In many cases, modifications have been made to vehicles to suit local driving conditions. A bumpy ride Venezuelans say they feel the Explorer's spongy suspension on the many bumpy roads they travel. Romero no longer drives his 1999 Explorer, even though the tires have been changed and the front suspension modified. With the Explorer sidelined, he and his wife take turns driving their Chrysler Neon subcompact. Even those living in poverty can own cars, generally 1970s-era Chevys and Fords that long ago turned to rustbuckets.
Cheap gas makes all the difference.
Venezuela has become the filling station of the Americas. The economy depends on the country's standing as the USA's top gasoline supplier. In return, there's that high regard for most things American. And that's one reason why folks like Romero and Gonzalez say they feel so let down by the tire debacle. The problem also frequently hits home.