Um...back to the topic...
I have a modest Sony HU (50w x 4) running a modest (six disc) Xplode changer in the trunk.
It's all good, on a modest budget.
Yes, the later Sony headunits are over-the-top ugly.
Yes, I've never cared for Sony speakers.
I've got Cerwin-Vega HED-1693's in the doors; modest, but they sound fine.
I spend money on the home stereo, not the car's.
While my eyes glazed over reading Chattasvegas's burger joint story, the moral is valid; huge corporations have holes which often manifest themselves in a lack of customer care or product quality. Sony's profits are taking a huge dip lately, as they are being undercut on price by other (Chinese, Korean, Malaysian) manufacturers.
I've bought some Sony stuff I love (my Trinitron tv) and some stuff I've been disappointed in (some portable stereo units whose cd players, tape players and radios s*** the bed) but their car audio stuff is OK in my experience.
Guess I'm not the only one with a plethora of free time. Well, Luke probably had time to read it while his granny porn was downloading, but c'mon Steve and Nate, what's your excuse? 
What a waste...(former internal QS-9000 auditor) 
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95 Contour SE '01 3L