My generation is Generation X (20-somethings). And if all other things (read: quality) were equal, I'd buy a domestic product over an import. But if the import is better at a comparable price, I'm going to buy the better product.

As for the argument that buying a Nissan Titan will take money out of the pocket of the average working American, that's just ridiculous. As Thayer mentioned, manufacturing and assembly of the truck and its powerplant are done inside the U.S. I'm pretty sure the engineering was done inside the U.S. as well. Therefore, the only Americans who lose money from my buying a Titan over an F150 are the big-whigs at Ford Motor Co. and FoMoCo share holders, who aren't the "average Joe's" your argument purports to protect.

The bottom line is that the traditional American companies need to learn to compete on a global market. You never hear Japan scared out of their wits that Japanese people might buy too many American cars. I'm not sure if you've ever taken Macroeconomics, but the second main principle of a global system (after supply and demand) is specific advantage, whereby nations produce those products that they're best at producing and import products that others produce better. Disobeying this principle causes a great waste in resources. Maybe Congress members should retake this class before the next time they want to raise tariffs on foreign cars (or any other products).

-Jeff

 

I thought we were Gen. "Y" (20 somethings)

I did not know that the average person didn't invest . I guess I need to sell my stocks.

 

X or Y; I thought Y was current teens, but I could be wrong. I always hated stereotyping by age, and I apologize for having done so myself. My intent was to highlight the difference in the times during which my generation grew up, not to generalize about our convictions. But anyway, I'm pretty sure the average assembly line worker doesn't invest.

And since I'm responding anyway, I guess I'll go ahead and address the patriotic issue. I'm just about the biggest patriot you'll ever meet. But one of the biggest things I love about America is our freedom, and that includes a free economy where I can use my dollar to its fullest extent (and in the way I prefer to use it). This freedom is actually whittled away by government-imposed tariffs designed to protect American companies. That's what I hate about our current governmental trend - take away what's truly patriotic (our freedoms) in the name of patriotism (in this case, supporting/protecting American companies).

I love America. But if I lose the ability to buy a Japanese truck, I'll have lost what it is about America that I love. Upon graduation I plan to join the Navy, but if the freedoms I plan to defend are gone, I'll merely be a puppet to a government, rather than a man with a cause.

-Jeff

edited for diction

 

If you plan on defending America and her freedom, maybe you should join the Marine Corps.... unless you've got what it takes to become a SEAL.

 

Well if you can use your money to buy a jap truck, why not buy an indian truck? But wait those don't exist. So I guess your dollar idea here is that you can't use ur money to buy an indian truck since it dosn't exist, then since you can't do what you would like in that case then the American economy is not truely free is it?

 

That's a ludicrous straw-man response. In fact, I can do whatever I want with my money in the fact that if I wish to have an Indian truck, I can design and build one myself. Regardless, my point was intended (and I believe well understood) that I can make my own free decision from the options with which I'm presented; not that I am or ought to be free to choose the impossible.

-Jeff

 

I plan to join the Civil Engineering Corps of the Navy. I don't believe the Marine Corps has one of its own. I won't be fighting (in a physical sense) for my country. Instead I'll be serving her using the gifts with which I was blessed, as a staff officer. Though I wouldn't necessarily preclude service leading a Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (SeaBees).

-Jeff

 

After reading all this, I believe someone is a member of the BS generation. Hopefully everyone won't send all their money overseas just because they can. Also, I'm a factory worker, a stockholder, an investor, a veteran, and a realist. Given the choice, I spend my money on American products made by American companies. Just makes sense to me..

Graduate of THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS..

 

Bottom line- what is an American car?

Many GM's are assembled in Canada & Mexico, so are many engines built for Ford. BMW builds cars & trucks in South Carolina, Nissan builds vehicles in Tennessee and Mississippi, Honda if memory serves builds their vehicles in Marysville, Ohio. So, as has been stated many times before, the line is very blurry on what does/doesn't constitute an American vehicle.

It's a silly arguement any way. Buy what you like folks. Buy what your wallet can handle. I don't think any one is any more, or any less American because they buy a Japanese car? I wonder why we don't hold the same disdain for the affluent among us who drive Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc?? Do you realize that Chrysler is now owned by Daimler? That Ford owns 51% of Mazda, they own, or are in control of Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar. GM has a similiar stake in Daewoo, Saab, etc...

I spent 10 years in service to this country as a soldier in the US Army. I'm a Desert Storm Vet, who spent 41 days under fire- so you best believe I love America. But, don't fool yourselves people- it is not your decision or my decision to buy a Japanese or American car that's gonna make the difference. It's the manufacturers inability to anticipate and meet consumer need that held them in place while Nissan, Toyota and Honda moved up. It is also our companies decision to export thousands of US jobs to lower income countries to to improve their bottom line, increase profits- while simultaneously robbing the US worker or a career, income and job-security. We didn't do that to ourselves, but we're victim to it. We're all victims to the bottom line of America's P&L statement.

So, with that- don't feel, or let anyone make you feel less American because you drive a Nissan. At least Nissan is bringing jobs TO America. Don't think you're pro-American because you buy a Ford. You either are American, or you're not. The car you drive doesn't change that...

You guys brought some valid points to the table- but we all have choices. We all know Ford will outsell the Titan. I for one, will enjoy the battle regardless of the outcome because as good as the F-150 will be, as awesome as I'm sure the Titan will be- when Chevy, Dodge & Toyota release their new vehicles over the next 4-5 years- every truck-drivign American will benefit from the battle that will start when Motor Trend puts those two heavyweights in the ring together.

May the BEST truck win!!!

 

L, while I respect your opinion and your decision to buy American in all cases, this sort of response is not only unsolicited, it's also unproductive. You may get a cheer from those who are equally as belligerent, but anyone who's actually reading critically will see that this is merely an ad hominem attack. If you have a good argument for why to always buy American you ought to be able to present it intelligibly, and I'll listen to it. Until then, please refrain from assaulting my integrity.

And I shall reiterate for your benefit: I don't buy foreign products "just because I can." I weigh the options and buy the better product. If all other things are equal, I would buy an American product before a foreign one. However, I will not buy an inferior American product simply because it was produced domestically. If the American company can't compete, it shouldn't. I think that's simple enough.

That being said, they should be able to compete in the area of automobiles. They just need to ante up. Nissan saw what was required to compete in the full-size truck market and delivered a strong product, on American terms. Ford should raise the bar in response. Unfortunately, it will take the big three a while to dig themselves out from under the low-quality reputation they've deservingly been given. But I'd be more than thrilled to see them do just that.

And I appreciate your comments, Bighersh. Well put.

-Jeff

 

Amen Bighersh! BTW...I'm an active member of the USAF with 15 years of service and consider myself a patriot as well. I'm getting a new truck when I come back to the states next year, it might be a Ford, or a Nissan, or a Dodge. As you mentioned, these are all multi-national, global corporations but American workers will benefit from my purchase whichever I choose.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=125372

 

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/...cab/home.shtml

http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/Fu...,24367,00.html


Nissan's new four door Titan Crew Cab marks another model ready to make an assault on the U.S. domestic truck market . We've already seen the same essential package before, in the Titan King Cab that marked the debut of Nissan's first-ever full-size truck a few months ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Just add to that two full-size, front-hinged doors and more interior volume.

"The Nissan Titan significantly raises the standard for power, utility and style within the full-size truck segment through its bold innovations and advanced design," said Kirrane. "Titan clearly represents a shift in truck thinking and design."

When it came to designing the cabin of the Titan Crew Cab, Nissan kept in mind that many full-size crew-cab trucks (like the F-150 SuperCrew) are used to haul around not only construction workers, but suburban families. With that in mind, the Titan Crew Cab can be configured to sit five or six passengers and do so comfortably. With 127 cubic feet of space, the Titan Crew Cab has more interior room than the just announced new-generation Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra models. That also means more front and rear seat legroom than any of its competitors. An available full-length overhead console (similar to the one seen on the new Quest) offers space for a optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system; dampened storage bins for cell phones, PDAs, CDs, etc; and overhead reading lamps.

All Titans are powered by Nissan's new "Endurance" 5.6L V8 with 300-plus bhp (final numbers are not yet known) and 375-plus ft-lbs of torque mated to a standard heavy-duty 5-speed automatic transmission.

"The new Titan is Nissan's biggest vehicle and biggest statement yet," said Kirrane. "There's much on the line - a major financial investment, an extension of our growing brand and reputation, and our longstanding heritage of innovation and performance. Titan delivers on all accounts."

Will Nissan's full size trucks be able to eat into the most profitable market segment of Ford and Chevy? We'll have full access to a Titan in the upcoming weeks and let you know our thoughts. Stay tuned!

 

F-150's are hitting the ground. I saw one last Saturday.
It was plain Jane- so I'll reserve full-judgement until I see a full-on 4x2 Lariat, complete w/Honeycomb grill and privacy glass.


Won't be long before Titans are too.

 

In my opinion Ford has radically changed up the F-150 and will serve up not only a top-notch quality pickup for the majority of people who use pickups for what they are designed for work and play. Now while there are a lot of people buying pickups now for commuting, hauling kids and family, etc. and these are important as well, Ford has made a pickup with innovations to suit them as well, more refined handling, better suspension setup, smoother power and better towing capacity. A stock F-150 has never been good on the 1/4 mile and might never be, but the potential to hop it up is readily available only a mouse click away. I think they have created a product that will raise the bar on pickups and considering their financial status, stepped up the ante enough to deserve my vote for the award.

Go Blue Oval!!!