. When I read German car magazines I am blown away by what they consider a good acceleration time compared to our magazines. Cars in this country have become very fast in the last decade, even economy cars.[/quote]

I can't dispute a word you've said here. But there is another perpective.
I can't tell you the numbers of GI's that found inexpensive cars in Europe when stationed there, who couldn't believe what they had to spend for mods in order to bring one home to the US.
Why? Because of the mandates. A considerable amount of engineering in the US goes to meet government mandates. It's hard and a little unfair to make direct comparisons without including those facts.

I am, apparently, one of a shrinking population of citizens who does not feel guilty about owning and driving a large vehicle. Your dad should drive what he wants and what he has earned the right to buy. Not what our government says he ought to drive. And I don't mind it if GM, Ford or Toyota makes a ton of dough by successfully competing for my money.

I object to the Government mandating, directly or indirectly, my vehicle choice but, at the same time, not doing anything to Oil companies who no longer have to compete for my dollar. As has been said here many times, oil companies all sell the exact, same stuff.

Just recently, DC is mandating higher fuel economy standards for the industry that is struggling to survive and not a word from Congress about oil company profits. These are the folks we elected to look out for our interests. They tell me "for the good of America and the world, you should drive a smaller car." Given their performance lately, I will politely refuse the request.

Chrysler came back from bankruptcy by providing what people would buy. Lee Iaccoca wasn't happy with mandates but focused instead on competing with good products. I don't remember K car ads extolling their compliance with government rules. Laugh at the K car but it saved the company and then they covered the highways with minivans.


Innovation works best when Free Enterprise is allowed to work.


roadster with a stick