I actually read this book twice - once when I first purchased this book (about a year ago) and again this past week while on vacation. My assessment after twice through is that Ms. Maynard's "doom and gloom assessment" of the American Auto industry is nothing more than an unsubstantiated rationalization of her forgone conclusion that everything about American cars is bad, and everything about the imports is - well - just great!
I, for one, would not dispute the missteps of the American car makers over the past two decades but Ms. Maynard offers little to substantiate her negative assertions regarding the American automakers. Also, no one would argue the Japanese and European Automakers are formidable competitors, and if there is anything that can be said here is that it caught the arrogance of the American "Good Old Boy" network severely off guard - but over the past decade or so, that has been dramatically changing as GM, Ford, and Daimler-Chrysler have met these challenges head-on.
For starters, her own quality control is atrocious, and as referenced in the earlier reviews here, she has consistently misstated facts, that are quite obvious in my opinion.
Notable facts that Ms. Maynard so carefully (or deliberately) glossed over include:
o Despite the fact that Toyota is gaining market share over the American automakers, as of even today General Motors still is the largest automaker in the world, and still leads the world in sales from all of its divisions;
o The Ford F-150 pickup truck is the best selling pickup in the U.S. and has been for 30 years;
o The Ford Explorer is still the SUV sales leader over the competition;
o The new 2005 Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mustang are getting accolades from the Auto press, and are selling above expectations;
o Mercedes-Benz is now rated lower in quality by J.D. Powers than Chrysler;
o Her glowing assessment of Carlos Ghosn's turnaround of Nissan is indeed a formidable achievement. But didn't Lee Iacocca do the same at Chrysler in the 80's and again in the 90's? Funny though, how no detailed chronology of the Chrysler turnarounds can be found in this book;
o As it stands, even today, Nissan is having quality issues with such vehicles as the much touted Nissan Titan, while Chrysler is enjoying record sales with its innovative line of cars including the 300C;
o The Chrysler 300C is Motor Trend's 2005 Car of the Year, and has received glowing accolades from all of the major automotive periodicals;
o She refers to the Ford Focus as one of Ford's weakest (worst) efforts in the small car market and goes on to state that it has been recalled numerous times. Recalls notwithstanding, didn't Car and Driver magazine name the Focus as one of their 10 Best cars for 2002, 2003, and 2004?
o She refers to the fact that she has never owned an American Car except for the Dodge Dart with a "peppy but erratic slant-six engine" that lasted for 177,000 miles! Unless I am mistaken, the Chrysler 225 CID Slant Six was one of the best 6-cylinder blocks of it's time (I owned a 1973.Dodge Dart for 11 years, and it ran flawlessly (until I had to junk it after an accident due to the body damage). I am not sure what she means by erratic, but then again, I don't think Ms. Maynard knows either - not to mention that 177,000 miles is not bad in my view, all things considered (who knows how she took care of this car, anyway!).
Lastly, Ms. Maynard's prediction that one of the American automakers will not exist at the end of this decade - i.e. at least in their current form is in my view her own delusional fantasy. I just don't think that one of the two largest industrial corporations in the world (GM and Ford) are simply going to rollover, and let the Japanese companies trounce them in the marketplace. There is already clear evidence that the battle (I believe it is called COMPETITION) is raging on and will continue for many years to come!
Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
$16.88
Get it as soon as Friday, Aug 4
In Stock.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
What do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 7, 2005
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 22, 2017
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 28, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 13, 2018
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 3, 2013
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 21, 2009
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 21, 2016
