I hold a different opinion than the one you posted. NO, the consumers are not responsible but the manufacturers and their marketing teams are.
What exceptional offers are available in the 1.3-1.5 million range? Do they enjoy the same after-sales services ( as in availability of mechanics and spares, in addition to cost) as the Big 3?
Just bringing an awesome car in the market is not enough. You need to advertise it and you need to invest heavily in after-sales, to ensure availability of good mechanics, of spares, etc in even remote locations.
Did any of the "awesome and exceptional" car makers do that? NO
Have any one of them continuously upgraded their models? NO
Making a good product in one thing, convincing the consumer that this is a good product in an entirely different thing...and the others have miserably failed in the later.