I really don't want to see My2rotties request for help derailed here but this domestic bashing is really getting ridiculous...
GM has the most fuel efficient cars on the road period. Don't believe me, check the numbers and see who has the most models getting 35 mpg or more. JD Power and Associates consistently place GM and Ford products in their top lists. You want to talk advanced technology, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid gets better CITY fuel economy then the toyota camry and the hybrid option only adds $6000 to the price (unlike the $10000+ price tag the hybrid option adds to toyota or honda models) The toyota Corolla is probably the single most recalled vehicle for the 2008 model year, put a corolla or camry side by side with their domestic competition (particularly the 2008 chevy malibu) and you would be floored in the quality difference. The Buick line beat out lexus in initial quality results.
Honda still makes a good product but Toyota has gone into the gutter while GM and Ford realized that the garbage they put on the road in the 80's and 90's needed to disappear. Chrysler makes an awesome diesel engine and the single best selling mini-van world wide. These are not vehicles that "nobody wants"
What do you think the Vancouver olympics will look like if GM goes under and can't provide the fleet of vehicles it is donating to the games, never mind the millions of dollars in straight up sponsorship money. After 9/11, the big 3 donated millions upon millions of dollars to fire department and victim relief funds, what did the japanese manufacturers do?
As far as the bailout goes, the taxpayers would lose the money if any of the big 3 collapsed as all those (grossly overpaid) factory workers would be defaulting on their homes/cottages/boat payments and riding the EI train. The money provided to the domestic automakers is a LOAN which will be paid back, not a gift.
Sorry for the sidetrack and best of luck with your new truck
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