German automotive engineering has been, and still is, very conservative. German cars are generally not very innovative. The French motor industry is the place to look for innovation.
However, for sheer build quality and durability the Deutsch had a thing long ago that was far better than anything else European.
Japanese cars are much the same. The quality control is near perfect.
But Ford is possibly the place to look for mid/large cars now. Current Mondeo comes immediately to mind if buying new.
I still have a general dislike of vauxhall cars but many swear by them. Wrongly perhaps, in my opinion, but we're all entitled to hold and presentan opinion