I wouldn't count on Chinese cars. And I definitely don't trust the two brands that are coming in: Chery and Jili. Chery makes luxurious but fragile cars while Jili makes lighter but also fragile cars. (And you definitely want to stay away from Amur Rivers......)
When I saw the report Ger_mark brought out about the crash test, I wasn't surprised.
But I do know some Chinese brands that are OK.
For Sedans: Go for Hong Qi(Red Flag)/Di Yi(First) brand (Old designs, but reliable, this is the company that use to make cars for the top officials before 1978.) or the Zhong Hua sedan.
For Vans: (Minivans aren't very popular in China.) Go for Jin Bei (Golden Flag)
This is also the company that makes the Zhong Hua sedan.
For SUVs: I'd say Huang He, though I am not too sure.
For large trucks, pick Dongfeng(Yes, the man in the house
, East Wind) or Jiefang(Liberation)