Anybody else notice that 'jpp' crop-dusted here saying flatly, "the Impala isn't competitive", but hasn't been back to answer any questions about the rental or what he drives daily?
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
This is why GM has assembled a special committee to study Tesla.
If you visualize the US luxury-car market as a carton of a dozen eggs (some reporters perpetually have food on the brain), you can figure that one of the those eggs looks an awful lot like a Tesla Model S. At least, it does according to numbers from the Electrification Coalition, which studied US luxury-car sales over the first half of the year. The group pegged the battery electric's market share at 8.4 percent, Motley Fool reports. The Model S starts at $69,900 but can easily get up to $100,000 with options.
One in twelve may not seem like a huge number until you consider that what it means is that Tesla is outselling models like the Audi A8 (base MSRP: $72,200), BMW 7 Series ($73,600) and Mercedes S-Class ($92,350). So, while it remains to be seen whether Tesla chief Elon Musk can make good on bringing the brand down-sector by introducing the long-talked-about $30,000 Tesla, the California-based automaker is certainly making its name among the jewelry-rattlers.
Of course, Tesla is not exactly loving that it is often thrown into the luxury basket. Last month, Tesla executive Diarmuid O'Connell said in a presentation that the Model S is all about performance, not luxury, according to Automotive News. Tesla will report its second-quarter earnings later today, so we should be able to update you on new sales developments soon.
Also, the real price difference between a four and a six is really in the thousands, with the base car--and it's pretty nice at that; I've looked at one--available for $27,535, bottom of the sticker.
Only if you get the base model which most people won't want. I'd at least want an LT trim, the 2LT with a v6 would be a no brainer and worth every penny to me. The 4cyl just doesn't offer enough a mileage increase to offset the refinement and performance hit.
I've looked at, in person, both LS and 1LT and 2LT versions. Unless you bend over and ping on the wheels (to differentiate between the wheelcovers on the LS and wheels on the LT's, which look nearly identical), I think you would have a hard time differentiating between an LS and a LT...truly.
I wish the chrome side molding of the LTZ was available on lesser models.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I've looked at, in person, both LS and 1LT and 2LT versions. Unless you bend over and ping on the wheels (to differentiate between the wheelcovers on the LS and wheels on the LT's, which look nearly identical), I think you would have a hard time differentiating between an LS and a LT...truly.
I think I'd notice the addition of the 8" touch screen with My-link and dual zone climate control (and I'd value it enough to pay up for it). And honestly after looking over the website, I'd definitely want the LTZ anyway.
Plus after driving my wife's '13 taurus quite a bit lately, I definitely wouldn't want to give up the v6 for a non boosted 4cyl in a car of that size and weight.
Frankly, I could care less about MyLink. The LS has a screen ('information center') in that position. I honestly don't see the value difference versus the price difference even between an LS and a 1LT.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
DETROIT (TheStreet) -- Next year, for the first time since 1997, a car made by one of the Detroit Three could become the best-selling car in the U.S.
The Ford (F) Fusion is in short supply today, its sales diminished by a lack of inventory. But that is going to change this fall when Ford begins production at its plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new Fusion line can be expected to produce about 100,000 Fusions annually, supplementing the estimated 350,000 produced annually at Ford's plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The Toyota (TM) Camry has been the best-selling U.S. car since 2002, according to figures compiled by Edmunds.com. In fact, Camry has been the best-selling car every year since 1997 except for 2001, when Honda (H) Accord was first. From 1992 through 1996, Ford Taurus was first.
"With sufficient capacity we are on the cusp of competing at Accord and Camry volumes," said Ford analyst Erich Merkle. `
This year, Camry has its usual lead. Through July, Camry sales totaled 242,406, while Accord sales totaled 218,367; Nissan (NSANY) Altima sales were 197,321 and Fusion sales were 181,608.
Well, we all know GM won't get there, that's for sure!
Toyota said Wednesday that it is voluntarily recalling about 342,000 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab vehicles from the years 2004-2011 because of a flaw in the seat belts.
Screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor for drivers and front passengers can become loose, which could affect the technology's ability to protect in a crash.
Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will be notified by first class mail. Information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Last night, swung into the nearest Chevy dealer (not where I deal). Probably 100 vehicles in new-car inventory. Not a single '14 Impala, but one leftover new '13. No '14 Malibus, but a bunch of '13's. Three new '14 Silverados. Some '14 Cruzes. Cruze NA-content for '14 is down to 50% from 56%, though still built in northeast Ohio. Looks like window sticker price is actually down a little for '14 (based on two base model cars I looked at).
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Hopefully, Ford won't add all that extra capacity just at the time that everybody who wants one has already bought one.
As for those YTD sales, how does the 2013 Malibu compare?
It's weird to think that, once upon a time the top selling family cars were Impala, Galaxie, and Fury (which occasionally swapped places with Catalina I think). Yet now it's Camry, Accord, and Altima. Bet they never would've seen that coming 40+ years ago!
Geez, I thought Fusions were already being built in the U.S. I know I'm in the minority, but 'made in Mexico' is a personal turn-off for me.
On the other hand, I am sure seeing a lot of new Escapes around here. I saw two in a row this a.m. The styling has grown on me, although I've driven one and there's a bit of the old GM 'dustbuster' in the amount of top-of-instrument-panel that takes some getting used to--not as dramatic as the dustbusters, though, in that regard.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I own a 2002 Pathfinder and lease a 2012 G37x, but I travel extensively for work so most weekdays I am picking a car from the National lot.
Like the Malibu, the Impala isn't a bad car...but there was nothing overly impressive either. GM finally built a car that meets the general expectations of the market, albeit a little late. Nothing about the car would make me choose it over an Avalon, Charger, Taurus or Genesis in the rental lot and I'd probably seek out any of those over it, except maybe the Charger because of its poor visibility.
Last year I had a Regal for a rental in Salt Lake City, no real complaints with it, but my coworker (late 30's, single female, drives a 330 now) summed it up when she said, "This isn't a bad car but I'd never buy a Buick."
GM has a huge perception problem in the market, if they want to change that then they need to introduce something major, not something that finally meets expectations. There's a reason the new Malibu (even the "updated" one) trails in sales, it will be interesting to see if the Impala can break the trend.
I think this model had the auto dimming mirror, but even if it didn't I'd gladly manually adjust the mirror for headlight glare if necessary. I'd certainly do that to be able to see what's behind me at anytime.
The trunk was empty, my computer bag and travel bag were in the back seat, I never opened the trunk, so that's just how it was built.
I was happy with the MPG, seems on par with similar models I rent/drive.
As for oversteer, I was surprised by how much the car would turn/move/wallow with a slight turn of the wheel, especially at highway speeds. Definitely different from other cars today, maybe good, maybe bad but guess it depends on your preference.
Just saw this but it ties in to my earlier post, if the new Malibu was truly competitive it would be selling better. Looking at the July numbers it's battling the Sonata for last place, all the other models are much higher.
When/if GM builds a great car and wows the public with it, they might turn things around. Until then they will keep playing catch up.
Outside of the visibility issues I don't mind them. The V6 has adequate power, the interior is OK, nothing special but it has gotten better with UConnect. I do prefer the RWD setup over the Taurus/Avalon/Impala FWD.
I will say I've had a couple of issues with them along the way. A climate control fan switch that would only work on the highest setting and one with no turn signals, but as for the drive it's not bad if you don't mind the visibility issues. The 8 speed transmission is a huge step up in driveability.
Interesting. I didn't really read his article so my bad.
My understanding was that when Mazda moved the 6 production out, it gave capacity to build more Fusions. Hmmm, I could have swore they were building them before since the platform is shared with the Mazda but maybe it was just the MKZ and Milan that were coming out of there.
That's too bad. As it's long been said, perception lags reality. I had a blowhard boss who used to always say "Perception is reality", to which I'd reply in my head, "Reality is reality; perception is perception".
I would say the Impala is testing better in mags than your current lease vehicle.
As far as what's competitive, I think most car buyers clearly don't compare. They pick up a mag and go along with whatever it says, not being 'car people'. Every mag ganged up on the Malibu, except Consumer Reports, actually. I was the first person I ever heard or saw comment on the reduced legroom in the rear, right on the old GM forum here on Edmunds.
The rear-seat legroom was my only complaint about the car. If the price came down (say, a grand more than a Cruze), I could probably overlook the rear legroom as I'm only 5'8" and my wife is 5'4".
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Funny, I had a boss tell me the same thing "Perception is reality" and unfortunately it's true for the mass market.
It's really all about the sales numbers, whether it's perception, marketing or just loyalty these companies are all in business to make money and sell cars. So far the Malibu isn't doing that, and probably for a combination of reasons.
It's interesting to me that Mercedes and BMW seem to be going the way of Cadillac in the 70's, chasing market share (although probably not decontenting quite as much). History always repeats itself.
What's your take on why inventory is so low? Based on the sales numbers for the Malibu it can't be demand exceeding supply unless GM has serious production constraints or held back inventory.
"Funny, I had a boss tell me the same thing "Perception is reality" and unfortunately it's true for the mass market. "
Oh, I hear that "perception is reality" crap at work all the time. It seems like this gets perceived, that gets perceived, but the reality is nothing gets accomplished!
The highest scorers were the Honda Civic Sedan, followed closely by the Civic Coupe. These were also the only two to earn overall scores of "Good." The Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Scion tC all earned acceptable scores overall, which was still enough to qualify them for the TSP+ rating. The bottom half of the test included the Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Beetle, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Kia Soul and Kia Forte.
As for the Charger, I think you'd like it if you can deal with the visibility issues. It won't be as plush as your Park Avenue, but based on your experience with the Intrepid it's worth checking out.
When the time does finally come, a Charger is definitely on my list of cars to check out. So far, like the 2014 Impala, my seat time has been limited to driving one around on a closed course on the Carlisle PA fairgrounds, so I'd definitely have to revisit them in more detail!
I did have to drive our fleet Impala a couple years ago. I think it was a 2011. Even it had horrible visibility in my opinion. Out the front it wasn't so bad, but rear visibility was horrible!
Is anybody getting this annoying Facebook popup? Is there anything one can do to keep it from coming up all the time? It makes it impossible to read or post anything!
I don't get the popups. But I use Firefox or Chrome with Adblock Plus and NoScript extensions. Between those two I rarely get a popup or add on any website.
"When/if GM builds a great car and wows the public with it, they might turn things around. Until then they will keep playing catch up."
Amen: GM = Gross Mediocrity, as well as Gov't Motors. Other than Buick & Cadillac, a penchant for ugly, lowest tech in the industry, and inconsistent reliability. They'll be in Bankruptcy again, mark my words.
Amen: GM = Gross Mediocrity, as well as Gov't Motors. Other than Buick & Cadillac, a penchant for ugly, lowest tech in the industry, and inconsistent reliability. They'll be in Bankruptcy again, mark my words.
Hate to say it, but I'm starting to lose my faith in Chrysler, as well. This morning, in the driveway, just before pulling out into the street, my 2012 Ram, with a whopping 4200 miles on the odometer, stalled out on me. And, this is the second time it's done that! Now, it started right back up and the rest of the drive to work was uneventful.
But, that has me concerned. I could understand if this was 1975, the year of my grandparents Dart Swinger, which would stall out at random, but was still probably one of the best cars that year. Or even my 2000 Intrepid, which started having issues, around 140,000 miles, when a sensor started to go south. But no almost-new vehicle should be doing that!
Oh, and one other complaint. I've noticed a few door dings in it. It's a shame that something so butch looking would be so fragile. Are they outsourcing their sheetmetal from Honda or something?!
At least with my '79 New Yorker, when it's about to stall out I can usually catch it and save it from doing that. And if somebody throws a door open, my NY'er is going to probably do more damage than it takes! I have no idea what I'll replace it with, but I think I'm going to trade this Ram before the 5/60K warranty is up. Unless, somehow, it starts to redeem itself!
IMHO your wrong. The 2.5 is a dud of an engine. The 2.0T is a great engine, and the logical choice for the Passat. The 3.6 is powerful, but a gas guzzler, and costs too much.
I was at the VW dealership checking out Passats and I think I said out loud to the salesman when I found out "what were they thinking in not offering the 2.0T anymore!" He didn't really answer. There is no good answer for that.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Comments
Not at all. Great value.
Well, you should have run the global auditing of GM for the past 3 decades to erase the historical idiocy! :shades:
If you visualize the US luxury-car market as a carton of a dozen eggs (some reporters perpetually have food on the brain), you can figure that one of the those eggs looks an awful lot like a Tesla Model S. At least, it does according to numbers from the Electrification Coalition, which studied US luxury-car sales over the first half of the year. The group pegged the battery electric's market share at 8.4 percent, Motley Fool reports. The Model S starts at $69,900 but can easily get up to $100,000 with options.
One in twelve may not seem like a huge number until you consider that what it means is that Tesla is outselling models like the Audi A8 (base MSRP: $72,200), BMW 7 Series ($73,600) and Mercedes S-Class ($92,350). So, while it remains to be seen whether Tesla chief Elon Musk can make good on bringing the brand down-sector by introducing the long-talked-about $30,000 Tesla, the California-based automaker is certainly making its name among the jewelry-rattlers.
Of course, Tesla is not exactly loving that it is often thrown into the luxury basket. Last month, Tesla executive Diarmuid O'Connell said in a presentation that the Model S is all about performance, not luxury, according to Automotive News. Tesla will report its second-quarter earnings later today, so we should be able to update you on new sales developments soon.
Only if you get the base model which most people won't want. I'd at least want an LT trim, the 2LT with a v6 would be a no brainer and worth every penny to me. The 4cyl just doesn't offer enough a mileage increase to offset the refinement and performance hit.
Yes, the Chevy website lists a 1LTZ as a 4cyl and the 2LTZ with the v6.
I wish the chrome side molding of the LTZ was available on lesser models.
I think I'd notice the addition of the 8" touch screen with My-link and dual zone climate control (and I'd value it enough to pay up for it). And honestly after looking over the website, I'd definitely want the LTZ anyway.
Plus after driving my wife's '13 taurus quite a bit lately, I definitely wouldn't want to give up the v6 for a non boosted 4cyl in a car of that size and weight.
Definitely!
With a new Mustang on the way, I'd bet this will be the norm for a while.
That's gonna hurt! :sick:
The Ford (F) Fusion is in short supply today, its sales diminished by a lack of inventory. But that is going to change this fall when Ford begins production at its plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new Fusion line can be expected to produce about 100,000 Fusions annually, supplementing the estimated 350,000 produced annually at Ford's plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The Toyota (TM) Camry has been the best-selling U.S. car since 2002, according to figures compiled by Edmunds.com. In fact, Camry has been the best-selling car every year since 1997 except for 2001, when Honda (H) Accord was first. From 1992 through 1996, Ford Taurus was first.
"With sufficient capacity we are on the cusp of competing at Accord and Camry volumes," said Ford analyst Erich Merkle. `
This year, Camry has its usual lead. Through July, Camry sales totaled 242,406, while Accord sales totaled 218,367; Nissan (NSANY) Altima sales were 197,321 and Fusion sales were 181,608.
Well, we all know GM won't get there, that's for sure!
Toyota said Wednesday that it is voluntarily recalling about 342,000 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab vehicles from the years 2004-2011 because of a flaw in the seat belts.
Screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor for drivers and front passengers can become loose, which could affect the technology's ability to protect in a crash.
Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will be notified by first class mail. Information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
As for those YTD sales, how does the 2013 Malibu compare?
It's weird to think that, once upon a time the top selling family cars were Impala, Galaxie, and Fury (which occasionally swapped places with Catalina I think). Yet now it's Camry, Accord, and Altima. Bet they never would've seen that coming 40+ years ago!
On the other hand, I am sure seeing a lot of new Escapes around here. I saw two in a row this a.m. The styling has grown on me, although I've driven one and there's a bit of the old GM 'dustbuster' in the amount of top-of-instrument-panel that takes some getting used to--not as dramatic as the dustbusters, though, in that regard.
Malibu YTD 123,573
#2 CRV 172,989
#3 'nox 144,904
Obviously the 'Nox/Terrain sell more combined with the Terrain adding 58,531
Might be worth checking if it's a current, and not old, article posted implied as new.
Like the Malibu, the Impala isn't a bad car...but there was nothing overly impressive either. GM finally built a car that meets the general expectations of the market, albeit a little late. Nothing about the car would make me choose it over an Avalon, Charger, Taurus or Genesis in the rental lot and I'd probably seek out any of those over it, except maybe the Charger because of its poor visibility.
Last year I had a Regal for a rental in Salt Lake City, no real complaints with it, but my coworker (late 30's, single female, drives a 330 now) summed it up when she said, "This isn't a bad car but I'd never buy a Buick."
GM has a huge perception problem in the market, if they want to change that then they need to introduce something major, not something that finally meets expectations. There's a reason the new Malibu (even the "updated" one) trails in sales, it will be interesting to see if the Impala can break the trend.
The trunk was empty, my computer bag and travel bag were in the back seat, I never opened the trunk, so that's just how it was built.
I was happy with the MPG, seems on par with similar models I rent/drive.
As for oversteer, I was surprised by how much the car would turn/move/wallow with a slight turn of the wheel, especially at highway speeds. Definitely different from other cars today, maybe good, maybe bad but guess it depends on your preference.
When/if GM builds a great car and wows the public with it, they might turn things around. Until then they will keep playing catch up.
I will say I've had a couple of issues with them along the way. A climate control fan switch that would only work on the highest setting and one with no turn signals, but as for the drive it's not bad if you don't mind the visibility issues. The 8 speed transmission is a huge step up in driveability.
My understanding was that when Mazda moved the 6 production out, it gave capacity to build more Fusions. Hmmm, I could have swore they were building them before since the platform is shared with the Mazda but maybe it was just the MKZ and Milan that were coming out of there.
That's too bad. As it's long been said, perception lags reality. I had a blowhard boss who used to always say "Perception is reality", to which I'd reply in my head, "Reality is reality; perception is perception".
I would say the Impala is testing better in mags than your current lease vehicle.
As far as what's competitive, I think most car buyers clearly don't compare. They pick up a mag and go along with whatever it says, not being 'car people'. Every mag ganged up on the Malibu, except Consumer Reports, actually. I was the first person I ever heard or saw comment on the reduced legroom in the rear, right on the old GM forum here on Edmunds.
The rear-seat legroom was my only complaint about the car. If the price came down (say, a grand more than a Cruze), I could probably overlook the rear legroom as I'm only 5'8" and my wife is 5'4".
It's really all about the sales numbers, whether it's perception, marketing or just loyalty these companies are all in business to make money and sell cars. So far the Malibu isn't doing that, and probably for a combination of reasons.
It's interesting to me that Mercedes and BMW seem to be going the way of Cadillac in the 70's, chasing market share (although probably not decontenting quite as much). History always repeats itself.
Oh, I hear that "perception is reality" crap at work all the time. It seems like this gets perceived, that gets perceived, but the reality is nothing gets accomplished!
The Impala I believe is selling quickly. I don't know that the factories are fully ramped-up yet.
Couldn't post the link...not emotorcons!
As for the Charger, I think you'd like it if you can deal with the visibility issues. It won't be as plush as your Park Avenue, but based on your experience with the Intrepid it's worth checking out.
I did have to drive our fleet Impala a couple years ago. I think it was a 2011. Even it had horrible visibility in my opinion. Out the front it wasn't so bad, but rear visibility was horrible!
Ditto Civic badges.
Must have been thrown out in the recent oil change!
I've seen a previous case of emotorcondilytus that lasted quite a while. They seem to have this problem periodically.
Amen: GM = Gross Mediocrity, as well as Gov't Motors. Other than Buick & Cadillac, a penchant for ugly, lowest tech in the industry, and inconsistent reliability. They'll be in Bankruptcy again, mark my words.
Hate to say it, but I'm starting to lose my faith in Chrysler, as well. This morning, in the driveway, just before pulling out into the street, my 2012 Ram, with a whopping 4200 miles on the odometer, stalled out on me. And, this is the second time it's done that! Now, it started right back up and the rest of the drive to work was uneventful.
But, that has me concerned. I could understand if this was 1975, the year of my grandparents Dart Swinger, which would stall out at random, but was still probably one of the best cars that year. Or even my 2000 Intrepid, which started having issues, around 140,000 miles, when a sensor started to go south. But no almost-new vehicle should be doing that!
Oh, and one other complaint. I've noticed a few door dings in it. It's a shame that something so butch looking would be so fragile. Are they outsourcing their sheetmetal from Honda or something?!
At least with my '79 New Yorker, when it's about to stall out I can usually catch it and save it from doing that. And if somebody throws a door open, my NY'er is going to probably do more damage than it takes! I have no idea what I'll replace it with, but I think I'm going to trade this Ram before the 5/60K warranty is up. Unless, somehow, it starts to redeem itself!
I was at the VW dealership checking out Passats and I think I said out loud to the salesman when I found out "what were they thinking in not offering the 2.0T anymore!" He didn't really answer. There is no good answer for that.