Tell me which of the 9 items on the right you DO have in the Malibu. Then let's see if those features are anywhere as capable as the ones in the Ford system.
You can have features but they can be lousy. Example "I can play my ipod". But on system B, you can call up songs by voice, call up playlists by voice, etc. Features are not necessarily equal.
My big dog is inflatable and stores easily in the back of the car when not in use, along with fake shifter, clutch pedal and imitation crumpled sheet metal.
In Buying American news, there's a new Fiat in town.
Saturday Night Live had a skit several years ago for a new car called the Chameleon XLE:
Spokesman V/O: If you're a luxury car owner, there's something you should know. Luxury sedans are stolen at the rate of four per minute.
[ show couple walking to curb from restaurant; his car is nowhere to be found ]
Man: My brand new BMW! I just got this car two days ago!
[ Spokesman enters foreground ]
Spokesman: Frightening, isn't it? Suddenly, the idea of buying a car for the cache of a hood ornament seems outdated. In the 90's, you don't need a car to tell the world you're wealthy; you need a car to tell the world you're smart.
[ show luxury car under wraps, as a breeze sends the cloth flying to reveal a junky-looking vehicle underneath ]
Spokesman: Introducing the Chameleon XLE for 1993. Finally, a luxury car that doesn't look like a luxury car.
Inside, the Chameloen XLE has everything you would expect in a luxury sedan of its class. Soft leather seating, a contoured instrument panel, and fine wood. But there's more - much more.
Authentically distressed fenders give way to a partially padded roof of blistered vinyl. While under the hood, a simulated transmission-fluid drip whispers, "Hey, not worth the trouble." This is craftsmanship no one will steal. This is engineering for the inner-city driving experience.
[ Spokesman places marble at the top of hood, which rolls forward into a hole at the bottom of the hood ]
Spokesman: Every inch of the Chameleon XLE is a pinnacle of urban design.
There's attention to detail. Like three mismatched wheel covers, and one exposed rim in school-bus yellow. Standard.
A broken taillight repaired with duct tape. Standard.
Retractable antenna. Standard.
The body of a Pontiac with a driver's-side door from an Oldsmobile Delta '88. All standard.
A car thief takes one look at this, and keeps right on walking. Of course, it's equipped with an automatic alarm system - but do you really think you'll need it?
[ Spokesman turns on alarm, which renders the car even more useless ]
Spokesman: The Chameleon XLE. They might tow it away, but they'll never steal it
In CA, I know the fake LED dot/light bulbs that blinked red became popular to fake that you had a good car alarm anti-theft system.
I thought it was a joke, since all you'd have to do is kick the door to find out if the alarm works or not, but the shop said they sold quite a few of them.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I remember those, little panels with a bulb you could stick on the dash.
Another great device to avoid that problem is factory nav with limited applications, like in a MB. Have that and be smart enough not to leave your gadgets sitting out, and the thief won't waste his time. I am pretty sure the COMAND 2.0 in my car is safe.
The Malibu has real time traffic, news, sports, weather: via local radio stations, outside temp gage and windshield car phone 911 thru car phone or onstar cell phone sync hands free calling with 5 phones phone vehicle health report air bag deployment recognition stolen car slow down voice nav with on-screen instructions reservations for anything directions to and phone of any business car unlock xm radio
why don't you add what Malibu is missing besides the 2 items I already mentioned. Go ahead and use a second post if necessary.
Malibu 1LT comes with: bluetooth sync onstar nav XM car phone ipod port
Not according to Chevy's website. An auxiliary input does not equal a USB port. According to Chevy's website on the 2010 Malibu, a 1LT only has the auxiliary port and states the USB port is only available on the LTZ, you can't control or charge an Ipod through the radio etc, through an auxiliary input. Sync is optional on a Fusion SE and is standard on the SEL Sport, and Hybrid.
Not according to Chevy's website. An auxiliary input does not equal a USB port. According to Chevy's website on the 2010 Malibu, a 1LT only has the auxiliary port and states the USB port is only available on the LTZ, you can't control or charge an Ipod through the radio etc, through an auxiliary input. Sync is optional on a Fusion SE and is standard on the SEL Sport, and Hybrid.
Kind of like I posted - where you can claim to have some minimal functionalities but it is not the same. Why are all the reviews talking about Sync being revolutionary and nobody talking about the Malibu in that department? The big GM propaganda machine is so good at Volt dancers, paid off all loans, etc., - I would think that if they actually have major innovative features they would be advertising about them.
Can anybody else post on capabilities of Sync vs. the Malibu's system?
I wonder if those things are as easy to steal as some older GM cars. Might be a way for her to get that homely thing replaced
Would a 2007 Grand Prix have the anti-theft chip in the key, I wonder? My Dad's 2003 Regal LS has that, but knowing GM, I guess it's possible that feature was lost in later years due to de-contenting.
I just noticed that my 2000 Park Ave doesn't have a chipped key. I remember that with the Dodge Intrepid, the ES and R/T had a chipped key, but not the base model. You'd think something like that would almost be standard in a $40K car, though!
I don't know if has a chipped key or not, I tend to think not, I don't know what the flashing red light on the dash means. I guess it has some form of anti-theft.
I just noticed that my 2000 Park Ave doesn't have a chipped key....You'd think something like that would almost be standard in a $40K car, though!
Transducer in key; no resistor chip. It's in the head. It's read when you turn the key if I understand the system. If the computer reads the code as one of the 10 it can store as good keys the car can start. Additional keys are $6 to $12 on eBay. My leSabre's are PK3 on the metal shaft. Have it cut locally. Put in a good key, turn to ON. Then put in the new key and turn to ON. Computer reads new key and then turn key to Start.
For me, the neat thing is I can buy a cheap blank and pay to have it cut locally and then "install" the key myself. It's the key FOB that costs and requires a TECH II or computer connected to have a FOB replacement work.
My kid got lost and signed up for ATT nav on his cell phone and they started charging him $10 a month.
I can't see paying for that when you can download a google maps app on most smartphones and get directions for free. It uses the GPS chip in the phone and it will track you on the map and give directions. It doesn't have as many features as NAV from ATT, but it's not $10/mo either. Also, I have the phone where ever I go.
I've used the google maps app while out on the lake when I forgot my handheld marine GPS. Only thing bad about it is if you out in the sticks and you have a bad cell signal, the map can't update which has been an issue for me. I don't know if ATT Nav has any base maps kept in memory, if it has to download them on the fly, it won't work well out of cell range either.
It's the key FOB that costs and requires a TECH II or computer connected to have a FOB replacement work.
Yeah, what a PITA. Both key FOBs for my wife's GP have broke. New batteries in both and no go. They didn't break at the same time. The first one lasted about a year and the second died a few months ago.
I haven't talked to the dealer, but my FIL told me his local Chevy dealer wanted $100 to program a new remote for his Tahoe. Neither of his FOBs lasted long either.
I lost a FOB at the lake a while back. The dealer wanted 140.00 for replacement. I found the same one on eBay for 19.99 with on-line instructions on how to program it.
I lost a FOB at the lake a while back. The dealer wanted 140.00 for replacement. I found the same one on eBay for 19.99 with on-line instructions on how to program it.
Yeah, I don't think they float. I'll look into ebay.
The FOB for my 07 Expedition has been in my pocket when swimming and has gone through the washer and dryer a few times and still works great.
The FOB for my 07 Expedition has been in my pocket when swimming and has gone through the washer and dryer a few times and still works great.
I remember doing that to the fob for our Accord when it was pretty new. Was in a pool and felt the keys in the pocket. They were fine and still are. The car is coming up on 11 years old and 188K.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I'm sure Lemko still has an original pristine working condition key FOB for his '89 Brougham (if it had one back then, can't remember when GM first started using remotes, I remember my grandpa's '92 Roadmaster had FOBs.)
I might be nuts, but I still like and use the keypad on my Expedition. I still find many uses for it. Like when I want to get something out of the car and my keys are sitting on my desk. At the lake, I just put the keys in the center console and lock the door, that way I don't risk loosing them while out on the lake. I think Ford is about the last to used the keypad, but I hope they keep it around.
Lock the keys in the car, no problem, enter the code and the doors unlock. If your phone is in the car, have fun calling ONSTAR.
I remember my mom's '86 T-bird had the key pad. Sure was a nice car but, man, did it have it's share of electric gremlins. Always in the shop. I had a '98 EB Explorer that also had the key pad, sans the gremlins. I don't believe Ford has redesigned the pad since its introduction.
One of my friends back in college had an '86 T-bird that his father got for him, used, in 1990. He didn't have it long enough to have problems though, as he totaled it probably within a year. I remember it had the keypad though. As I recall, while it had 10 digits, it was really only 5 buttons (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-0). I seem to remember it being a 6-digit code; IIRC my friend's was "3-3-9-9-6-6". I guess the previous owner had been a Chevy big-block fan with a stuttering problem. :P
I don't believe Ford has redesigned the pad since its introduction.
They've changed it some on the Lincoln's. I believe on the MKS you can't see them until you touch it. The buttons are gone and the surface is smooth and touch sensitive. Looks kind of cool.
You have a 07 Grand Prix, I assume???? My 06 GPGT has the PK3 keys..and every gadget known to mankind..Purchased for 1/2 of original MSRP price in 2007 showing 4300 miles..When one makes a great buy, the motivation to dump it isn't overwhelming..It's a perfect Florida car, great a/c pumps out super chill, and sunroof affords enjoying the balmy weather in Paradise..
The supercharged 260hp V-6 isn't the state-of-the-art engine, but it gets the job done, loves the premium gas, so I want you Asian car owners the with wheezy-little 4-bangers that get 30+mpgs to keep up the good work because I need that fuel which you are saving..
For the Hyundai folks I did finally see new Genesis Coupe at the Venice beach yesterday, and it's cute!!!!!
As our government continues to burn money I expect that more rebates will come to stimulate sales which will decline this summer.. I am selling my friend's Camry XLE, give her the Pontiac, and buy the Shelby I have had my eye on since last August..I will have 30 days to sell/buy.
Retirement is tough and one needs a vacation to offset the strain of playing, golfing, boating, shopping, eating out, bar hopping, or just plain goofing off..
The Fiat auto is junk for my son-in-law bought a 1500 Conv from his sister in Georgia, back in the late 90's, pristine condition, paid $3000. and in the winter it was stored in my garage for 3 yrs..It was an constant battle to keep it running for little spins in the summer. It leaked all fluids, and was finally sold to a teenager from nothern Mich who hauled it away on a trailer, $1000.. My daughter burned up the iginition jump-starting it for a prospective buyer..All added up it was a $6000 venture for about 4000 miles of driving..
Fiat is broke, however the govt is generous with our tax $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, I can hardly wait for the Govt spinoff of GM and Chrysler..But then we taxpayers will have picked up the UAW pension and health benefit costs..
Isn't this a great country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Retirement is tough and one needs a vacation to offset the strain of playing, golfing, boating, shopping, eating out, bar hopping, or just plain goofing off..
I feel your pain....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
You have a 07 Grand Prix, I assume???? My 06 GPGT has the PK3 keys..and every gadget known to mankind..Purchased for 1/2 of original MSRP price in 2007 showing 4300 miles..When one makes a great buy, the motivation to dump it isn't overwhelming..It's a perfect Florida car, great a/c pumps out super chill, and sunroof affords enjoying the balmy weather in Paradise..
Nah, I have a 2000 Park Ave Ultra. Dieselone is the one with the 2007 Grand Prix. Or rather, his wife is stuck with it. I imagine the nicer models are pretty decent, but unfortunately his wife's is your run-of-the-mill company car/rental fodder.
My Mercury Grand Marquis LS has the keypad. I have yet to use it.
I cry foul here. The only reason your cars are reliable is cause you never use any of the features. How do you know the keypad works if you never used it? :P
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I have no need to use it. I can think of one good time to use it and that's if I lock my keys in the car. The car is reliable. It starts, it runs, it stops, I get to and from work every day. Just for you, I will go home tonight and I look up the code and tell you if the keypad works.
That may or not be easy to find. My Expedition came with a card with the code. IIRC, my dad's 92 Crown Vic had it on a sticker somewhere, like in the truck or something.
The only time I use it is when I'm doing something where I don't want the keys on me, like out on the boat etc. The last two digits on the right pushed simultaneously will lock all the doors. When you enter the code to open the drivers door, push the last number again and it will unlock all the doors, I think pushing 5 after that will open the truck, IIRC.
"I might be nuts, but I still like and use the keypad on my Expedition. I still find many uses for it. Like when I want to get something out of the car and my keys are sitting on my desk. At the lake, I just put the keys in the center console and lock the door, that way I don't risk loosing them while out on the lake. I think Ford is about the last to used the keypad, but I hope they keep it around.
Lock the keys in the car, no problem, enter the code and the doors unlock. If your phone is in the car, have fun calling ONSTAR."
There is only one flaw with the Ford, altho I am sure it is quite rare...I have a friend who owned a Ford with the keypad, so he always locked his keys in the car, under the seat, so he didn't have to carry them...he went to the car one day, after work, and his battery was dead...no blinking red light, no nothing...and...the keypad did not work, and the hood release was inside the locked car...the tow was quite expensive, and he had to go home for the spare key, to open the door, to open the hood, to change the battery..............you get the picture...just a thought for those who almost "stake their lives" on the keypad...don't...
Well, as I visit other chat rooms around the net I came across another point made by a poster that really hit home. Think about it, "spending ourselves right out of our own jobs". As we buy and send our wealth and jobs overseas, doesn't this make sense to you? As even governments and schools make cuts, NOONE is "safe". I have noticed a shift over the past 6 months were more people are understanding what Buying American products and services really means. What it means to the economic stability, economic future of this country. Pass this on, we need to educate and have Americans THINK.
Comments
I think we have a blockbuster product here. Call it "Ghetto-cladding"!
7 of the 9 Ford SYNC features are on my Malibu,
Audible texting and audible music search are the only features I don't have.
Audible texting and audible music search are the only features I don't have.
Since when did 2 more than 7 become 'A Lot'
Audible texting and audible music search are the only features I don't have.
Since when did 2 more than 7 become 'A Lot'
Go to the following Ford site:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/sync/
Tell me which of the 9 items on the right you DO have in the Malibu.
Then let's see if those features are anywhere as capable as the ones in the Ford system.
You can have features but they can be lousy. Example "I can play my ipod". But on system B, you can call up songs by voice, call up playlists by voice, etc. Features are not necessarily equal.
Nice try GM.
Regards:
Oldengineer
In Buying American news, there's a new Fiat in town.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee First Look (Inside Line)
Spokesman V/O: If you're a luxury car owner, there's something you should know. Luxury sedans are stolen at the rate of four per minute.
[ show couple walking to curb from restaurant; his car is nowhere to be found ]
Man: My brand new BMW! I just got this car two days ago!
[ Spokesman enters foreground ]
Spokesman: Frightening, isn't it? Suddenly, the idea of buying a car for the cache of a hood ornament seems outdated. In the 90's, you don't need a car to tell the world you're wealthy; you need a car to tell the world you're smart.
[ show luxury car under wraps, as a breeze sends the cloth flying to reveal a junky-looking vehicle underneath ]
Spokesman: Introducing the Chameleon XLE for 1993. Finally, a luxury car that doesn't look like a luxury car.
Inside, the Chameloen XLE has everything you would expect in a luxury sedan of its class. Soft leather seating, a contoured instrument panel, and fine wood. But there's more - much more.
Authentically distressed fenders give way to a partially padded roof of blistered vinyl. While under the hood, a simulated transmission-fluid drip whispers, "Hey, not worth the trouble." This is craftsmanship no one will steal. This is engineering for the inner-city driving experience.
[ Spokesman places marble at the top of hood, which rolls forward into a hole at the bottom of the hood ]
Spokesman: Every inch of the Chameleon XLE is a pinnacle of urban design.
There's attention to detail. Like three mismatched wheel covers, and one exposed rim in school-bus yellow. Standard.
A broken taillight repaired with duct tape. Standard.
Retractable antenna. Standard.
The body of a Pontiac with a driver's-side door from an Oldsmobile Delta '88. All standard.
A car thief takes one look at this, and keeps right on walking. Of course, it's equipped with an automatic alarm system - but do you really think you'll need it?
[ Spokesman turns on alarm, which renders the car even more useless ]
Spokesman: The Chameleon XLE. They might tow it away, but they'll never steal it
I thought it was a joke, since all you'd have to do is kick the door to find out if the alarm works or not, but the shop said they sold quite a few of them.
Another great device to avoid that problem is factory nav with limited applications, like in a MB. Have that and be smart enough not to leave your gadgets sitting out, and the thief won't waste his time. I am pretty sure the COMAND 2.0 in my car is safe.
My wife's 07 GP has a blinking red light on the dash. Effective too, no one has stolen it yet. Wait, who'd want to steal that heaping pile of rubbish.
real time traffic, news, sports, weather: via local radio stations, outside temp gage and windshield
car phone
911 thru car phone or onstar
cell phone sync
hands free calling with 5 phones phone
vehicle health report
air bag deployment recognition
stolen car slow down
voice nav with on-screen instructions
reservations for anything
directions to and phone of any business
car unlock
xm radio
why don't you add what Malibu is missing besides the 2 items I already mentioned. Go ahead and use a second post if necessary.
May the Best Car Win!
Regards,
OW
bluetooth sync
onstar
nav
XM
car phone
ipod port
Not according to Chevy's website. An auxiliary input does not equal a USB port. According to Chevy's website on the 2010 Malibu, a 1LT only has the auxiliary port and states the USB port is only available on the LTZ, you can't control or charge an Ipod through the radio etc, through an auxiliary input. Sync is optional on a Fusion SE and is standard on the SEL Sport, and Hybrid.
Kind of like I posted - where you can claim to have some minimal functionalities but it is not the same. Why are all the reviews talking about Sync being revolutionary and nobody talking about the Malibu in that department? The big GM propaganda machine is so good at Volt dancers, paid off all loans, etc., - I would think that if they actually have major innovative features they would be advertising about them.
Can anybody else post on capabilities of Sync vs. the Malibu's system?
Would a 2007 Grand Prix have the anti-theft chip in the key, I wonder? My Dad's 2003 Regal LS has that, but knowing GM, I guess it's possible that feature was lost in later years due to de-contenting.
I just noticed that my 2000 Park Ave doesn't have a chipped key. I remember that with the Dodge Intrepid, the ES and R/T had a chipped key, but not the base model. You'd think something like that would almost be standard in a $40K car, though!
Andre, you've got to get the next issue of Collectible Automobile (August 2010). It's going to have a feature on the 1967-70 full-size Pontiacs.
Only on the used end, where you can get them dirt cheap.
Transducer in key; no resistor chip. It's in the head. It's read when you turn the key if I understand the system. If the computer reads the code as one of the 10 it can store as good keys the car can start. Additional keys are $6 to $12 on eBay. My leSabre's are PK3 on the metal shaft. Have it cut locally. Put in a good key, turn to ON. Then put in the new key and turn to ON. Computer reads new key and then turn key to Start.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I was thinking of this type of key, I guess.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I can't see paying for that when you can download a google maps app on most smartphones and get directions for free. It uses the GPS chip in the phone and it will track you on the map and give directions. It doesn't have as many features as NAV from ATT, but it's not $10/mo either. Also, I have the phone where ever I go.
I've used the google maps app while out on the lake when I forgot my handheld marine GPS. Only thing bad about it is if you out in the sticks and you have a bad cell signal, the map can't update which has been an issue for me. I don't know if ATT Nav has any base maps kept in memory, if it has to download them on the fly, it won't work well out of cell range either.
Yeah, what a PITA. Both key FOBs for my wife's GP have broke. New batteries in both and no go. They didn't break at the same time. The first one lasted about a year and the second died a few months ago.
I haven't talked to the dealer, but my FIL told me his local Chevy dealer wanted $100 to program a new remote for his Tahoe. Neither of his FOBs lasted long either.
Yeah, I don't think they float. I'll look into ebay.
The FOB for my 07 Expedition has been in my pocket when swimming and has gone through the washer and dryer a few times and still works great.
I remember doing that to the fob for our Accord when it was pretty new. Was in a pool and felt the keys in the pocket. They were fine and still are. The car is coming up on 11 years old and 188K.
I might be nuts, but I still like and use the keypad on my Expedition. I still find many uses for it. Like when I want to get something out of the car and my keys are sitting on my desk. At the lake, I just put the keys in the center console and lock the door, that way I don't risk loosing them while out on the lake. I think Ford is about the last to used the keypad, but I hope they keep it around.
Lock the keys in the car, no problem, enter the code and the doors unlock. If your phone is in the car, have fun calling ONSTAR.
I wish my cars had those. I'd do the same thing with leaving the keys in the car.
They've changed it some on the Lincoln's. I believe on the MKS you can't see them until you touch it. The buttons are gone and the surface is smooth and touch sensitive. Looks kind of cool.
The supercharged 260hp V-6 isn't the state-of-the-art engine, but it gets the job done, loves the premium gas, so I want you Asian car owners the with wheezy-little 4-bangers that get 30+mpgs to keep up the good work because I need that fuel which you are saving..
For the Hyundai folks I did finally see new Genesis Coupe at the Venice beach yesterday, and it's cute!!!!!
As our government continues to burn money I expect that more rebates will come to stimulate sales which will decline this summer.. I am selling my friend's Camry XLE, give her the Pontiac, and buy the Shelby I have had my eye on since last August..I will have 30 days to sell/buy.
Retirement is tough and one needs a vacation to offset the strain of playing, golfing, boating, shopping, eating out, bar hopping, or just plain goofing off..
The Fiat auto is junk for my son-in-law bought a 1500 Conv from his sister in Georgia, back in the late 90's, pristine condition, paid $3000. and in the winter it was stored in my garage for 3 yrs..It was an constant battle to keep it running for little spins in the summer. It leaked all fluids, and was finally sold to a teenager from nothern Mich who hauled it away on a trailer, $1000.. My daughter burned up the iginition jump-starting it for a prospective buyer..All added up it was a $6000 venture for about 4000 miles of driving..
Fiat is broke, however the govt is generous with our tax $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, I can hardly wait for the Govt spinoff of GM and Chrysler..But then we taxpayers will have picked up the UAW pension and health benefit costs..
Isn't this a great country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel your pain....
Nah, I have a 2000 Park Ave Ultra. Dieselone is the one with the 2007 Grand Prix. Or rather, his wife is stuck with it. I imagine the nicer models are pretty decent, but unfortunately his wife's is your run-of-the-mill company car/rental fodder.
I cry foul here. The only reason your cars are reliable is cause you never use any of the features. How do you know the keypad works if you never used it? :P
The only time I use it is when I'm doing something where I don't want the keys on me, like out on the boat etc. The last two digits on the right pushed simultaneously will lock all the doors. When you enter the code to open the drivers door, push the last number again and it will unlock all the doors, I think pushing 5 after that will open the truck, IIRC.
Lock the keys in the car, no problem, enter the code and the doors unlock. If your phone is in the car, have fun calling ONSTAR."
There is only one flaw with the Ford, altho I am sure it is quite rare...I have a friend who owned a Ford with the keypad, so he always locked his keys in the car, under the seat, so he didn't have to carry them...he went to the car one day, after work, and his battery was dead...no blinking red light, no nothing...and...the keypad did not work, and the hood release was inside the locked car...the tow was quite expensive, and he had to go home for the spare key, to open the door, to open the hood, to change the battery..............you get the picture...just a thought for those who almost "stake their lives" on the keypad...don't...
In fact, I left the keys in the glove box all the time so I didn't need t worry about carrying/leaving them somewhere!
Regards,
OW