Two things I can think of to validate CR's point:

First of - European cars are pricy through out the range - a BMW is that little bit better than most cars, but they are usually that bit more expensive because they are built up to a certain quality instead of down to a price. For the general consumer that is a good point for why a japanese car would be a better pick. They seem to have the best balance of price and quality.

Secondly, as to why there are no american cars in the list - I am reminded of a Jeremy Clarkson comment: "You dont realize how important brakes are, until you are in an American car and haven't got any". A line that I, until two weeks ago, thought was BS. It can't be that bad, right? Well - my wife drove her dads Yukon XL (instead of our X5) and she was not pleased with stopping "the landboat" - just try comparing the brake discs of the cars you pass with those on your BMW's - soon you will notice a scary trend - one that would match with CRs reporting. The issues aren't limited to brakes, but it is a good point IMO.

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- Ravenheart