[quote]ORIGINAL: Jeremiah 29:11

In todays global economy, you have to earn loyalty. American companies have to make good products that want to be bought
and not expect Americans to buy it because they are loyal.

The Challenger beckons to be bought.


American Carmakers Look for Loyalty

By Marv Balousek


Perception Problem
The problem for Detroit is changing perceptions that often don't match reality.

"There is certainly a terrible perception problem among the majority of consumers," said Pat Baxter, president of Kayser Ford in Madison, Wis. "They do blindly believe that import cars are of higher quality. The gap is so small it's insignificant."

American car manufacturers are definitely on the come-back trail. I personally will always recommend a domestic brand over an import. I'm not saying that American cars are superior to the Asian/European brands. I am saying that there are some real gems in the domestic stable.....you just gotta seek them out.

For instance, my wife's 96 Dodge Caravan Sport is nearing the end of its natural life. It has given us 330,000 almost problem free kilometers. Mind you, the transmission was changed, as were the front struts, alternator, and wheel bearings. Otherwise, its been a real joy to own. I attribute this longevity to frequent oil changes (5000 miles) and a regular maintenance schedule.

My wife has been eyeing the Chevrolet Equinox since its inception in 2005. However, I refused to buy it with its weak powerplant. GM has finally fixed all its problems with an interior redo for 2007 and the future powertrain upgrades for 2008. The Equinox Sport is the best itineration of the Equinox lineage. The problem for GM is that it took them 4 model years to correct the deficiencies.

Let's just say I am a very patient man.

I have been a domestic supporter ever since my father let his then 16 year old "hot blood" drive his 67 Buick Wildcat with its 445 c.i. engine. Boy, did that thing just love to lay rubber!!

I've always treated my car with TLC. regular maintenance, proper waxing, and babying when needed. My vehicles have given me lots of respect in return and a long life.

75 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 262 c.i. v8 4-speed manual
84 Pontiac 6000 STE 2.8 v6 4 speed automatic 605,000 km
93 Eagle Vision Tsi 3.5 v6 4 speed automatic 585,000 km
96 Dodge Caravan 3.3 v6 4 speed automatic 330,000 km (wife's car)
04 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8 SC v6 4 speed auto 173,000 km
05 Ford Mustang Pony 4.0 v6 5 speed automatic 56,000 km (son's car)

08 Dodge Challenger HEMI 5 speed automatic ( my future ride)

[color=#3300CC][size=4]I BLEED LOYALTY!