JohniK, a very interesting post. At one time, I had some dealings with Honda, as they were expanding into foreign assembly, and found the same reluctance to acknowledge there was any fault whatsoever within the company or with the product. The exception was the most senior engineer, who had spent time in America.

Kendall, we looked at a Hyundai, but I decided I'd prefer to live without the interior decor.

Gnu. Yes. Found those sort of tricks in a car we were trying to jumpstart. Couldn't turn the ignition switch, couldn't disengage Park. Couldn't get it to where we could reach it. Had to remove and recharge the battery. And the alarm didn't like that!

I remember a story where a lady of small stature, who'd run out of fuel, coasted down a hill to the station. She'd never driven a car without power brakes and steering, and wasn't strong enough to do a job of it. Took out all the pumps.
Maybe an urban legend.