PositiveAboutGM

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I would personally like to have shot anyone who had anything to do with the cloth on the seats.

Well, not too new. Just quiet.

Seat cloth = Kaboom. If anything even remotely touches the cloth, it's stained. Heck, I've had RAIN leave spots!

I wish someone could define what "quality" plastic is. To me, "Quality" is plastics that look fine, fit well, don't creek, doesn't breakdown, discolor or warp in the sunlight and heat, doesn't scratch easily but when it does, doesn't have another color under the paint to highlight the scratch (a la the silver painted plastics that's becomming common.)

The biggest complaint I have on my car is the number of textures in it! Nothing matches. And some things just work out perfectly. For example, my Garmin 2730 GPS fits abso-Smurfly perfect at the top of the dash vents in front of the emergency flashers button.

Anyhow, my Maxx is serving my needs quite nicely! However, I will be keenly watching for a CTS wagon and Malibu/Aura wagon...

Cheers!

I'll bite. As a two year Maxx owner, I say the plastics are fine and the fit: fair. Ergonomics are good, for me. A loud engine? It's got a certain groan, but I've certainly had much worse. However, I often calculate over 32 mpg on the hwy and with the reasonable power of the 3.5, I'll say it's acceptable. Steering is definitely _not_ loose; disconnected I'll accept. As one who driven literally thousands of dirt road miles, I'd say the suspension is one of the more positive aspects; in my opinion, the Maxx struck a good balance between handling and comfort. A better quality tire went a LONG ways... The back seat excellent, headroom excellent, utility is good and marred by a few design flaws, notably the rear seats don't fold completely flat and the gap behind them. As for Kia standards, at 135,000 miles with zero repairs and one set of plugs, two easy-to-change brakes and one tranny fluid service, I feel GM did just fine. However, I do look forward to the next 1/2 generation hoping for a wagon version.

Take a look at the inside of the interior and look at the roof. Do I see a back-seat sunroof??

4 - Sans headlights, I'd be all over this to replace my current Maxx which I appreciate; the 3.6L DI and a 6-speed manual would be my powertrain of choice.

8 - Nice rendering and appears do-able; without a Maxx version, I'd be all over this like the two-door rendering of the CTS.

9 - Interesting concept; makes me wonder how a Chevelle nose job would look (e.g. more distinct point down the middle crease of the cover while retaining the 'V' of the lower chevron and a pair of round projector lamps suitably placed and sized.)

I'm glad to see DCX sticking with their minivans and not handing the market entirely to the imports. I like the fundamentals of the 'features list' including HID and the various entertainment options. In my eye, the styling is clean and conserative and well suited to the intended market. My hope is that buyers who can appreciate a minivans comfortable ride and considerable interior room will give these solid consideration.

Don't forget that an inch can make a huge difference in comfort levels.

Agreed. The extra interior space of the Maxx is one of its most appealing aspects.

Does anyone have any solid sales figures: 2004 to 2007-to-date Malibu sedan versus Maxx? Perhaps these would give an indication as to why GM decided to not pursue the Maxx in the 2008 incarnation. Are there any other thoughts regarding this?

Right - especially since the old numbers were more than attainable in the real world, at least on my car.

Agreed. For example, while my '05 Maxx gets maligned on-line, it does have many redeeming virtues, including interior space and fuel economy. Dictated by my driving habits, I usually exceed the Maxx's 30 MPG highway rating, usually averaging around 33 MPG. Heck, on my last tank where I barely drove on the Interstate, I managed 28.1 MPG with the understanding that my Maxx doesn't get driven like an Indy car. (I have other vehicles for that. )

Regarding EPA mileage, the new 'Bu and EPA ratings here are for a 2008 Model Year; all 2008's are under a completely different rating methodology than the prior-year models. See http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ratings2008.shtml for more info. One can expect that with judicious driving habits, most vehicles should easily meet and often exceed the new ratings.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...ct=newsletter01

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/20..._coupe_concept/

Honda previews next Accord coupe

Honda Motor Co. will use the Detroit auto show in January to show the styling direction for the next Honda Accord coupe. The automaker today released a drawing of what the concept vehicle will look like. It did not give out any other details.

(Rear view sketch / image at link)

Does anyone know the purpose of the raised section on top of the dash?

Don't kick me, but the practical side of me wants to see a 08 Malibu Maxx with a DI 3.6 and a 6-speed manual...

Saturn will have the LWB Epsilon Wagon.  Chevy will have the HHR and Equinox to compete in that category, both at higher volumes.

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Personally, I feel it would behoove GM to have a variety of wagons available as alternatives to the larger, taller SUVs. I, myself, have a 2500 Suburban and absolutely love the truck, but when I don't need it, I take my Maxx, which I've grown to appreciate more than I expected, especially considering I average 32-35 mpg on the highway.

Think back to a time before many of y'all were even driving or some even born. Consider a day when Oldsmobile alone had wagon versions of the Firenza (small FWD), Cutlass Ciera (mid FWD), Cutlass (intermediate RWD) and Custom Cruiser (fullsize RWD.) Back then, the only "SUVs" were Bronco, Blazers, Suburbans, Land Cruisers and others of their ilk.

Sure, there were many near-clones of these wagons on other division lots, which reminds me that there was actually a bit more differentiation between the clones than some gave GM credit for. For example, between the Ciera and 6000, the dash was significantly different although the greenhouses and profiles gave away the fact they were chassis mates. And there were some interesting derivations, such as the 6000 STE AWD 3.1 (auto only) and the Cutlass Ciera International Series two-door with a manual transmission.

Anyhow, today, between the G6, Malibu and the Aura, one sees the layout is essentially identical, just with different shapes. For example, I put my GPS in the recess above the top vents on my Maxx and would do the same in the Aura, were that to serve as replacement. Anyhow, before I digress too far on the benefits and dangers of platform sharing, back to the subject.

The bottom line is that if I had my druthers, I would take an Aura wagon with the 3.0 Turbo Diesel and a six-speed manual. This seems somewhat logical considering the new Saturn plan, if only GM would execute it with S5 diesel coming online.

However, should a combination like this appear in a next-gen CTS wagon, I'd be on it like flys on (insert noun.)

Has anyone heard any new information regarding whether or not a 2008 Malibu Maxx hatch/wagon will exist?

Where in Lexington is this sign?

2. My car was on and running, when the radio is off.

3. I went to the dealer, and they say they will replace the thermostat tomorrow. I don't have time to go through that, that is up to the dealer.

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#2. Understood. Please bear in mind that the ignition switch has many contacts and circuits running through it. It is entirely possible for one (on any car) to have one system 'down' while the rest are operating normally. Think of your ignition as a group of individual switches that are activated at the same time.

#3. While I don't think they are replacing the thermostat on your cooling system, if whatever they replace does not solve the problem, then consider that the discrepancy is due to the logic built into the outside temperature reporting system. My advice: If you have been driving above ~ 30 mph / ~50 kph in dry weather for 5 minutes and the value reported is significantly off, then I would say the system might have a problem.

1. Engine ... cranks longer than normal for it to start.

2. Radio will not come on occasionally...

3. Car outside temperature display will not show correct temperature at times.

Thoughts for your consideration:

I, too, have inquired about #1 with extended starter engagement, mainly on hot restarts. Several contacts have confirmed that it happens on quite a few GM models and GM says that it has no bearing on performance or reliability. So far, I personally have had no problems result except a bit of embarassment from people thinking that I can't start a car.

#2. Be sure you turn your key on fully. Understand that your key operates a seperate ignition switch. The ignition switch has many seperate electrical contacts each for Accessory, Run and Start positions. Perhaps one or more contacts are not mating fully. It may be the case that the ignition switch could be at fault. Your dealer can run a test to pull hidden codes that might indicate ignition switch problems, such as voltage differences at various systems.

On #3, please understand that this is not a dumb temperature indicator that just displays what it senses at the moment. GM put some logic in there to minimize the effects of heat soak and such. For example, it will display the last 'good' temperatue on startup if the vehicle had only been stopped less than a few hours and not update until the vehicle has been in motion at a certain speed for a certain amount of time. I believe your dealer can provide you a bulletin that describes the logic. The GM document is an interesting read showing that someone actually put some thought into it. I encourage you try and locate this as I believe it will answer this concern.

MotorWeek Solstics vs MX-5 Quick Comparison

For 15 years the Mazda MX-5 has reigned supreme as America's favorite roadster. No other drop-top has been able to match the MX-5's pure sports car bang for the buck. But for 2006 there's a new kid on the block, the Pontiac Solstice. So let's hit the road and the track to see if the new Solstice will complement the MX-5, or crush it.

The Mazda MX-5 has never had any real competition. But with the arrival of the new Pontiac Solstice, a head to head roadster battle is a certainty. But which one of these slick 2-seat drop-tops is the best? And more importantly, which two-seater is right for you?

As the reigning champ among affordable sports cars, the 3rd Generation MX-5 is the standard. All new for 2006, the MX-5 is longer and wider, with a wheelbase stretched 2 1/2 inches to 91.7. That overall growth means an expanded cabin, with 3.5-inches more shoulder room. But minimal increases in head and leg room mean that this is still not a space for the truly tall, at least with the top up. That's a manual top that continues to be the lightest, easiest to use on the market. Just flip a latch and throw it back without ever leaving your seat. Putting it back up is just as easy.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine that jumps up 28 horsepower for a total of 170. Torque is 140 pound-feet, 15 more than before. Both 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, and a new 6-speed automatic are available. We naturally favor the 6-speed manual for pure sports car fun.

Fun loving, too, is its tight, lively chassis which rides on a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, and a choice of 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. The whole package is wrapped in beefier, yet evolved styling, that is starting to look a little too familiar.

In contrast, the Pontiac Solstice is totally fresh, looking like no other car on the road. Its curved, muscular lines, straight from an auto show concept, roll out at you from every angle. It looks bigger than the MX-5, but is actually 1/10 of an inch shorter. It is 3.6-inches wider, however, and rides on a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase.

Having the wheels pushed right to the corners makes for a larger cabin, with room enough for drivers 6-foot plus, even with the top up. That's a manual top that's more stylish, but also one that you have to get out of the car to operate. It stows under a clam shell cover which also doubles as the trunk lid.

Raise the hood and you'll find a 2.4-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder. Output is 177 horsepower, 7 more than the MX-5, and 166 pound-feet of torque, which beats the Mazda by a healthy 26 pound-feet.

Transmissions, both manual and automatic, boast five gears each. The chassis, GM's rear-drive Kappa platform, rides on an independent short/long arm suspension at each end, and big 18-inch alloy wheels. Put those wheels on the track, and the 2,860 pound Solstice will hit 60 in 7.2 seconds. The 2.4 Ecotec is strong right off the line, revving nicely. But then power is added more slowly until well up in the rpms.

By contrast, the Mazda's 2.0-liter requires more revs at launch, but then spins up quicker for a more linear and predictable power band. This allowed the less powerful, but 400 pound lighter, MX-5 to a barely slower 0 to 60 effort of 7.3 seconds.

But while the race may be a photo finish on the straights, things are less even in the curves. The MX5 is still the clear champ in turns, feeling pure sports car. Its near-neutral handling chassis, ultra-precise steering, and standard ABS disc brakes, give it an almost motorcycle agility. Ratios in the slick 6-speed manual gearbox are perfectly matched to the engine's output, allowing the driver to accelerate early in the corners and get a strong drive onto the straights.

Contender Solstice is slower to react in corners, its heavier front end producing more understeer, while the steering delivers less but still adequate feedback. A mismatch between the engine's power curve and gearing also left little drive down low for tight corners. But a good performance from its all-disc brakes, with optional ABS, did help keep it in track contention.

Still, it is on the street where Solstice hits its stride. The heavier Solstice soaks up rough pavement far better than the MX-5. It's also quieter than the MX-5, top up or down. The Pontiac's softer suspension produces less bump hop and stutter. Its smoother, cruiser-like ride being ideal for a weekend jaunt to paradise.

By comparison, on the street the MX-5 has always been a bit of a buzz bomb, and that hasn't changed. You also feel every crack in the pavement more than once.

Still, few cars deliver more value than these two terrific roadsters. MX-5 prices start at $20,995 for the basic Club Spec model, but can climb to over $27,000 for the Limited grade. Solstice prices start a grand lower than MX-5 at $19,995, and even with options will top out at about $25,000.

So the Mazda MX-5 and Pontiac Solstice emerge as not so much direct rivals, but as contenders for two different sides to the roadster coin. The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is for those that value purist sports car performance above all else. But the 2006 Pontiac Solstice has a cool cruiser character and head-turning styling that makes it a more enjoyable car to live with day in and day out.

Now there are two knockout roadsters with more bang for your driving buck than a freeway full of firecrackers. And with either Solstice or MX-5, you're guaranteed a top-notch, top-down drive.

Whilst I love a good Dodge vs GM constest, here's one Viper that seems to be losing: http://www.smashmyviper.com

Link to CNet article

General Motors is expected to announce a new laptop next week that's styled after its popular Hummer multi-terrain vehicles.

The carmaker has signed an exclusive three-year licensing agreement with Spokane, Wash.- based Itronix to make a portable computer designed for people who work outdoors: policemen, firemen, claims adjusters and construction workers, for example, as well as people who own a Hummer and are fascinated by anything related to the oversize vehicles.

Itronix, which makes laptops and tablet PCs for the U.S. military, said it wanted to style a new category of "semi-ruggedized" laptop. Priced at $2,988, the laptops come with enough padding to survive six separate drops from a height of 30 inches onto two 3/4-inch sheets of plywood placed on top of concrete.

Plus the usual anti-GM spin...

The Hummer laptop comes in black and silver with yellow, red or pewter-gray trim. Its battery lasts a little more than four hours; a battery extender pushes that to about seven hours. The Hummer laptop will be available at car dealerships that sell Hummer products or online at the GM-approved Web site Hummerstuff.com starting Nov. 1.

General Motors lost an average of $1,227 per vehicle sold in North America during the first half of 2005, the most of any U.S. automaker, according to an industry analyst report out on Tuesday.

In that spy pic it looks like two totally different sized tires!

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The Car Connection spy pic is a 2500-series 8-lug. I would be pleased to see some incarnation of the Duramax under the hood. (Or should I say "inTRUCKnation"...)