>>Personally, I think it's Japan, China and a few others who are making it more difficult for American car makers to compete.
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>In that you are correct. Many countries (Japan most of all) are protectionist in their car industry. It is much easier to sell a Japanese car in the USA (trade-barriers I mean) than it is to sell an American car in Japan. I think Japan should open their market to foreign competition just as the US does. IOW both countries should impose the same import duties and barriers (or lack thereof) for the same items. It is called reciprocity. FWIW I drive a Nissan as I do like Japanese design an quality. Let the Japanese (and Chinese, European, etc.) public decide the same way.

And generally, their cars are a bit cheaper for the same sort of quality. I drive a VW, which is generally NOT cheaper, but it's a good quality car. I bought it used, in great condition. VW's pretty much run forever until the body starts to disintegrate, and they hold their value far better than American cars (if any car can be said to "hold it's value").