I have the $99 Costco aluminum jack, and I love it. Based on what I've seen at Sears, Pep Boys, and other stores, it's by far the best value.

But: (a) it's pretty big and heavy (45 lbs) to be carrying around in the trunk all the time, and (b) as others have said, hydraulics can fail, so be safe.

Tensil strength and
Fracture fatigue

are two concepts that come to my mind. Aluminium is only as good as the process used to manufacture. I can't believe that a low cost jack is built to high standards.

I have a couple of ancient American made bottle jacks that I use. Never had a problem with them nor do they leak. I have left a car jacked up on them in the garage for a few weeks and they didn't even leak down. They're so scratched up that it's difficult to identify the manufacturer but the made in USA stamp is still visible.

i have the orange harbour freight one and it works fine, has for years. Just stay away from anything made by "Big Red" everything I have been foolish enough to try in big red has been a major disappointment. the steel is soft and the parts are low quality and bad finish. I had a set of wheel dollys fold, wouldnt take them back, an engine hoist bend sideways, wouldnt take it back and the latest was a 12 tn press that bent under the pressure of the 12 ton bottle jack that was included. This is over about 3 years, seems I forget after about a year and buy something else from big red due to urgent need and impatience. I second the Sams club recommendation. their stuff is much nicer

I have one of the $40 2.5 ton ones from HF. Works like a champ.

I'm confused now, isn't big red a division of torin?? so torin sucks too?? I wonder if there's anything US made to be found. I'll happily pay double the price. Craftsman has a 4000pound aluminium one that is a POS according to the reviews though

Me too. Works as it should and has for awhile. Now I would just like a second one.
I use a smaller craftsman style when I want to carry a mobile jack.

I have the Costco Aluminum jack - like it, seems to do ok. Also have the small Sears trolley jack - it comes in handy for smaller tasks. Used both today.

Would not buy the Sears again - 1st one developed an oil leak - I took it back - the store took it but told me not again - Craftsman guarantee does not apply to the jack(s). Be sure to ask about this.

Costco tells me they will warantee my jack forever. I've scanned the receipt and well test them at some time in the future.

ok after all this research i decided to go with either costco or HF, since there are so many negative reviews onn the torins...

I have the larger Sears aluminum jack (4000 lb) and have absolutely no complaints. The only potential problem is that there is a center front wheel which is about 6" long, rather than to outboard wheels, so it can't be quite as stable.

sears, as in craftsman?? that's junk.
it's difficult enough finding a spot on the benz to put your jackstand before you know it something bends, dents or crumbles up underneath that well engineered mercedes

I have only used it for about two years, and it has yet to disappoint. I really don't think it's junk. Perhaps the smaller aluminum model isn't as good; I have no idea.

I jack from the center of the cross member up front, and put the stands on the lower control arm mounts. In the rear, I have both jacked from the rear suspension points and on the differential case, and put the stands next to the lift pads.

Of course, the lack of jackstand positions is not unique to Mercedes cars, and says nothing of the jack used.

That kinda depends upon the user, eh? Some folks use certain tools very infrequently and even poor quality will hold up in those situations. OTOH I wouldn't want to crawl under a car being supported by anything of questionable quality!

Lincoln is still made here. They are actually the same Walker jacks that were made around the 40s, just updated. Snap on jacks are the same as Lincoln and are still made in the US.

I would never ever stick my body under a car on jacks only.