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American Morning
Can American Cars Match Up With Their Japanese, German Counterparts?
Aired March 11, 2003 - 06:52 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Well, can American cars match up with their Japanese and German counterparts when it comes to reliability and drivability?
Our Fred Katayama has a like at what the experts at "Consumer Reports" are saying.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): American auto makers accelerated their drive to boost quality, and now "Consumer Reports" says in its annual survey that the G.M.s and Fords have matched the Europeans in reliability. But they've got a steep climb ahead if they're to overtake the Japanese, whose vehicles were judged nearly half as likely to break down.
DAVID CHAMPION, "CONSUMER REPORTS": A lot of the cars perform really well. But like the Ford Focus that we've seen today, it's a wonderful car to drive. It does everything well. But unfortunately the reliability isn't good enough. And the domestic manufacturers seem to do well on one side, but not quite well on the other.
KATAYAMA: So it's not surprising that after all the rigorous testing, from gripping the road to handling, Japanese name plates once again dominated the magazine's list of the top picks that combine performance with reliability.
Honda led the way.
EFRAIM LEVY, AUTO ANALYST: Instead of starting a new product from scratch and then having to find all these new bugs, they continuously refine the products that they have and that helps their quality.
KATAYAMA: The redesigned Honda Accord tied with the sporty V.W. Facade for best family sedan. Honda's Pilot was judged the best midsized SUV and its Odyssey best minivan. The Chevy Avalanche picked up the pickup award. The best of the best, "Consumer Reports" says the BMW 530-I outshines them all, praising the sedan for its handling and luxury features. Its steering wheel automatically pulls back to make it easy for drivers to get out. But it'll set you back 46 grand.
CHAMPION: If you're looking for a car that's just fun to drive, "Consumer Reports" recommends a Subaru Pressa WRX. It's sporty. The ride's smooth. And best of all, it's affordable, roughly $25,000.
Fred Katayama, CNN Financial News, East Haddam, Connecticut.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Counterparts?>
Aired March 11, 2003 - 06:52 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Well, can American cars match up with their Japanese and German counterparts when it comes to reliability and drivability?
Our Fred Katayama has a like at what the experts at "Consumer Reports" are saying.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRED KATAYAMA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): American auto makers accelerated their drive to boost quality, and now "Consumer Reports" says in its annual survey that the G.M.s and Fords have matched the Europeans in reliability. But they've got a steep climb ahead if they're to overtake the Japanese, whose vehicles were judged nearly half as likely to break down.
DAVID CHAMPION, "CONSUMER REPORTS": A lot of the cars perform really well. But like the Ford Focus that we've seen today, it's a wonderful car to drive. It does everything well. But unfortunately the reliability isn't good enough. And the domestic manufacturers seem to do well on one side, but not quite well on the other.
KATAYAMA: So it's not surprising that after all the rigorous testing, from gripping the road to handling, Japanese name plates once again dominated the magazine's list of the top picks that combine performance with reliability.
Honda led the way.
EFRAIM LEVY, AUTO ANALYST: Instead of starting a new product from scratch and then having to find all these new bugs, they continuously refine the products that they have and that helps their quality.
KATAYAMA: The redesigned Honda Accord tied with the sporty V.W. Facade for best family sedan. Honda's Pilot was judged the best midsized SUV and its Odyssey best minivan. The Chevy Avalanche picked up the pickup award. The best of the best, "Consumer Reports" says the BMW 530-I outshines them all, praising the sedan for its handling and luxury features. Its steering wheel automatically pulls back to make it easy for drivers to get out. But it'll set you back 46 grand.
CHAMPION: If you're looking for a car that's just fun to drive, "Consumer Reports" recommends a Subaru Pressa WRX. It's sporty. The ride's smooth. And best of all, it's affordable, roughly $25,000.
Fred Katayama, CNN Financial News, East Haddam, Connecticut.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Counterparts?>
