caddycruiser

Yes, especially for someone with one! Also today, the IIHS tests of side/rear, etc. including the Malibu and this is the headline pic they used: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/iihs-mi...er-rear-crashe/ Lots of silver Malibus being crushed!

Yes, he does :AH-HA_wink:

The Vue is smaller and considerably more polished in design and materials, but the Ford has more space, comfort, and actually even potential economy. It's a draw for me.

EXACTLY. Driver's bag did blow, as can be seen, but there either wasn't anyone in the passenger's seat or they were very light, so the sensing system kept that one turned off--saves repair expense as well as possible light person injury.

Except with the B9, mostly, aside from the nose the rest of the body was actually pleasant looking. This has a very awkward box shape to it, identical to a new Jeep but with very badly/Chinese looking details pushed on. Very, very strange. The current bland-o-matic version actually is more pleasing, at least from a cohesive level. I do like the interior, but I like every Honda interior, so that's me. At least it should be polished to drive...so you just won't have to look at it. Seriously, even overall looks, and even from an engineer's perspective, how could you work for years and still end up with a design that is so mish-mash and un-cohesive? Just odd.

And more shots, this time from Autoblog: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/spy-sho...09-honda-pilot/

Well, it's finally visible now. Just like expected, exactly the "concept" vehicle but with slighter smaller production wheels, some more typical interior coloring, and that's about it. Looks decent enough, just bland and boxy as could BE and with a bizarre nose--again, all direct from the largely production-spec concept: http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-pilot.html

Agreed. There's story after story of people with Prius's and other hybrids going years and well over 100k miles with no issues. Some, however, do have problems...just like any regular car. To add to the story, however, the husband of a co-worker had an '04 Prius for about 4 years and was one of the first to get one (waiting list and all). He's an older guy and big into small, cool cars especially with great mileage (bought his wife an "old" '05 Jetta TDI), and loved it. Until the start of this year. In February, he all of a sudden started having trouble with lights coming on, the hybrid system not working, and it just not running correctly. Had 61k on it. Took it to the dealer, out warranty of course in this regard, and was told it was a big computer model that was (I think) a few grand to replace. Being that he doesn't get too attached and loves looking at & buying new cars on a whim, he said no thanks, and told them to keep it as is on trade...and bought a leftover '08 Matrix. Likes that quite a bit too, though I've never had the chance to ask him about the mileage difference--or if he cares. One thing, apparently, is he won't buy a hybrid anything anymore, because of the Prius failure he had. But, again, not overly common. Of course, hearing things like that is only more fodder for people like my parents to say "See. All those computers and batteries are very expensive and you never know when they might have a problem. I won't buy one." When things do crop up...they do cost quite a bit, for sure.

Yeah, the officials are not posted yet (supposed to be next Monday, the 14th), but the Enclave details are pretty much already all known, thanks to the Traverse and other previews people have seen. As for the Lacrosse and Lucerne, colors, a trim detail here or there, and that should be about it.

Correct. And if you actually read boards, reviews online, etc., old/current/etc. Accord owners quickly warmed up to the new car and are still trading in their old ones for them at the same rate they always have. It's a car that few people can get away from once they're "in". Understandably so, because even if the styling or size goes a bit weird with time, the essential goodness as far as quality and driving dynamics continues to reign. I almost thought of suggesting my mother also at least try a new Accord when she became Malibu crazy, but then realized it was a lost cause. Isn't much of an import buyer (never had one, really), didn't like the looks, the dealers are a farther drive, etc. The Malibu was one smaller sedan she had the emotional gravitation to, even without looking at anything else. I think she actually would have liked the Accord to own one, particularly in terms of space, etc., but it would have fallen into that "not special" category her Suburban eventually did. That grab factor means a lot to her, on top of price, buttons that do cool things, and silence (hates noise...and after an Enclave drive, there's now a new standard for any new car). Again, reg, great real buyer review.

Here's an example of one of the late '08 50th anniversary cars in Black Granite: http://www.countrychevrolet.com/cars/80195_.html Odd that they also now used SS wheels on these, but big deal. Much better looking 3.5L model, at least with the seats & wheels.

Decal wise, they apparently show up with those not yet applied (i.e. just thrown inside like floor mats) and it's up to the dealer to put them on. OR, so I had read. Knowing dealers, of course, if it's there (plate bracket, sticker, etc.) the prep guys put it on no matter what.

The badges don't bother me, but the side decals are WAY overkill and almost seem aftermarket--like you weren't proud enough of the Hybrid and had to show more of it. At least they're dealer applied, not factory...now if the damn dealers would stop actually putting them on and ask the buyers. Kind of like front license plate brackets, which me most of all.

I'm going to say Aveo too...just because they're so small but actually comfortable, and the price is great for NEW. Depends on the model, though, since there are "Special Value" ones even below the LS that have no air. If buying new, at least make sure you get air. Then: -Cobalt (step up, small, efficient) -Colorado (very useful, still small) -Silverado (big, decently comfortable, most inefficient, stripped, etc.) Then again, maybe Cobalt first, just because it's a little more car--but depends if you actually want that more. Drive both, feel around, and see. That should cinch it.

I just saw one today too!! It had been so long, to the point I had even forgotten about them in my mental catalog. Then around lunch, coming back from getting a paper and a few other things, I decided to stop by the VW dealer up the street. Perused the GTI's, Passats, several new R32's, etc....then looked out back, and right under their "Used Wholesale" sign was a green SVX, beside a silver GMC Jimmy. They have few, if any, used cars, except for the few 1 or 2 year old ones out front, but I was intrigued. Went back to have a look. '95 in dark green with charcoal cloth and all was there with great paint, interior, etc. and the only real wear spot I saw was some paint worn off the centercaps. No price, but looked it up online and it seems to have a little over 110k on the clock. Must have been some kind of a VW trade. Fascinating cars with those WEIRD windows (first time actually looking at them up close), but I'd love to play with one of these just for the heck of it.

Great review, reg, you seem to mirror my thoughts on daily driver cars to a T :AH-HA_wink: Interestingly enough, sounds like for you, if they had kept the original plan of V6 cars coming with a bit softer FE1 suspension and then V8's with the FE2, that might have turned you on more. If you remember reading some of the initial press reviews, they talked at length how Pontiac engineers were still not sure on that even late in the game, but all of the mag reviewers (of course) praised the FE2 as perfect and the other as a bit too soft (probably wasn't, but you know...), and that they should make that the standard. Didn't take long and they did. Not a bad thing, as the last word you want associated with the G8 is soft of any kind, but still an interesting thing to remember after your review. I really like the G8, especially in looks, size, RWD, etc., but overall it still does hit that "too much" for me thing as a daily car. Then again, I drive a LT1 powered Fleetwood everyday that's longer than a Suburban, so hmm. Especially after my '07 rental experience (4-cyl Malibu) and mom's new 2.4L Malibu that I picked out and am infatuated with, I really have taken to that lighter, FWD, tossable, zingy and efficient 4-cyl layout--still with great looks, room, etc. It's a toss-up, of course. Hopefully you'll be able to get some V6 seat time soon enough and really be able to see if it's more of a maybe or a no.

Wow, what a turn-around an not for much dough :AH-HA_wink: That van is turning out quite well!

Yep, I think it was--regular cab R/T's. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-Dakota...1QQcmdZViewItem It's the "beefy" small/mid-size truck, and stands out because of that...in a forgotten, too much sort of a way.

Even 2 lines, that sounds like the review I'd have...great, but a little much in GT form for a daily. Now if only I could get around to driving one...a cloth/sunroof/V6.

As for the Cobalt stick, simple--too few sold. Of course, you can't sell what you don't make or stock...but still, too few people even know how to drive a stick. With the Malibu, it's interesting. I still don't think those few things that are said to be deleted actually are, but we'll see. More so, also if they can keep the $19,995 LS model just as it is regardless of the wheel upsize (should, it's still steel wheels), to keep that marketing line going. Regardless, the LS will continue as the marketing target line, but not the big seller. Oh, and all Malibus have a split folding rear seat...that's always been there, and never gone away.

What I just thought after I posted...and further makes me wonder why '09 was going to be the 50th? Eh, not that anyone cares. A few will just get their Impala bargain with a set of the bigger wheels and a couple extra emblems. Woot.

Yes. Cars of that caliber over there are our Camrys, Accords, etc. and larger here, in the land of size being the main concern. I'm all for smaller, more efficient loaded with quality & refinement vs. just blowing things up and those factors going down. Oh well.

Exactly. After I saw it the first time when he hit the news, I've stayed up with it ever since. Rarely do you hear or see someone who has such a bleak outlook, but keeps going with as much treatment as possible, talking to people, trying to get things changed, etc. Awesome inspiration and visibly he still looks and sounds so amazing, it'll be hard to believe anything bad is happening to him until there's a big downturn or the ultimate happens--again, something you rarely see. Most people, often just due to necessity or depression, close down and stay hidden.

I just saw a new Dakota the other day too, in red. Really nice improvement, and still a fantastic looking truck. Not sure how much the schnoz and HO engine will help, as it's a truck, but very well could.

Why? Is she frigid enough on her own It is a good question, though, but as someone who drove a car through a Delaware summer without A/C before...it can be done, and I never even used to sweat much. 15-20 minute ride each way and just don't think about it. Well, that, and after being in an office where it's sub-arctic cold everyday, I'd only have just thawed out by the time I got back home :AH-HA_wink: