ocnblu

The updates did help the Journey, admitedly. I guess Dodge saleskids are able to guide potential 2-row Caravan intenders over to the Journey. No harm in that. But I still miss the shortie minivans. The third row in the Journey is an unfunny joke, seemingly there for marketing purposes only. I think the vehicle would be better served as a 2-row vehicle with more space for cargo.

Speaking of needing a big motor, I don't think the Journey has successfully taken the role of the old short wheelbase minivans. It looks more like a CUV, yet it is not quite as "cool" (CUV marketing term) as a true CUV. I miss the old 2-row shortie minivans. This leaves a pretty sexy niche for the shortie 2014 Transit Connect to fill... that of the customer who would trade butt space for cargo space... or an Expedition/Explorer or even a recreational F-150 or late, lamented Ranger for something perhaps just as useful but not so consumptive. Back to Mopar and their minivan dilemma that went public... maybe if they keep Caravan and Town & Country, but make one short and the other long on the same platform, as in olden days, there would be a reason for them both.

kale

3020 and 4020, two classics.

Nothing worse than seeing a watermark in a golden bowtie. Ford's blue oval emblems have the same problem though, they peel and separate too. And you guys are so right, it implies a lack of pride in the product.

Well, here's hoping you have a minimum of gas problems today. Enjoy yourself, have a good one!

Well, Buick should have some Alpha cars.

I agree with Carguy, this needs to replace the Regal, which currently is being eaten alive by the Verano.

Makes the Sonic RS an also-ran suddenly, with all that horsepower and serious hardware upgrades. Chevy's new 1.6t better get here soon, and with comparable power figures. Sad no 3-door.

Just like the 200 and 300 S, this is a trim package, but it looks good, imo, and they must have sold enough of them up to now to expand the line. Good for them. And there have been many sport trim packages on Caravans over the years, from way back.

Such a cool car... love it.

We had a 3020 wide axle front (among many others), it was the most perfect little tractor for so many jobs.

Formula and Trans Am had a black grille frame, this one appears to be silver. Base cars had silver. Does this car have holes in the fenders and quarters for the ground effects spats to attach? Are there any holes in the rocker panels for a rocker molding that was on a lot of the base cars? Are there holes in the decklid and quarters for the Trans Am spoiler to mount? Trans Ams also had full gages with tachometer, the Formula steering wheel and a full console. Here's a link decoding the VIN number, it will tell you if this is a Trans Am: http://allgentransams.com/production_information/vin_decoder/gen2.html

OH, John Deeres! What I was raised on. I see that '72 Chevelle back there, the front clip at least.

Sweet machine! Same color as my '73 Catalina, that green with white top. Only mine had the green vinyl bench interior.

:drool: ...but a SEDAN? oy. They gotta build me up, then drop me a little. I hope this is more than a rumor... and that there's a coupe version as well. There might be hope for GM yet. This is what they need to fill the gaps left by some of the lost, beloved brands.

I believe that if it weren't for China, Pontiac might still be here and Buick, the very foundation of GM, may have gone away.

Those that need a bigger vehicle but cannot afford it are forced to go used, which hurts new-car sales. The automakers are pushing customers down in size if they want to spend less. That might not be feasible for some people. It is reality, for sure, but not really fair, imo. I guess though when an affordability index is thrown into the mix, my theory might be shaky... if the economy were in any kind of decent shape. But it is not.

Thanks for taking one for the team! Does the dude live under the overpass?

I like the design of this thing, in and out. The dash is not subscribing to the sameness of so many other cars that have a prominent center stack sweeping into the console, it is different. I also think plood adds warmth to an interior, and this one is no exception. The exterior is sporty, really surprising in a good way v. earlier iterations of this model. It does adhere to the long roof, six-window, fastback, short deck sedan school of design pioneered in the modern age by the Audi A7, and shared by the Fusion, '14 Impala and MKZ, among others (arguably, the Benz CLS may have started the trend, but that car had a droopy tail and a little different proportion, imo). It is sweeping and dramatic, but since so many cars share it now, hopefully it doesn't become cliche too soon. It appears that Toyota has kept a relatively low beltline here, something that is also a refreshing change from recent design convention. It contributes to a slimmer profile and, hopefully, better visibility, which has been the bane of high beltline cars from all over the map. Seeing this sporty new Avalon makes me nostalgic for Mercury, Oldsmobile and Pontiac. The mind wanders, thinking of the possibilities their respective design teams could have come up with on a Milan/Marquis, Cutlass/Aurora, or Grand Prix/Bonneville that adheres to this school of form. Now it is left up to a foreign brand, Toyota, to take up the slack by hiring American designers who don't have a problem helping Japan. Misty for past glories, I guess I am.

stewed tomatoes

Well, a white interior is almost impossible to keep looking nice at any rate. The heavily-bolstered (are those Recaros?) areas of the seats are going to get so much wear from sliding in and out. Plus, leather just does not wear well. It cracks from age and generally gets crappy quick unless some horse person owns the car and treats the leather like a saddle with polish and treatments on a regular basis. The cloth inserts are still good on the seats, apparently. The title issue is a concern as always, but I wonder when it was changed? If it was fairly recent, the damage that totaled the car might not have been much due to insurance value. As far as the Camaro goes, I would keep it and forego the white Pontiac... but a thorough investigation into rust is called for. I would go over that entire car with a magnet or mil gauge and try to come to a conclusion on the rockers, lower quarters, fenders, etc. to get an idea of what you're getting into so you have a better idea of what this project is going to cost.

I understand Buick is selling a quadruple number of vehicles in China v. what they are selling here. The most shameful thing I have ever heard. Americans need their heads examined.

Good thing there are guys who do it for love, not money. It is up to the individual what to spend his money on.