Call it simplistic if that makes you fell better about yourself, but I did my homework. I forgot to mention that I also got a lot of information from Edmonds.com as well. And the CR-V is for my wife, so while I had input on what was a good purchase, the comfort, feel, ride, etc. was all up to her to decide. We did look at some other SUVs, but she didn't like the feel. Can't argue with that.
I'm not condemming all US cars. There are certainly highlights, and things that US automakers do much better than anyone else. The Corvette as you cited is a perfect example, but it's also produced in far fewer numbers than mainstream vehicles, so it's somewhat of an anomoly anyway. Also, I'll admit that the US automakers to tend to make very good trucks and off road vehicles. But these are also vehicles that aren't known for their comfort, and given the abuse they get are generally expected to have higher maintenance costs.
I guess my thoughts on the subject were more focused on everyday use passenger type vehicles that the average person can afford to drive. You can always find exceptions, I was speaking in general terms. Generally, I find American made autos to be inferior in quality to their Japanese and European counter-parts.
And my comment about the Honda CR-V being cheaper to maintain than the Ford Escape really wasn't about cost, it was meant to highlight that higher maintenance costs generally mean more time in the shop. The comment was focused more on quality than cost of upkeep.
So, to each their own. I buy what works for me, you buy what works for you. Maybe you think my view is simplistic, but it works for me. You have the time to work on your own vehicles, while I'd rather pay someone to do it for me. I'd rather spend my time doing other things, so for that I'm happy to spend the money. I'd just prefer to do it on scheduled times, rather than at random break downs. I've owned my Accord (which is a fully loaded EX by-the-way, far from entry level) for 5 years now, and have never had any problem with it. I've only visited the dealer for scheduled maintenance, never to fix anything that just "broke". That's what keeps me buying Hondas.