http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssC...50152620090622

 

Great article, thanks.

NOW, if only the public perception could change and the quality ratings for 1, 2 and 3 year old cars would improve to that level.

 

I'm not one to believe everything that a "geek with a pen" writes in these articles, but I'm still glad that I chose the HHR SS over the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman.

As per the article, "BMW's MINI was the lowest-ranked brand with 165 reported problems for every 100 cars sold".

The HHR SS was over 5 grand less than the Cooper Works Clubman, has more room and has a vast amount of extra power. The Clubman based stickered at $31,450, seats 4 and is rated at 208HP.

Oddly, I personally did not see any initial shortcomings in the fit and finish of the Mini. I just wanted something more substantial and the HHR SS fit the bill for me.

 

Hmm..that is very interesting!

 

After living with someone who owns a Mini, I'd never own one myself. Bucket of stainless steel bolts.

 

My American car (HHR SS) has been one of the least reliable cars I have ever owned. At only 4,000 miles so far it has been in the shop more than I have been able to drive it. I had the same experience with the horrible PT Cruiser that I used to own. My old Hyundai Elantra daily driver with 150,000 miles on it is more reliable than my brand new HHR SS. In fact, when my gf has to travel out of town for work she takes the elantra since she has had the HHR SS break down on her multiple times when she has taken it on business trips. That is just sad.

Our 2006 HHR had a lot of issues too, electrical, wheel bearings dying early, front struts bad and so on.

 

Good Article, Its to bad it won't change any minds for a few year's. They have come along way since my POS Grand Am. As far as I'm concern any vehicle no matter who builds it etc is going to have its issue's, its just the way it is.

I own a 08 HHR, 05 Galant, other family member's own a 07 Mazda 3, 08 Elantra, 08 Colorado,06 G6 all have been in the shop for something all Minor nothing to the point where it had to be towed.

 

From my experiences and observations of others issues the domestic cars still have a long long way to go before their quality meets the standards of the imports.

 

#1 Lexus
#2 Can't remember...
#3 Cadillac

You should get some info on the truth about the Domestic autos nowadays. The Caddie is rated #3. I think you sound like the ill informed media.

 

more reports and awards for GM,

Oshawa, ON, June 22, 2009 — Today, GM Canada’s Oshawa Car Assembly Plant was recognized by customers participating in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study with a Silver Plant Award. The Chevrolet Impala, built at the Oshawa Car Plant, was also recognized, ranking third in the large car segment. These awards come as a result of the Plant’s commitment to quality and a solid track record of industry-leading performance.

During the past eight years, the General Motors Oshawa Plant has received the J.D. Power Founder’s Award, four Gold and three Silver Awards for plant quality in North America in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study and a string of segment leading vehicle models.

The J.D. Power Founder’s award is a discretionary award recognizing individuals or companies that demonstrate dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in serving customers. In the 40-year history of J.D. Power and Associates, only 22 companies or individuals have previously received the award.

The Oshawa Car Plant currently builds the Chevrolet Impala and the new Chevrolet Camaro. GM has also recently confirmed three new product mandates for Oshawa Car, including a hybrid variant.

Oshawa Car Plant’s Quality Track Record:

2009 Consolidated Line recieves the J.D. Power and Associates Silver Plant Quality Award, North/South America

Chevrolet Impala ranked third in the large car segment


2008 Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as the Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality


2008 Oshawa Car Assembly recognized with the J.D. Power Founder’s Award


2007 Line #2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Silver Plant Quality Award, North/South America

Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality


2006 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Award for the Best Quality Assembly Plant in North and South America

Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as the Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality

Chevrolet Monte Carlo was recognized with a J.D. Power APPEAL Award


2005 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America

Line #1 received the J.D. Power and Associates Silver Plant Quality Award, North/South America

Oshawa swept the Premium Midsize segment, with the Buick Century recognized as “Best in Segment”

Buick LaCrosse/Allure was recognized as the “Best Launch Vehicle”


2004 Buick Century recognized as the Highest Ranked Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality


2003 Line #1 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America


2002 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America

Buick Century recognized as the Best Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality