Far too many factors to be able to fully address them in a post. But I will throw a few into the hat:
GM quality has not meant much in the last several years. After a short upswing, observed quality has fallen in the last 7 year or so, with no apparent effort to rectify the situation.
Design - some really ugly designs have come through GM in the last several years. Remember - the first thing that attracts customers is looks, then followed by quality (and a growing number looking for fuel efficiency).
Some not-so-good business decisions as a whole - investing in some real losers (like Daewoo a few years back). Then the investments in credit companies...ugh.
Feel free to add...
By the way - are Honda and Toyota bleeding cash and laying off/buying out tens of thousands of employees???
I’ve been a vocal critic of the quality of American vehicle until just recently. At least when it comes to GM. The last year or two, they’ve really improved the qulaity of their vehicles accross the board. The Tahoe/Yukon is a quality vehicle and would be selling a heck of alot more if it were not for the high gas prices altough they still sell alot of them in Texas. Ditto for the new Silverado truck. I drive a 2007 Chevy Avalanche and love the handle of the ride. The 2008 Malibu is getting reviews that were only reserved for the Camary and Accord just a year or so ago.
Chrysler has some attractive vehilces but I’ve heard alot of mechanical problems and piss pour customer service. Ford really hasn’t built anything lately that makes me turn my head.