All of these companies have a long history. So tell me, how many people have gone to a car show and seen a 1957 Honda? How bout a Toyota? A 57′ Hyundai maybe? Raise your hand. Anyone?
Pretty interesting since foreign vehicles are better quality, eh?

Since you are knowledgeable about the junkyards, which types of cars do you see most frequently in the junkyards – American.

And you do not have as many second rate mechanics for foreign cars because there is not as large of demand for it. On the flip side, thousands of American cars need work daily, hence the need for the mechanics.

And you’re so worried about Foreign company buyouts, but you’re not worried about the American companies dropping off car lines and requesting 4 bailouts from the government? Last I checked, foreign companies were buying some of the American failures.

I own 2 Buicks, and would never trade them for a foreign car ever–foreign cars come with import prices (high) on all their parts, and finding experienced, qualified mechanics (unless you go back to the expensive dealer) is always a chore.

Then we have the car manufacturers buying each other out, so foreign models get completely remodeled (involving new parts and new mechanic training), or models die off altogether, making parts a required junk yard search, and repairs a Chilton manual project (if you can find a manual for your car–some cars don’t have one).

Chevy has been around forever, and if you can work on a Chevy, you can work on a Buick–no parts importation necessary. Junk yard searches optional.

I think the BMW was a new look for luxury interiors. i.e. moving the air controls to the center console.

WHA?

I think the 3 series is designed to make you want to grow up to the 5 or 7 series. The dashes in the beamers were a bad attempt to do something other than what the other luxury car providers were doing.

It is not solely looks but also materials.

Burmonster: look at the current BMW 3-series interior. It looks like it was lifted out of a late 90’s Ford Taurus.

BMW makes great engines, but their interiors leave something to be desired. Too much function…no form.

Explain how that makes the interior look better?

I disagree. You know how much time I have spent messing around in the current C6 Z06 as well as poking around current and previous GT-Rs and feel that the Nissan’s interior is 10x better in function as well as material construction. Like you said, the Corvette does what it does very well. I would buy one. However, the interior has always been lacking.

Case in point, on the current GTR the beveling around the center console is actually brushed aluminum. On the Z06, its plastic.