njtex

On the whole, the GT has been getting good and fair press overseas. In general, they love the performance but complain about stroage space. Another German magazine said that the GT is the perfect weekend fun car. Also, don't forget that Opal has only recently started overcome it's "Opa Opal" image. The GT should help a lot like the Sky and Solstice have helped build image here in the States.

Hey Toyota, Mercedes called and they want their previous generation E-Class trunk back!

Best quote ever! They "killed off" large cars during the '70's while they were young, bored, and couldn't afford them. Had no problems what so ever buying big SUV's when they had kids of their own and stuff to carry around. Now that their kids are gone, they're getting bored, and they're back into "green-mode" again and trying to kill off SUV's. Maybe they just can't stand the sight of larger 4-door vehicles because it's a reminder that they're no longer fertile and have nothing of consequence to do anymore?

The ones on the CR look nice and perky but I still like the pair of bumps on the Solstice better!

The analog to digital transition issue is much more complicated overall. What most people don't realize is that it didn't happen overnight, it's been a muddy issue that has been dragged out for years by the carriers and is even still in process. During this time, GM (and other manufactures) still had to implement the technology in their cars that provided the largest possible footprint based on the technolgy that the carriers were using for their networks. Don't forget that even the FCC ruling that takes effect on February 2008 is not a requirement to shut down analog but just gives carriers permission to shut it down if they want to. To illustrate the point, most everyone who transitioned to a Digital phone about 2001 - 2003 was likely dissapointed because of the lack of coverage. They also have been forced to purchase 2 or 3 new phones since then to keep their phone compatible with the many changes made to their carrier's digital network. As you can see, it really didn't make sense to lock down the digital hardware in the car any earlier. GM, MB, BMW, and the others using the cellular network for telematics service are all in the same boat and have all followed the same timeline.

Looks like the Lacrosse gets the Lucern grill. Not a bad change, it just updates the car a bit.

If GM buys Chrysler will they be viewed as the "good guy" coming in to save the day or the big bully picking over Chrysler's bones on the cheap? Hate to see GM get a black eye here because I'm sure the press will be all over it with their "big bad GM bias". It would also be really interesting to know the list of companies that DCAG will not sell Chrysler to. My guess is that they want to sell Chrysler to GM so that it becomes an "American" problem and they can avoid the negative stigma of turning the company over to the asians. I'm also sure they don't want to see Toyota get any stronger too. Bet they wouldn't sell to VW either because it would hurt their pride if VW pumped a little money in and turned Chryler around. The sad thing is that Chrysler's problems are only temporary and due to over production. Hate to see the big mess that DCAG created also take out GM too.

A very hyper-critical review, the Sol is much better than they describe. Their comments about ride are also suspect because it's a good highway cruiser too.

Edmund's is too cruel. Major issue I see is that pricing is a bit on the high side.

I won't get excited until pricing is announced. It'll have to be dirt cheap in the US for me to consider as a 2nd or 3rd car. Even so, I can't imagine relaxing in the thing cruising the NJ Turnpike or the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Anybody remember the '80's era Mitsubishi/Dodge Raider? I think the term SUV wasn't even invented yet so we just called them all "Jeeps". During that era all of the trucks in this segment were designed to go off-road so the term SUV wouldn't apply anyway. The Nitro looks like a modernized version of the old Raider. This isn't a bad thing and I like the new design too.

They really are great vans. For local road use they beat GM's vans, on the highway, GM's vans are better. I also like the fact that MB has made some styling changes that make the new one look less like a work truck. Demand must be good because aside from the Viper and a few high-end MB models, Sprinter is about the only DCAG vehicle not in the employee purchase plan.

I live in the New Jersey to Maine "SAAB Belt" and see them every day. The 9-7 really is a nice truck. It's got the Trailblazer SS suspension with a suprisingly upmarket and nice interior. IMO, even the SAAB nose looks good grafted on the truck but unlike most of the country, SAABs look normal here.

Actually, Saudi Arabia is the largest share holder after DB. Instead of Dr. Z, they could just as well have advertised "Quality is our jihad"!

Is it just me or is there really some AMC Gremlin design heritage in the Compass?

"See they just didnt have a choice, no way could they put a Caddy ahead of a Beamer and they just werent impressed with the Beemer so there simply was nothing left to do to save face in light of all things important. After all priorities are priorities." What didn't they like about the 650? It's the only one of these cars that I have driven and I didn't like it either. I was amazed at how much of a boat the 650 turned out to be. It's just not at all like the BMW's of old. It's a cruiser and not a "driving machine" in my opinion anyway.

I wonder what happens when China ramps-up in a few years and is ready to dump another 5 Million units in the US. Who's hide will they take it from? I'm guessing Nissan and the Korean brands first since they tend to have lower loyalty. The big question is, does Toyota and Honda have what it takes to compete other than just cash in the bank? By that time, the big two should be in recovery mode, if not, it'll get real ugly and fast.

Is it me or do both trucks look a little bit like modern interpretations of their '70's predecessors? I like the look and it's a great play on heritage. Can't wait to see them in person!

The NY Times has had running battles with most car manufacturers in the open and behind the scenes for years. Let's just say that they are about as responsible with press cars as they are with their writing!

GM is supposedly doing everything they can to keep Delphi from striking. Either way, it'll be a tough Summer for Delphi because it's been reported that most of their other customers have also been building inventories of parts in case of a strike. Chapter 11 should help them through though?

I still remember the real Chanllengers. Those that were left in the late 70's were all beaters, at least in the North East. Everyone wanted a 'Stang, Bird, Charger, or Camaro. If you had less than a grand to spend, you were stuck with rusted out Chanllenger that usually crabbed down the road sideways. I think Dusters were even put together better. I can't imagine that there are enough Boomers out there with fond memories that will support sales of the new one.

I'd rather see something unique for a Hummer H1 replacement.

Maybe add a much smaller and cleaner version of the hood scoop too!

What about the Orange one with the bigger grill from the black GXP? That's what I would like.