars with an American loco on the grill.

Pat of OR 8:25PM March 15, 2009

Maybe if American car companies start producing more environmentally-friendly and gas-efficient vehicles more people would drive them. Maybe they could think more about the environment than their high salaries and use all that stimulus money to retool their factories!
Get a clue, America!

Lindsey of CA 5:21PM March 15, 2009

I would like to say that I am surprised about this one but I'm not. We have witnessed this and more like this for years now. The last comment that said all politians care about is how much they can get out of the public and the next election? I believe this has been true untill recently but I believe thia is starting to change. I see a small change with the election of President Obama. But there has to be a lot more changes one of them has to be to level the playing field for the american workers. All Politians and all employees in the Federal Government, State and Local Governments should have to own an american car to be privlaged to work for these agencys. It is a pleasur to work for these agencies and to represent these positions and the American people and they shouls have to own an American car. That bis for the employees that own a car and certinly all Members of Capital Hill. The employees have their unions and that is good but they should have to give back and if they own a car it shouls be an America an car. Do something good for the country and buy an American car or Truck you might save your own job! I own a Chevy pickup.

Aldo J. Cafarelli of NY 4:12PM March 15, 2009