I'd hate to say this, but domestic vehicles really suck in quality. I think they made with job security idea, so "our technicians will have a job", and all this "rebuild bs"... This is not the case in 21st century. If you want to be a leader vehicles need to be dependable, really dependable. Toyota engines run 300k+ miles, this helps resales value, making a demand for these cars. Same goes for Honda, and Nissan (Nissan needs a little improvement though). My dad already had a Ford F-150, and being three years old it already started having oil leaks, and other issues. Then a Chevy van. While driving on a freeway, his engine would shut off, and he was lucky enough to bring it to the stop safely. Taking it back to the dealer didn't solve the issue, dealer said, "computer has some bugs and need to break in", something like that. So he gave up and bought a little Toyota Tacoma, and it runs and runs with no issues. Japanese cars were not safe in the past, but recent crash test showed a huge improvement over the past. Now, do you think I'm gonna buy a domestic car??? No way! Once trust is lost, it's gonna take very long to gain it back. And besides, most of domestic cars look ugly. Chevy Colbalt to instance...or a PT Cruiser... I'm not a huge fan of a German car as a daily driver either. They are expenisve to maintain, and rely too much on sensors... Weekend vehicle, maybe, but not as daily driver. By the way, I don't think GM will outsell Toyota...
^^ Only recently has US mfg as a whole accepted the fact that Quality = Profit.. I have seen 1st hand at the design and assembly level shortcuts and plain poor decision making by some of our US OEM... Should you care for a read on TQM (total quality management) and the effects of profitability there is an attachment below http://www.vcops.com/uploads/excellence/vinod full report.pdf
