My problem with the car world is that as soon as someone mentions "Japanese" they automatically assume that it's completely bullet proof and invincible in every respect, and it's just complete myth.
It's a Clarksonism in my opinion, which becomes one mans opinion, which then becomes urban myth which then becomes gospel around the car forums. Granted, I recognise that in the JD power survey Japanese cars are topping the lists, but just because Lexus IS came 1st and the Audi A3 came 14th doesn't automatically make Jap perfect and German rubbish (for example). My Subaru owning friend is always "rah rah Jap reliability" without realising the Impreza and the Legacy didn't even make it in the top 50 with the Rover 75 making it within the top 30.
Lies? Damn Lies? and statistics? (and surveys...)?
Or perpetrated mythical bollocks?
When I told said friend that my BMW went for a three year "pre warranty expiration" vehicle check and that they found a slight leak on the power stearing pump hose and that it would be replaced free, he said "German cars are rubbish, hoses leak after three years?! should have got a Jap car mate!".
Everyone turns a blind eye to Honda when problems to arise, doesn't anyone remember? Hand break recalls in this country? Steering problems in the states?
Honda Civic UK - Handbrake Recall: Motoring Discussion forum
2007 HONDA CIVIC Recall
My sister has a Civic and it's been recalled for a headlight issue, and her car also had a coolant failure causing the cylinder head to crack. It needed an engine rebuild and was with Honda for five weeks.
Anyway, I'm not saying Japs cars are unreliable, I think they've made some stonking cars; but I'm offering an alternative opinion in that they're not as Jesus like as everyone believes them to be.