ocnblu

Yup, wildcat, a Pontiac exclusive, those awesome snowflakes. Oh, ok Camino, well I didn't look that close, but I do know they were an option on the B-bodies at the time.

Buckingham Palace

I'd like to see the current Swift sold here, it always gets great reviews in the British automotive press. It would make a good G3 (if there is to be one)... much better than an Aveo clone, imo.

The finniest thing I've seen all day.

Ew, I stopped by the Hyundai dealership yesterday to look at the Genesis. It looks so... Korean.

WOW, to have sales on a vehicle fall 86% when it is not due for imminent replacement with a publicized new model is horrible. It will be interesting to watch sales figures if gasoline continues its downward price trend, however. Are Americans TRULY weaned off our big, comfortable cruisers, or are we just waiting for gas prices to fall further? I'll tell you what, I would NOT want to be a product planner with such volatile fuel prices.

Uh, well I like the new HD wheels... but I don't see too much new in the front end... looking at the headlight, it looks the same, looking at the chrome portion of the bumper poking out, it looks the same, too. Seems like an almost imperceptible "facelift".

Much nicer than the current 'Nox. I like it a lot, actually, even if the rear quarter glasses resemble the SAAB concept on this platform. Over at Autoblog, though, in the "comments" section, that dope "wagonphile" is on my nerves right off the bat.

As with the Impala, woodgrain or metallic-look trim is the owner's choice when ordering. I see nothing wrong with woodgrain trim in a Pontiac. I was looking at a very hot '65 Grand Prix on Saturday, with the factory, real wood veneer across the expansive dashboard, and it was spectacular. I look at it this way: metallic-look trim is for people who want a "cool" feeling, while woodgrain is for those who prefer a "warm" interior. To each his own, and I am glad buyers have the choice.

That new interior is much nicer. I was reading owner reviews on Edmunds for the Patriot, and it gets generally very good reviews, except I did see too many mentions of manual transmission synchronizer problems. I expect both Compass and Patriot might live on now, with the gas price spike this summer. I'd like to see the Trail Rated version available with a manual, instead of the CVT-only setup. The Trail-Rated version sits up higher, as well, which makes it cooler than those without the option.

Thanks for the info, griffon. I formed my opinion after reading an article quoting the head of Suzuki complaining about the Daewoo-sourced cars dragging down his company's quality scores due to excessive warranty costs and "things gone wrong".

I love the sporty, yet luxurious look of the '80-'81 Fullsize Pontiacs. I'd love to have a Bonneville with snowflakes and no vinyl top.

Toni, that looks exactly like the car I saw. The hood was open, so I didn't notice the Ram Air, but everything else is right on.

Yup, the SX4 sedan and wagon are REAL Suzukis, much nicer than the Daewoo rebadges that were forced on them by GM.

Well, if it has much Daewoo influence, it won't be worth the wait. In spy pics, however, the interior is very nice, and in GM's usual flattering rendering that was leaked, it looks very good. Coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon bodystyles (but not at the expense of the sweet little HHR) need to be built, and Pontiac's version should have its own front and rear clips and interior.

I believe you're right, moltie. The Manta was a T-body, based on their Kadett, IIRC. Which brings to mind an American T-body that almost made it to production: the Chevette SS, with 2.8L V6 power, cowl induction hood, stripe package, the whole nine yards. It was featured in Motor Trend, but sadly never made it to dealer lots.

Between the Aveo and Cobalt? The Cruze, from all accounts, will be sized and priced a bit higher than Cobalt.

Except the Capri had an optional V6, which the Manta lacked. With Mercury turning into the American "Ford of Europe", I'd love to see a modern Capri here in the U.S., based on the Focus platform with a snappy EcoBoost motor.

pick a wrinkle

I took off from Maryland in my '92 Golf (which turned out to be quite the little intrepid traveler) in late August of that year, planning on driving to Seattle. I had no official itinerary, however, except to stay in Motel 6s every night of the trip. I took my little dog, Meggie. We made it to Denver, up into Fort Collins where we stayed the night, then took a short excursion into Wyoming before turning around and heading back south, through Texass, and back the southern route eastbound. It was a fun trip, I'd like to do it again sometime. I'd recommend a long-ass road trip to anyone, it helps a person appreciate the huge, beautiful country we live in. Not a place for wimpy, uncomfortable vehicles.

That wing :shakes head: is we todd it. Caddy, your car is a beauty.

Customers returned an '08 Aveo sedan rental. I moved it to a spot so Enterprise could pick it up. Driver's door trim has most of its stress at the door pull area, in this case at the armrest. It is held with one screw on the Aveo. Screw was loose, allowing entire trim panel to flex widely upon pulling door closed. I was embarrassed for the car, so I tightened the screw. How long 'til it comes loose again, affecting numerous renters' opinion of the entry-level GMNA product? 9,000 miles on the odometer.

Dynasty/"Darling... I thought you were dead!"/Dynasty

Well, it will be an adventure. Have fun and warm that camera up, because I want to see an unbiased account of life in my ancestral home.