japanese cars are reliable because their quality control and workmanship in their factories are far superior at this point compared to the german automobile industry.
I have yet to hear of lexus recalls in their first year of a new model where as we've seen numerous recalls on the 7 series and the x5 in their first years when the came out. same goes for the 2000 s class MB's as well.
mercedes and bmw's in the 80's used to be the best back then becuse there wasn't any competition and 'the best' is a relative measure.

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Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.