In 1988 I bought a new 4WD Toyota pickup for 12,000. I have been driving that truck (it is my only vehicle) for 27 years, still on the original clutch, engine, brakes, and so on. I have replaced only the radiator and water pump in all those years.
Name me any American-made car at twice the price that will give me that kind of value.
I have read on Jim Stone that there are cars being made now, available elsewhere but not in the states, that get three to four times the MPG that we get here. We’re just not allowed to have them.
edit: And I am not ashamed!