Scalpels were taken to General Motors in the past few years in an attempt to save the brands it encompasses. But has it worked?

In this economic stagnation, retail sales are down across the board. Some companies have downsized or closed completely. When there’s too much product for a bankrupt market to purchase, what can companies do to stay afloat with steady profits? Well-regarded companies like Borders couldn’t keep above water amidst a myriad of circumstance and technological changes, but how is the beleaguered General Motors faring?

Public opinion of the Detroit automotive powerhouse was far from stellar in the 90s and 2000s, when the company was completely running its own affairs. However, in 2009 the federal government bailed out General Motors amidst cries of socialism and the often-touted nickname of “Government Motors”:

One of thousands, a "Government Motors" cartoon.

The sardonic pseudonym was popularized the media, but General Motors is undoubtedly bouncing back; the market is showing that some of the American consumers are ready to trust GM once more.

Yet, the top spot belongs to Ford in polls. Of those surveyed, only about half felt favorably about General Motors. But there is still much to do and many consumers to ask – how do you feel about GM and its products?