Do you think the government should step in and bailout the 3 American auto companies?

I believe that Ford, Chrysler and especially GM are the victims of their own issues. For years now, American-made vehicles are known to be of lesser quality and less long-term dependability turning consumers off of them. I know after owning a GM car for the last 7 years and it being a nightmare, I would never buy another GM car again. Now they expect the government to help bail them out along with the economy. What is your take?

The Big Three should be bailed out, they need it. Just not at my expense.

The most successful Japanese business models, Toyota, Honda and Mazda have standard operating procedures in place from a sheer business perspective whose body of work demonstrates a better product in the 80's and 90's. They do not have the lingering effect of cheap. BMW is a stand alone automaker to this day. What in their business model allows them to bring product to market, maintain independence with vehicles who have some aspect of performance superiority. American governance needs to go back to school at their expense, not at the tax payers expense. Everyone who has bought American has paid or invested in product that has been uneven.

If I loan you money because you are about to lose your shirt, but your thinking is the same, or your habits continue to follow you, then it is a waste of time, money and effort. You can blame whoever you want, but if you are in charge it is on you.

The UAW should have a big stake in the bailout! The UAW retirees have to part of the union's assistance in the government bailout as their investment for survival as a bargaining unit! The BIG 3 do not need the union, but be realistic the UAW needs the BIG 3!

NOUUU

The Big 3 are in trouble for many different reasons....and the blame is to be shared as well. The Unions have managed to suck life out of the companies. Too many dealerships and too many brands such as "rebadging."

Current American-made cars are just as good or better than imports. Basically, nobody makes a bad car anymore. Lemons do exist in both American and Imports. However, MANY Americans will not buy American simply because they heard horror stories about American cars from the 1970's decade. Last year, Buick tied with Lexus in JD Power!

People are not buying cars like they use to. Cars last many miles and years....and are still just as reliable from the day it was new. People tend to hold on to their vehicle much longer. Many people are also not trading much because they are so upside down in their current vehicle and usually have no cash for a downpayment. They are stuck with what they got and trading isn't likely.

If a person shopping today for a vehicle...I suggest taking a look at all the different brands. Do a major research on the car you are looking at with credible reviews. Don't be too quick to pass on the American vehicles....at least test drive one! You just might be surprised.

Should the Government bail them out? Yes.....however, many things would have to change in the companies. Shutdown excess dealerships, let certain brands die, and do less "rebadging." Much less benefits for workers as well. Pay for CEO's would take a pay cut.

I drive a 1983 Ford Ranger with 475,000 miles, a 2005 Buick Lacrosse with 50,000 miles, and a 1998 Harley Electra Glide with 80,000 miles. Just routine typical maintenance and for the most part....troublefree.

If you want American companies to survive.....Buy American today or it will be too late.