Everything That's Wrong with the American Auto Industry

This week's episode tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top automakers, revealing how performance and reliability drive our ratings. Plus: why the American dealership model is still so frustrating, Chinese EV competition, expert tips for negotiating the best price on a new or used car, and how to avoid costly add-ons. We also answer a viewer question about what we think American cars do better than the competition.

 

Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.

 

 

SHOW NOTES

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00:00 Intro

00:15 Do Consumer Reports Hate American Cars?

00:55 The Myth About American Car Reliability

03:56 What Is an "American-Made" Car?

09:33 Why Consumer Choice Matters

12:37 Chinese EVs and the Future of the Auto Industry

20:26 Why Do Detroit Automakers Struggle With Reliability?

28:05 EVs vs. Hybrids: What's Next?

33:16 Why Buying a Car Is Still So Hard

35:42 Dealership Tips: Avoid Costly Add-Ons

42:06 The Future of the U.S. Auto Market

51:13 Audience Question: What Do American Cars Do Better?

 

 

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Best cars, SUVs, and Trucks from American Brands

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-best-american-cars-suvs-trucks-a1034107548/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Best cars made in the USA

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-cars-made-in-the-usa-a7966845571/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Which Brands Make the Best Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

How to buy a new car in today's high-priced market

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Chinese-made cars are already here.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/automotive-industry/chinese-made-cars-in-us-market-a3786571662/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Most and least satisfying hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/most-and-least-satisfying-electric-vehicles-and-hybrids-a2825600877/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

How do hybrid cars work?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/how-do-hybrid-cars-work-a1034181509/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Find an efficient vehicle that's right for you

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

What to know when buying a new car

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/new-cars/buying-guide/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Best Cars Under $30K

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/best-new-cars-under-30000-dollars-a6574737993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

 

Best new-car deals for July Fourth

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/best-new-car-deals-for-july-4th-a1191663902/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT