[metaphor]

The American market was swallowing the same hubris back in the 70s when Japan exports started flooding domestic soil. Then the narrative flipped from "cheap quality" to "affordable" and "reliable", eventually forcing Detroit onto its knees and into bankruptcy.

[shiroiushi]

Yes, but American cars back then really were total junk. The Japanese imports were not only smaller and much more fuel-efficient, they performed better and lasted much longer and were more reliable.

These days, Chinese stuff still isn't really known for top quality, and Japanese cars haven't lost their quality edge, though you could argue they've fallen behind on adopting the latest technologies (electronic systems, and EV) because of their conservatism.