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I've driven both European and Japanese cars over the years. I prefer the road feel, weight, and general aesthetic of the European cars, but I am constantly mystified as to why they can't be made as reliable as Japanese cars. The Japanese cars I have had have been great on durability and low maintenance costs. I currently own an old Trooper that has been super reliable.

After I sold my 1991 900 last year, I thought I would get "rational", so I bought an Infiniti G20. Big mistake, too small, suspension bottomed out too easily, HORRIBLE turning radius. Oh well, I decided to try the I-30. Dealer let me have one for 24 hours. I found it extremely boring. It rode like a barge. I will say that the quality of the fit and finish is impeccable. For me, and of course taste is very personal, the Infiniti's struck me as very competent cars, but not too exciting.

I sold the Infiniti and bought a 2001 9-5 Linear. Just returned from a 1200 mile road trip through the desert and mountains of California. I LOVE the 9-5. At 90 you feel very solid on the road. Yes, the cupholders stink, but that car drives like a dream. The seats are super comfortable, and I have had no problem with wind or road noise. The manual transmission is pretty nice, too.

If safety is an important consideration, well, if you had the misfortune of being in a high speed pile-up, would you REALLY rather be in a Japanese car than a SAAB 9-5? That would be hard to imagine.

Now, SAAB and GM just need to strive to improve! Good luck with whatever car you choose!

posted by 216.111.1...

• New Linear 5 Day Report, Jon in Chicago, Mon, 29 Apr 2002 11:45:38
  • SAAB is working on this..., Coolknight, Mon, 29 Apr 2002 13:27:00
    • Re: SAAB is working on this..., Jon in Chicago, Mon, 29 Apr 2002 13:43:34
      • I have seen this problem before..., Coolknight, Wed, 1 May 2002 06:32:35
      • That is why I like Japanese cars!, Jack, Mon, 29 Apr 2002 19:25:04
        • Re: That is why I like Japanese cars!, Stan, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 16:49:03
        • I thought the new Autobox was Japanese...n/m, Manumad, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 12:17:51
        • Look at the Infinity G35 instead of the I35, John N., Tue, 30 Apr 2002 11:13:14
        • Japanese cars are for the sensory deprived! nm, Ian Glenday , Mon, 29 Apr 2002 20:24:43
          • well, my miata isn't, Pat Hurley, Wed, 1 May 2002 00:51:07
          • Re: Japanese cars are for the sensory deprived! --> Not, steven, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 03:11:19
            • How many miles.., VIKINGMAN, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 16:23:30
              • '91 Prelude w/146,000 m shifted better than 2002 9-5, AeroEd, Thu, 2 May 2002 11:57:54
                • I agree-Honda's stickshifts are slick, Ron H, Thu, 2 May 2002 12:39:39
              • Re: How many miles.., Steven, Wed, 1 May 2002 17:02:35
            • Re: They Need the Best of Both Worlds!, Roberto, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 15:45:43 <-- Viewing This Message
            • Well Said Steven!, jack, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 10:34:17
            • Prelude has 9 ft3 trunk enough said (-), Vlad, Tue, 30 Apr 2002 10:15:12
              • could fit 6' step ladder in my '98, trunk closed n/m, AeroEd, Thu, 2 May 2002 11:43:14

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