Should I buy a Chrysler or GM car?

This is a complex question because of the many variables that consumers have to consider:

Should I buy a Chrysler car?

As of June 10, 2009, a "new" Chrysler, called Chrysler Group LLC, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and now is beginning a union with Fiat. The new company is retaining all three brands-Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep-but has closed about 800 of its dealerships.

Other than this, the new company has resumed normal operations, shedding the doubts and risks that concerned potential buyers during its bankruptcy period. However, some consumer protections for those who already own Chryslers have been limited by the bankruptcy process.

The new Chrysler will continue to sell all of its current models and provide normal customer support with warranties, parts, service, and related consumer protections.

Chrysler continues to offer attractive sales incentives on many of its models, which could save you money when buying. However, we currently don't recommend any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicles. Some have scored too low in our testing to be recommended, while others have shown below-average reliability in our Annual Auto Survey. Overall, Chrysler has the lowest average test score, based on the vehicles we've tested, of any automaker. And all three of its brands are ranked near the bottom of our predicted-reliability rankings. (See "Who Makes the Best Cars?")

That said, Chrysler has stated that it is making a concerted effort to improve its vehicle quality and has released internal data, such as reduced warranty claim rates, that show the quality of its vehicles is improving. And in our recent test, the redesigned Dodge Ram pickup was much improved over the previous generation, and is now a strong competitor with other top pickups in our Ratings.

While this could be an indication that their claims of improvement are accurate, we don't have reliability data on the new Ram to rate how it is holding up.

Should I buy a GM car?

On July 10, 2009, the "new" GM emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is now a leaner, more streamlined company, ready to compete in the automotive market. There is no reason not to buy a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC vehicle. However, there are some considerations when choosing from an "old" GM brand. For instance, the future of Hummer, Saab, and Saturn is not yet carved in stone. Even when it is, it is unclear who will support current versions of those products, or for how long. Sales of these divisions are in process. Pontiac is being phased out, and finding long-term support for its products may be more difficult than with other brands.

That said, GM is offering some tempting sales incentives on many of its models, including ones that we recommend. And with slow auto sales and too much inventory, dealers are ready to negotiate. So, it's likely that you could get a very good deal.

Several recent GM models have done well in our testing and are very competitive in their classes. Consumer Reports recommends the Buick Lucerne V8, the Cadillac DTS, the Chevrolet Avalanche, HHR, Malibu, and Silverado, and the GMC Sierra. The Cadillac CTS, and GM's quartet of three-row, crossover SUVs (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook) all did well in our tests, but are not recommended due to below-average reliability in their first years.

It's important to remember that any deal is only as good as the vehicle you're buying. As always, we recommend that you thoroughly research the performance, reliability, safety, owner cost, and owner satisfaction of any model you're considering. Subscribers to ConsumerReports.org have access to our Ratings in all of those areas.