It’s amazing how much “lag time” there is in the public perception of brand quality. It takes a long time to build up a brand, and once created the positive impression lasts for years or maybe even decades. But once its lost, it may take decades to recover.
Two examples: German cars got a reputation for quality in the sixties and seventies. Even though they are average now in quality, you can’t get the idea that the are superior out of peoples heads. GM (deservedly) lost its’ reputation in the seventies and eighties and are now just starting to get it back. Try to look with fresh eyes at the current GM lineup. Phenomenal cars. Just drove my buddies Trailblazer SS the other day - damn that is a nice ride. The whole Cadillac line is world class. If I had the money and space for one of the “V” series I’d be all over it. The new full size pickup platform makes the competition, specifically Toyota, look terminally ill. The Corvette is a high water mark in the price/performance wars. And so on.