Car Folks,
It has been way too long without controversy. So here we go.
In my opinion the Japanese can engineer and build good reliable vehicles.
However, with a very few exceptions such as the first and last Mazda RX7s,
Japanese cars lack the character of European and even American motor cars.
My belief is that this is due to a fundamental characteristic of the
Japanese culture that does not place a high value on being unique.
There is on old Japanese proverb that states: The nail that sticks up will
be hammered down. The result is a culture of copiers and improvers but not
innovators. Even such significant cars as the Datsun 1800/2000, 240Z and
even the Miata are revised versions of European sports machines - Triumph
(pick one), E-type, and Elan respectively. Lets face it, the CRX would not
exist if not for the Mini and the NSX is a Far-East Ferrari.
Ready, aim, fire away.
Herb G.
|