Here's a survey in the UK. http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-report.aspx?NA=217350# <http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-report.aspx?NA=217350> And another http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/2005/11/stories/01/1.html BR, Peter _____ From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dale Kelly Sent: 14 December 2008 23:39 To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [opendtv] Re: Euro Cars Dan wrote: (By the way, the German autos are by far the best: Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes: they are what to drive). I suggest that you check the Consumer Reports 2008 Annual Auto Issue: their extensive automobile ownership research program finds that the reliability of European brands is average or worse and rank third behind Asian and American models. The most unreliable of the European models are VW, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover. American passenger cars generally do better in these rankings and Ford is the most reliable U.S. model (as it is in Europe, as I recall). Quote from CU: "with cars such as the Fusion, Ford is beginning to distance itself from other domestic makes". There is much similarity between Ford and GMs American and European models, i.e.: Fords Fusion and Focus and GMs Impala and Malibu. However, You are correct that engines and suspension performance differ but that is by design, which others on this list have addressed. Having lived in Europe for eight years and also having extensive driving experience on the Continent as well as in England, it is my observation that a drivers needs are much different between Europe and America. European rural roads tend to be more challenging and their "freeways" can be more akin to racetracks, where the lead foot rules. Our American driving experience tends to be very benign by comparison. -----Original Message----- From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of dan.grimes@xxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, December 12, 2008 11:18 AM To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [opendtv] Euro Cars I've driven European GM cars (Jeep, Opel) and the American equivalents. They don't compare. The Euro cars are faster and spunkier. I'm guessing it is in the programming and I bet the emissions are not as strict. Or maybe just cheaper components (like smaller exhaust pipes). (By the way, the German autos are by far the best: Volkwagen, Audi, Mercedes: they are what to drive). The last car I rented in Europe was an Opel Vectra wagon with a 1.9 turbo-diesel. Those cars are so practical, stylish and comfortable, my wife wanted to buy one in the states even though she doesn't like wagons. She was really disappointed that they aren't available here in the US, at least not like the Opel. The Chevy Malibu wagon is the US equivalent, but not really. Not in finish, handling and certainly no deisel engine. Truth is, US car makers don't make cars that most of us want. The Toyotas and Hondas are more expensive and out-sell. Toyota is now the biggest auto manufacturer in the world and they don't make massive vehicles that don't do anything like GM. Dan