Free market says "buy where you get the best value" and over the last 20 years or so that has not been American cars, however, the market seems to be working because I see some US cars getting much higher ratings.
They won't be able to compete until Chrysler GM and Ford work with the UAW to fix their astronomical disadvatnage when it comes to pensions, healthcare, and salary costs versus the foreign companies that don't have to pay for all the retiring workers the other companies have.
Total labor costs per hour (salary + benefits) at the big 3 are between $70-$75 per hour. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan's american plants run at $48 per hour. Remember these are all AMERICAN workers at American plants, not japs working in sweatshops.
That said, I drive a 99 Ford Tauras, full leather, sunroof, and it's a great car.