Bankrupt GM's Future Depends Upon Earning America's Trust

GM may be prepared to rebound, but I'm not sure consumers are so interested ["Why GM Is Ready to Rebound," usnews.com]. In my experience (I'm 30), GM has sold bland-looking cars of lesser quality than their competitors. That may no longer be the case (I was surprised to see a good-looking sedan the other day that turned out to be a new Malibu), but they still have a bad brand name. It'll take years of making good-looking, reliable cars to rebuild their image. GM may rebound, but I doubt it will be very quick at all.

Comment by Allan of AZ

If GM is going to be owned by the government for a little while, I wouldn't mind seeing more research and development that would lead to the production of more efficient and cleaner cars for government institutions. I'm mainly thinking public schools/universities, and public transit. I really loved GM's Malibu and Blazer, so I think if they create something exciting, I'd give them another chance. I've also had nothing but the best customer service for over two decades from GM.

Comment by Eva G. of MI

Thank God for the Japanese cars. If it were not for them, the quality of the domestics would be worse than they are today. My Echo had 120,000 miles with no repairs ever done to it—still running great, and I traded it in for a Prius. GM will have to prove itself to me first before I consider buying another car from them. I will not simply just give them a chance. GM has been given many chances before.

Comment by Jimbo of NY

GM was on the right track product-wise before the bailout with above-average quality and exciting cars like the Cadillac CTS, the Chevy Malibu, and the new Camaro. Where it will need to improve is in the entry level cars and minivans. That will be the true test of the "new" GM. It's amazing what a little government intervention can do to motivate a company. GM will do what Chrysler did in the early '80s and pay off the loan as quickly as possible and then get back to building cars and trucks. Let's hope that GM will carry the momentum built up by products like the new Camaro and expand on creating excitement about these cars and trucks.

Comment by Robert of PA

I live in Michigan. I know of several companies that built GM parts that relocated to Mexico. One of them I used to work for 15 years. In those 15 years I bought four brand new cars—all GM. I'm still on the last car that is a 2004. Now I can't afford a new car, but when I can it won't be a GM. The car may be put together in the U.S. but a lot of the parts are built in other countries. So yeah, when GM can say our cars are totally built in U.S., I might buy one.

Comment by Dennis of MI

GM is having record sales of its Camaro, and I love the Malibu and the Cadillac CTS. I believe they will have a winner with the Cruze and the Volt will give the Prius a run for its money. Chevy and Cadillac are as American as apple pie. GM will be No. 1 again in the USA and continue to sell outstanding vehicles for years to come.

Comment by Rocky of PA