* Specific Make and Model: Reliability varies drastically between different models from the same manufacturer, and even between model years of the same car. A specific Ford model might be more reliable than a specific Honda model, and vice versa.
* Maintenance: Proper and timely maintenance significantly impacts a car's lifespan and reliability. Neglecting maintenance will reduce the reliability of any car, regardless of origin.
* Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, towing heavy loads, and frequent short trips all contribute to faster wear and tear.
* Manufacturing Quality: While there have been periods where American cars lagged behind in quality, the gap has narrowed significantly in recent years. Many American manufacturers now produce vehicles that are comparable in quality to their foreign competitors.
* Technology: Modern vehicles are packed with complex technology, and issues can arise regardless of the car's origin.
Instead of focusing on country of origin, it's more useful to consult independent reliability studies. Organizations like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and others publish annual reports ranking vehicle reliability based on data collected from owners. These reports are much more informative than a broad generalization about "American" versus "foreign" cars.
