[FateAmenableToChange]

Unfortunately for General Motors, a reputation for quality once spoiled takes a long time to win back -- especially when lots of older GM vehicles that never won anything in surveys remain on the road in great number.

I feel about GM like I feel about voting Democrat - burned bad once and I'll never go back. I really want to buy and own American. But, tossing in my parents' and siblings' experiences with my own, every Toyota we've owned since 1980 (6) has lasted over 200,000 miles. Every Ford (2) and GM (2) has performed miserably, usually going to the Salvation Army or the sales block at about 125,000. GM has to start from zero and rebuild its quality reputation.

[Lassiter]

We traded in a Mazda 626 last year with 260,000 miles on it. We bought an '02 Ford Ranger (with which we are well pleased), but when we're again in the market for sedans we're definitely going foreign. I'll buy all the Ford Trucks they make, but as for anything else, they can just forget it.

[cmsgop]

I too had many a Chevy (all new at the time) that had let me down. I had enough !!!!! I went VW and I just love my Jetta and the sevice is friendly and outstanding.

[bribriagain]

Same experience here. I had transmissions go out on both of my Buick Rivieras. Switched to Camry's two years and have never looked back. I should mention I own a triple black 2001 corvette convertible that is the sweetest car I've ever owned.

[SBprone]

Since I started driving in 1970 I've owned a succession of mostly Japanese cars, every one of which was a good reliable set of wheels for its time. The last one was a 1992 Lexus ES300 that we sold in 97. Since 97 we've bought only Fords: two Expeditions and a 150 Supercab. Except for the Lexus every one of these vehicles was a well-proven product by the time I bought it.

It takes time to build a reputation. And it will take time for me to forget about a friend's 2001 Chevy Suburban that had so many serious problems that the dealer was forced to take it back under California's Lemon Law. The word on the Chevy light trucks is that they have wonderful engines and lousy brakes compared with the Fords. One thing I can see with my own eyes is that GM seats and interior trim still look like the same cheap junk they were pushing in the 1970s.

Here's my point. My impressions of GM products may be mistaken and out of date, but GM will have to make some brilliant products for at least another five years before I consider taking a chance on one.

[ColdSteelTalon]

I have a Pontiac Grand Prix with 160,000 miles on it. It has been most reliable. And should I buy a car I am sure i will be buying another GM product