ime they are not as well built as japanese cars, and they seem to figure quite highly in roadside breakdowns.

imo, for the money, they have a very high perceived quality which is down to clever use of interior materials and advertising, but the production quality of the mechanical components does not match the perceived quality. just my opinion from working in the automotive component supply business for over 10 years having visited many engineering offices and factories globally over the years.

and as for french cars, they should be given away with a box of cereal or a happy meal, that is what i think of their quality.