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I'm a loyal Subaru/Honda/Toyota buyer and view American cars in general as inferior in quality and reliability (used to work for Enterprise so I know what I'm talking about). I do like Fords though from my experience driving them, and they tend to be fun and modern in their styling. I've heard the Pontiac Vibe is a really good car too, even though it was co-built by Toyota. My girlfriend is in the market for a car and insists on buying American, but I want her in something safe and reliable.
Pontiac Vibe IS very much just a Toyota Matrix... And as such, probably the most reliable car they built.
When I worked in an automotive shop, I learned that [newer] Fords are far ahead of GM and Chrysler in terms of technology and build quality.
GM is okay at best, although their Buick lineup is rather impressive.
Chrysler as a whole is still putting out some pretty poorly-built, although nice-looking, vehicles.
How old of a car is she looking for?
I should add that Chevy Cobalts/Cruze are basically modern Cavaliers... They're reliable. Boring cars, but some of the best cars GM has built.
Pontiac Vibe IS very much just a Toyota Matrix... And as such, probably the most reliable car they built.
When I worked in an automotive shop, I learned that [newer] Fords are far ahead of GM and Chrysler in terms of technology and build quality.
GM is okay at best, although their Buick lineup is rather impressive.
Chrysler as a whole is still putting out some pretty poorly-built, although nice-looking, vehicles.
How old of a car is she looking for?
I should add that Chevy Cobalts/Cruze are basically modern Cavaliers... They're reliable. Boring cars, but some of the best cars GM has built.
Did you forget about this little ignition recall that only killed at least a 100 or so people?!?! This is GM's best? I'd look at Buick if buying American.
Did you forget about this little ignition recall that only killed at least a 100 or so people?!?!This is GM's best? I'd look at Buick if buying American.
We ARE discussing GM, here... They don't have a lot of "good" to offer. And yes, Buicks are decent, despite being, for the most part, regular Chevy's with better looks.
We ARE discussing GM, here... They don't have a lot of "good" to offer. And yes, Buicks are decent, despite being, for the most part, regular Chevy's with better looks.
Unfortunately, there's the reputation they have for being "old people cars". Right now, my top suggestions to her have been a Ford Fusion (hatchback if possible) or Pontiac Vibe.
Unfortunately, there's the reputation they have for being "old people cars". Right now, my top suggestions to her have been a Ford Fusion (hatchback if possible) or Pontiac Vibe.
Fusion is a sedan, not made in a hatchback. The Focus is however made in a Hatch. My Father has one and he is quite happy.
Price and an idea on styling or type would be helpful to offer advice. Each manufacturer seems to have models that fare better or worse than average. Asking for a manufacturer that is overall better is tough to say, it asks us to paint with a really broad brush.
FYI - to my knowledge there is no Fusion hatchback made. (At least that came to America)
Unfortunately, there's the reputation they have for being "old people cars". Right now, my top suggestions to her have been a Ford Fusion (hatchback if possible) or Pontiac Vibe.
The Ford Edge is a brilliant vehicle. Might not be in OP's price range. I agree with other posters: What are you looking for in terms of vehicle, other than being American?
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This is GM's best? 
I'd look at Buick if buying American.
