Jr. Benz: Not trying to start an arguement, but...
Perhaps you really meant to indicate that "in YOUR opinion" some Japanese BMW 3 Series "clones" are less than 100%successful in their real world application? I agree.
There are quite a few fine cars from Japan, from both an engineering & performance standpoint. Subaru leaps to mind as a manufacturer who doesn't copy everything the Europeans are doing.
From just a flat RELIABILITY standpoint there are quite a few more that are absolutely superior to the European & American manufacturers, including (gasp!) Daimler Benz. In my opinion, of course.
You will have to go pretty far to find a more reliable & economical vehicle than a Toyota Corolla, or a Honda Civic or an Accord. The small pickups from Toyota & Nissan will just about run forever if given even the most minimum of attention from a maintenance standpoint. Notice that the European companies don't even attempt to compete in that segment.
Mazda is innovative but their Rotary engine has never had much of a reputation for reliability...
Just a thought (or two) to ponder upon...
