>It's interesting to reflect on how things change.  It doesn't seem that
>long ago that Japanese products were considered junk (perhaps before your
>time).  And they were.  Cheap knock-offs.  But much more affordable than
>European imports.  Now they have become the world leaders in quality
>(partly thanks to Americans, Deming & Juran).  //Jack

Before my time? hardly. I've been a car nut for 30 years (or more if
you include my preteens).

Hmmm... the KE20 Corolla of the early 70s was no junkheap and there
are still a few around... neither was the KE10 Corolla Levin of the
60s... these even had DOHC engines, 5-speed trans... the late-60s
Datsun Bluebirds had a good name too, and had IRS.

My 1970 Toyota Crown coupe was a heavy solid car, with thick
sheetmetal. The soft plastic dash was undistorted, the electric rear
windows worked, the upholstery was good, as was the carpet. This
despite the careless previous owners.

Japanese cars were NEVER copies. The early-60s Bluebirds were based
on a Morris Oxford (design hugely improved) under license. The 50s
LandCruiser was what the LandRover ought to have been.

Old Japanese cars are now collectable.

Early Japanese cars were cheap but they were NOT nasty.