Quality or Quantity?

[PornoDoggy]

GM certainly doesn't sell as many of the high-end cars as they do the low end.

There is another factor in auto selection that I don't think you'll find in this industry - prestige. Cadillac could make a car every bit the equal of anyone - but it would not have the prestige of a Benz or BMW. With a car you're buying image.

will it ever reach a time when a manufacturer can be honest about the fact that they skimp to make a product affordable?

A manufacturer might admit it - but the marketing department speaks for the company, and they sure as hell won't.