I believe we're seeing the second wave of "imports" since Toyota & Nissan entered the market in the late '70's. I don't know the pricing of that era but I do know that the established brands in my area (Hyster, Yale & Clark) were much more expensive machines during that period. More & more folks were taking a chance on the "new" imports & they did indeed prove themselves worthy. By the late '80's- early '90's- the big 3 had to change their thinking to stay in the game, mimicking the imports in many ways -off shore assembly, more sourcing of modified auto parts, etc.

Now the choices have become either a brand which will give good service w/ good dealer support, with it's higher associated cost or take a chance on a lower priced unit- which- in the long run- does prove itself to be junk.