What difference does it make if it's a ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, etc?

It's a vehicle a vehicle?

Not when it breaks down. The last two makes are much more reliable than the first two.

Toyota's are made in China, NOT one of our 'friends' …

Buy a 25 year old range rover, Audi, BMW, Fiat, Saab or Jag.

They are all the same.

It's a common misconception that all cars are essentially alike -- that a vehicle is a vehicle -- and that the only difference is design and color. First there's considerable difference in brand new cars in terms of reliability, performance, safety, fuel economy, features, build quality, and driving comfort. But with used cars, there are even more differences due to differences in condition, age, mileage, how they've been driven, and how they've been maintained. So, it's simply not true that one car is like all others.

It all breaks down to how much you want to spend up front vs how much you want to keep paying down the road in repairs.
My Toyota was made in Kentucky. Paid a lot up front, but no repairs.
My Chevy was made in Canada. Paid a lot over the years in repairs.
My Ford was a disaster. In four years I paid twice as much as it originally cost.
Both my Subaru's were built in Indiana and needed very little in maintenance.

I go with Honda's, Subaru's and Toyota's. All made in the US.

Different makers use different designs, materials and assembly methods that affect the longevity of the finished vehicle. The amount of investment in R&D also prevents many problems from reaching the public. Japanese makers for example use very high quality engine components and they tend to last very well. Good testing, materials and consistent/strict build quality means the vehicle holds together a lot longer. Chinese and US vehicles on the other hand, tend to use cheaper steel and engine alloys, are put together with less precision, have less testing for design defects, and are effectively disposable goods. There's always a balance between cost and longevity, depending on what the buyers will tolerate. Old Mercedes were very solid, lasted forever. But there's no point in building (and charging for) a car that can last 40 years if people only keep them for four. Nowadays, Mercs last around the length of the warranty, then fall to bits. But they're cheaper and they sell more.

What difference does it make if you have a fat girl or a Victoria Secret Model? They are both girls.

One is a Shetland Pony and the other is a full sized stallion. Twiggy or Dolly Parton(if they were both the same age in their heyday?) The Titanic or the SS Minnow(while they were afloat)?

To the destination, it makes no difference.

To the fueling station, it makes no difference.

To me, it makes no difference.

To YOU, it might matter.