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Comments
I learned today that 'asheap' is apparently one word.
"Agreed. The Avalon is not pleasing at all to look at.
The 2014 Impala blows it away! 'Bout time! "
And comparing to the Azera and Cadenza:
"Agreed. Like the Azera and the new Kia Cadenza. But the Impala is right up there!"
See? I'm not dead yet!
I thought there was just as "s" the poster left out of another new word.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
1961-1965 Chevy Nova SS
Fellow car nerds - this is a Chevy I might start saving for. I found one with one of those goofy hood scoops in metallic purple, otherwise looking like this one, for $9,975 in Hemming's magazine the other day at Hasting's Book Store. 3 on the column manual shifter, or, automatic shifter on the column, eh?
I did like that purple better than this jet-black, but black looks good on this little pup, too.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
That's a '64 in your photo. The '65 is my favorite of that iteration--side-by-side taillights and a slight revision to the grille/headlights.
I don't think these comments apply to postwar Packard very much. Aside from torsion bar leveling, electronically controlled shifting and torque converter lock-up, they didn't do much from 1946 to 1956.
Well, let's see. First of all, the only eligible vehicles are those introduced as new this year. GM had a lot of introductions this year. And of course, being nominated doesn't mean winning. How many GM vehicles were new this year, versus the competition? I honestly don't know.
I do believe I said that about the Cruze when I first saw it in the auto show when it was being introduced, and I posted my impressions here.
OTOH, I'm not sure I've seen your compliments to any foreign nameplates. Am I just forgetting that?
Discuss.
As usual, GM's pricing will make sure sales stay low. Good for a niche company like BMW but perhaps GM will break into small companies going forward before the next BK!
I wish I could just see one import-lover here say, "Good performance on the NACOTY nominations, GM".
I predict that won't happen.
Thanks for the comment. I know that there have been calls for balance here in the past. That goes both ways. Certainly we all understand each other when imbalance predominates. On both sides.
Exactly. I still ask: When was the last time GM had that many candidates in the NACOTY?
"The number of "zero-car families" or American households that do not own an automobile has increased in the United States for the first time in 50 years, the recent Commuting in America 2013 study reveals.
The uptick in telecommuting and communication through technology has further fueled the trend, the report says.
In February, the Federal Highway Administration showed the number of vehicle miles traveled peaked in the U.S. in 2004, and has declined for eight years.
Furthermore, teens show a waning interest in getting their driver's licenses. Edmunds reported in August that only 54 percent are licensed before their 18th birthday."
Zero-Car Families on the Rise
I thought we were taking a crazy step going down to 3 cars for 4 drivers!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There's lots of "single-occupancy" homes out there though.
With services such as ZipCar and Hubway (a bike share program), I can see more car-less homes in cities.
If you recall, the 1997 Camry, also new that year, was no great shakes, and it was roundly criticized for being dull and decontented. But, it sold well. And as I recall, the 1994 Accord was criticized for being "change for the sake of change" rather than improvement. The first-gen Altima seemed promising, but was hardly a class leader.
On the domestic front back then, there was the Ford Contour, which was criticized for being too small for this class of car, as these compacts began morphing into midsized cars. The Contour also wasn't too reliable. On the Chrysler front, there was the Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze, which seemed promising, were fairly roomy and handled well, but quality-wise, let's just say suddenly it's 1957!
But, the market changed fast. A new Accord and Altima came out for 1998. Chrysler gave their "cloud cars" a major re-do (I don't think it was all new though) for 2001. Nissan re-did the Altima again for 2002, the same year a new Camry came out, and then a new Accord for 2003. So, the Malibu just became kind of obsolete.
Now, I think as an Oldsmobile, the platform was a bit of a joke. But, remember Olds was trying hard to be "not your Father's Oldsmobile" but at the same time, hold onto some of their most faithful customers. In 1996, its last year, the Cutlass Ciera was Oldsmobile's most popular nameplate, so if you look at the Malibu-based Cutlass as a replacement for that, it doesn't seem so bad. It sort of replaced the Achieva as well, and was definitely an improvement over that. I do think the Alero was a much better, more suitable "small" Oldsmobile, though.
One thing I liked about the Malibu, from 2000-2003 at least, was the fact that a V-6 engine was standard. So that did give you some value, compared to an Accord, Camry, Altima, etc. True, it wasn't a great V-6, but it sort of split the difference between the 4-cyl engines the others offered, and their V-6 engines. Except for the Altima, which didn't even offer a V-6 until 2002.
GM really should have busted their butts though, to stay competitive in the midsized market. The 2008 Malibu really should have been on the market around 2002, 2003 at the latest. And, maybe a little wider when it comes to shoulder room. I think the 2008-12 Malibu only has around 55.5" of shoulder room up front, and around 53.9" in the back. I think most midsized cars these days are around 57-58". The 2013 corrected that, but then screwed up with legroom in back.
Mazda is making the best of their situation. Recently read an article about some creative ways they are managing the manufacturing process to save both money and time.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I think you have to be careful here and not make the mistake many do when employing statistical regression analysis. The past isn't always the same as the present. One issue that D3 has is that there is still a bigger mix of old models in their fleet. I think the new stuff seems much better quality. Another issue that needs to be considered is that nowadays the difference between an average quality rated vehicle and a red dot isn't all that wide any more.
Let me give you a personal example. I have an 09 Camry. At a little over 30K it needed a new water pump already. Now at a little over 40K it has a steering rack problem. And yes, it has been maintained by the dealer. Honestly, at this mileage it's quality is lower than any Ford or GM vehicle I've owned. Seriously! Ironically, I bought a new Sony TV a few months ago. It is noticeably inferior to my previous one. I think Japan Inc. has gone American in quality, while America is trying to get back to where Japan used to be.
The next time I buy a vehicle, and that is probably going to be within the next year, I think I am going to look at things like CU and throw out any below average vehicle. Then I'm going to test drive and select the several I like best. After that, I'll purchase the best overall estimated ownership cost between them, unless one really sticks out during the test drives. Personally, I think buying by brand name is dumb any more.
Seriously, do think this really means much? That award seems to often just be based on newness and gimmicks to me. I think Detroit needs to look back on what hurt them in the past. Quality was obviously the big driver and they are working on that. But during the 70's and 80's there was another issue that seems to be forgotten. D3 got overly aggressive in price hikes which I think really facilitated the opening for Japanese models. In fact, Hyundai and Kia were very smart in recognizing the stagnation of American consumer incomes and balance sheets early during this decade. They combined much improved quality with good pricing (and some clever marketing) to rapidly grow. I believe Detroit needs to pay some attention to this aspect and Toyota needs to refocus from it's apparent cost cutting and quality declines over the past 6 or 7 years.
Mazda can't afford to make any slip-ups.
Wow. I won't comment further at risk of being "unbalanced" for those who all of a sudden are interested in enforcing PC "balancedness" in the discussion.
But that does match with what my shadetree mechanic tells me.
I think a good read for those stuck in historical mode would benefit from Arrogance and Accords as a good book to read about what was going on in the 80s and early 90s.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I kind of liked the Maxx too - not pretty, but unique and kind of European.
Pictures aren't working.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f26e704/3895
This is 6th gen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2004-2005_Chevrolet_Malibu_MAXX_LS.jpg
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
But they can be in Philly, Boston, Chicago and other areas where you don't need a car and parking fees are horrendous. A lot of the population now lives in or near urban areas. Two of my three kids don't have cars and the third drives an old LeSabre. He just wants to go from point A to point B.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I think it's a bit ironic, sadly, that Mazda is on the ropes just as they finally make something that catches my eye...the Mazda6.
I'd call it pretty mediocre, in just about every respect. Not great at anything, but not out and out horrible, either.
I did have an Olds Alero as a rental back in 1999 though. It was a coupe with the DOHC 4-cyl, and I liked that car, A LOT!
My only experience with the 2004-07 Malibu was driving one at a GM test drive event. I remember hating the electric steering, but that's about all I remember. I think it was a Maxx model. I thought the '04-07 style was a bit grubby looking, and something about the styling just made it seem diminutive. But for its size, I was impressed with the interior room. And the quality if the fit and finish and interior materials was a big step forward. I think it was around 2006 they gave the Malibu a slight facelift up front that made it look a bit like the Impala. It was an improvement, but not enough.
I think the '04-07 style was around 187" long on a 106" wb, but when I'd see them on the street, something about the styling just made them seem smaller than that...more Civic/Corolla-sized.
There's lots of "single-occupancy" homes out there though.
I think the way they determine a "household" can skew the statistics, though. I think "households" are determined by income tax returns.
For instance, I have two roommates, and I'm related to neither. I believe that we would be considered three "households", even though it's only one house. Well, I have my fleet of cars, one of my roommates has one car, and the other has nothing, but does borrow my Silverado or Buick from time to time, or gets rides from friends. So, there's one "car-less" household right there.
My grandmother doesn't drive anymore. My uncle lives with her, but because he's an adult, I think that would be considered two "households" as well. So, my grandmother constitutes another household that doesn't drive...even though that wouldn't be apparent to someone driving past, who sees my uncle's Camry and my Ram over there.
Same with my Granddad. He doesn't drive. Dad lives with him though, and has a car. But still, statistically, that's another "household" that doesn't drive.
Now, go down into DC...I have a friend who has no car, but has a roommate who does. Again, one house, but two households, and one is car-less. He lives in an old row-house that was converted into condos, and the upstairs neighbors, a couple with a small child, have no car.
Only to those manufacturers wanting to be recognized for improving their products. This means GM is improving. What a change THAT is.
http://www.northamericancaroftheyear.org/about_nactoy.html
Anyway, I get to within about 1000 feet of where I'm going, and it finally stalled out. I had just enough momentum to get out of the lane, but was in a no parking zone. That's where I popped the hood and saw that the upper radiator hose had popped loose from the thermostat housing, and didn't look too healthy in general.
Well, the truck cooled down a bit and I got it re-started. Found a proper parking space, but it stalled again as I was backing in. It was sticking out about three feet into the lane, blocking traffic. I called my friend to come out and try to help push it, and we almost got it in the spot, when I hear a siren. A fire chief's Suburban came by, and stopped. Then a fire engine. Then another one. Then a hook and ladder. I didn't think anything of it until one of the firemen threw the hose off the truck and came running towards me, and looked like he was aiming the sucker at me!
I hollered at him "You're not about to spray that thing at ME, are you?!" and he nodded his head yes. That's when I hollered that it just overheated, it's coolant steam! And then, almost to add insult to injury, I opened the door, turned the key, and it started right up and I was able to finish parking it!
I guess on one hand, it's good the fire department is that responsive. But seriously, a hook and ladder, when there wasn't anything over three stories within eyeshot? That was a bit of overkill.
Oh, and the really stupid thing...I actually had a new radiator hose in the cab behind the seat. I had bought it about two years ago when I had the water pump replaced, thinking I'd just put it on myself. But then forgot about it. Oops.
So, I was able to put the new hose on, fill the radiator back up, and got home without incident. Hopefully, no permanent damage done. And, I guess, don't try that with a modern vehicle...I dunno if the aluminum/alloy engines of today would tolerate that abuse. If my Park Ave or my Ram did something like this, I would've shut it off immediately and had the sucker towed.
I have a small collection of books on the automobile industry, and Arrogance and Accords is one of my favorites. The opening story happened in my hometown in California, and I vividly remember the ADM stickers on Hondas in the 80's.
I actually bought two Accords - a '92 LX and a '93 DX - without any knowledge of the business practices going on at the time. If only I had known....
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Yeah, the original Malibu ran from 1964 to 1983, and the generations were as follows:
1: 1974-67 (66-67 were heavily revised)
2: 1968-72
3: 1973-77
4: 1978-83
The Malibu was originally to be replaced by the Celebrity, but at the last minute they held onto it a bit longer. I'm convinced that they were planning to drop the B-body Caprice and transfer the name to the Malibu platform, as GM did with the Bonneville for 1982. The 6000 replaced the LeMans for 1982, but what had been the LeMans was restyled, made more upscale looking, and renamed Bonneville. And the old B-body Bonneville (and Catalina) were discontinued.
For 1982, the Malibu got a restyled front-end with quad headlights and an eggcrate grille that bore a strong resemblance to the Caprice. So I'm thinking they were planning to drop the big Caprice and try to pass off the Malibu as a "big" car, but got cold feet once the Caprice continued to sell well.
Probably a good thing too, as GM didn't have much success with the midsized Bonneville. It sold about 80,000 units in 1982...about the same as the 1981 LeMans did. And slightly below the big 1981 Bonneville. And from there on out, Bonneville sales tapered off. The midsized 6000 started gathering a following, and in mid 1983, Pontiac went shopping in Canada and brought down the Parisienne, bringing a true full-sized car back.
That first FWD Malibu, the 97-03 would technically be Gen 5 I guess. Honestly though, I look at today's Malibu as having its lineage more from the likes of the Citation.
The Corsica and Beretta replaced the Citation, even though there was a several-year gap in production. Last Citation was 1985, and I think the Corsica/Beretta came out in mid-1987. The Malibu replaced the Corsica, while the Beretta was dropped, as coupes became less popular.
I actually think of the Impala as more of a true replacement for the old Malibu, as it was phased out by the Celebrity after 1983, which was replaced with the Lumina for 1990, then the return of the W-body Impala for 2000.
Today though, the latest Impala is sized somewhat between, say, a 1983 Malibu and a 1983 Caprice/Impala. I drove one at a GM event, and have to say it actually felt pretty big inside. It doesn't have that big-car three-across seating that cars used to have, or a trunk that would make Tony Soprano proud. But it probably has more legroom, front and rear, than any car to ever bear the Impala name in the past.