Is it my imagination or are DSL modems garbage?

It's probably an issue of either wireless connection or physical wiring. if you're using a wireless router, well, I'd say there's your problem right there. wireless connections suck. in general. you need to move closer to the router, or something. or try a different router with a better signal, or something.

regardless of the type of router, the cheesy wire going from the router to your phone jack may be screwed up. replace it. clean the jacks and sockets. make sure to install line filters on all other devices sharing the line. you could also have crappy wiring going from the jack out to the box where the phone company wire actually comes in. The phone company wire itself could also be fouled up, that would be the phone company's problem to fix.

if you get some decent wiring and connections in place, it will be pretty reliable. As long as you aren't using wireless.

pick up a phone on the same line as the dsl. do you hear an crackling, static, hum, stuff like that? there's your problem right there.

call your isp and ask them to do a line noise check and stuff

call your phone company and ask them to check it out. Don't let them try to fix your home wiring inside your house unless you want to pay them for that

I'm in California, have DSL service from AT&T (formerly PacBell) and have had the same DSL modem for about 15 years. Works great. We don't know who your service provider is or which modem you are using...