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" I do like Nissan autos, however, and I'd be really incensed if GM started selling their cheaply constructed cars with a Nissan tag on them."

Aw, c'mon! Some of GM's cars have been up at number two behind Toyota in the J.D. Power surveys. Catch up with things.

I have been very favorably impressed with some GM cars I have driven as rentals in the past year. I can't say the same for either Toyota's Corolla (though the Camry is nice) or Honda's Civic, which is less refined, less powerful, less everything than anything else I have driven. The GMs got good mileage, ran well, were comfortable and ergonomically better than I had any right to expect. If I were buying a car today, it would be a Buick or a Chevy.

Aw, c'mon! Some of GM's cars have been up at number two behind Toyota in the J.D. Power surveys. Catch up with things.

I don't necessarily follow JD Power. Granted, the new crop of GM vehicles are quite a bit better than they have been recently. However, for long-term reliability nothing beats Nissan, Toyota, and Honda. Maybe reliability isn't the number one issue for you. If that's the case, a GM vehicle might be a better choice for you. However, I cannot afford to have even the occassional 2000 dollar car repair bill, not on the money I make.

There are a few American autos I would strongly consider purchasing, however there are only a few. I'd buy a newer Impala or Grand Prix if I had the money, which I don't. Pontiac's 3.8L V6 is a solid engine with good reliability. I know a guy who has a Bonneville with this engine and it gives no problems.

However, I'm in the market for a more sporty vehicle, and one I can afford. GM doesn't make Firebirds or Camaros anymore, and I can't afford a Corvette. Nissan doesn't make a mid-range sports car like GM used to. With Nissan it's either a 4-door Sedan (Altima or Maxima) or a 350Z which I also can't afford. The Mitsubishi Eclipse is without a doubt the most fun car to drive I've ever sat behind, but it's reliability is even worse than GM by a long shot (not surprising; it's a typical Chrysler product. Some Eclipses also have this tendency to throw their timing chains which tends to total the vehicle when it happens). Basically, if I want a sporty, fun to drive car for that I can afford that won't fall apart on me at 90,000 miles my only real option is a Toyota Celica, which isn't made any more.

Now, I guess I'm being selfish but the idea of a new GM sports car that I could afford with a far more reliable Nissan engine in it is a good thought that I'd like to see happen.