Overall, are BMWs and Mercedes better cars than fords and chevys?

BMW and Benz products are petty much cars designed for those who do not have to worry about where to get money for a replacement car. At one time the Benz was considered as reliable as a Rolls Royce (which came with a life time warranty). But those days for Benz are gone, and while they have fine designs there is a reliability issue. Remember, Benz is the oldest automobile company in the world.

Now BMW's history in cars goes back to importing technology from Britain. All things British have inherent design problems. This goes back to the auto maker wanting to insure employment by "Factory Trained Mechanics". This tradition has continued to this day and after a set period of time, spares for these known problem parts can not be easily found. The Japanese auto makers are much the same.

With out going into details on Chevrolet, it would be safe to say that BMW, Benz and Chevrolet as far as longevity are concerned are pretty much equal.

Ford is a different matter, I can still get parts for a Ford that most other car makers will no longer provide. I am sure this will solicit "Found On Road Dead" remarks. But keep in mind I own Fords that are over 30 years old (try to find a BMW on the road that old). Henry Ford, was not happy with the quality of many makes of cars, tried to design a car that was reliable and affordable. The short coming on Fords is that they do not have a lot of the "Quality level of trim". Both the BMW and Benz products use some pretty high end materials in the passenger compartment, but for some of us the real leather seats is just one more problem. Such things take more service and in the end a persons rump gets just as tired on leather as it does cloth.

My feeling is this, if you want to get new cars every five years (or sooner) BMW, Benz, and Chevrolet products will do you just fine. But if you want to own a car long term (or are looking to buy used) get a Ford. But stay away from the "bottom end" models, spring for at lest a second tier model.Overall, are BMWs and Mercedes better cars than fords and chevys?
"Better" in what sense? Mechanical reliability? Availability of parts, service and dealer networks? Quality of workmanship and build? All I can say is that my 1st and only US-made car literally fell apart before my very eyes (1971 Mustang) and that was with proper care and required maintenance. Since then, I have only owned BMWs and have NEVER been let down. True, repair and maintenance costs are typically higher than your average Ford or Chevy, but these are definitely NOT Ford or Chevys. To the guy that suggests BMW, in the 21st century, continues to rely on British auto technology, I have to ask, "Are you in a time warp?" I presume he is referring to the 1927 BMW Dixie which was built upon license from Austin. That's more than 80 years ago! Since then BMW and other German car makers have made great strides in auto technology.Overall, are BMWs and Mercedes better cars than fords and chevys?
I'm kinda confused that we're comparing Mercedes Benz and BMW's to cheap cars like Ford and Chevy. Mercedes and Beemers are great cars if maintained properly, Mercedes drive like a dream! Of course to own a Mercedes or BMW I would say you need to be well off.Overall, are BMWs and Mercedes better cars than fords and chevys?
No. american cars have better reliability, and the 2011 Mustang Gt outperforms the 2011 BMW M3 in every facet. handling, acceleration, price.....Overall, are BMWs and Mercedes better cars than fords and chevys?
Mercedes all day long, German engineered and built. Better quality all round. better reputation worldwide.
no consumer digest rates them lower,but they cost more.

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