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Should Americans 'Buy American?'

Jesse Snyder is a senior writer for Automotive News

Ed Lapham's column "Is animosity to foreign cars a thing of the past" certainly has sparked a debate between many of those commenting on our Web site.

While the comments posted reflect no little rancor toward foreign automakers, many support buying Detroit 3 brands.

Buy American regardless of local content is the message of MC, who says he believes American-based decision makers trumps the percentage of locally made parts. "No disrespect to the quality of the foreign vehicles, but I prefer to work locally, see my family and use my paycheck to support local businesses," MC adds.

But Have some sense says it is futile to use guilt to force people to buy domestic cars. And the writer adds "If you think that it's wrong to buy foreign vehicles, then you must think it's wrong for the Big 3 to try to sell American-manufactured products overseas. Do you?"

106726 does see animosity among many buyers -- toward Detroit. "I know more people who won't drive American nameplates by far than people who won't drive foreign nameplates," the writer says.

Another writer sees logic for someone near Honda's Marysville, Ohio assembly plant buying an Accord but can't understand why so many southeastern Michigan residents buy foreign-brand cars.

Ford Retiree is critical of Detroit 3 management shortcuts for alienating customers and adds: "Let's not forget the quality of Detroit 3 vehicles drove away customers, too."

And in Arizona ...

J.P. says Mitsubishi should pull its franchise from the dealers named and give it "to reputable business people."

But Mike B urges caution. He asks: "Does being in the military automatically qualify one for 30-day return privileges at a dealership?"A REMINDER: It's a good idea to pick a handle that is not your full name. Meanwhile, I'll include your comments in this blog, but I won't identify you if you haven't selected a proper alias.

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