Webgrunt: MrFi5ter: Cheap cars that fall apart quickly, no matter how fuel-efficient, will never be as eco-friendly as buying a dependable used car locally.

Are you implying that Chinese cars will be cheaply made and fall apart quickly? Sure, that's a real possibility, but so were Japanese cars at one time. China has the resources to make cars as reliable as any manufacturer in the world, if they choose to do so.

And though with China's current fuel consumption ratios I would agree that it's quite easy for more fossil fuels to be burned in the manufacturing of a car than even the most fuel-efficient vehicle will ever save in fuel consumption, China could convert to greener energy sources and... um... OK, I guess I just don't see that second thing happening anytime soon. But my first point has merit.

I didn't say anything about cheap Chinese cars. I said cheap cars. Cheap cars in general are far less reliable resulting in costly repairs requiring parts that have a huge negative impact on the environment to manufacture, or replacing the car entirely which has an even greater environmental impact.

I have owned a 2001 Camry since May, 2005. I have put 92,500 miles on it for a total 162,750 miles. I have never, ever had to make a single mechanical repair. My sister has a 2003 Corolla which, even though it is newer and from the same company is far inferior in terms of reliability. It has half the mileage and has required a lot of repair, and is going to be replaced soon. I believe this is because it was built to be cheap and light weight to make it "economical" and "eco friendly" but that is hardly the result of sub-standard engineering.

brukmann: MrFi5ter: Cheap cars that fall apart quickly, no matter how fuel-efficient, will never be as eco-friendly as buying a dependable used car locally.

This is completely untrue unless the used car has no exhaust leaks, a newish catalytic converter, and was originally ULEV or better.

Hate to break it to you, but your 1970 VW puts out 100,000 times the emissions of a newer Ford Excursion V10 in proportional and aggregate terms and that can be considered worse than the amount of fuel consumed.

/gets sick of seeing cars with the cat rusted off and eco stickers everywhere

Umm... what does a 1970 VW have to do with reliable used cars? I have a 2001 Camry that I bought used in 05. I average about 25 mpg (could be higher but my right foot is really heavy) and have never failed an emission test. I have gotten fuel efficiency of 35mpg on long trips. I haven't had to repair a single thing in the car, which has prevented pollution related to manufacturing and moving replacement parts, and do not plan to replace the car itself until it breaks down. Keep in mind this is a car with 162,750 miles on it. I would like to see any economy car pull that off without multiple repairs and at least one overhaul.

How about making cheaper, simple, cheap to run diesel cars.

And if it is made in Mexico, why not China?

Please remember Americans expect not to be hobbled by an car folding like a tin can.

/Tired of American car companies just adding crap instead of making them better.

Enemabag Jones: How about making cheaper, simple, cheap to run diesel cars.

And if it is made in Mexico, why not China?

Please remember Americans expect not to be hobbled by an car folding like a tin can.

/Tired of American car companies just adding crap instead of making them better.

I wish diesel sedans were as available here as in Europe or Asia. They really are superior gasoline engines, IMO. I am always kind of jealous when I go to Germany and see turbo diesel versions that you can't get here. One of my friend's father has a turbo diesel minivan. I've even seen Elantra TD's.

power_slave: They couldn't just copy the design of American landing craft used at Normandy Beach? Five years after they were invented? God, what idiots. They seriously wanted to have their soldiers swim in and invade taiwan?

Has china ever conducted a successful blue water naval operation? Can anybody name one? Not counting that exploratory mission to the Southern tip of Africa in the 1500s or whatever.

I think that's why they want Ford's technology.