8 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA --With all the bankruptcies and government bailouts in the news lately, it's been tough for American auto giants to gain consumer confidence. Monday morning, General Motors Corp., the nation's largest auto manufacturer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. GM says it is still open for business. However, American auto consumers were sounding off in response to the move, some showing support for the automaker and others not so surprised by the filing. Richard Kellenberger of Citrus Heights was looking at used Chevy Blazers at John L. Sullivan Chevrolet in the Roseville Auto Mall. Kellenberger said despite the American car industry's money troubles, he would still only buy American-made cars. "It doesn't affect my confidence in buying," Kellenberger said. "I'd rather buy American. I own a Ford." The Blazer Kellenberger was looking at was for his girlfriend's son. Kellenberger said that he believed the quality of American- made cars was improving, and that auto companies were offering better warranties, as well. "All of our U.S. companies have come up with quality, trying to keep up with the foreigners right now like Toyota and all the rest of them," Kellenberger said. "
In Sacramento, Diane Long of Fairfield was having one of her two Toyotas serviced at Maita Toyota on Auburn Boulevard. Long said after having countless problems with American-made cars previously, she would only buy Toyotas.
"I've heard people say that once you buy a Toyota, you won't buy anything else," Long said. "And that's how it's been for me."
Long said that she had briefly considered buying a Dodge Caravan recently, but felt uncertain that its warranty would be honored, due to the company's shaky financial state. Dodge is made by Chrysler which is also undergoing bankruptcy.
Even though the federal government has said it would back warranties of bankrupt auto dealers, the risk seems too great for Long.
"I was interested in a Dodge Caravan and they seemed like a really nice car. But I was worried, too worried," Long said. "So I decided to stick with the Highlander."
Long acknowledged that she wished she could feel more confident in the quality of American-made cars, but she had to stick with what was working best for her and her family.
"I do feel like I would like to support the American car companies but I also have to have a car that I can afford and that is reliable for me because of my financial situation," Long said.
News10/KXTV
