I'd have to say the Germans build a more reliable car. But also much more expensive. The Japanese cars are maybe not quite as good as the Germans but more affordable both from the purchase aspect as well as the maintenance aspect. But I'm prejudiced towards Honda, but in their motorcycle venue. I've ridden nothing but Honda bikes my entire life. I have over 30,000 miles on my big ol' VTX1800 now, and not a single problem.