caddycruiser

It's no mystery why or how they sold more--they just need to make sure it continues now by taking care of some of the ergonomic foibles and tightening up QC a bit. Early on and until now, such things could be brushed under the rug because the looks+performance+price=a very happy owner, but that can only last so long before more little things add up. Still, and either way, great news, even if not at all unexpected.

Well, in my long drive of one '06 CXL V6 and a ride in another, the 3.8L growl was still louder and more gruff than compared to others I've been in with the same--a '99 LeSabre, '02 LeSabre, and '99 Intrigue. It's always been a bit of a growly engine, but just seemed to really get even more raucous in the Lucerne--whether that's because the rest of the car is so quiet now or what, it's still a little odd. The other cars just sounded smoother and the engine more muffled, both seemingly insulation and exhaust wise. Still has it's benefits, like the 32-35 MPG average the computer was showing on my drive, but doesn't at all give the quality sound something like the now common 3.6L would--even with a decrease in mileage. The 3.9L is more pleasant sounding and a bit more powerful too, even being an OHV, just newer. If buying one myself, now, though, the 3.8L Series III would still be the ticket, grumpy old roar and all, mainly because of the stellar mileage and the torque.

It wasn't worded completely correctly, but notice I said GENERIC. Think of the dollar store knock-off version...that was what I meant, in a round about sort of way. Like I said, the much more normal looks of this vehicle might help it do well where the Compass hasn't, even if it has the same gutless 4-cyl/CVT and cheap construction. Kind of like a modern day Cherokee, but softcore. Then again, the next Liberty is set to debut with body lines almost identical to the Patriot, so even though it's very different underneath, that'll be yet more confusion on Jeep lots. Going back to the basic 2-box idea in a big way.

Well, at least it doesn't come off as bizarre like the Compass can. Problem is, it still has the less than stellar DCX 4-cyl/CVT combo, and if all holds true, a level of overall tactile quality equal to a generic Lego box. All of which are big reasons the Compass, looks aside, isn't doing well. Plus I just don't get having essentially the same vehicle, but with 2 completely different looks, sitting side by side on the same lot. On one hand, it gives the buyer more choice, but when neither is particularly outstanding in any way, it's just a bigger sea of mediocrity. That's my pessimism for the day...we'll just have to wait and see how it does--maybe the truckier look alone will be its saving grace.

Great point on all accounts, but it's still worth mentioning the full truth about the car, even if it is only from a few people's experience.

Design and performance are there, but compared to the slickness and quality present in cars like the Miata--among others--it just isn't there. That's not to say it's bad or that it doesn't trump a ton of competitors as is, just that it is what it is by way of skimping on some other areas. Certain things like that can't be told solely from photos. Not that I want the review to sound any worse than it does, but it seems pretty spot on to me, even with just looking at and playing with a few in person (not driving, however).

Just what I was thinking...and actually something I almost expect as an OEM emblem of sorts on a lot of cheap blah-mobiles like this. Actually, this base model Avenger has a level of dullness and bad proportions that make it seem outside like a third world mishmash. I WANT to like what they're doing anymore, but once the LX cars were intro'd, all hell just broke loose and no one seems to have any focus on anything positive. Some styling is decent and still cool, others are garish or horribly cobbled together like barn cars. Couple that with horrid interiors and numerous other issues, and it's just not a positive light ahead, or right now.

Very good, and glad they caught it & fixed it. Most people will never even know a thing about it, aside from reading it on boards like this. The wonders of engineering--check, check, check, re-check and test everything, yet sometimes tiny little things like this just pop up unexpectedly. Not really newsworthy, but interesting enough.

Very nice. Those 90's full sizers are great trucks, and very solid, and with things like the 454 and heavy duty combo that has, it's definately a beast. Also very much like the bright red, which isn't a too common color on that model.

Interesting, whatever the issue may be. Reminds me of when the GMT-360's had just been released, and after the first couple of weeks, GM found an issue with the front suspension that could cause breakage and the front end to collapse. Since quite a few had been grabbed up by early buyers, they told people not to drive them, and that their dealer would come to pick it up ASAP and perform the fix. It didn't take too long to solve the issue and stop it from perpetuating, but it was a really bad launch hiccup. This doesn't seem as serious, but it still makes you wonder what was happening that it didn't get caught until some had just hit the lots (and a few had been sold, I presume--people have been test driving them and writing online reviews). Regardless, good it was caught and will be resolved.

^Yep. Or sometimes people just get a new one every year or two. Looks great. Very clean, and I'm a big fan of the Summit White and it being fully loaded.

Great news. And any decision on the Colorado yet?

That's the point, as was said in a few different articles a couple years back. Steels wheels are cheaper to make and more durable, so if you can design them to look like attractive aluminum wheels, why not? Hence, the price of the car can be lower, and for most buyers, they could care less. In this case it worked out great, as those standard Aura XE wheels are one of the best looking designs--same for the new base G6 wheels.

Those wheels are still the pressed on wheel covers, just chromed instead of silver painted.

That sounds like it was easy enough--always seems to be with GM products and dealers in general.

Well, sounds good, and knowing how most GM dealers operate, getting a great deal on even such a new model shouldn't be any problem at all. Trading or selling the Colorado?

Yeah, so there's still at most only a few out there right now. Pretty limited supply, I would think.

Yeah, I don't know what I was reading when I wrote that--I must have just seen the word old somewhere. Are regular cabs on any lots yet, or even in production?

Sounds great--hope it works out

Nice, and if they can translate the same "feel" into the real one, it should be very good--I like the crisper lines much better than the current blob. Though the concept for the current gen also looked pretty fetching, it didn't translate much. This one looks much more realistic, though, so hopefully it does.

Tell me about it! That's why I say his is museum quality. Has never sat in the sun, rarely in rain, and never touched snow once. Plus only 95k miles, extra house rugs on top of the factory mats, blankets covering the seats, etc. The pity is, as much a nicer driver as the Rendezvous is and newer, the Aerostar will sell for cheap enough to someone who won't garage it, will beat it around in snow, will muck the interior up, etc., and it'll never be the same. That's what happens when you sell a car, but it's just a shame. If we brought it down southward where we live, I know someone would buy it in a second for top dollar and treat it decently, but we'll see how it goes with him in western PA. I think he was going to advertise it at $2800 and hope not to go below $2500 at the least--dirt cheap for such a perfect van. I'd take it, but I really have no use at this point. Spread the word Here's the only few pics I could find where it's visible, on vacation (yes, that's him in the one pic as well): As for the Enclave, don't think that will ever happen--my mother is considering one to replace her Suburban down the line though--and he did say "well, this will be the last car I buy, no matter what".

Haha, yeah. Essentially your basic white 2wd regular cab work truck, bought with over 100k miles on it, but extremely reliable and problem-free. Also can tow their small trailor, at least when they used to use it. Actually, that picture isn't his, but of one almost identical--I do think his has at least a power driver's seat. Opinions differ on the look of the Rendezvous--in certain colors and trims it does look pretty bad--but it is a nice vehicle overall. Feels very, very solid and tight, and is also quite refined on the road. And the 3.4L isn't a road-burner, but I thrased around my boss's before, and it's more than adequate. This does still seem like a great deal, and even better that it came from the next door neighbor--just need to figure out a way to help him sell his museum-quality Aerostar now!

Chalk this one up to just being the right place at the right time--BIG time. Currently in my grandparent's stable, my grandmother has a '99 Intrigue GX 3.8 that they bought as a demo in '99 with 5k on it, and my grandfather has both a '94 Ford Aerostar extended XL that he bought as a demo in '95, and a '97 F-150 stripper truck. The Intrigue is for her general driving, as well as their runs to church as such, the truck for his daily outings, and the van is kept in the garage most all of the time, and only ever used for longer trips. The Aerostar is beyond immaculate, and in great colors even, and at 12+ years old, barely over 90k, but he really had been wanting something new for a few years now. He liked the van and it never gave him any problems, but he was never a big fan of it's floaty feel and bad handling or it's "no go in snow" RWD. So, for the past few years, two things that he's liked have been Rendezvous AND Azteks--the latter mainly because he knew it was the same under the skin, but less popular and could be had for less. Always casually checked papers for few year old Rendezvous and none ever really seemed to be in his price range. Then his next door neighbor--who had an '03 Rendezvous CX FWD--was just going through a divorce, and in talking between them, had mentioned he really was going to need to get rid of it. Knowing what it was worth, and what he would pay, it was an instant lightbulb moment and while we were visiting them over Thanksgiving, the neighbor got more serious and asked him if he was interested. Long story short, he said what he'd give him, and the grandparents just got their "new" Buick this past week. It's your basic Rendezvous, an '03 CX FWD, in Light Driftwood with the beige cloth interior--no 3rd row--and some things like aluminum wheels, rear backup sensors, and Onstar. Only 53k miles and always very well maintained--seeing it every day for the past 3 years next door and knowing the owner helped confirm that--and he ended up paying $8k even for it, which is actually a couple grand under even the lowest priced ones I've found in searches with more miles and not as nice of condition. Not the most gorgeous color combo, in my opinion, but pretty close to the beige & brown Aerostar and definately low maintenance. My grandmother actually isn't a big fan of the outside styling, but I think she'll get used to it after a few rides in comparison to the van. When the Buick was in warranty, it apparently needed the front bearings replaced twice for whatever reason, but had no other trouble. I also warned him about the 3.4L and the infamous head gasket problem (not sure if it was resolved or not by this '03 year), so he at least knows about it just in case. I've driven my old boss's '03 CXL FWD a few times before and really enjoyed it, so this is a great move for them--much more pleasant on the road than the van, good gas mileage, and even a size that my grandmother can now probably handle. NOW, if he could just unload his Aerostar...such a shame that they're in western PA, because the thing is in the condition of a garaged beauty from down south (I've never seen an Aerostar that looked as perfect), but the RWD may likely keep some potential buyers given that it's now snow season. Even he agreed that if he opened the garage door and someone interested saw it, they'd buy it on the spot, but no one yet. Let's hope it goes to a good home soon...and the Buick is more than nice to the grandparents

Everyone one I've ever seen underhood--from brand new on the lot--looks like that^^, so I'm not really sure. Looks like the typical surface stuff that happens on the manifolds of just about every car, even from new--some are just more hidden.

Well, I was referring to the completely new Tundra about to be replaced--which is VERY large--but still, good points to make.