American cars project a weak image among...

American cars project a weak image among more affluent buyers seeking prestige or luxury and among those looking for economy and practicality, according to a new poll. Japanese and European cars have stronger images than their American competitors, the study of 1,000 consumers by San Francisco-based Landor Associates found. Only four U.S. cars made the top five in any of the categories. Cadillac and Lincoln ranked second and third in “luxurious,” and Ford and Chevrolet ranked third and fourth in “practical.”