Is the media responsible for the downfall of GM and Ford?

[sheep]

Reposted from another forum:
After dinner this evening, I sat down with my latest copy of Consumer Reports and always make a point to stop at the "Recalls & Safety Alerts".

The only vehicle recall in this issue states:

Quote:
04-'06 Lexus and Toyota (various models)
Retaining clips for center console can loosen, possibly causing carpet cover to interfere with accelerator that could lead to crash.


It then goes on to list the models such as Rx330, Highlander, RX400.

If this was a GM or Ford vehicle the Canadian media especially would have this on the 6 pm news. I've seen it time and time again.

Why does the media feel the need to overlook recalls by Japanese manufacturers when going out of their way to make a story over GM and Ford recalls?

 

[DriveThruRecFan]

i think that japanese vehicles dont have recalls as severe as american companies, like ford explorers flipping over, or chrysler vans that have faultly exhaust designs that can puncture gas tanks causing explosion.

 

[MidnightPrism]

i think that japanese vehicles dont have recalls as severe as american companies,

I do believe Toyota has had more recalls than anyone else this year, and recently delayed the launch of several new vehicles because of quality failures

 

[DiaryOfAMadman]

The big problem here is design. Unless your looking for SUV's or Pickup Trucks, then the American Auto Makers haven't given the consumers anyting to be excited about. Nissan keeps rolling inexpensives almost luxury sedans that continue to become more and more poplular. However Detroit can make a comeback. Starting next year as the American Musscle Car returns to the show rooms. Last year the redesigned / retro mustang came out from Ford to overwhelming support. Chevy is bringing back the Mustang's legendary rival for the first time in years the Chevy Camaro with a retro look and lets not forget the Retro Dodge Charger complete with a 398 HP 8 Cyl Hemi I beleive. Demand is so high in these cars right now it looks as if Chrysler will have no choice to put Challanger it showed at this years auto show into production by no later then the 2009 season. So things look promising for Ford and Chevy in the near future.

 

[RationalLunacy]

FORD = "Found on the Road Dead", or "Fix Or Repair Daily".

Then let's not forget the reputation of the Ford Exploder -- erm, uh.....Explorer.

 

[sheep]

FORD = "Found on the Road Dead", or "Fix Or Repair Daily".

Then let's not forget the reputation of the Ford Exploder -- erm, uh.....Explorer.

And then there is the Shove it or Leave it. (chevrolet)

Too bad that so many Explorer owners didn't check their tire pressure. We had 3 of them and they were just fine, thank you very much.

And as far as my '05 Mustanf GT, it hasn't had anything go wrong with it in 21,000 Km and no recalls. That's pretty good for a completely new car from the ground up.

 

[MidnightPrism]

Show me American vehicle manufacturers touting gas efficient vehicles? Anywhere? Didn't think so.

Chevy has been airing a lot of commercials saying they have more vehicles that get over 30mpg than any other manufacturer

 

[sheep]

Nissan keeps rolling inexpensives almost luxury sedans that continue to become more and more poplular

Recall Date:
NOV 07, 2005
Model Affected:
2006 NISSAN MAXIMA
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE DRIVER PREFERRED PACKAGE, THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT POWER LUMBAR SUPPORT SWITCH MAY BE ROUTED INCORRECTLY AND COULD BE PINCHED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.
Consequence:
A PINCHED HARNESS, IN COMBINATION WITH DRIVING VIBRATION, MAY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE HARNESS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE IN THE SEAT.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS AND ROUTE IT CORRECTLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Potential Units Affected:
102551


Recall Date:
FEB 13, 2006
Model Affected:
2006 NISSAN MAXIMA
Summary:
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE REAR SUBFRAME MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRACK IN A BRACKET WHICH HOLDS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION.
Consequence:
IF THE BRACKET IS CRACKED, THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE AFFECTED UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUBFRAME TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Potential Units Affected:
759


Recall Date:
JUN 21, 2006
Model Affected:
2006 NISSAN ALTIMA
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PERFORMANCE OF THE PISTON RINGS.
Consequence:
IF THE OIL IS NOT MAINTAINED AT LEAST AT THE MINIMUM LEVEL, ENGINE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR AND IN EXTREME CASES RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE.
Remedy:
NISSAN HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. ON JUNE 9, 2006, NISSAN NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE OIL AT A PROPER LEVEL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Potential Units Affected:
85000


Recall Date:
JAN 10, 2006
Model Affected:
2006 NISSAN MURANO
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK, IN THE EVENT THAT A VEHICLE FRONT TIRE RUNS OVER A SMALL, SHARP OBJECT IN THE ROAD, CATCHES IT AND PROPELS IT TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT MAY STRIKE AND PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence:
A PUNCTURED TANK COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS IN FRONT OF THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Potential Units Affected:
205000


Recall Date:
MAR 30, 2006
Model Affected:
2006 NISSAN FRONTIER
Summary:
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence:
THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Potential Units Affected:
42000


So it looks like Nissan's quality is not up to par either with close to a half million recalls for the 2006 models alone.

 

[TylerKS]

I'm not too sure. We have owned import and domestic and actually have had more luck with domestic. We're gonna be buying 2 new european cars really soon that will replace domestics. I hope they hold up as well. Getting a new 750iL and prob a G500.

BTW Nissan Armada was voted worse SUV of 05.

 

[thermodynamics]

I guess they're probably all equal on the number & severity of recalls, but which group has more vehicles in America--the American automakers. So they're going to get more attention.

Ford is starting to work on fuel-efficient vehicles. Ethanol is not the solution--the thermodynamics (yes, that's my name) are the problem here.

But as Americans, we love performance. People seem to want big engines that can make the car get off the line fast. So long as we want that, we're going to be stuck with gas-guzzling vehicles.

 

[blooeyz]

American cars are the worst
let them go the way of the dinosaur

 

[Lube]

Ford & GM putting their corporate head in the sand--that's what's responsible for the downfall of GM & Ford.

 

[natedogg323]

O.K. I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this but the Union is to blame for the down fall of the big three. I have worked for one of the big three and I have seen first hand what and who the union protects. Now I know there are exceptions to every rule. I know there are a ton of hard working people in the auto industry. But from what I've seen I am horified at the state of union and the shit ass attitude that the workers come to work with. Especially based on what type of jack these people pull in. Its ludicris how they can call in and do shity work at those wages. You want to drive cost down reduce wages. You want to make a better more reliable product that you need to have better workers. I think the biggest mistake they make is hiring from employee's only. They need to bring in people off the street and give jobs to who really want them.

 

[Joshua_me]

I dunno....

My Mom drives a '06 Lexus GS (is it '300' '400' ?) I forget.

Anyway, given the price of the damned thing and considering it was
driven new off the lot, it's been plagued with more problems than
I've ever seen in a new car of that standard.

Seemingly small problems that add up to a lot.

1) The memory seat settings don't work... And in fact, go insane
at the worst times. You can be driving down the street, and suddenly the
seat moves it's self back, and then foward again. (THREE trips to
the dealer...they say nothing is wrong.)

2) The auto 'rain-sensitive' wipers don't work in the rain, but turn themselves on in the bright sunlight.... same with the auto headlights.

3) You can fill the tank with gas, but something as simple as the gas gauge
will still show 'empty' for about five miles or so....

Lexus: "The relentless pursuit of perfection" or whatever it is can go
have relations with themselves, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Kurn]

One thing I've been thinking this year: There'll always be a nostalgia niche for Ford (Mustangs/T-birds) and for GM (Corvettes). Daimler/Chrysler? Nothing except Jeep inspires interest on the American side. I'm sure the big 3 make twucks that some guys love. But at present the American auto industry is in danger of perishing from its own self-imposed boredom and impracticality.
But I don't blame anyONE. I blame EVERYONE. With extra disdain for our Great
American Non-leadership.

 

[The_Reaper]

Also, you have to remember the auto company themselves issue and send out the recall.

I had a recall notice sent to our house once when I was a boy, from Ford themselves.

So, either way the idea of recall is sent out to the public. The media simply helps the auto companies reach those who haven't gotten the letters yet...Probably to avoid an un-necessary lawsuit.

If anything is hammering the nail into auto companies, it's gas prices....

My father's co-worker has a car from the 1950's that still runs well, and gets incredible gas mileage. Like supernatural gas mileage. Apparently, the company (which shall remain nameless) offered to buy the car and even replace it for this co-worker. He refused though.

If they could make a car that could get, I think my father said 70 miles to the galleon, in the 1950s....Why can't they make one now?

 

[lostparker17]

New 1973 Chevelle SS 454 with sunroof. Sunroof leaked like a sieve. Headliner fell out. GM said it was "within spec" and never fixed.

New 1975 Mustang GT V8. Silver metallic paint dull after 6 month. Refused to fix it.

New 1977 Corvette. Paint started flaking off everywhere with one month. GM would only "spot" paint and not do a complete paint job. Car looked like it had acne.

Beemers, Audi's and Lexus since with the LS430 the best car I have ever owned.

I didn't leave Ford and GM, they left me.

 

[wentworth]

Reposted from another forum:
After dinner this evening, I sat down with my latest copy of Consumer Reports and always make a point to stop at the "Recalls & Safety Alerts".

The only vehicle recall in this issue states:

Quote:
04-'06 Lexus and Toyota (various models)
Retaining clips for center console can loosen, possibly causing carpet cover to interfere with accelerator that could lead to crash.


It then goes on to list the models such as Rx330, Highlander, RX400.

If this was a GM or Ford vehicle the Canadian media especially would have this on the 6 pm news. I've seen it time and time again.

Why does the media feel the need to overlook recalls by Japanese manufacturers when going out of their way to make a story over GM and Ford recalls?

Not to mention Toyota's transmission problems as of late.
Look, it's Consumer Reports. They have a well-known bias toward imports (although it used to be deserved).

 

[wentworth]

O.K. I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this but the Union is to blame for the down fall of the big three. I have worked for one of the big three and I have seen first hand what and who the union protects. Now I know there are exceptions to every rule. I know there are a ton of hard working people in the auto industry. But from what I've seen I am horified at the state of union and the shit ass attitude that the workers come to work with. Especially based on what type of jack these people pull in. Its ludicris how they can call in and do shity work at those wages. You want to drive cost down reduce wages. You want to make a better more reliable product that you need to have better workers. I think the biggest mistake they make is hiring from employee's only. They need to bring in people off the street and give jobs to who really want them.

This is the only correct answer in the thread so far. I have to be blunt, but you are correct. The UAW has driven the industry into the ground.

 

[tbonez]

You can blame whomever you want but you can't deny that consumers are staying away from domestics in record numbers. Personally I think the manufactures have no one to blame but themselves. Ford and GM in particular have a long history of building cars no one wants...So they resort to HUGE rebates and 'zero' financing deals to unload their white elephants, usually at a loss.

My parents have always owned Volvos. Since Ford took over Volvo, the quality went right down the crapper. Service is also horrid and waiting a week or two for parts is common when things break, which they do with great regularity.

Resale is another HUGE issue. When my dad died my mum was left with two cars. His was newer, but had been plagued with problems and it wouldn't start if it sat for more than three of fours days, so she decided to get rid of it. She took it to the dealership where my parents had bought a half-dozen cars over the years. It was about two years old and had only 15,000 kms on it (8-9000 miles?) They offered her 50% of what my dad paid for it new. She will never buy another Volvo, nor would I.

She traded two Volvos in on a Nissan (M) and it's been flawless.

I drive a Jeep and I love it. That said, it's basically prehistoric technology and unsafe at any speed. Jeep has real quality issues and it's always one thing or another that needs fixing. It's been that way since it was new (I have the original repair history). Radiators every two years, water pumps are problematic, brakes are touchy, heater is a joke, defroster is pathetic...

My next car will be Japanese likely, possibly Korean. I doubt I'll ever buy another domestic car...Well not in the foreseeable future. I'd sooner eat a box of nails than go to my local Jeep dealership for service. In Mass. they wouldn't even look at it after it turned over 100,000 miles. The local Toyota shop gave it an alignment and fixed the leaking hydraulic clutch, changed the transfer-case fluid and gave me a coupon for the value of the work against the purchase of any new Toyota. Now that's service!