International discussion! Where are the best cars from?

[Jaume08]

Yeah. Maybe 3-series look weird, However, IMO, 6-series look awesome, and BMW z4 roadster is amazing. (The Coupé too).

[hondaman]

My take:

None.  These days, most globally recognized autmobiles are more or less on par with each other in terms of longetivity and quality.  Some cars, such as Chinese knockoffs mentioned earlier, still require much work to bring them up to the rest of the world's level.

Reason being:

I've seen many on here tout exotics, and therefore pick Italy as they can certainly claim the title of making some of the world's best in that department.  However, exotics are a pain in the butt to drive unless they're being driven hard.  This is due in large to the amount of race derived parts in their engines that operate best at higher rpms, leading to poor reliablity and rough operation. Most likely, you'll never see very many miles on an exotic, it's too unpleasant to drive normally.  This is why I'd never want to own one.  Plus if any of you remember the Maserati Biturbo, that would certainly make me have second thoughts about Italy as the world's best. :ugh:

Japan has the strategy set when it comes to making cars that appeal to the masses, and it's why they are best sellers year after year.  However, because of this broad range of appeal many of their cars sometimes can come across as generic and uninspired. As with anything, there are of course exceptions.  Reliability as a whole is good, though when there is a Japanese car that is below par in quality ratings, it's usually for something drastic such as transmission or engine failure, or sometimes engine fires.  Scary. World's best?  Nope.  Japan is wrought with it's distresses as well.

Korea is making some truly great cars, especially in the form of the Sonata and the Azera.  They bring the vision of quality, power, and a long list of features for an agreeable price.  However, these cars are new and Kia's reliability is still spotty.  Time will show how well these cars hold up.

Germany has been renowned for making great sports cars and cars that engage the driver, and rightfully so.  However, the rest of the world has caught up with them.  Buying parts for them is sheer torture.  Add that with a bloated price tag, sometimes infuriating ergonomics, spotty reliability and quirks on some models, and it's hard to see Germany at the forefront, but rather back with the rest of the pack.

British cars have, for years, been known for making some of the world's most attractive automobiles, and they're still doing it.  However, they've also been known for some rather strange ideas in the way of ergonomics, and some extremely disasterous electronic quirks over the years.  Structurally, your average British car is very solid and well built.  Mechanically...ouch.  JD Power can attest to this.

Swedish cars are well built and for the most part reliable, but quirky and expensive to buy parts for.

America has turned itself around starting in the early 90's, to where today they are making some great automobiles.  Reliability and quality wise, they're consistently above industry average.  However, some American cars are turning to some rather odd styling.  The American industry is also still not exactly clear on what the buyer wants.  They're working on it, but I don't say they could take the title as the world's best automotive maker.  

That's my two cents.
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[Doggy789]

I'll say Japan or America,because they both make fast,good-looking cars. So :p for Italy & Germany:)