On the heels of Ford’s better-than-expected third quarter profits and its promise of solid profitability by 2011, 68% of Americans adults hold a favorable opinion of the one company that passed on a government bailout. Ford continues to far outdistance public perceptions of General Motors and Chrysler.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 24% view Ford unfavorably.

But just 34% of Americans have a favorable opinion of GM, while 56% view the automaker unfavorably.

Chrysler’s ratings are even lower, with just 29% who view the company favorably. Sixty-three percent (63%) view Chrysler unfavorably.

Ford’s ratings are a small improvement from July, when 66% viewed the company favorable and 26% viewed the it unfavorably. In May, 64% gave Ford favorable reviews, up from 51% in early March.

Three-out-of-four men (74%) share a favorable view of Ford, along with 62% of women.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the percentage of Americans who view GM favorably is down from 38% in July and 44% in May. The company’s unfavorable ratings show no change from July but are up from 48% in May.

Chrysler’s favorability ratings are down from 34% in July and 40% in May. The number of adults who view Chrysler unfavorably is up from 55% in July and 52% in May.

Women have slightly more favorable opinions of both automakers than men do.

In September, 58% of adults said Ford has the best chance of surviving. The same survey found that GM would most likely need more bailout funding from the government.

Recent polling also shows that 76% say the government should sell its ownership stakes in GM and Chrysler to private investors as soon as possible.

Still, when you ask most Americans what car they definitely plan to buy next, surprisingly, General Motors edges Ford and Toyota.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it’s free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.