When I was looking for a cheap used car a few years ago, I just wanted something simple. I was only concerned with its gas mileage and that I could repair it if it broke down. Reliability is important but often is influenced by anecdote.
Anyways, luckily I wanted a manual, which are often the most basic version of a car, and I found a barebones Mitsubishi mirage that was years newer than the comparable american car for the same price, with less miles, and gets 40+ mpg.
Why? In my opinion, its cause the interior looks identical to any cheap american car from the 90s, old style radio and all, and a 3! Cylinder engine. Everything my wife hates about this car is a positive to me: simple, efficient, cheap. She things its ugly of course.
I think what the complaint here is, is that no American car company makes a simple, efficient, cheap car. They aren’t even trying to, and its extremely obvious.
My point here is, I hope they make them as cheap as they can, thats what I want.