Funny you mention the Avalon. Last year Toyota was having problems with electrical gremlins in the Avalon and had to recall all of them. It was so bad that they were doing buy backs on them.
I think most of the manufacturers are on an even playing field now. There's just to much of a choice and it's harder for everyone. Now with China coming in it will get even harder. For the consumer it's a good thing.
Agree, which is why I drive Honda. Let's see, the laundry list on my GM cars:
86 Old Cutlass Ciera 4 cylinder (Iron Duke engine) Electrical problems and ongoing exhaust problems. I finally got trade assistance from Olds to buy the Pontiac Grand Am because I REFUSED another Olds..........
88 Grand Am Quad 4: The head gasket blew out at 40,000 miles, got it fixed under recall. However, the transmission went at 57,000 miles, and I bitched but ended up getting nothing.
93 Grand Am V-6. Leased it for 3 years, bought it out and sold it with 31000 miles on it. Had to put new rotors, struts, and 2 ABS sensors on it, not covered under warranty because of time owned not mileage.
96 Grand Prix: Transmission went out at 32,000 miles 3 months after warranty ended. Bitched incessantly for a month before GM agreed to pay 2/3 of the repair. With rental car costs and my part, I spent $840. Sold the car with 78,000 miles, don't know if it's in a junk heap or not.
2003 Buick Rendevous. I leased this because they had a special,and my GM card was at the maximum amount. Ended up driving a loaded Rendevous for $200 a month and change......... Turned it in with only 27,000 miles, and it was by far my best GM car.........
My Chrysler Experience:
2004 Chrysler Town and Country Touring Package. I bought this new, and put 49,700 miles on it in 3 years. It went into the shop FIVE times for suspension problems, one of the fixes being an ENTIRE rack and pinion at 33,000 miles. At 40,000 miles, the dealer told me I was "on my own"and the suspension was still making a noise, so I filed a Magnuson-Ross claim through a Lemon Law attorney and got a cash settlement to help get rid of it.........
So, it's not like I didn't give the domestics a chance................
I have had my Honda Accord for 18 months, put 30,000 miles on it, and have done NOTHING but oil changes and tire rotations...........
Since I now got a 2006 Honda Odyssey for a good price, I'm set for a LONG time..........
I will mention that I bought a number of NEW GM cars because I got some good deals working at dealerships..........