It Pays to Skip the Bailouts

Americans think pretty highly of Ford these days:

On the heels of Ford’s better-than-expected third quarter profits and its promise of solid profitability by 2011, 68% of Americans adults hold a favorable opinion of the one company that passed on a government bailout. Ford continues to far outdistance public perceptions of General Motors and Chrysler.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 24% view Ford unfavorably.

But just 34% of Americans have a favorable opinion of GM, while 56% view the automaker unfavorably.

Chrysler’s ratings are even lower, with just 29% who view the company favorably. Sixty-three percent (63%) view Chrysler unfavorably.

You've got to believe those approval numbers are being reflected in their sales.