Japanese Car Makers

My experience with Japanese vs. American car quality is completely opposite Risen’s article.

I bought a Mazda RX-7 in 1979, mainly because I was writing Mazda advertising. I had nothing but trouble with it. The worst problem was when the alternator conked out one evening during rush hour. It was at the downtown cloverleaf on the freeway, and a nightmare until the Highway Patrol arrived. There were many other problems--some minor inconveniences, some major. I called the Auto Club so often that I feared I’d lose my membership. I could have bought a new car with the money I spent on repairs. I decided my next car would be an American one. So I bought a Chrysler LeBaron in February, 1988. In almost two years, I haven’t had a single mechanical problem. What a difference. Thank you, Lee Iacocca! Also, my wife has owned three Fords since 1959, and she has never had a problem with any of them.

It’s discouraging to drive through a parking lot and see all the foreign cars. Let’s give American cars another chance instead of bad-mouthing them without a trial. Your article won’t help our auto industry or our economy.

JERRY COWLE

Pacific Palisades