I haven't replaced mine yet and haven't had to for inspection, BUT I do have about 5 or 6 chips, bullseyes, and small cracks.
It's a result of the steep angle of the windshield. You just don't get a glancing blow like you do on more swept back windshields. GM could put a higher grade glass in front though. A version of the glass used in airplane and helicopter windshields that have melted salts in the outer pane would resist the cracking and chips. Combine the rake of the windshield with the low grade outer pane and every little pebble causes a chip. Not to mention that I think some of our rock chips come from our own front tires.
Back in Dec. of 2002 I even inquired with Ace Security Laminates about putting one of their laminates on the outside of the windshield because of this reason. They would do it but wouldn't warranty it or didn't know if it would stand up to the abuse of windshield wipers and weather since the laminate generally is applied to the inside of the windows.
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