caddycruiser

Still, in the meantime, I hope they get real Hybrids out in larger numbers soon, because these "bargain" ones GM thinks so highly of don't have the performance or mileage DEMANDED in the Hybrid market. As I just saw on one site, "Unless you must have a Hybrid logo on your car.", is about all it's worth. Too bad, because the Aura is a wonderful car, and would likely do better just as as 4-cyl model alone, even though that was never it's key mission to start, offering an efficient V6 base at 4-cyl prices. We shall see. Saturn people will buy them, but probably few others will, just like with the VUE GL which is nothing to write home about. Then again, maybe finally just having that Hybrid label on something for the masses will get some new interest, even if the benefits are nill.

Cool car, and great color and model choice! Out of all small cars, the Civic still is king in terms of overall quality, refinement, and just "slick" feel throughout, and the Si adds more fun to that. Glad they also started offering an Si sedan, for more realistic people and stuff use.

I've never been overwhelmed by either the NA or the Chinese Lacrosse's, so this comment is DEAD on key. Here, whether it's a design team or the general public, no one can seem to get past the image of Buick as stodgy, even with new and great products, while China on the contrary can. So I'm all for letting them in on as much as possible, and seeing what they can do--especially since Buick has a completely different, and much fresher and even upscale persona over there.

Nice price, but the problem is, the mild Hybrid nature that allows it to hit that pricepoint doesn't allow it to get mileage numbers that are that great at all. And if the VUE GL is any indication, it isn't that great of a performing system in drive or mpg's. I'll hold hope for it, but people who buy Hybrids want the highest achieving FULL systems they can get, and aren't really keen on the idea of a mild Hybrid that GM thinks is so great to allow a higher price point. They'd gladly spend the $25k (typical transaction price) for a Camry Hybrid that easily gets in the high 30's all day long, can run on pure electric, and is a generally more refined system. So we'll see...but until GM gets full systems out, I don't see much for the mild systems, especially not with mpg numbers that are at typical 4-cyl levels for competitors.

Very good, and sounds like you've been doing some pretty extensive driving! Actually, on the mpg account, it's interesting to note how not all but a lot of people with 6.2L 6-speed Denalis and Escalades are having an easier time getting higher numbers than some others with Tahoe/Yukon 5.3L's. Likely because the added power allows it to simply loaf along easier and the 6-speed gives it a better range to choose from, and even more interesting because the 6.2L is still AFM'less. In contrast, in the typical '07 Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban, etc. crowd, it seems to be a 50/50 chance whether you'll get 10 mpg or be lucky enough to actually get into the higher teens and around 20, all with the more common 5.3L and 4-speed. That said, these trucks are just SO improved in almost every way over the last gen (which we still own), it's hard to fathom how the last gen trucks ever sold with similar pricetags. Very, very impressive, though still lacking big time in regards--at least for a lot of owners--to 3rd seat matters, whether it be the lack of people space back there or still having to lug them in and out like it's 1980.

Yep, haven't been to our smaller local one since the fall, but the MOST common car (and it's almost shocking) is '98-04 base 2.7L Intrepids, few of which are even visibly damaged, but all of which clearly have had the wonderful 2.7L blow. I actually had never been here, and went for the first time with my father, and when I brought up the number of Intrepids that were there he said "I know! None of them even look damaged and it's like a used Dodge lot in parts." That said, GM is well represented to, with a TON (even more than the Intrepids) of mid to late 90's GM 3.8L cars. Craploads upon craploads of LeSabres, Park Avenues, Eighty-Eights, Bonnevilles, etc. And, again, some damaged, but others that just look like they were driven in. I was trying to draw some conclusions on that one, and all that I could think of is the shattering intake manifold thing, but even that isn't as severe as the 2.7L's that blow up. Still wondering... Otherwise, just lots of random stuff, and really fun to walk around and explore to see what you can find. There's a few extremely huge ones up around me in PA, but I've yet to make it to any of them, but hope to before long. The smaller one near home is okay, and we've gotten some nice finds there, but they've gotten quite pricey lately with anything and it's pretty disorganized--they're bigger business is just all the scrap metal they can get anymore, for obvious reasons, while still keeping the pick-a-part open for extra income.

Don't see it at all, at least anymore than a LOT of cars share a similar line or profile here and there. There's only SO much you can do with what is, essentially, a basic 3 box sedan structure, and inevitably, there's going to be some similarities with something. And having seen it up close and in person, the '08 Malibu is quite unique. Nothing drop dead or holy crap, but just about perfectly done proportions (thank god...GM was so bad at that for so long...), and very elegant and ritzy lines and pieces through and through. Actually, as just suggested, I do get a lot of '04 Acura TL impression if anything.

FINALLY... And yes, to what was said above, I also agree that the Chrysler products from the late 90's and early 00's were the most impressive. Maybe not mechanically in all areas, but the level of exterior styling and interior materials were actually quite high and well done--and certainly better than the crap they're spewing for the most part right now. Compare a '00-04 Grand Cherokee inside to that of a tupperware bin '05+; the leather, suede, chrome, and terrific lines inside and out of a '01-07 Town & Country to a new '08; etc., etc. Of course, since we won't SEE any of the real improvements until 2011, it's going to be an even longer few years. Hopefully, in the meantime, they can at least work on some of their worst bits and pieces and styling details just to carry on a little more strongly, but we'll see. I still think they must have focused everything on the LX cars--mainly the 300--and then let the rest just go all to hell without keeping check on much of anything else, but maybe they can start to turn something around...even this late in the game.

Cool. A LOT different than your old one, huh?

Cool, and at least some good news for Chrysler. I've only seen a handful of new Wranglers, one of which was a 2 door and the rest 4's, and I like the "same but new" look. Always been a utilitarian and fun little thrasher, but now has some nice--and not overly so--road refinement and some real utility with the 4 doors and more space. Hope it continues to do well, at least it'll be one thing they can sell besides LX cars.

Aside from the intake gasket and bolt issue, which will have to be fixed if it hasn't already, and general build quality that's not so great and leaves them full of rattles and such, they're still generally strong vans and quite nice to drive. Beyond that...PLEASE stop calling the Acadia the "Arcadia"...reminds me of an older aunt & uncle who actually still call the Venture the "Ventura" no matter how many times I correct them.

Haha, love the ad...

Not at all. It's a simple fix for already produced units, and the revision was already implemented on vehicles on the line, without causing any delay.

Meeting the GM people involved with this in person a few weeks ago at the special auto show invite, I'm VERY confident the translation from concept to production is going to be very much like it used to with Chrysler--realistic wheels, door handles, and mirrors, and an inch here and there changed--and the result a car that's almost indistinguishably different for most people. As we were told there, it's essentially identical, save for an extra roofline inch, I believe, and mirrors and door handles...so we'll just wait and see. Even if it's 90-95% of the concept in style, that would be killer. Seeing it up close and personal, though, there's little at all that couldn't translate exactly to being a road-worthy vehicle.

The discount levels are a lot smaller than before, because of smaller margins, but it's still pretty simple. When it comes to GM, know the invoice figure or just ask for it, and that's what you should pay minus any rebates. The dealer makes a profit, and you get a nice price in the process. Most likely that's close to what they're giving you as a selling price, but ask to see the invoice, or just go to a place like KBB.com and build the exact truck and look at the invoice price.

I don't doubt my own eyes in seeing that, but the Patriot, Caliber, and Compass all have such a thin and hollow feel in general, they scare me on the road let alone traversing things like that. But, I guess, you never know...let's hope it's one thing that might do well for them.

Exactly right. Drop the price, and I'd be on it a bit more. It still could be good to at least show interest, though, and leave a number, like you had asked if I did before. Questions: 1) The grille on that Fleetwood is just the stock one, but with the center region blacked out and a Cadillac emblem placed on the center, to replace the original hood mount one. I know a few people who have done this, including a guy that lives not far from here, in PA--his is Dark Cherry, and also looks great. Here's what it looks like on a black one (ignore the white letter tires, and such, hah) with 200k miles.... 2) Me. I'm available all weekend. Just went for a little cruise/shopping spin around, and realized the car is a bit dirty from sitting out, but still not bad. That said, tomorrow could work...email me ([email protected]).

Overall, I'd say it's just the GM's that have the most bases covered of all. The most rigid and tight frame and body, most well crafted finishes and materials inside and out, strong, refined, and not excessively thirsty drivetrain, etc., etc. It's like as always. Others do some things clearly better, or at least more unique, like styling and even some features, but at the end of the day the GM trucks are the most real-world, everyday friendly. Now, if they could just take that and add in even more of what's best about each of the others, whether it be the downright brute force of the Toyota and Nissan's engine and transmission, more interior room like them as well, or more adventurous styling, they'd REALLY be over the top. As is, there's still at least a few things that keep some people not dead set on one, and looking to the other brands, for whatever reason. Oh, and now that the High's and Low's of each were posted, I can really, trully agree that all of those points and summaries are exactly on point, particularly from my experience with each. Me, for example, I prefer the size, look, and drivetrain of the Tundra the most, but when it comes right down to it, I'd have to have the structural rigidity and refinement of the GM's thrown in with that combo. Somebody make that, and I'll buy :AH-HA_wink:

Just thought of something to post. I know this guy very well, and he's had a '94 Fleetwood since buying it new back in late '93/early '94. He's changed some things like giving it an Impala SS grade suspension and also a center console conversion (popular thing to do, moreso with Caprices and Roadmasters). Has been a traveling salesman and such for years, so the car racked up the miles, and a lot of weekends would then get taken to the track to race or for shows. The kicker? He now has over 340k miles on it, and has NEVER touched anything in the engine, just typical things like water pumps and such over the years. Here's a list he made a couple years ago when he just hit the 300k mark: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/rwd-1...vette+fuel+rail And now his current photo and video hosting for the car. Aside from some expected wear on the driver's seat, I can say for fact that this car is in better condition than a lot of lower mileage vehicles, and he swears it's still as drum tight and solid as day one--and that his secret to keeping things lasting so long is actually driving it and giving it a workout, and not letting it sit. He was also trying to sell it for the past several months, just because he has too many cars (including a new STS-V he treated himself to), but has backed down on that a bit and still has it. His center console is one of the best ever done, and came from a '95-99 Riviera, if you couldn't tell. http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/sss...20SS/?start=all Really a testament to the strength and durability, and just one of them--a big reason why we buy these things still. Plus, who can beat that style, luxury, and room with a powertrain that's one of the most durable ever made and can lay tracks all day, especially with a million different bolt ons? Can you tell I like them, haha...as if the sig wasn't enough...

I should be a member shortly. I've been in ASME for a long time, but somehow just glanced over this for a while...

Completely agree with you Roger, as I said in my PM, for your uses, a little old lady, lower mileage car would probably be the best bet. I've actually been drawn in by a LOT of these cars over the years, but sometimes it's just best to take a step back, and really think about what you want or could really use. For a lower price, this could be a great car, and could be one for a very long time, but at 13 years and almost 200k, it's still a car and could have issues. I'd keep a check in on this one to see if it ever sells or how much lower he might think of going, but otherwise just keep an eye out casually, especially since it's not really a need right now. Choices are actually getting more limited with time, especially being a fairly rare car, but they still pop up. I'd still be interested in seeing this black one, at least up close, for the heck of it. And again, I'd be more than willing to give you a look-see around mine whenever, go for a ride/drive, etc., so you can really see what one's like. You're very welcome for the assistance :AH-HA_wink:

Gee, guys...C&D picks a GM for the top spot, and all is well in the world. Wait until the next comparo when one gets mid-pack and all will be calling their bluff and saying "X..." paid them. Doesn't work that way, and if the merits are there, the merits are there. That said, GREAT thing, and I can't wait to read it. Sounds like a logical breakdown, even if the Ford is still a very good truck, and the Titan is still stingy in the overall solidity category.

Yes, all this is essentially showing is the late addition of the extra chrome outside trim and wood cupholder on Av LTZ's, as was already intro'd on the Tahoe/Suburban LTZ's a couple of months ago. Essentially because a loaded LT3 looked and was, for all intensive purposes aside from the Autoride, identical to an LTZ--so they added a few unique touches to set them apart.

No, not necessarily, a Z71 can have the same wheels as any other regular model, and on the GMC there's only 17's or 20's--no 18's like the Chevy.

Not jumping to any conclusions, but one well known fact, for YEARS, has always been how extremely oversensitive Toyota makes their traction and stability control programs, to the level that it sometimes is even hard to drive normally on a gravel driveway. Not always the case, and seems better now, but it's definitely been an issue. Couple that with what is, really, quite a featherlight of a car, and standard low resistance tires, and you're going to have some traction issues. BUT, again, all that said, it's not everyone, and I have a friend with an '04 that's driven it through everything, and never had an issue--and still loves the car.