Import vs. Domestic...

[misseclipse]

Okay... So I really don't get the whole issue of import vs. domestic... In my opinion, mostly any car manufacturer can make a quality car, whether in the U.S. or in another country... Examples:
Dodge=Viper
Chevrolet=Corvette
Pontiac=GTO
Nissan=Skyline/GTR
Mitsubishi=EVO
Subaru=STI
Toyota=Supra
Mazda=RX-8
Get my point?? I just don't understand why there has to be so much hostility, and basically just a battle of the egos, between import and domestic groups. Can't we all just get along?
I DO drive an import, but I am in no way opposed to domestic-made cars. I DO like vipers, corvettes, camaros, and gtos. All of them fascinate me! I just love cars in general! Why be so closed minded? Can't you see that other cars also have potential for greatness with a little bit of TLC??

Just a random thought.... lol. I literally lost a friend of mine who drove a z28 camaro because I started dating a guy who drove a S2K.... That's just pathetic. Anyways.... Goodnight!

[bluebird94]

I don't get your point.

[RoboLuke]

I don't think any true "car person" would argue that different car manufacturers don't make decent cars.

It's really just a matter of what you grew up around, learned to work with, and eventually enjoyed the most. If it wasn't for the smack talk between rivals then it wouldn't be very competitive (or fun). This topic seems pretty beat to death.

[BLK95-Z]

Oh boy....this is a touchy one. Dont lynch me guys....

I currently own both, and have been down both roads and they both have good and bad points (excluding fuel economy). Here is how I see it from a performance standpoint.....

Hands down if you really want to go fast, make lots of torque, and sound cool go with domestic. Big gas guzzeling domestic engines will make big power with less money or effort. BUT they can be set up to stick when launched and WILL start breaking things quickly, so they can get more expensive to build not only because of the engine, but because of trannys, rear ends, driveshafts, etc. Domestics put big power to the ground and everything has to be beefed up accordingly. In other words you can make way more power with domestic but its going to be more expensive to keep together.

Imports on the other hand are realitivly cheap and can be made to go fast. BUT they have to be so highly strung to make power, reliability soon becomes an issue. The n/a power ceiling in your basic import is pretty low, but with boost, spray, and spinning crazy RPMs they can hold there own from a roll....sometimes. Unless you have an AWD car or its gutted with slicks you will never get the damn things to launch. All they do is spin so you can pretty much triple the horsepower with stock engine, axles, and tranny usually without breaking anything. Also with a good tune a stock motor will put up with some serious abuse for a long time, and when it does blow a replacement bottom end is usually very cheap and easy to find.

Im a car guy and like all kinds of cars so my opinion isnt a biased as others, but if anyone askes my favorite is its a 93-97 z28 :peace2:

[KissMyWhtSS]

wah wah wah.

My criteria varies but has no effect on make. I like my brothers G35 as much as I like his Mustang SVO

[Wooshie]

Domestic > Import. Done.

[19mike84]

i like anthing that goes fast as long as it doesnt have a bunch of wierd things like body kits or huge wheels

[Ryan Stout]

i like anthing that goes fast as long as it doesnt have a bunch of wierd things like body kits or huge wheels

Im with this guy.

[Fastbird]

i like anthing that goes fast as long as it doesnt have a bunch of wierd things like body kits or huge wheels

Couldn't have said it better.

[Blubird]

I don't get your point.

X2

OP says mostly any car manufacturer can make a quality car, but do they ? No
You list each brands top of the line car,of course their top car is going to be of their best work and craftmanship.
You're talking about two very different things,you might as well compare water to alcohol.

[Firebirdjoe]

I just like any thing that builds respectable power.

[misseclipse]

:) Sweet.

[misseclipse]

Domestic > Import. Done.

lol So closed minded.... Which was my original point.

[joelster]

Okay... So I really don't get the whole issue of import vs. domestic... In my opinion, mostly any car manufacturer can make a quality car, whether in the U.S. or in another country... Examples:
Dodge=Viper
Chevrolet=Corvette
Pontiac=GTO
Nissan=Skyline/GTR
Mitsubishi=EVO
Subaru=STI
Toyota=Supra
Mazda=RX-8
Get my point?? I just don't understand why there has to be so much hostility, and basically just a battle of the egos, between import and domestic groups. Can't we all just get along?
I DO drive an import, but I am in no way opposed to domestic-made cars. I DO like vipers, corvettes, camaros, and gtos. All of them fascinate me! I just love cars in general! Why be so closed minded? Can't you see that other cars also have potential for greatness with a little bit of TLC??

Just a random thought.... lol. I literally lost a friend of mine who drove a z28 camaro because I started dating a guy who drove a S2K.... That's just pathetic. Anyways.... Goodnight!

The battle goes a lot deeper than who makes the better car. Simply looking at the end product (the car) and making your choice tends to be naive. Some people (like myself) are proud to live in America, and FULLY understand the importance of TRYING to keep my American money within the borders of this country. When you purchase an import car, a greater portion of the money goes outside of the border, period. Some import guys will say, "but my Toyota was built in a plant in the USA", lol, it goes a lot deeper than that. The "FINAL ASSEMBLY LOCATION" is a tiny part of the actual car process. The plant where a car rolls off of, is simply where all of the pieces are shipped to, and viola, 22 hours later a car rolls off the other end. Someone had to design it, a design team had to approve it, a board of directors had to vote on it, management had to approve of it, accountants had to crunch numbers, outside consultants had to tweak it, engineers had to alter it, the CEO had to have a say in it, etc, etc, etc.......For import cars most of these people are on a little island in the Pacific, and draw a check from a portion of every car sold. Parts content and where it was built is not the entire cars dollar value.

Looking at how our economy is right now it is imperitive that people in the USA take this S**T a little more seriously than they have in the past. I don't care what car won a shootout in the category of "Best Minivan", I do know that EVERY manufacturer makes a damn good product in that category and I will base my purchase accordingly amongst the domestic brands. All cars have flaws, even the fabled Toyotas in case you haven't watched the news in the past few months. Nobody makes a perfect car, and FINALLY after all these years, the total BS perception that Japanese cars are superior is coming to an end!

The fact of the matter is that most people will spend more money in their lifetime on cars than they will on anything else, even their homes. The average person MAY own 2 homes over their lifetime, but they will own 10-15 cars. NOTHING you purchase in your life will directly effect the economy as much as the types of cars you purchase during your life.

Lots of import drivers seem to think that die-hard domestic drivers are hard headed and old school. I tend to think that we are MUCH more patriotic, and just grasp the big picture with a clearer view.

Hows that Mitsubishi? You know what else Mitsubishi built? They built the ZERO fighter plane that attacked our country in WWII. Forgive and forget I guess................

[Tarheel'Z']

^^ wow,,nicely put

[Blubird]

And fbodies have been built in the greatest place in the world since 93 :D

[ToxicFormula]

It don't matter to me what kinda car people drive. I personally drive both import and domestic. My fun car is my Firebird. However my daily driver is an '02 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. The reason I bought an Audi is because I wanted outstanding all-wheel drive and I wanted some of the luxury comforts that comes with that kinda car. And frankly, none of the american brands have an AWD system thats as proven and reliable as Audi and Subaru.

When it comes to racing type cars. My whole view is, if you're gettin done, then I don't care what kinda car it is. I used to be an import hater. And to some extent I still am, but only when cars are riced out. If you keep your car clean lookin and are puttin the power to the pavement. Then you cool in my books. I have plenty of friends who own FAST imports. I have a friend with a honda hatch thats running 10.0's and its still a street car that he drives on a daily basis. Doesn't have a wing or body kit except for a little bit larger of a front bumper because he needed it to kinda protect his intercooler.

But what I do have a problem with, import and domestic, but it seems more prevalent in the import community, is actin like your car is the shit when its really not. I hate when people car their 13 second import fast. If a 13 second car is fast, then I must be lightspeed running mid 11's. I only consider my car quick. Once I break the 10's then maybe I'll call it fast

[ToxicFormula]

And fbodies have been built in the greatest place in the world since 93 :D

Canada? You do know they were built in Canada right?

[Blubird]

Yes lol,that's where I was born

[misseclipse]

So, so hostile... I'm not trying to start a fight. Just voicing my opinion. Thanks for yours :)

[SexyTransAm]

ricers make imports look really bad

[popo8]

Couldn't have said it better.

agreed on agreeing.

[popo8]

The battle goes a lot deeper than who makes the better car. Simply looking at the end product (the car) and making your choice tends to be naive. Some people (like myself) are proud to live in America, and FULLY understand the importance of TRYING to keep my American money within the borders of this country. When you purchase an import car, a greater portion of the money goes outside of the border, period. Some import guys will say, "but my Toyota was built in a plant in the USA", lol, it goes a lot deeper than that. The "FINAL ASSEMBLY LOCATION" is a tiny part of the actual car process. The plant where a car rolls off of, is simply where all of the pieces are shipped to, and viola, 22 hours later a car rolls off the other end. Someone had to design it, a design team had to approve it, a board of directors had to vote on it, management had to approve of it, accountants had to crunch numbers, outside consultants had to tweak it, engineers had to alter it, the CEO had to have a say in it, etc, etc, etc.......For import cars most of these people are on a little island in the Pacific, and draw a check from a portion of every car sold. Parts content and where it was built is not the entire cars dollar value.

Looking at how our economy is right now it is imperitive that people in the USA take this S**T a little more seriously than they have in the past. I don't care what car won a shootout in the category of "Best Minivan", I do know that EVERY manufacturer makes a damn good product in that category and I will base my purchase accordingly amongst the domestic brands. All cars have flaws, even the fabled Toyotas in case you haven't watched the news in the past few months. Nobody makes a perfect car, and FINALLY after all these years, the total BS perception that Japanese cars are superior is coming to an end!

The fact of the matter is that most people will spend more money in their lifetime on cars than they will on anything else, even their homes. The average person MAY own 2 homes over their lifetime, but they will own 10-15 cars. NOTHING you purchase in your life will directly effect the economy as much as the types of cars you purchase during your life.

Lots of import drivers seem to think that die-hard domestic drivers are hard headed and old school. I tend to think that we are MUCH more patriotic, and just grasp the big picture with a clearer view.

Hows that Mitsubishi? You know what else Mitsubishi built? They built the ZERO fighter plane that attacked our country in WWII. Forgive and forget I guess................

Hey, I have a mitsubishi also.

[bluebird94]

So, so hostile... I'm not trying to start a fight. Just voicing my opinion. Thanks for yours :)

No one's fighting. It's not like there's this massive underground war between domestics and imports. I don't think anyone but maybe 16 year olds really care. It just comes down to personal preference. Of course, I'm going to say Mitsubishi's suck because I like GM. I also think Fords suck :hmm: But I'm not going to burn anyone at the stake for driving either .. (probably)

[KissMyWhtSS]

ricers make imports look really bad
You are aware there are stereo types for everything, right? I can think of a couple that are related to domestic cars.

[Wooshie]

lol So closed minded.... Which was my original point.

Not closed minded. My personal opinion which seems to be what everyone else is putting down. I kept it short and simple.

[BLK95-Z]

The battle goes a lot deeper than who makes the better car. Simply looking at the end product (the car) and making your choice tends to be naive. Some people (like myself) are proud to live in America, and FULLY understand the importance of TRYING to keep my American money within the borders of this country. When you purchase an import car, a greater portion of the money goes outside of the border, period. Some import guys will say, "but my Toyota was built in a plant in the USA", lol, it goes a lot deeper than that. The "FINAL ASSEMBLY LOCATION" is a tiny part of the actual car process. The plant where a car rolls off of, is simply where all of the pieces are shipped to, and viola, 22 hours later a car rolls off the other end. Someone had to design it, a design team had to approve it, a board of directors had to vote on it, management had to approve of it, accountants had to crunch numbers, outside consultants had to tweak it, engineers had to alter it, the CEO had to have a say in it, etc, etc, etc.......For import cars most of these people are on a little island in the Pacific, and draw a check from a portion of every car sold. Parts content and where it was built is not the entire cars dollar value.

Looking at how our economy is right now it is imperitive that people in the USA take this S**T a little more seriously than they have in the past. I don't care what car won a shootout in the category of "Best Minivan", I do know that EVERY manufacturer makes a damn good product in that category and I will base my purchase accordingly amongst the domestic brands. All cars have flaws, even the fabled Toyotas in case you haven't watched the news in the past few months. Nobody makes a perfect car, and FINALLY after all these years, the total BS perception that Japanese cars are superior is coming to an end!

The fact of the matter is that most people will spend more money in their lifetime on cars than they will on anything else, even their homes. The average person MAY own 2 homes over their lifetime, but they will own 10-15 cars. NOTHING you purchase in your life will directly effect the economy as much as the types of cars you purchase during your life.

Lots of import drivers seem to think that die-hard domestic drivers are hard headed and old school. I tend to think that we are MUCH more patriotic, and just grasp the big picture with a clearer view.

Hows that Mitsubishi? You know what else Mitsubishi built? They built the ZERO fighter plane that attacked our country in WWII. Forgive and forget I guess................

^^I completly agree with all of this, but my $2000 Honda Civic import I drive didnt put money in anyones pocket except the dude I bought it from down the street, I would never go and buy a new import. With that being said...I can promise you there is no way you can find a 1996, 4 cylinder, domestic ANYTHING with 200+K miles that is in near in the running condition or can put up with the constant abuse that my DD sees. I beat on it like a rented mule, sprayed nitrous through it and everything. In stock trim a d series Honda engine is near indestructable. Youtube is full of videos of ppl with bricks on the gas pedals of imports with no oil or water in them bouncing off the rev limiter and they still last sometimes 3 or 4 videos and still start back up.

We are building good cars now but 15 years ago they were ahead of us IMO. I guess it just sepends on what standpoint your looking at it from.

[Bowtie_Racer]

The battle goes a lot deeper than who makes the better car. Simply looking at the end product (the car) and making your choice tends to be naive. Some people (like myself) are proud to live in America, and FULLY understand the importance of TRYING to keep my American money within the borders of this country. When you purchase an import car, a greater portion of the money goes outside of the border, period. Some import guys will say, "but my Toyota was built in a plant in the USA", lol, it goes a lot deeper than that. The "FINAL ASSEMBLY LOCATION" is a tiny part of the actual car process. The plant where a car rolls off of, is simply where all of the pieces are shipped to, and viola, 22 hours later a car rolls off the other end. Someone had to design it, a design team had to approve it, a board of directors had to vote on it, management had to approve of it, accountants had to crunch numbers, outside consultants had to tweak it, engineers had to alter it, the CEO had to have a say in it, etc, etc, etc.......For import cars most of these people are on a little island in the Pacific, and draw a check from a portion of every car sold. Parts content and where it was built is not the entire cars dollar value.

Looking at how our economy is right now it is imperitive that people in the USA take this S**T a little more seriously than they have in the past. I don't care what car won a shootout in the category of "Best Minivan", I do know that EVERY manufacturer makes a damn good product in that category and I will base my purchase accordingly amongst the domestic brands. All cars have flaws, even the fabled Toyotas in case you haven't watched the news in the past few months. Nobody makes a perfect car, and FINALLY after all these years, the total BS perception that Japanese cars are superior is coming to an end!

The fact of the matter is that most people will spend more money in their lifetime on cars than they will on anything else, even their homes. The average person MAY own 2 homes over their lifetime, but they will own 10-15 cars. NOTHING you purchase in your life will directly effect the economy as much as the types of cars you purchase during your life.

Lots of import drivers seem to think that die-hard domestic drivers are hard headed and old school. I tend to think that we are MUCH more patriotic, and just grasp the big picture with a clearer view.

Hows that Mitsubishi? You know what else Mitsubishi built? They built the ZERO fighter plane that attacked our country in WWII. Forgive and forget I guess................

Im with you on this.

[joelster]

So, so hostile... I'm not trying to start a fight. Just voicing my opinion. Thanks for yours :)

I wasn't being hostile at all. Just stating some facts. I'm positive that there are thousands of people like yourself who don't fully understand the negative impact that purchasing an imported car can have on this country. The Japanese companies have done an INCREDIBLE JOB of infiltrating this country with their products and they are very quick to learn and to adapt. They have a work ethic that is second to none. Somewhere in the 80's the "BUY AMERICAN" motto was lost upon us. Our grandparents had it, our parents likely had it, but the current generation could care less about it, and they just simply pass the blame onto the government or on to unions for the economic woes. The consumer is mostly to blame, period. You don't see people in Japan buying Chevy's and Ford's left and right. Now why is that? BECAUSE THEY KNOW BETTER!

Next up is China. They will have their way with us soon enough.

[CamaroGirl]

The battle goes a lot deeper than who makes the better car. Simply looking at the end product (the car) and making your choice tends to be naive. Some people (like myself) are proud to live in America, and FULLY understand the importance of TRYING to keep my American money within the borders of this country. When you purchase an import car, a greater portion of the money goes outside of the border, period. Some import guys will say, "but my Toyota was built in a plant in the USA", lol, it goes a lot deeper than that. The "FINAL ASSEMBLY LOCATION" is a tiny part of the actual car process. The plant where a car rolls off of, is simply where all of the pieces are shipped to, and viola, 22 hours later a car rolls off the other end. Someone had to design it, a design team had to approve it, a board of directors had to vote on it, management had to approve of it, accountants had to crunch numbers, outside consultants had to tweak it, engineers had to alter it, the CEO had to have a say in it, etc, etc, etc.......For import cars most of these people are on a little island in the Pacific, and draw a check from a portion of every car sold. Parts content and where it was built is not the entire cars dollar value.

Looking at how our economy is right now it is imperitive that people in the USA take this S**T a little more seriously than they have in the past. I don't care what car won a shootout in the category of "Best Minivan", I do know that EVERY manufacturer makes a damn good product in that category and I will base my purchase accordingly amongst the domestic brands. All cars have flaws, even the fabled Toyotas in case you haven't watched the news in the past few months. Nobody makes a perfect car, and FINALLY after all these years, the total BS perception that Japanese cars are superior is coming to an end!

The fact of the matter is that most people will spend more money in their lifetime on cars than they will on anything else, even their homes. The average person MAY own 2 homes over their lifetime, but they will own 10-15 cars. NOTHING you purchase in your life will directly effect the economy as much as the types of cars you purchase during your life.

Lots of import drivers seem to think that die-hard domestic drivers are hard headed and old school. I tend to think that we are MUCH more patriotic, and just grasp the big picture with a clearer view.

Hows that Mitsubishi? You know what else Mitsubishi built? They built the ZERO fighter plane that attacked our country in WWII. Forgive and forget I guess................
QFT...why i bought another GM


Canada? You do know they were built in Canada right?
HELL YES!!

i like anthing that goes fast as long as it doesnt have a bunch of wierd things like body kits or huge wheels
agreed.

[MeanGreen94Z]

Domestic > Import. Done.
ditto... lol, im not an import person :(

[Z28pr0jekt]

I honestly wouldn't mind a nice unmolested early 90s 240 or late 70s/early 80s datsun to tool around with. I was getting interested in early 90s turbo MR2s also.

Debated a couple times picking up a cheap lil honda just to fuck with since parts are so cheap and I think it would be entertaining. I've been driving around my roommate's 95 civic while my car is down and before I get my other car down from NY and if I wanted to I could slam the shit out of the gears the tranny is so simple and accurate.

In all honesty making things like that civic run 13s or even 12s NA is quite a feat considering the size of the motor.

[BLK95-Z]

I honestly wouldn't mind a nice unmolested early 90s 240 or late 70s/early 80s datsun to tool around with. I was getting interested in early 90s turbo MR2s also.

Debated a couple times picking up a cheap lil honda just to fuck with since parts are so cheap and I think it would be entertaining. I've been driving around my roommate's 95 civic while my car is down and before I get my other car down from NY and if I wanted to I could slam the shit out of the gears the tranny is so simple and accurate.

In all honesty making things like that civic run 13s or even 12s NA is quite a feat considering the size of the motor.

5 years ago you wouldnt have cought me dead in a Honda. We used to make fun of people for racing Hondas. The same thing happened to me, I borrowed a friends civic for a week and by the time I gave it back I was like "this thing is slow, but pretty sweet". When gas hit the roof I went straight out and bought my civic, I wouldnt sell it now for $5000 I swear. Its been so much fun reaming the piss out of it for the last 50K miles, never had nary a hiccup...ever. I take it to the track on wednesdays all summer for test n tune and have a complete BLAST. Sometimes the slow races are just as fun...Ive run a best of an 8.70 @ 86mph in the 1/8 spraying a 50 shot. LMAO

[Captain Dirtymax]

that's the one thing i love about my Civic. the last five years, i've beaten the ever living piss out of it. in nearly 100k miles, the only thing that went bad was an outer tierod and the steering rack started leaking. even with a lead foot i've been averaging 32-35mpg in town.

[proace4]

i have an 04 GMC regency edition pickup and a 94 Z. all i've owned were GM vehicles and most likely will own, but my dad leased a toyota tacoma a few years back(the truck is gone now). But i will give it a few things... 1. it drove pretty smooth for having 33 by 12.50s on it. 2. it still got 20 mpg. 3. you couldnt get it stuck and the ground clearance was amazing! 4. and most important their resale value at the end is usually far more than a gm or ford or any domestic vehicle produced.

that truck didnt have any balls but the 4 banger paired with the 5 spd made it fun none the less. they get somethings right but i completely agree with keeping american money in america. Hell i'm from a small town and was raised to(if possible) try and keep purchases local. You help your neighbors and they will help you!

[DMBlack]

i have an 04 GMC regency edition pickup and a 94 Z. all i've owned were GM vehicles and most likely will own, but my dad leased a toyota tacoma a few years back(the truck is gone now). But i will give it a few things... 1. it drove pretty smooth for having 33 by 12.50s on it. 2. it still got 20 mpg. 3. you couldnt get it stuck and the ground clearance was amazing! 4. and most important their resale value at the end is usually far more than a gm or ford or any domestic vehicle produced.

that truck didnt have any balls but the 4 banger paired with the 5 spd made it fun none the less. they get somethings right but i completely agree with keeping american money in america. Hell i'm from a small town and was raised to(if possible) try and keep purchases local. You help your neighbors and they will help you!


You were not trying hard enough!

[proace4]

lol my bad... it wasnt my truck and i had it buried out in the sand hills a few times! still kept on creepin around slowly.

[misseclipse]

ditto... lol, im not an import person :(

But you said you like babyclipse... :(

[misseclipse]

No one's fighting. It's not like there's this massive underground war between domestics and imports. I don't think anyone but maybe 16 year olds really care.

Actually, I don't know where you're from, but around here it's people all the way from teens to 30s fighting about which is better. It's ridiculous and I don't understand it. It's not all political like some people on here are trying to say. Most people don't go out and buy domestics just so that they can help stimulate the economy and support the U.S. You're right, though, bluebird94, it is personal preference. Style, performance, MPG, etc. are what the deciding factors in purchasing a car are for the everyday person. But w/e. I'm tired of debating this... I like my little import, but I also like my boyfriends Z28. For me, it's not a matter of choosing "sides." I could care less if it's a domestic or an import. All I care about is seeing what it can do...:claps:

[5POINT7]

Actually, I don't know where you're from, but around here it's people all the way from teens to 30s fighting about which is better. It's ridiculous and I don't understand it.


It's how everything is, everybody wants to be better than the next guy.

[Camaro_94]

People have their own opinions. Nobody's right or wrong. Its just a matter of personal preference.

I'm a die-hard american car fan. I love the big 3! I dont mind imports either, as long as they dont fall under the rice category. Hell, I dont like american rice either. I love the new 2 door Nissan Altima's. I actually considered buying one, but then I remembered they were made by nissan :laugh:.

Its a pointless thing to argue. Nobody will ever win the debate.

[Wooshie]

This is a pointless thread. I'm glad you like your eclipse OP, but you can't come onto a domestic car performance site and expect people to jump on the import bandwagon. I would be curious if you are trying to do an LTX swap in your eclipse or something like that. This thread has been beat to death and should be closed. Mods can I get a hell yeah?:peace2:

[Tarheel'Z']

not a mod,,but ill give ya a HELL YEAH

[joelster]

No!

Leave it open. I like educating import-car people . Somewhere down they line they fell victim to advertising. Maybe someday they will make a car purchase with a clear mind.

[RoboLuke]

I agree, there is no significant purpose to this thread.

This debate is never going to be settled and the thread really isn't needed here. This is obviously a GM based website so these discussions are better left to all around automotive sites, not a niche site such as this.

This thread will only promote endless useless chatter that doesn't belong here.