"Robert Morein" said:

This is how Americans used to view foreign cars.

Mercedes: work and keep working. Perfectionist. *****

Here in Holland, only pimps and construction workers drive Mercedes'.
Black windows and 3-spoke alloy wheels.
Oh, and taxis, of course.

Volvo: all the characteristics of the Mercedes except for style and
pleasure. ****

Volvos are for people who can't drive and have to rely on Volvo's
safety measures.
Fun when a Volvo meets a 2CV.

Saab: quirky but good. Overrunning clutch was famous for problems. ****

Saab: a physician's automobile.

BMW: muscular, sporty, practical. ****

What was the saying again? BMW does only trouble you?
BMWs are for young machos with blonde girlfriends.
Hey, my wife's a natural blonde, I don't fit the pattern.

VW: practical disposa-car with known characteristics of deterioration. Can
be completely rebuilt so no one realizes that none of the original parts are
present. ***

Who wants to rebuild a VW?
VWs are considered trademan's cars, and are mostly leased.

Jaguar: Born dead by the side of the road, infected with "Lucas syndrome"
RUST. 1/2*

A Jaguar, ANY Jaguar, is a piece of art.
My second choice in cars after the CX is the XJ-E of the '70s.

MG: pretty as "wrapping paper", and just as durable. Same disease as above.
RUST. 1/2*

MGs are fun as a second (or third) car.
For everyday usage, useless here in Holland with all the traffic jams.
Besides, they need restoration every 20.000 kms :-)

Peugot: good car but parts hard to find. ***

Not overhere.
Peugeots are reliable Citroens.

Citroen: quirky masterpiece fits French national character. Don't buy one,
because no one will understand either you or how to fix the car. ***

Glad I can fix my own.
Citroens, especially the DS and CX, are usually owned by spiritual,
creative people.
Again I'm the exception ;-)

Fiat: Make gesture with hand hitting armpit. *

FIATs don't sell well the last decade, don't know why because their
quality has improved vastly over the years.
And don't forget that FIAT owns Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia and a
couple of other brands.

Toppolino: of interest to movie buffs. **

Is a FIAT, and is very rare even here.

Yugo: no go (no stars)

Almost never seen here.
Rumours go that Austin copied this car in the Metro.
That car certainly was as unreliable as the Yugo.
Ask the Devil if you don't believe me.

Datsun: rust, rust, rust, transmission break, more rust. Cheap thrill
deserves *

Datsun= Nissan, good quality but no looks.
Like most Japanese brands, with the possible exception of Mazda (MX5,
the RX series, Yummie!)

Toyota: Drug dealers preference. When you can't afford a breakdown,
go--Toyota. ****

Lexus = expensive Toyota. Good but no character.

Subaru: rust, rust, rust. Mechanicals are interesting. **

Every Subaru has 4 wheel drive, even the little Justy.
Don't forget the nice WRX (and former 555) turbo boxer.
Very interesting from a technical point of view, but you don't want to
look at it all day.
Also, the interior is made of cheap materials that don't fit well.

--
Sander deWaal
Vacuum Audio Consultancy