From the SF Chronicle:<p>This is from best to worst (NOTE: Companies not mentioned chose not to participate in the survey, this includes the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and maybe one or two others).<p>This is based on 1997 sales and the companies are ranked by # of cars sold/# of disputes arbitrated (but doesn't not include data on how those disputes were settled).<p>Saturn<br>Honda/Acura<br>Porsche<br>GM<br>Nissan/Infiniti<br>Saab<br>Isuzu<br>VW/Audi<br>Chrysler<br>Ford<br>Hyundai<br>Rolls Royce<br>AM General<br>Kia<p><ul><li><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1999/01/13/BU42797.DTL">SF Chronicle Article</a></li></ul>

However, I know from experience that two people in my office had to go to arbitration with Saturn after having major brake problems (not something to toy with). Even though Saturn gave them major "we will crush you" attitude going in, they lost handily and had to provide new cars.<p>It's a shame that Saturn makes such ho-hum cars, they have the right marketing idea.<br>

One of my cars is a Saturn and I'm not surprised that they rank at the top. All of my experiences with them have been excellent. The car, while ho hum, has been one of the most dependable, low maintenance cars I've ever owned and actually drives quite nicely considering its class. In fact, the Audi warranty reminded me of the 5 year 50,000 mile bumper to bumper transferrable warranty I got with the Saturn. I only wish more car makers followed their lead! The no hassle fixed price system is a godsend and beats the insane burden on the consumer to negotiate the cost of their car. Name one other product in which the burden is placed on the consumer to haggle the price?

nt<br>

1) Why are VW and Audi together? Any figures on just Audi? This is comparing apples and oranges!<br>2) GM has a good ranking because people who buy GM cars are so used to substandard quality they never complain-ie the "Silent Majority". I say this from experience-I've owned 8 Corvettes, several Pontiacs and a Blazer. Glad I've found Audi!<br>3) Maybe VW/Audi owners expect more and complain about things other owners wouldn't? <br>4) If VW/Audi make such a level of low quality cars as is alluded, then why have they enjoyed such success in sales recently?<br>I could go on and on-these kind of statistics prove nothing-just like the Harris polls- I think if you want to have a perception of quality then go drive a Audi and then a GM product -Olds, Chevy etc. and you'll soon feel the superority of the Audi and VW. I can honestly say my A4-30v is better and more RELIABLE than any Japanese car i've ever owned ( 3-300ZXTT's, Forerunner, Millenia, Maxima).<br>PS-I don't work for VW/Audi. <br>

When ordering computer parts mail order, you can usually compare prices and get any place to match any other places prices. Also, when buying stereo equipment, like from Circuit City or something, you can also get them to cut the price. I have also heard of people asking for better rates on credit cards, or asking for more for switching phone companies, and usually it is agreed to. It is just that cars cost so much that consumers really want to save as much as possible, but really you can haggle on much more than you might think.