American car makers DONT GET IT. For the most part, their cars are NOT stylish looking. When I see 18-45 year olds driving, a strong majority of the time they are in a Honda, Toyota, Nissan or Hyundai. Rock solid cars with excellent style.
Nissan does have some interesting styling lately, but Honda? Toyota?!?
They manufacture Genericars(TM).
They're mostly good and dependable (aside from the aforementioned transmission problems), but even most people who like the cars admit that they're boring.
I think DaimlerChrysler is on to something. They have a way to go yet on quality, but that's also to be expected with so many new models.
Now, if they can just figure out a way to get that new Mercedes-Benz V-6 diesel in some of the Chryslers and Dodges for a reasonable price...well, at least the 3.0 VM Motori CRD, anyhow.