11: Lackluster Reliability
Anybody who went car shopping in the 1990s remembers the distinct lack of reliability. Most domestic cars were notoriously deficient. Their build quality was shoddy at best, not a good look when you promote quality. Domestic cars routinely broke down around 100,000 miles, and transmission failure was not uncommon (via Jalopnik).

Whereas their Japanese rivals developed a reputation for quality that has lasted to this day, the lack of reliability has stuck with domestic automakers. Consumers are pre-programmed to understand that Toyota and Honda cars last, whereas GM and Ford will always have a more seedy rep in terms of reliability.