How to respond?

ask for specific examples... i garuntee she wont have any.

I hate that statement as well. We aren't far in technology. I just think they do feel the need to implement some of the stuff.

The only thing's I wish they would have changed in our Fusion's is instead of the green dash lighting. Make it like the Mazda's Electroluminescent Dash.

Something that grabs my eye, not plain jane dash. I think detail should have been focused on a little more.

There aren't really any truly "American" companies anyway. Ford sells world-wide and produces in Australia, South America, Mexico, and Europe. Their technology is interchangeable, so how can they be behind?

About the only thing we can honestly fault the American name brands for is short-range thinking. They were fat dumb and happy with SUVs and trucks, and let their car lines get long in the tooth. For the past 40 years they have been slow to offer smaller nimbler vehicles (such as the Fusion and Focus). And if Explorer and Expedition sales were to pick up noticeable, they'd probably stick their heads in the sand again.

:x Many people have not yet "caught up" to the new century of car building. The media has had a huge hand in how Americans perceive the American car building industry. We have had it bashed into our heads time and time again about how bad Ford or GM vehicles are. Yet, look at the reliability stats at MSN.com. You will be surprised to see the Taurus is every bit as reliable as the Accord. Image is the next hurdle Ford needs to jump over. No, Americans are not behind in engine or car building technology. The media would like you to think so however. It has become a norm to bash Ford/GM. By the way, how come all the European brands ranked lower in reliability than Ford/GM?? See JD powers site.. 8)

Problem is - Toyota has done such a great job of brainwashing everyone into praising the Camry that it's going to take years of education to undo their BS.

But Chevy isn't helping with the crap they're building these days.

[quote author=shan07 link=topic=60524.msg1027986#msg1027986 date=1161695095]
I LOVE my Fusion.  We also have a '00 Ford Ranger and an '80 Corvette.  So I take offense when I hear "American cars suck!"   This phrase was posted on a general message board I frequent.  She went on to claim that American companies are far behind in auto technology compared to European and Japanese companies.  I do not know how true that statement is but the sweeping generalization about American cars got me all riled up.        Mainly because I think the Fusion is an awesome car! 


How would you respond?   :x
[/quote]

This may sound harsh but it is true. I am a person that will only buy American because I believe it is the right thing to do. My parent both drive Fords and Hondas. In 15 years of my mom driving a Honda Accord she has had 1 repair. The light in the digital clock went. In the same time my dad has always driven the Ford Taurus and now a Fusion. The Taurus has been pretty good too. 2 power window motors, an oil leak repair 2 days after picking up the car. Check engine lights a countless number of times. Wind noises and gasket leaks. This is just my family's experience. I still will drive a Ford. The Fusion I have and my dad has not given us a lick of problems. Hopefully Ford has learned.

Consumer Reports indicates the Fusion/Milan/Zephyr platform is on par with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for reliability. Not bad for a car that is made in Mexico!

I read an article in the local paper about a month ago that said TOYOTA quality has been slipping for the last few years.
Auto Analysts say it may be because TOYOTA is cranking out the vehicles like mad to try and take the #1 spot from GM, and they're getting a bit careless.