I dont know why I am going to reply, just read the magizines like Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Consumer Reports. There is opinion, that is the buying publics' opinion. I have owned Japanese cars, and they were great cars. For a quick example, I want all you naysayers to go to Kelley Blue Book and price a Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Focus, Neon and Sunfire from say 2000. Be fair and you will see a huge price difference (relative), that is because of quality both real and I will admit to some extent imagined. The same thing appears in the compact truck market. I am a car guy to the hilt and I would love it if the American manufacturers could do better, but they aren't.