Response to U.S News "10 Cars Detroit Should Copy"

 U.S News' Article, "10 Cars Detroit Should Copy" is a good example of poor media analysis and bias. I respond to each of his statements below:

The honda fit is a very close match to the Ford Focus. The curb weight of the vehicles is only a difference of 30 pounds, their prices are within a couple hundred dollars of each other and the car's gas mileage is within one mile per gallon. Given all these similarities, the focus still boasts a significantly stronger engine, more leg room as well as providing a better highway ride with its longer wheel base.

The Ford Edge is more stylish and original than the Tiguan, with more pick up (65 more hp), a better ride, comparable msrp, and interior options that top that of the Tiguan. The edge handles like a small car with a wheelbase only 10 inches longer than the Tiguan's. Also the Edge offers a glass vista roof, an option no foreign car manufacturer can compete with.

The Lincoln MKZ is another Detroit vehicle that competes very closely and competitively to the Infinity EX. 

You are correct in stating that the Detroit Hybrids are more expensive but when comments like the following are made regarding a $27k vehicle I think the extra cost is well worth it. "OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet. What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close." -- USA Today

The argument you are trying to make regarding Audis is very unclear. You state that the american car lines, "can only lure customers from the German and Japanese luxury makes by offering lower prices." I'm sorry but am I missing something? Isn't this precisely the way to sell vehicles and be profitable? 

Regarding the Mazda's, Ford owns Mazda so it wouldn't make much sense for them to develop a car that would compete with a partner company.

The Ford Mustang V6 Pony Package offers front and rear sway bars, 30 more horsepower, many inches more more leg room and trunk space all for 3k less than the Volkswagen GTI. Additionally the GTI's reliability as rated by U.S News only scores a dismal 5/10, while the Mustang scores a 7.