nsn98

Things must be really bad when the Altima drops like that. The Maxima also dropped, even though it is brand new.

I have't thought of it that way, but that's a good idea. It would allow you to have your cake and eat it too.

As I understand it, this engine will use only 4 cylinders when the computer sees fit in order to save gas milage. On a Buick, the average highway MPG is estimated to be about 24. If you drove one of these engines, and you really wanted to watch your gas milage for whatever reason, would it be possible to coerce the computer to use only 4 cylinders as much as possible? For example, if you drove like grandma, would the engine use just 4 cylinders most of the time? If so, what do you estimate the fuel economy would be?

When I see this, I can't help but think "Bird Car", like something Hawkman would drive.

I had no idea you could order these cars yet. I've always heard shipping by train can take a while. It would be worth the wait if that is so. I imagine shipping by train is the safest way to do it, since those car haulers are well protected.

I have to say that the LaCrosse looks very good. The new grill goes well with the round head lamps. I'm glad they kept the round head lamps. This is the first time I have ever seen any high quality pictures of the dark brown paint job. If Buick uses the same colors as the Enclave, then it would be interesting to see what a Dark Crimson Metallic, a Red Jewel color, or a Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic LaCrosse would look like. I am one of those people that likes the wood grain look. So many automobiles these days go for that cold, industrial look with fake chrome lines, monotone plastics, and silvery panels. I think the car probably looks bigger in the pictures than it actually is in real life. The Lucerne, however, truly is a big car.

Here is an interesting detail: This year: Sable 1,520 Montego 927 Last Year: Montego 1,880 Since the Sable is a replacement for the Montego, you can add the two together to get a better comparison. Sable + Montego = 2447 which is about a 30% increase over last years Montego sales.

I just received my copy of CR, and there was a short review, called a "first look" by CR, of the Outlook in it. For the most part, the review was favorable. The article opens with: "Our early impressions of the new Saturn Outlook crossover indicate that it - and its twin, GMC's Acadia, and cousin, Buick's Enclave, due this summer - might be the most competitive GM product in years." It ends by saying the Outlook "drives almost as well as more upscale models." They did criticize the automatic's behavior on a slight incline. GM said it will issue a software patch for that. CR also criticized the rear blind spot and the hard plastics "evident here and there." ------------- Outlook is among the best models from General Motors in years New Saturn crossover challenges Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander in CR's ratings Link to Original Article @ The Auto Channel YONKERS, N.Y., July 2, 2007; The new Saturn Outlook emerged as one of Consumer Reports' top-rated SUV models in tests of eight midsize and full-size vehicles for the August issue. It easily outpointed competitors and now ranks as the best SUV from domestic automakers in CR's ratings.The Outlook posted a "Very Good" overall score and is now ranked in third place -- behind the top-rated Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Honda Pilot -- among the 18 midsize SUVs that have recently been tested by Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports is also ranking the Outlook against larger, truck-based SUVs because of its roomy interior and accommodations for up to eight adults. Among large sport-utility vehicles, the Outlook ranks in second place, behind the far more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL450. The Outlook outpoints eight large SUVs in CR's ratings chart including the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Chevrolet Suburban. "The Saturn Outlook is the most competitive volume model from General Motors in years," said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. The Outlook and its twin, the GMC Acadia, are new car-based SUVs that are being built on the same platform by General Motors, along with the up-market Buick Enclave, which is due to go on sale later this year. Almost a foot and a half longer than midsized SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, the Outlook is the first car-based SUV that is spacious enough inside to be a viable alternative to large truck-based models. That's good news because car-based models tend to provide better handling, a more comfortable ride, and better fuel economy. The Outlook delivered 16 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests, which is better than that of all the large SUV models that have been recently tested. Its gas mileage is about midpack when compared with midsized SUVs tested by CR. The Outlook was tested against the Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica and the Ford Edge. Prices for those SUVs, equipped with popular comfort and convenience options such as sunroofs and heated leather seats, ranged from $33,950 for the Edge to $36,799 for the Outlook. Though they didn't perform as well as the Outlook, the Veracruz, Pacifica, and CX-9 also posted "Very Good" overall scores. The Ford Edge finished near the bottom of the pack, though still with a "Very Good" score.

I was surprised to see the the Pacifica selling so poorly because I see a lot of them here in Florida.

15... Time to think about dating. Any Corvettes or Mustangs show up yet?

I used to drive Buick Regal rentals, and I thought they were very nice cars. Great for long trips. Too bad they stopped making the Riviera.