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  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    Actually, Berri might have a good point about the Cruze. It splits the gap between the Corolla and Camry, both in size and price, and I could see that confusing some buyers. For instance, your typical compact car buyer might just focus on the price, see that the Cruze is more money, but not notice that it is a bigger car. But then your typical midsized car buyer might not even think of a Cruze, since it's marketed as Chevy's compact car and Cobalt replacement.

    Maybe it's time to dust off this old ad campaign, and update it to modern times, with a Chevy Cruze slant!
  • dave8697dave8697 Member Posts: 1,498
    The same price argument is poorly used against the Equinox, yet it sells well. Is the Cruze selling OK or suffering badly from being undesirable, specifically due to price? Will I find bad reviews by it's buyers, complaining that they overpaid?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    The same price argument is poorly used against the Equinox, yet it sells well. Is the Cruze selling OK or suffering badly from being undesirable, specifically due to price? Will I find bad reviews by it's buyers, complaining that they overpaid?

    Well, I haven't heard anything bad about the Cruze yet, except for the argument about it being a bit expensive. I have a feeling it'll sell well, even if it doesn't topple the Corolla or Civic for the title of king of the compact cars. I think it'll take years, perhaps even decades, for any other manufacturer to knock those two from their perch.

    But, you never know. Times do change. Back in 1985 for example, the top selling import car nameplate was the Nissan Sentra. As popular and commonplace as the Civic/Corolla seem to be, once upon a time, there was a model that even topped them. Although, FWIW, in 1985, the Cavalier, Tempo, and Escort also topped the Civic and Corolla.
  • samm43samm43 Member Posts: 195
    I wonder what car takes that Dart's rear window and uses it as a windshield?

    That car was a lot bigger than I had it as in memory.

    Sam
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    You seem to be taking the defensive stance that I'm slamming GM. Not true. I compared to Toyota because it has two high volume models at either end of the Cruze. The Equinox is selling well because most everything in the small CUV is given rising gas prices. In general though I think GM pricing strategy is hurting their retail sales volume (except LaCrosse which ironically is being sold as a bargain against cars like Lexus ES). The Cruze faces a boatload of larger cars that still get decent mileage being advertised by dealers out the door for under $20K + ttl. These also include Altima, Fusion, Malibu, etc. I think GM made a big mistake in initially overpricing the current gen Malibu and smarter pricing would be giving it even better sales volume. Pricing too high initially and then making up for it with large rebates or fleet sales down the road tends to backfire in the long run. Even though the Malibu seems better priced out the door these days, potential customers kind of forgot about it when it first came out due to pricing. I had one recently as a rental and it was a nice car. However, when I bought a full size car several years ago I didn't even look at it then because the dealer ads were too high compared to many other competitive models. As for the Cruze, if you look at car pricing history you'll find many brands and lines ended up eliminated, or at least only marginally successful because they were priced too high for their market segment, or too close to the next level up alternatives. I also noted that the new Focus may encounter the same issue. Time will tell whether it can get away with it because Ford is using a European derived approach which may provide it a bit of added cachet.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    edited March 2011
    I wonder what car takes that Dart's rear window and uses it as a windshield?

    I never really thought about it, but it does look like you could almost take the Dart's rear window, flip it around, and use it as a windshield!

    That car was a lot bigger than I had it as in memory.

    The '67-69 models were around 195-196" long, and rode on a 111" wheelbase. They were low-slung cars though, and a bit narrow, so that might make them appear to be even longer. Plus, that 195-196" is just about all car. No jutting bumpers, or sloping, vee-shaped front-ends, or rounded off corners, which will contribute to making a car look smaller than it really is.

    I always thought the mid-70's Darts were smaller, because the sloping rear-end made for a shorter decklid, and made the car look smaller overall. But, because of the jutting bumpers, I think they were actually around 205-210" long!

    In comparison, the Chevy Nova was on a 111" wheelbase, but I think the longest they ever got was around 197". I always thought the '75-79 Novas had really nice proportions. I find them a bit tight inside, though, with regards to legroom. I guess those nice proportions come with a price.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    I agree with your observation regarding Malibu pricing. I agree that GM has had some very good cars come out post-2008. But the pricing still is high.

    Since this is the fan forum, I will limit the comments to that. Pricing strategy can make or break a company. GM's strategy could use another sharpened pencil, afaic. Current events, withstanding. The Cruze could suffer at the hands of the current leaders considering new arrivals or even the companies who are on a explosive assault on the economy car segment.

    I continue to make the Corvette a goal personally. But even that most developed car in GM's history better watch the pricing. Some very innovative cars are going to give it a run for it's value. :)

    Regards,
    OW
  • samm43samm43 Member Posts: 195
    Yes, I have a feeling Chrysler used a windshield that was already in use to save molding and forming costs. The real mystery is if they grabbed it from one of their own though. :shades:

    I have a fond but initially scary memory of a 69 (I think) Dart with a 3 sp auto and 340. I got a ride into town with a guy at work who had bought one quite new at the time. I was still shy of being licensed (on the road) (legally :shades: ) but had never driven or ridden in anything with the spunk that 340 had when you punched it. Well, he pulled out to pass on a two-lane in a spot that I would have never done in the humble machinery I or family had ever had any history with, and I thought woah man, I only wanted a ride, not get killed; but then he tromped it into 2nd gear (might have been first? at around 45 mph) and holy bleep, did that thing ever haul serious butt. It was a non dramatic pass of course and he knew it ahead of time but I didn't.
    Was a real thrill I'll never forget.

    Sam
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    edited March 2011
    Yes, fast for the day:
    image

    Had a '68 with the 318, no match for this one but it was a great car for a starter-mobile! ;)

    Regards,
    OW
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    I had a chance to buy a '68 Dart GTS (the 340 model) for $1400 back in 1992. Should've jumped on it! But, I had bought a '68 Dart 270 about 4 months before, with a slightly built-up 318, and didn't have the money to buy another.

    Supposedly, with the right gearing and the 6-pack setup, those 340's could hit 0-60 in about 6 seconds, with the automatic transmission. I think the 4-bbl was rated at 270-275 hp, while the 6-pack was around 290-295. Rumor has it they were actually under-rated though, partly for insurance purposes, but also partly because the real hp would make their 383 big-block look a little pathetic.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    They were under-rated, for sure. Probably by 20 hp and with less weight than the big block, track times would be extrememly close to the 383.

    Regards,
    OW
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited March 2011
    "The current Malibu was introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model and since its launch has been one of the brand’s most successful showroom performers. It was Chevrolet’s top-selling car in the U.S. last year and GM said it has moved more than 600,000 since its introduction."

    Chevy Begins Teasing All New Malibu (AutoObserver)

    image
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    That's a really nice look.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Well, I like the tail lights better already. Will need to see a clearer picture of the rest.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,140
    Keeping it fresh rather than letting it wither around for too long...finally, they get it.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    I'm not sure that I'm in love with those taillights, but maybe they'll grow on me. I'd really need to see the whole car to tell how well they integrate. But, IMO, the taillights on the current Malibu are a bit of a weak spot. Somehow the rear just has a slightly unfinished look to it.

    So, I think they're better than the current car's taillights, at least.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    edited March 2011
    I agree andre. I'll reserve judgement for when I can see the car in person. Will this be a Regal under a different brand since it will sharing a platform and powertrain? Also, I sure hope it doesn't weigh as much as the Regal. I don't think I want a 3600lb plus car with only 172HP in base form.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    If it weighs more than 3,300 lbs and does not include a T-4 with 270/270, it'll do OK but far from the target to save fuel and preserve performance vs. the comp.

    Hope they do get it. :)

    Regards,
    OW
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    Beautiful from GM!

    image

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    Yeah, that's more like it!

    Andre - I agree with you. The big thing I liked about the peek at the new tail light is that it isn't the current one. The current Malibu to me is a "missed it by that much" vehicle. Nothing wrong with it that a tweak here and there wouldn't fix pretty quickly.

    I'd lower the belt line and tone down the schnoz a bit. Then we'd be talking.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I'd lower the belt line and tone down the schnoz a bit. Then we'd be talking.

    High belt lines seem to be across the board. I'm not a big fan of how high they've gotten. But all in the pursuit of safety I guess.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,384
    I'm sure that's why they do it but it makes it feel like you're looking out of a tank.

    Add to that I'm a short guy and it doesn't allow my left elbow to hang there unless I want to dislocate my shoulder!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    In case y'all missed it, there's a link to a video in that story with some full vehicle glimpses.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Add to that I'm a short guy and it doesn't allow my left elbow to hang there unless I want to dislocate my shoulder!

    With warmer weather coming, I expect to see again some guys still able to hang their hand out the window in traffic. And, when stopped at traffic light, some of these guys will have cigarette dangling from hand and pack wrapped in t shirt sleeve at shoulder.
  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    Anyone here inspired by the 2012 Camaro ZL1, or got a deposit on one yet? :)
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Saw a review of the Cadillac CTS-V sedan, coupe, and wagon on the Speed Channel last night. Holy smoke! These are some impressive vehicles that can keep up with or even surpass Europe's finest! I wish they'd make a Cadillac DTS-V for me!!! :shades:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,140
    I was reading one of the road test review magazines I bought in Germany at the end of last year, and they praised the CTS-V, too. If the Germans can praise it, something must be right with it.
  • motorcity6motorcity6 Member Posts: 427
    I remember reading an article in the April issue of Motor Trend mag of the Camaro vs Mustang GT with the Mustang receiving the praise...Having owned 2 past Camaros, a 71SS and a 82 Z28, with the 71 SS the winner and the 82 was a loser..

    I drove a 2010 SS prior to acquiring the 2010 Mustang GT w/track pkg at a very great price, slightly used but not abused..

    If I remember correctly, the new SS Conv weighs some 400# more than the GT conv..so it is bloated ragtop..

    Filled up the 2006 Pontiac Prix GT this A.M., and using mid-grade Shell, we are getting 20.18 mpgs..WoW, it's not a gas saver, but the sunroof and a/c seem to be used 90% of the time..fun car though.. I don't think it is broken yet at 56k miles, it needs some more time on I-75 to loosen up the engine...

    It's a pre-Obama car, a keeper..
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Official Dirt on the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (Straightline)

    image
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    edited May 2011
    Here's a thorough discussion of Tahoe 2011 Hybrid drive and feel.

    GM Insider

    click on picture
    image

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    My best friend has a Tahoe Hybrid and he drives it into NYC just about every day!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    edited May 2011
    "The Volt is so unique and important, that in fact recently BMW hired one of GM's leading engineers of the Volt platform, Frank Weber.

    "Angus Mackenzie of MotorTrend also reports that BMW has purchased a Volt car. I presume the only reason they did this is to try to find a way to reverse-engineer it. This smells a lot like a future lawsuit from GM, sort of like Apple's recent lawsuit against Samsung, where it alleges that Samsung basically tried to copy the iPhone with its Galaxy series, launched in 2010. Oh how quickly the U.S. companies have turned the tables!"

    image
    link title

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 57,140
    There's a Chevy dealer about 20 miles from me advertising the Volt for 49K!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    edited May 2011
    image
    from GM Insider

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    When I saw the Cruze at the auto show the models seemed a bit overpriced to me. However, more recently I've seen dealer ads with pretty competitive prices. So GM appears to have gotten more real with this segment and done well as a result.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Now is a great time to buy a gas guzzler.
    It's a terrible time to buy a fuel efficient vehicle because they're in demand.

    Best thing to do is buy a gas sipper in times of low fuel prices and set it aside for the times when things get bad.

    What is the MPG rating for the Equinox and Terrain?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    If you get the 4-cyl, FWD version, the Equinox is rated 22/32. With AWD, it drops to 20/29. With the V-6, it's 17/24 with FWD, or 16/22 with AWD
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    Shoot, the AWD V-6 Equinox isn't any better than my Grand Marquis. I'm missing my Park Ave.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 25,681
    edited May 2011
    Still, for something that size, I don't think 16/22 is bad. For comparison, my buddy's '06 Xterra, with the 4.0, 5-speed automatic, and 4wd, is rated 14/19! Even by the older, 1985-2007 style ratings, which is what its original window sticker showed, it was only rated 16/21. Under those ratings, the new Equinox would have probably been rated around 17/24 or 18/25.

    Oddly though, the larger Traverse, with a 3.6 V-6 and AWD, is rated slightly better, at 16/23. I have heard the 3.0 V-6 is a bit of a pig...maybe GM would be better off just throwing the 3.6 in the Equinox?

    Oh, and speaking of Park Avenues and fuel economy, according to the trip computer, I averaged around 28.2 mpg going up for Carlisle on Saturday, and around 31.2 coming home. Total mileage for that tank though was around 25.5 mpg. Not bad I guess, considering about 1/3 of of it was local driving, while up and back to Carlisle accounted for the other 2/3.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    edited May 2011
    Our V6 AWD Terrain, while rated at 22 Highway can get a tad better. With 2500 miles on the odo with careful driving (not really hiper-mileing) yielded calculated 24MPG on a 265 mile trip on a reasonably warm day in APR. Mostly highway but a fair amount of town driving also. I believe it shifts into 6th at around 56MPH and tach around 1450 on flat road and seems to be MPG happy there.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,147
    Corvette Muscle: GM Invests $131 Million in Bowling Green
    About 250 additional jobs in Kentucky to support next-generation Chevrolet sports car

    Corvette Muscle: GM Invests $131 Million in Bowling Green
    About 250 additional jobs in Kentucky to support next-generation Chevrolet sports car

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    More jobs:

    "[T]he 4,000 jobs GM will create or keep through its $2 billion investment in plants will generate another 28,000 U.S. jobs, and add almost $2.9 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product."

    GM To Invest $2B In Plants To Boost Fuel Economy (AutoObserver)

    image
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    My dream still is to own a Corvette someday....

    Seriously! It is the 1 true icon that represents development for over 40 years of USA auto manufacturing.

    image

    Regards,
    OW
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    oh, I could think of worse ways ta go than owning a Corvette. What kind of ghastly mileage would that above Corvette in blue get you, might I not be afraid ta ask? :)

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • eliaselias Member Posts: 2,209
    Would you believe ~30 mpg highway, for a base corvette in blue? (less for Z06!)
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    FE is reaally good:

    EPA fuel economy estimates stand at a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a manual-transmission Corvette. Opting for the automatic drops these numbers by 1 mpg. The Z06 checks in at 15/24/18 mpg, and the ZR1 garners a still-respectable 14/20/16 rating.

    Regards,
    OW
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "The truth is that the vehicles offered by the Detroit automakers are more than competitive. Public perception, that can lag reality by years, appears to be shifting. Ironically, rising gas prices again – along with Mother Nature – are driving the shift. Demand for Japanese vehicles still remains strong as many consumers believe these are the more efficient. But this time, damage resulting from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, piled on by the subsequent nuclear plant shutdowns, is causing the supply of vehicles from Japan to be slim. That supply is also causing vehicle price hikes.

    As a result, some consumers are seeking alternatives, and many will likely find them in the domestic dealerships they might not have otherwise shopped. Already, this seems to be the case. On Edmunds.com, the number of Toyota Camry shoppers who cross-shopped the Chevrolet Malibu has more than doubled since February."

    Golden Opportunity Awaits US Automakers (AutoObserver)

    GM and it's Chinese partners are experiencing growing demand too per a WSJ story about "explosive demand" Wuling microvans.

    GM Bets Big on Rural China Markets

    Time to buy some stock? I hear the US may be selling some. :shades:
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    ...Robert Stempel Dies:

    Robert Stempel
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Truly a victim of bad timing. I think he was a better man than his brief time as CEO indicated.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited May 2011
    "Cadillac is relaunching its certified pre-owned program to provide added confidence to customers seeking a used luxury automobile and help boost the resale value of Cadillacs.

    In its most recent rankings, IntelliChoice ranked Cadillac's certified pre-owned program higher than programs from Mercedes, Lexus, Audi and BMW. Cadillac's enhanced certified pre-owned program, being rolled out this spring, includes a more robust vehicle inspection system, a six-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance during the warranty period and courtesy transportation for warranty services."

    Cadillac Relaunches Certified Pre-owned Program (PRNewswire)
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