Up until 2008 I ONLY bought General Motors (I liked Pontiacs)
Since GM died in the government takeover and became government motors I will NEVER buy one again.
Ford is the only major American car company. (And I used to really hate Fords. My next vehicle will probably be a decked out Explorer)
So yes the Government Motors moniker has hurt them. fatally.
My father and I have been buying GM since the 50’s. Never again! We just purchased a Kia Optima. The car is better than a GM product in every way!
In my line of work, I buy GM/Chev because nobody can touch the Duramax and I need 3/4 or 1 ton trucks. The Fords diesel isn’t even in the same category. For a gasoline vehicle, I’m sure Ford is fine, but if I was doing that I’d be going Toyota.