"My parents are in the same age group, and like you, they have developed a loyalty to foreign make, in their case, Toyotas/Lexus."
My parents are loyal to the Domestic Big 3. They have owned nothing but Domestic Big 3 since I have been born although we did have a Mitsubishi once but that was because of circumstances. I did have a Ford before the Mazda and Acura. The Mazda I leased because of problems with the Ford that I had. problems with Ford may have been caused by an accident I had with it so I really can;t say its Ford's problem totally.
I believe GM will be very competitive in the auto-industry in the very near future because of all the redesigns and new models in the pipeline.
GM has over 30 new models/redesigns slated to be complete by 2008' and they all have awesome fit and finish inside and out. GM is a American Revolution, and more so than Ford and Chrysler, and if you check out GM Insider News and other automotive sites you will read about all the new GM models that are coming out.
Lemko, is correct in his saying that you can currently buy a Domestic car that meets or exceeds it's competition.
I however will admit GM has alot of work ahead of them if they want to remain #1. I believe the perception of the Asian cars being better vehicles will change over time. It will take great product and good PR to change the publics mind. GM also needs to do a much better job and hold their dealerships accountable like the asians for customer service. Customer service along with a (Superior Quality Product) is by far the most important factors for GM to remain #1.
I feel GM's future is on the right track finally and it's about darn time.
I would like to bet (non-cash, of course) with you Rocky that they will be dethroned by Toyota - perhaps this year. Question is; how far will the slippage go before they wake up. They have been selling this 'American Revolution' idea for the last few years, usually in association with that dog SSR on billboards. Nothing could be more ironic: using a picture of a car/truck doomed to the scrapheap (along with its plant) and the phrase American Revolution. Unless, of course, the sales performance is what is going to precipitate an American Revolution. I didn't realize that GM specialized in Double Entendres.
IMO with their new Chevrolet SSR and HHR(I'm talking about body style, not necessarily automotive mechanicals and even feature content here)and Pontiac Solstice. They have taken the time on the Solstice to make it right the first time and people shouldn't be having to take their new roadster in to the service department 5 times every 6 months to keep running properly.
I don't work for GM. I however do have alot of family that works for GM/Delphi. I'm not trying to be biased in my statements, even though I am a little. I do truely believe that GM has the most upside of the domestics. I'll tell you briefly why !!!!
GM has Delphi whom was ranked #1 in Automotive Technology. Delphi, yes is struggling but is still has the means to produce unique automotive technology.
I believe automotive technology from Delphi along with good engineering reliability, and fit and finish will ultimatly save GM from total destruction. Look at the GMT-900 SUV's and tell me a better SUV made ???? I haven't found one yet !!! I know that is just one example and that there is alot of doubt that GM will not turn things around. I can understand why some of ya'll feel that way. I like many of you pay special attention to the auto-industry for enjoyment.
I do like what I'm seeing from GM's pipeline. I agree they need to scrap some of the current models and make the brands unique. I agree their is still too many rebadges in the line-up. I however did read that GM management is going to change and not rebadge cars cars in the future. The dealerships might be upset in the short-term, but the long-term benefit will help distinguish GM brands from the others.
I wouldn't take that bet with you. I however would bet you by 2009' that GM would win it's title back. Toyota might become #1 in 2006. I however feel that GM in 2007, 2008, 2009 would win it's title back
" Look at the GMT-900 SUV's and tell me a better SUV made ???? I haven't found one yet !!!"
You're kidding me, right? Tell me about the Solstice, if you wish, or some Cadillacs perhaps, but the GM SUVs are so low tech, it's hysterical! Still have live rear axles, no folding into the floor third seats, seats back there still have no room for an adult, engines are still pushrod, and interior features are lacking in options. So, I'll answer your question; Ford and Nissan have superior full sized SUVs on features, engineering and technology. Now, does the GM SUV run good, absolutely! Looks great, absolutely! Perform, absolutely! May even get better mileage. But technological marvels, they are not. And that's the saddest thing of all. Ford and Chrysler used to copy everything GM did. But right about 1980, that started to change rapidly, and GM has barely even kept up with them since on technology and innovation. Even then, Toyota and Honda have been blowing engine technology away, and now, they lead the world along with some European brands. Of all the cars on the earth, GM is last in technology or innovation. OnStar being one possible exception, but although my Lexus has it, I've never used it once yet.
Chevy SSR = heavy car/truck toy for the rich. Kind of intriguing I guess, and if sold for $20K, I'd take a look at it... well maybe. HHR = design by designer of the PT - a similar type of vehicle, five years too late. It is better in gas mileage, and perhaps more conservative in style, for those wanting a PT and mini-van. Solstice = Good looking little sports car, 15 years late to the game. May only win against Miata in the looks department. Beauty queen shows now require a talent contest as well - it may not win. For sales, they will sell every one they make. Does it make Pontiac exciting??? The G6 coupe is not too bad looking, but I prefer the original design by Honda, the Accord Coupe. The G6 sedans look pretty much like Pontiac / GM cars, OK, but nothing to write home about.
Most impressed by the C5 Corvette, though the C6 looks OK too. The CTS is sure something interesting, though not enough to pay an extra 5 to 10K for over other cars. The LaCrosse is pleasing to the eye.
All the new cars look better than the nose on those Tribeca Subarus. There, something to be encouraged over.
Lets do Technology. 2007 GMT-900 Cadillac Escalade.
#1 Roll over mitigation system #2 Heated Seats #3 Air Conditioned Seats #4 Heated Steering Wheel #5 Power Fold and tumble seats #6 6.2 L VVT V-8 403 hp #7 22 inch wheels that actually don't ruin performance. #8 Voice Recognition System #9 Navigation System #10 Bose 5.1 DVD Surround Sound System with 6 disc. #11 6-Speed Auto with TAPshift #12 DVD rear seat ent. system with 8" inch screen #13 Power Moonroof #14 Power liftgate #15 Remote Start #16 Adaptive Road sensing suspension #17 Electronic Brake Distribution #18 Brake Assist #19 Stabilitrack #20 HID headlamps #21 Rear view camera #22 side curtain airbags #23 rear crash sensors # 25 Onstar I know that there is a few that I'm missing. I was making my point clear. The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is the most Technologically Advanced, Best SUV, at any price
I'm with you as far as waiting a year until GM gets the bugs worked out of there new trucks. Domestic brands quality has plumeted since there hay day in the 60's and 70's. I own a 1979 Chevy Truck. I wouldn't trade it for nuthin. Since then, Trucks i've seen and been exposed to show that companies cut major corners in producing them. If your going to call the car american made build it with american pride. Don't manufacture it cheaply and slap made in USA on it. Thats what ticks me off about it
By the way, I'm 79 CustomD, be sure to read, Nissan Titan vs Chevy Silverado in the truck forum. I look foward to becoming an active member.
1:Engine and transmission must be bulletproof. If this means hiring a bunch of ex military engineers and spending 50 million developing transmissions that last ten years, do it. Honda and Toyota made their mark with this idea - and nothing but NOTHING stands out in the consumer's mind as being burnt by a bad engine or transmission. This also includes gasket nightmares YOU KNOW ABOUT AND STILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY. 2:RWD for anything the least bit "sporty". 2a: Offer 5-speed on all models that are RWD. 3:Dent-resistant panels on 100% of the car, or as much as possible. Keep repair costs down. Saturn started this, but it's not in any of the other GM models after nearly 15 years? 4:5 or 10 mph bumpers that actually take no damage at those speeds. 5:Common parts. An alternator should fit half a dozen cars. Don't change screw locations every few years. Repairs should be frugal and doable by any shop. Use screws and bolts wherever possible instead of breakable plastic fasteners. If a person can pay half the cost for repairs, that will double the perceived quality of the car. $350 for an alternator is usurous. 6:ABS and side airbags on every last model - or don't sell it at all. Not optional. Standard on every model. 7: Traction control standard on every last model as well. 8: In general, wherever you see plastic that could be glass or metal, use the proper material. With 200+ HP being common, 100lbs to build a much tougher car isn't a problem anymore. 9: Sell the cars for a fixed price. Make every last salesperson work on a flat salary. No haggling, no sheister type tactics or bait and switch or financing nightmares. 10: All financing done via the dealer is done through corporate/company financing. You either qualify for GMAC or you get oyour own bank to write the check. Make buying as easy and painless as possible, with zero hidden tricks by the dealers. 11: Ditch the unions. Pay a better wage at the same time to compensate. When a union becomes its own political and economic entity, it's actually just another stumbling block to both the empoloyees and management. 12: Stop outsourcing jobs. Nobody is fooled by made in Canada or made in Mexico cars as being "domestic" anymore. If Honda can build Accords in the U.S., then you should too. 100% of cars need to be built in the U.S., because rough times and a depression are coming in the next ten years or so. 13: If a car is a lemon or junk - stop selling it. Don't ever sell junk. Ford took a decade to get over the bad press from one bad car, the Pinto. All it takes is one piece of junk to ruin your image. GM: stop selling the Aveo right now. It makes you no money and is dreadful, like something you'd expect from Kia and not from the company that makes Cadillacs. 14: Lastly, offer trim lines that actually change the car fundamentally. Ford is the worst about this. Their trim lines are basically leather and a slightly less pathetic sound system. The dash, the interior amenities, and so on all are the same junk. Mini is the best, on the other end of the scale, offering huge amounts of real interior and styling choices. All of which add something to the experience.
Thanks for the support...my definition of an American union is thus: "A group of people whose mission is to attract the lowest quality people to produce the lowest quality in the highest possible quantity thereby permanently contaminating the American supply of goods and services"...
Now, to throw you a curveball...while I will tout the quality of imports over USA, I now own an 04 Crown Vic and an 04 Ram 1500...I thought it was time to give the US automakers another try after my Hondas...I also bought, new, a 1998 Regal (junk, no more GMs for me, can hardly wait for GM Chapter 11 to throw the union out on its "collective bargained rear end"), and a 2000 Intrepid (which was a nice car)...but 1985-1998 were Hondas...
As micuh as I b**ch about the unions, and this may sound nutty, I really WANT us to make good cars, and I really believe that we CAN make good cars...
But I also believe that we MUST go thru something like what a smoker goes thru when they quit cold turkey... agonizing pain as union workers are displaced, pensions are cut, benefits are cut, and they join the real world of competition...
so retirees will go back to work, the liberal press will whine for years about all those "earned" benefits that they are losing, but, in the end, we will all be better for it, just like the smoker who quits (no, this is not a jab at those who smoke, it is just an analogy...)
Union workers have the same entitlement mentality as welfare recipients, something in their minds like the Divine Right of Kings, the only difference being that union workers do sometimes show up for work...and, if you are UAW and you show up drunk or on drugs, you will still make cars (God help us) on the line for TWO YEARS before the union grievance procedures finally get you fired...in the Japanese US plants, non-union, you are fired that day and gone...now that's the way to run a company...you get two chances, the first at the plant, and your second chance is at Walmart...
As someone who has sold a car/truck or two, it is important to see it from a sales perspective.
Whenever a customer walks on the lot, they are looking to buy something. All they need is MORE THAN ONE reason to buy HERE! The customer won't buy from home, won't buy on the phone. Get them in, show them what they asked for, THEN SHOW THEM OPTIONS, in other vehicles that may fit the bill BUT SAVE THEM MONEY.
Many people walk onto a lot asking for this car with that interior. I'd say almost 50% drive off the lot with something other than what they initially wanted. Many were SOLD. Some met a salesman who helped them buy something else that would work for them.
Car buying all comes down to money. GM wants to sell Silverados. Is that why the Colorado is such a POS?
Focus/Neon/Cobalt. Are these cars good enough to form a foundation for any automaker?
You build ANYTHING from the ground up! Everything starts from a ground floor.
Toyota has Corolla/Camry/Tacoma.
Honda has Civic/Accord.
GM has Cobalt/Malibu/Colorado.
If the Chevy dealer doesn't have EXACTLY what I want, there is no fallback position.
NO ONE who uses a Silverado primarily for personal, non HD use, will fall back to a Colorado. Period!
The Japanese aren't selling one good car here, one great car there. They are selling trust, foundation, and cars that they have invested 15-20-25 years into making their bread-and-butter.
A Corolla is not INFERIOR to a Avalon, just smaller and less luxurious. That's it. And whether you want one or not, it will do it's job very well for 10-15 years, and everyone knows that. It's a car you can trust.
From a company you trust.
The theme here in recent post is "I'm on my 6th Honda." "Mon won't drive a GM." "Never buy anything but Toyota/Lexus."
This all started with '70's Civics, Corollas, and Accords.
The Big 3 still don't get it. It's not about $40k Tahoes with 400HP.
It's about where your company's foundation is. Where have you been, where are you going. Who you care about.
They clearly aren't looking 10-20 years down the road, by building Scions, or just making a great car like Mazda 3 and building from there.
Ford COULD HAVE had a Ford Focus off of this revolutionary Mazda platform, and they chose, in their infinite wisdom, to stay "Focused".
Focus/Fusion/Ranger (10 years old?)
No foundation, no strength, consistency, no trust.
I drove used Buicks from my father from 1976 to 1986. Utter pieces of junk. The muffler on the last one fell off on the way back from getting the brakes fixed. That was the last straw.
Started buying Accords in 1986; I'm now on my third one. Bought my wife a Voyager in 1994, three years later the electronics behind the dashboard caught on fire. Needless to say, she now owns an Odyssey.
I'm ready to upgrade from Honda and am looking at an Acura TL. What American car offers the same luxury, reliability and power of that car for around $31,000 to $33,000? The only one remotely close is the CTS, and there isn't a single publication that ranks the CTS higher (or even close) to the TL. I remain unconvinced.
25 more things to go wrong. I'll pass on that one. Hey, #21, the rear view camera seems like a good idea. I guess I recall the old days when a 4 wheel drive was a Jeep, Bronco, or an International Scout. And a power engine was a 6 cylinder instead of a 4 banger. High speed driving was like 60 MPH, and they were used off road for sport and hunting. Air conditioning and heating depended on the time of day and time of year it was. A radio was an option. Now those were trucks and SUVs. No bling - bling allowed. I guess Jeep has some models which are still fairly true to the heritage. Why do people want a truck which is more like a Rolls Royce?
If you want see a domestic vehicle that puts them all to shame check out Mercury's web site for the new "Meta One". Right now it's just a concept "wagon" (looks like a Mariner) with a V-6 twin turbo diesel. The technology involved is remarkable. Emphasis on safety. It may be out in '07. I'm waiting for them to respond to my email inquiry about info on the vehicle. I'm not convinced hybrid is the way to go. At least not yet. This new Mercury has my blood rushing. I hope it comes out soon. I'm not getting any younger. :P
Loren, that's why GM makes a Chevy Tahoe "LS" for people like you. No bells and whistles, but basics.
The Escalade on the other hand has alot of features and it's made for us that like them. I'll chance having problems with electronics. That's what a 100K warranty is for. The Cadillac brand is suppose to be America's Rolls Royce. I'd take a Cadillac over a Rolls Royce any day. With a Rolls you get a $50K car and a $300K badge. Most intellegent Wealthy Folks drive Cadillacs, Lexus, etc over Rolls Royce. They can get the most Luxury for their buck, and can't justify the extra $300K for the emblem.
Why do people want a truck which is more like a Rolls Royce?
-Lots of reasons Loren. Here's a few. A Escalade has lots of room for a family and their stuff. AWD for inclement weather. Has lots of luxurious gadgets. Has the ability to tow a boat, camper, etc. -->All in extreme comfort<--
Bottom Line: Is their a better "bling bling" vehicle made than a 2007 Cadillac Escalade sitting on 22's with limo tint ???????? I DIDN'T THINK SO !!!!!!!!!!!! :P
Well hope ya'll had a great Christmas. I also hope ya'll have a happy new year
Look at the GMT-900 SUV's and tell me a better SUV made ???? I haven't found one yet !!!
If you find a good SUV, lemme know. That's like saying honest politician, sort of an oxymoron.
I know that is just one example and that there is alot of doubt that GM will not turn things around. I can understand why some of ya'll feel that way. I like many of you pay special attention to the auto-industry for enjoyment.
#1 Roll over mitigation system - standard on most european makes for a decade. #2 Heated Seats - been around forever #3 Air Conditioned Seats - Lexus and others have been doing this too #4 Heated Steering Wheel - been around forever #5 Power Fold and tumble seats - Sigh, toyota's land cruiser had funky tumble seats for a long time. And as others have pointed out most makes have seats that fold flat now. #6 6.2 L VVT V-8 403 hp - Yawn, BMW's had a 400 HP 4.0 liter V8 for eons. I can only imagine what someone in germany would do with 6 liters...I'm guessing over 600 hp. #7 22 inch wheels that actually don't ruin performance. - Again, yawn. 22s are heavy and negatively impact performance. Heck so do 18s, 19s, 20s, etc. #8 Voice Recognition System - been around FOREVER on Acura's MDX #9 Navigation System - every japanese and german make has this. #10 Bose 5.1 DVD Surround Sound System with 6 disc. - late by about 4 years to the party. See Acura again. #11 6-Speed Auto with TAPshift - six speed trannies are old news and manumatics are always clunky. Talk to MB about its 7 speed auto. #12 DVD rear seat ent. system with 8" inch screen - welcome to 6 years ago. Honda/Toyota hava had this forever. #13 Power Moonroof - this is a joke, eh? #14 Power liftgate - old news, see Chrysler and BMW. #15 Remote Start - old news #16 Adaptive Road sensing suspension - Wow this is only 12 years after Infiniti had it on the Q45 #17 Electronic Brake Distribution - welcome to 6 years ago. #18 Brake Assist - see above #19 Stabilitrack - see above #20 HID headlamps - see above #21 Rear view camera - Lexus had this 3-4 years ago. #22 side curtain airbags - Welcome to the year 2001, GM. #23 rear crash sensors - not sure what this means. # 25 Onstar - been around forever
I know that there is a few that I'm missing. I was making my point clear. The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is the most Technologically Advanced, Best SUV, at any price
You named technologies that have been around for some time on German and Japanese vehicles. Perhaps you haven't looked at the competition?
Now you must think why would an average God Loving American Consumers think to rebel against the Unions. Maybe it is because we were duped by Unions. I have personally suffered from American Unions while traveling. I don't care that Delta's pilots earn $300,000 per year with their benefits. I think that is funny when Northwest Mechanic's union is on strike. Have you noticed that people just don't care.
Its like the Hockey Player's Union went on Strike and we had no Hockey last year. Do people really think that when the rich(players) strike against the super rich (team owners) that regulat people would care? I don't know how was striking against who. What I do know is that we had no Hockey last year because some really rich people did not what to play for million dollar contracts. They wanted more.
Look the average salary of Teachers in America is $40,000 per year while the average UAW members make $90,000 per year. Now I ask you the American Consumer what is more important to you: Your Child's education with teachers making $40K per year or your next domestic car made by high school graduates making $90K per year.
Well like I said I made my point very clear and you confirmed it. All of those vehicles you mentioned, don't have all those options in one package. Also you can't get a 5.1 Bose or DVD Audio surround in a Acura MDX. I didn't know BMW made a 400 hp. SUV ???
You are taking some luxury features from the "cars" of those brands pal. Toyota's/Lexus SUV's are nice vehicles, but aren't as nice as the Slades. The LX 470 is like a decade old. Hell the Land Cruiser rides on the same platform as it did 15 or 20 years ago. :confuse:
You can mix and match features found from BMW, Lexus, Acura, but can't get all of those features in a one lump package. Now you can with the 07' Escalade. MDX isn't much bigger than a Envoy. Apples and oranges. My Doctor has a 2005'MDX.
First, I'm pointing out the only good SUV is one that's in boneyard.
Second I can think of many SUVs I would term better than a Caddy:
X3 3.0 6 speed manual. Quite simply it will do things a Caddy can't do. It will outhandle most sedans too.
X5 4.8 - simply outstanding in terms of handling and power. 4.8 liter engine producing 355 hp/369 tq.
Acura MDX - all the technology you love and for a lot less money.
Q45 - sublime engine, all the little dorky electronic gizmos you love like keyless go, rearview camera, auto liftgate, navi, bluetooth, laser cruise control.
FX45 - sensational engine, great looks, pretty tight handling, lane departure warning system (not on a caddy?!), intelligent cruise control (not on a caddy?), keyless go.
Porsche Cayenne S - eats everything in its path for lunch. The king of SUVs.
Touareg - V10 diesel is amazing an the interior fit/finish is better than anything else out there.
Land Rover Discovery (LRS) - great engine, great interior and outstanding off-road abilities.
Toyota Highland/Lexus RX hybrids - jammed with worthless technology and great gas mileage. The Lexus sports laser cruise...where's caddy's fancy cruise control?
Never wrote that BMW makes an SUV with 400 hp. I wrote that getting the power you mentioned out of a massive 6.2 liter engine is laughable. BMW was getting 400 NA horses out a 4.0 long ago. 400 hp out a 6.2 liter engine is nothing to brag about.
You wrote the features as if they were impressive, I'm merely commenting that not a single one is impressive or new.
You said SUV, you never specified the size. Are you now saying for a full-size suv nobody has the same features as a pimp-mobile caddy?
$90K AVERAGE UAW Salary <--laughter WHOA !!!!!!! My father this year will make about $56K and he is a UAW/Delphi worker which has the same contract as a GM auto-workers.
I am really blown away that you really believe that's an average salary of a UAW worker. :confuse:
You must believe they make $87 dollars an hour too.
I feel really sorry for you. I however do agree with you a average teacher is under paid in this country. I however have in-laws and friends that think they are "over paid" because they work less than most people and failed in other careers and decided to take up teaching for a living.
Why are so many americans mad at unions for helping their personel get paid a fair salary with benefits ???? If you personally picked a career that required a degree and knew you'd make only $25-30K a year, who's fault is that ?????? Teachers and other graduates know what the average earnings are in their field. If you pick a field that is under paid don't hate the unions, be unhappy with yourself
I was saying their isn't another SUV that has all those features in one package. Especially a full-size. Well BMW's SUV's aren't exactly impressive anymore in the power dept. Even the biased BMW loving Car mags have pointed out this.
I like the style, luxury, technology, fit and finish, of GM's new GMT-900 SUV's. Especially the pimp-mobile Caddy version. The 2007 Trucks also show alot of promise and will be class leading once they hit the market this fall.
I guess if you are a anti-gm person, then anything they do won't impress people that feel that way. I happen to be very impressed and proud of GM for being able to deliver a great product to the market. :shades:
Well blueguydotcom, you can make a good arguement. I guess we just feel different about GM.
I agree with you on everything but #11 plekto. If the workers didn't have a union, then they'd make Robert S. "Steve" Miller (Delphi CEO) wages and benefits pal. That's just a reality, and the only reason why Toyota pays well is to be competitive with the union domestic manufactors so they won't organize. Toyota makes tens of billions a year and doesn't take care of it's people. They get basically nothing for retirement benefits, and many will depend on social security as a means for retirement.
First, I'm pointing out the only good SUV is one that's in boneyard.
Second I can think of many SUVs I would term better than a Caddy:
X3 3.0 6 speed manual. Quite simply it will do things a Caddy can't do. It will outhandle most sedans too.
X5 4.8 - simply outstanding in terms of handling and power. 4.8 liter engine producing 355 hp/369 tq.
Acura MDX - all the technology you love and for a lot less money.
Q45 - sublime engine, all the little dorky electronic gizmos you love like keyless go, rearview camera, auto liftgate, navi, bluetooth, laser cruise control.
FX45 - sensational engine, great looks, pretty tight handling, lane departure warning system (not on a caddy?!), intelligent cruise control (not on a caddy?), keyless go.
Porsche Cayenne S - eats everything in its path for lunch. The king of SUVs.
Touareg - V10 diesel is amazing an the interior fit/finish is better than anything else out there.
Land Rover Discovery (LRS) - great engine, great interior and outstanding off-road abilities.
Toyota Highland/Lexus RX hybrids - jammed with worthless technology and great gas mileage. The Lexus sports laser cruise...where's caddy's fancy cruise control?
Should I keep digging for more?
X3- The Slade isn't designed to be a total performance SUV. The SRX would be more of a competitor
X5- Is a dinosaur, but still is respected. It lacks the Technology for the $$$$$
Acura MDX- is yes a good value. It however lacks the grunt and the Technology of the Slade by far. Do a comparison, but not on the biased Acura site.
Q45- your kidding right ???? A plastic Saturn Vue. I have expierenced a ride in one. Yes has a few of the Escalades technologies, but is still lacking many. I think this is the Infiniti SUV you are trying to talk about FX 45
FX45- If you can stand the looks ???? However the adaptive cruise control is a feature on the Escalade. Lane Dept. Warning system I heard is extremely annoying according to the car mag testers. "wouldn't want it anyways" It also lacks the grunt like the MDX.
Porsche Cayenne S- king of SUV's ???? Eats everything in it's path-Whoa :surprise: That's when I pull out my back-up the SRT-8 Jeep :P The Jeep actually eats the Turbo Cayenne and burps it out-see edmunds It doesn't come close in Technology to the Escalade, but yes it out performs on a track
Touareg-V10 diesel- Had so many problems with the diesel they didn't make one this year. It's expected to make a return next yr. However it has a nice interior with great fit and finish, but lacks creature features and style and bling.
Land Rover Discovery- I don't think it's in production anymore pal. However the LR3 is a nice vehicle choice for some, but I'd rather have the RR-Sport. The LR3 is too top heavy, and boxy for my taste. It has decent technology and good off-roading, but isn't as roomy or technological advanced as the Slade.
Lexus RX hybrids- great engine technology and gas mileage. This one is probably the closest to the Esclade in the terms of technology. I however don't care for the NASA styling. Where's the bling ???? The Escalade in the terms of creature features still beats Lexus by a few hairs. However you could make a good arguement.
The Range Rover Sport is probably your best vehicle you could argue against me with. It does have a high level of Bling, fit and finsh, technology, and in that orange paint it's drop dead gorgeous Heck the Flashy T.O. baught one
If you get the Supercharge version the match-up becomes even closer. If money was no object, The Rover Sport is a very nice piece and is a better value than it's flagship brother the Range Rover. It's more KING than your Cayenne ever thought about. I however like the Slade slightly better because it's cheaper, a little bigger, and has a few interior creature features not found on the Range Rover Sport.
Agree, but boy she ain't very pretty to look at !!!! The handling is terrible, and the technology at $100K is a joke. Not to mention getting 11 mpg HWY do to drag would be expensive.
By the Way !!!!! I'd buy a $45,590 Jeep SRT-8 and smoke your AMG like a Cuban Cigar. Speaking of Cigars,I'd buy a few Cuban Cigars with the change left over with my intellegent Jeep purchase. :P :P :P :P
They have been selling this 'American Revolution' idea for the last few years, usually in association with that dog SSR on billboards. Nothing could be more ironic: using a picture of a car/truck doomed to the scrapheap (along with its plant) and the phrase American Revolution. Unless, of course, the sales performance is what is going to precipitate an American Revolution. I didn't realize that GM specialized in Double Entendres.
It gets even better. They're running Saab commercials saying "Born from jets". Yes, even on the 9-7 which is yet another GM rebadge. Bwahahahaha! Sorry Rocky, this is the "GM on the right track" you're talking about? I know you want to see it, but I fear your hope is clouding your judgement. I don't see it at all.
Over 30 model redesigns in the next 3 years is what I'm talking about. That is an American Revolution. I agree some of GM's PR people are clueless with their commercials. However the engineers are on the right track for the most part since 2004. Yes, GM has got a long way to go. I have seen some of the concepts, and come away impressed. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong.
Rocky, you mentioned in post 1430 that GM has a lot of new offering in the pipeline. Do any of these include diesel passenger cars and/or light trucks? I believe the first auto maker, foreign or domestic that provides a diesel passenger car to compete with Volkswagen will gain a large market share. People are looking more at mileage than in the past and it’s tough to beat a diesel for high mileage. I have heard the argument that the public does not like diesel cars and I say Bull. Volkswagen can’t keep a TDI on the lot and Jeep is selling the Liberty CRD in numbers far beyond expectations. The market is there, you just have to put them on the lot. Ford and GM already have diesel versions of almost everything they sell, so this not like it’s a great retooling issue. My money is in hand Ford, put a 2 L or 2.3 L diesel in a Ranger and it’s yours.
Yes, I've read articles on the net that GM is expiermenting with a few smaller Duramax versions for passenger cars and light trucks such as the Canyon/Colorado. The H3/H4 I read is a possibility of a scaled down Duramax version. Chrysler and Ford are indeed in the diesel market too. It's a matter of a few years before we see a diesel car made by a domestic. I've read the biggest problem the Big 3 are having is meeting epa smog limits after 100K mileage. This is the main reason why diesels currently haven't became as popular here in the states as in Europe. I also read saab is developing a bio-diesel version for it's line-up. I think a Saab will feature the first GM diesel car here in the states. It's a low volume brand that GM could expierement with to test the market. I think it would breathe new life into the brand too.
So your answer from my gathered past info is yes.
I agree it would be awesome if the domestics made a diesel. The Audi diesel (European) 4.2 Twin Turbo V-8 found in Europe has 479 lbs. of Torque. Angus McKenzie a editor from Motor Trend wrote a interesting article about diesels. He test drove a Benz and Audi and loved the Audi. Not to mention he got 35 mpg :surprise:
I do see hope. So much yummie torque from a diesel. Angus, wrote something to the fact that he lifted his big toe and placed on the accelerator and the car surged forward-> NOW!!!! He said a diesel is perfect for squirting through congested traffic because there isn't no delay waiting for the engine to rev up and drop 2 or 3 gears like a gas. He said the Audi diesel is superior to the Audi V-8 gas.
If GM, Ford, and Chrysler go under, watch out U.S. Toyota worker! Can you say "Wal-Mart?" There would be no incentive to pay well. Heck, there would be no incentive to stay in the U.S. Not only will the landscape be dotted with abandoned Big Three factories, but empty transplants that packed-up and moved back to Asia.
As for teachers making only $40K? Shoot, they make WAY more than that where my parents live - in the NE Pennsylvania anthracite coal region - a place that's been economically depressed for fifty years! Shoot, up there, $40K is a princely pay. More is beyond the dreams of avarice. My brother is a teacher in Delaware and in no way is he strapped for cash. He even gets the summer off to go fishing. He thinks those of us who work all year 'round are "chumps."
Comments
My parents are loyal to the Domestic Big 3. They have owned nothing but Domestic Big 3 since I have been born although we did have a Mitsubishi once but that was because of circumstances. I did have a Ford before the Mazda and Acura. The Mazda I leased because of problems with the Ford that I had. problems with Ford may have been caused by an accident I had with it so I really can;t say its Ford's problem totally.
auto-industry in the very near future because of all the redesigns and new models in the pipeline.
GM has over 30 new models/redesigns slated to be complete by 2008' and they all have awesome fit and finish inside and out. GM is a American Revolution, and more so than Ford and Chrysler, and if you check out GM Insider News and other automotive sites you will read about all the new GM models that are coming out.
Lemko, is correct in his saying that you can currently buy a Domestic car that meets or exceeds it's competition.
I however will admit GM has alot of work ahead of them if they want to remain #1. I believe the perception of the Asian cars being better vehicles will change over time. It will take great product and good PR to change the publics mind. GM also needs to do a much better job and hold their dealerships accountable like the asians for customer service. Customer service along with a
(Superior Quality Product) is by far the most important factors for GM to remain #1.
I feel GM's future is on the right track finally and it's about darn time.
Rocky
They also make a Mariner, mariner7, you know that, right?
I disagree on the Montego. I hate Fusion and Zephyr, and Mark LT much more.
Questions? Comments? Violent rebuttals?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Well, unlike when you probably bought your stock, it's so low now, it's possibly a good buy, that's all.....
GM has Delphi whom was ranked #1 in Automotive Technology.
Delphi, yes is struggling but is still has the means to produce unique automotive technology.
I believe automotive technology from Delphi along with good engineering reliability, and fit and finish will ultimatly save GM from total destruction. Look at the GMT-900 SUV's and tell me a better SUV made ???? I haven't found one yet !!!
I know that is just one example and that there is alot of doubt that GM will not turn things around. I can understand why some of ya'll feel that way.
I like many of you pay special attention to the auto-industry for enjoyment.
I do like what I'm seeing from GM's pipeline. I agree they need to scrap some of the current models and make the brands unique. I agree their is still too many rebadges in the line-up. I however did read that GM management is going to change and not rebadge cars cars in the future. The dealerships might be upset in the short-term, but the long-term benefit will help distinguish GM brands from the others.
Rocky
I wouldn't take that bet with you. I however would bet you by 2009' that GM would win it's title back. Toyota might become #1 in 2006. I however feel that GM in 2007, 2008, 2009 would win it's title back
Rocky
You're kidding me, right? Tell me about the Solstice, if you wish, or some Cadillacs perhaps, but the GM SUVs are so low tech, it's hysterical! Still have live rear axles, no folding into the floor third seats, seats back there still have no room for an adult, engines are still pushrod, and interior features are lacking in options. So, I'll answer your question; Ford and Nissan have superior full sized SUVs on features, engineering and technology. Now, does the GM SUV run good, absolutely! Looks great, absolutely! Perform, absolutely! May even get better mileage. But technological marvels, they are not. And that's the saddest thing of all. Ford and Chrysler used to copy everything GM did. But right about 1980, that started to change rapidly, and GM has barely even kept up with them since on technology and innovation. Even then, Toyota and Honda have been blowing engine technology away, and now, they lead the world along with some European brands. Of all the cars on the earth, GM is last in technology or innovation. OnStar being one possible exception, but although my Lexus has it, I've never used it once yet.
Most impressed by the C5 Corvette, though the C6 looks OK too. The CTS is sure something interesting, though not enough to pay an extra 5 to 10K for over other cars. The LaCrosse is pleasing to the eye.
All the new cars look better than the nose on those Tribeca Subarus. There, something to be encouraged over.
Loren
#1 Roll over mitigation system
#2 Heated Seats
#3 Air Conditioned Seats
#4 Heated Steering Wheel
#5 Power Fold and tumble seats
#6 6.2 L VVT V-8 403 hp
#7 22 inch wheels that actually don't ruin performance.
#8 Voice Recognition System
#9 Navigation System
#10 Bose 5.1 DVD Surround Sound System with 6 disc.
#11 6-Speed Auto with TAPshift
#12 DVD rear seat ent. system with 8" inch screen
#13 Power Moonroof
#14 Power liftgate
#15 Remote Start
#16 Adaptive Road sensing suspension
#17 Electronic Brake Distribution
#18 Brake Assist
#19 Stabilitrack
#20 HID headlamps
#21 Rear view camera
#22 side curtain airbags
#23 rear crash sensors
# 25 Onstar
I know that there is a few that I'm missing. I was making my point clear. The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is the most Technologically Advanced, Best SUV, at any price
http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/channels/index.cfm/channel/cartv_video- - - /action/showvideo/vid/ov_0026/vcat/Review/MAKE_VCH/Cadillac/MODEL_VCH/Escalade/?- - - s_prefs=h&vid=ov_0026&vcat=Review
Hey if it's good enough for a Hilton, then it must be REAL GOOD !!!!
Rocky
By the way, I'm 79 CustomD, be sure to read, Nissan Titan vs Chevy Silverado in the truck forum. I look foward to becoming an active member.
1:Engine and transmission must be bulletproof. If this means hiring a bunch of ex military engineers and spending 50 million developing transmissions that last ten years, do it. Honda and Toyota made their mark with this idea - and nothing but NOTHING stands out in the consumer's mind as being burnt by a bad engine or transmission. This also includes gasket nightmares YOU KNOW ABOUT AND STILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY.
2:RWD for anything the least bit "sporty".
2a: Offer 5-speed on all models that are RWD.
3:Dent-resistant panels on 100% of the car, or as much as possible. Keep repair costs down. Saturn started this, but it's not in any of the other GM models after nearly 15 years?
4:5 or 10 mph bumpers that actually take no damage at those speeds.
5:Common parts. An alternator should fit half a dozen cars. Don't change screw locations every few years. Repairs should be frugal and doable by any shop. Use screws and bolts wherever possible instead of breakable plastic fasteners. If a person can pay half the cost for repairs, that will double the perceived quality of the car. $350 for an alternator is usurous.
6:ABS and side airbags on every last model - or don't sell it at all. Not optional. Standard on every model.
7: Traction control standard on every last model as well.
8: In general, wherever you see plastic that could be glass or metal, use the proper material. With 200+ HP being common, 100lbs to build a much tougher car isn't a problem anymore.
9: Sell the cars for a fixed price. Make every last salesperson work on a flat salary. No haggling, no sheister type tactics or bait and switch or financing nightmares.
10: All financing done via the dealer is done through corporate/company financing. You either qualify for GMAC or you get oyour own bank to write the check. Make buying as easy and painless as possible, with zero hidden tricks by the dealers.
11: Ditch the unions. Pay a better wage at the same time to compensate. When a union becomes its own political and economic entity, it's actually just another stumbling block to both the empoloyees and management.
12: Stop outsourcing jobs. Nobody is fooled by made in Canada or made in Mexico cars as being "domestic" anymore. If Honda can build Accords in the U.S., then you should too. 100% of cars need to be built in the U.S., because rough times and a depression are coming in the next ten years or so.
13: If a car is a lemon or junk - stop selling it. Don't ever sell junk. Ford took a decade to get over the bad press from one bad car, the Pinto. All it takes is one piece of junk to ruin your image. GM: stop selling the Aveo right now. It makes you no money and is dreadful, like something you'd expect from Kia and not from the company that makes Cadillacs.
14: Lastly, offer trim lines that actually change the car fundamentally. Ford is the worst about this. Their trim lines are basically leather and a slightly less pathetic sound system. The dash, the interior amenities, and so on all are the same junk. Mini is the best, on the other end of the scale, offering huge amounts of real interior and styling choices. All of which add something to the experience.
Now, to throw you a curveball...while I will tout the quality of imports over USA, I now own an 04 Crown Vic and an 04 Ram 1500...I thought it was time to give the US automakers another try after my Hondas...I also bought, new, a 1998 Regal (junk, no more GMs for me, can hardly wait for GM Chapter 11 to throw the union out on its "collective bargained rear end"), and a 2000 Intrepid (which was a nice car)...but 1985-1998 were Hondas...
As micuh as I b**ch about the unions, and this may sound nutty, I really WANT us to make good cars, and I really believe that we CAN make good cars...
But I also believe that we MUST go thru something like what a smoker goes thru when they quit cold turkey... agonizing pain as union workers are displaced, pensions are cut, benefits are cut, and they join the real world of competition...
so retirees will go back to work, the liberal press will whine for years about all those "earned" benefits that they are losing, but, in the end, we will all be better for it, just like the smoker who quits (no, this is not a jab at those who smoke, it is just an analogy...)
Union workers have the same entitlement mentality as welfare recipients, something in their minds like the Divine Right of Kings, the only difference being that union workers do sometimes show up for work...and, if you are UAW and you show up drunk or on drugs, you will still make cars (God help us) on the line for TWO YEARS before the union grievance procedures finally get you fired...in the Japanese US plants, non-union, you are fired that day and gone...now that's the way to run a company...you get two chances, the first at the plant, and your second chance is at Walmart...
Strong opinions to follow as soon as I wake up...
As someone who has sold a car/truck or two, it is important to see it from a sales perspective.
Whenever a customer walks on the lot, they are looking to buy something. All they need is MORE THAN ONE reason to buy HERE! The customer won't buy from home, won't buy on the phone. Get them in, show them what they asked for, THEN SHOW THEM OPTIONS, in other vehicles that may fit the bill BUT SAVE THEM MONEY.
Many people walk onto a lot asking for this car with that interior. I'd say almost 50% drive off the lot with something other than what they initially wanted. Many were SOLD. Some met a salesman who helped them buy something else that would work for them.
Car buying all comes down to money. GM wants to sell Silverados. Is that why the Colorado is such a POS?
Focus/Neon/Cobalt. Are these cars good enough to form a foundation for any automaker?
You build ANYTHING from the ground up! Everything starts from a ground floor.
Toyota has Corolla/Camry/Tacoma.
Honda has Civic/Accord.
GM has Cobalt/Malibu/Colorado.
If the Chevy dealer doesn't have EXACTLY what I want, there is no fallback position.
NO ONE who uses a Silverado primarily for personal, non HD use, will fall back to a Colorado. Period!
The Japanese aren't selling one good car here, one great car there. They are selling trust, foundation, and cars that they have invested 15-20-25 years into making their bread-and-butter.
A Corolla is not INFERIOR to a Avalon, just smaller and less luxurious. That's it. And whether you want one or not, it will do it's job very well for 10-15 years, and everyone knows that. It's a car you can trust.
From a company you trust.
The theme here in recent post is "I'm on my 6th Honda." "Mon won't drive a GM." "Never buy anything but Toyota/Lexus."
This all started with '70's Civics, Corollas, and Accords.
The Big 3 still don't get it. It's not about $40k Tahoes with 400HP.
It's about where your company's foundation is. Where have you been, where are you going. Who you care about.
They clearly aren't looking 10-20 years down the road, by building Scions, or just making a great car like Mazda 3 and building from there.
Ford COULD HAVE had a Ford Focus off of this revolutionary Mazda platform, and they chose, in their infinite wisdom, to stay "Focused".
Focus/Fusion/Ranger (10 years old?)
No foundation, no strength, consistency, no trust.
No sale.
DrFill
Started buying Accords in 1986; I'm now on my third one. Bought my wife a Voyager in 1994, three years later the electronics behind the dashboard caught on fire. Needless to say, she now owns an Odyssey.
I'm ready to upgrade from Honda and am looking at an Acura TL. What American car offers the same luxury, reliability and power of that car for around $31,000 to $33,000? The only one remotely close is the CTS, and there isn't a single publication that ranks the CTS higher (or even close) to the TL. I remain unconvinced.
Loren
Larry
The Escalade on the other hand has alot of features and it's made for us that like them. I'll chance having problems with electronics. That's what a 100K warranty is for. The Cadillac brand is suppose to be America's Rolls Royce. I'd take a Cadillac over a Rolls Royce any day. With a Rolls you get a $50K car and a $300K badge. Most intellegent Wealthy Folks drive Cadillacs, Lexus, etc over Rolls Royce. They can get the most Luxury for their buck, and can't justify the extra $300K for the emblem.
Why do people want a truck which is more like a Rolls Royce?
-Lots of reasons Loren. Here's a few.
A Escalade has lots of room for a family and their stuff.
AWD for inclement weather.
Has lots of luxurious gadgets.
Has the ability to tow a boat, camper, etc.
-->All in extreme comfort<--
Bottom Line:
Is their a better "bling bling" vehicle made than a 2007 Cadillac Escalade sitting on 22's with limo tint ????????
I DIDN'T THINK SO !!!!!!!!!!!! :P
Well hope ya'll had a great Christmas. I also hope ya'll have a happy new year
Rocky :shades:
If you find a good SUV, lemme know. That's like saying honest politician, sort of an oxymoron.
I know that is just one example and that there is alot of doubt that GM will not turn things around. I can understand why some of ya'll feel that way.
I like many of you pay special attention to the auto-industry for enjoyment.
It is amusing.
What I'm coming up with is you are trying to say that GM's new SUV's like the SLADE aren't the best on the market ???
I guess I'm amused that you can't name me one and why.
Rocky
#1 Roll over mitigation system - standard on most european makes for a decade.
#2 Heated Seats - been around forever
#3 Air Conditioned Seats - Lexus and others have been doing this too
#4 Heated Steering Wheel - been around forever
#5 Power Fold and tumble seats - Sigh, toyota's land cruiser had funky tumble seats for a long time. And as others have pointed out most makes have seats that fold flat now.
#6 6.2 L VVT V-8 403 hp - Yawn, BMW's had a 400 HP 4.0 liter V8 for eons. I can only imagine what someone in germany would do with 6 liters...I'm guessing over 600 hp.
#7 22 inch wheels that actually don't ruin performance. - Again, yawn. 22s are heavy and negatively impact performance. Heck so do 18s, 19s, 20s, etc.
#8 Voice Recognition System - been around FOREVER on Acura's MDX
#9 Navigation System - every japanese and german make has this.
#10 Bose 5.1 DVD Surround Sound System with 6 disc. - late by about 4 years to the party. See Acura again.
#11 6-Speed Auto with TAPshift - six speed trannies are old news and manumatics are always clunky. Talk to MB about its 7 speed auto.
#12 DVD rear seat ent. system with 8" inch screen - welcome to 6 years ago. Honda/Toyota hava had this forever.
#13 Power Moonroof - this is a joke, eh?
#14 Power liftgate - old news, see Chrysler and BMW.
#15 Remote Start - old news
#16 Adaptive Road sensing suspension - Wow this is only 12 years after Infiniti had it on the Q45
#17 Electronic Brake Distribution - welcome to 6 years ago.
#18 Brake Assist - see above
#19 Stabilitrack - see above
#20 HID headlamps - see above
#21 Rear view camera - Lexus had this 3-4 years ago.
#22 side curtain airbags - Welcome to the year 2001, GM.
#23 rear crash sensors - not sure what this means.
# 25 Onstar - been around forever
I know that there is a few that I'm missing. I was making my point clear. The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is the most Technologically Advanced, Best SUV, at any price
You named technologies that have been around for some time on German and Japanese vehicles. Perhaps you haven't looked at the competition?
Its like the Hockey Player's Union went on Strike and we had no Hockey last year. Do people really think that when the rich(players) strike against the super rich (team owners) that regulat people would care? I don't know how was striking against who. What I do know is that we had no Hockey last year because some really rich people did not what to play for million dollar contracts. They wanted more.
Look the average salary of Teachers in America is $40,000 per year while the average UAW members make $90,000 per year. Now I ask you the American Consumer what is more important to you: Your Child's education with teachers making $40K per year or your next domestic car made by high school graduates making $90K per year.
You are taking some luxury features from the "cars" of those brands pal. Toyota's/Lexus SUV's are nice vehicles, but aren't as nice as the Slades. The LX 470 is like a decade old. Hell the Land Cruiser rides on the same platform as it did 15 or 20 years ago. :confuse:
You can mix and match features found from BMW, Lexus, Acura, but can't get all of those features in a one lump package. Now you can with the 07' Escalade. MDX isn't much bigger than a Envoy. Apples and oranges. My Doctor has a 2005'MDX.
Rocky
Second I can think of many SUVs I would term better than a Caddy:
X3 3.0 6 speed manual. Quite simply it will do things a Caddy can't do. It will outhandle most sedans too.
X5 4.8 - simply outstanding in terms of handling and power. 4.8 liter engine producing 355 hp/369 tq.
Acura MDX - all the technology you love and for a lot less money.
Q45 - sublime engine, all the little dorky electronic gizmos you love like keyless go, rearview camera, auto liftgate, navi, bluetooth, laser cruise control.
FX45 - sensational engine, great looks, pretty tight handling, lane departure warning system (not on a caddy?!), intelligent cruise control (not on a caddy?), keyless go.
Porsche Cayenne S - eats everything in its path for lunch. The king of SUVs.
Touareg - V10 diesel is amazing an the interior fit/finish is better than anything else out there.
Land Rover Discovery (LRS) - great engine, great interior and outstanding off-road abilities.
Toyota Highland/Lexus RX hybrids - jammed with worthless technology and great gas mileage. The Lexus sports laser cruise...where's caddy's fancy cruise control?
Should I keep digging for more?
You wrote the features as if they were impressive, I'm merely commenting that not a single one is impressive or new.
You said SUV, you never specified the size. Are you now saying for a full-size suv nobody has the same features as a pimp-mobile caddy?
I am really blown away that you really believe that's an average salary of a UAW worker. :confuse:
You must believe they make $87 dollars an hour too.
I feel really sorry for you. I however do agree with you a average teacher is under paid in this country. I however have in-laws and friends that think they are "over paid" because they work less than most people and failed in other careers and decided to take up teaching for a living.
Why are so many americans mad at unions for helping their personel get paid a fair salary with benefits ????
If you personally picked a career that required a degree and knew you'd make only $25-30K a year, who's fault is that ?????? Teachers and other graduates know what the average earnings are in their field. If you pick a field that is under paid don't hate the unions, be unhappy with yourself
Rocky
I like the style, luxury, technology, fit and finish, of GM's new GMT-900 SUV's. Especially the pimp-mobile Caddy version. The 2007 Trucks also show alot of promise and will be class leading once they hit the market this fall.
I guess if you are a anti-gm person, then anything they do won't impress people that feel that way.
I happen to be very impressed and proud of GM for being able to deliver a great product to the market. :shades:
Well blueguydotcom, you can make a good arguement. I guess we just feel different about GM.
Rocky
Robert S. "Steve" Miller (Delphi CEO) wages and benefits pal.
However great job !!!!
Rocky
Second I can think of many SUVs I would term better than a Caddy:
X3 3.0 6 speed manual. Quite simply it will do things a Caddy can't do. It will outhandle most sedans too.
X5 4.8 - simply outstanding in terms of handling and power. 4.8 liter engine producing 355 hp/369 tq.
Acura MDX - all the technology you love and for a lot less money.
Q45 - sublime engine, all the little dorky electronic gizmos you love like keyless go, rearview camera, auto liftgate, navi, bluetooth, laser cruise control.
FX45 - sensational engine, great looks, pretty tight handling, lane departure warning system (not on a caddy?!), intelligent cruise control (not on a caddy?), keyless go.
Porsche Cayenne S - eats everything in its path for lunch. The king of SUVs.
Touareg - V10 diesel is amazing an the interior fit/finish is better than anything else out there.
Land Rover Discovery (LRS) - great engine, great interior and outstanding off-road abilities.
Toyota Highland/Lexus RX hybrids - jammed with worthless technology and great gas mileage. The Lexus sports laser cruise...where's caddy's fancy cruise control?
Should I keep digging for more?
X3- The Slade isn't designed to be a total performance SUV. The SRX would be more of a competitor
X5- Is a dinosaur, but still is respected. It lacks the Technology for the $$$$$
Acura MDX- is yes a good value. It however lacks the grunt and the Technology of the Slade by far. Do a comparison, but not on the biased Acura site.
Q45- your kidding right ???? A plastic Saturn Vue. I have expierenced a ride in one. Yes has a few of the Escalades technologies, but is still lacking many. I think this is the Infiniti SUV you are trying to talk about FX 45
FX45- If you can stand the looks ???? However the adaptive cruise control is a feature on the Escalade.
Porsche Cayenne S- king of SUV's ???? Eats everything in it's path-Whoa :surprise: That's when I pull out my back-up the SRT-8 Jeep :P The Jeep actually eats the Turbo Cayenne and burps it out-see edmunds
Touareg-V10 diesel- Had so many problems with the diesel they didn't make one this year. It's expected to make a return next yr. However it has a nice interior with great fit and finish, but lacks creature features and style and bling.
Land Rover Discovery- I don't think it's in production anymore pal. However the LR3 is a nice vehicle choice for some, but I'd rather have the RR-Sport. The LR3 is too top heavy, and boxy for my taste. It has decent technology and good off-roading, but isn't as roomy or technological advanced as the Slade.
Lexus RX hybrids- great engine technology and gas mileage. This one is probably the closest to the Esclade in the terms of technology. I however don't care for the NASA styling. Where's the bling ???? The Escalade in the terms of creature features still beats Lexus by a few hairs.
However you could make a good arguement.
Toyota Highland - yes, please keep going !!!!
If you get the Supercharge version the match-up becomes even closer. If money was no object, The Rover Sport is a very nice piece and is a better value than it's flagship brother the Range Rover. It's more KING than your Cayenne ever thought about. I however like the Slade slightly better because it's cheaper, a little bigger, and has a few interior creature features not found on the Range Rover Sport.
Rocky
That's just insane for an SUV.
And blows away the Escallade.
The handling is terrible, and the technology at $100K is a joke. Not to mention getting 11 mpg HWY do to drag would be expensive.
By the Way !!!!!
I'd buy a $45,590 Jeep SRT-8 and smoke your AMG like a Cuban Cigar. Speaking of Cigars,I'd buy a few Cuban Cigars with the change left over with my intellegent Jeep purchase. :P :P :P :P
Rocky
The G55 AMG has 469 and 516 ft. lbs of torque (although only a 5-speed auto).
I think the G55 would probably beat out the SRT-8... although just barely.
And you could buy three SRT-8's for the price of one G55 AMG.
Myself, I wouldn't buy either, since they are far out of my price range.
So you are mistaken, which is okay. On paper the G55 should win, but do to the poor design and drag it doesn't have a chance.
Rocky
It gets even better. They're running Saab commercials saying "Born from jets". Yes, even on the 9-7 which is yet another GM rebadge. Bwahahahaha! Sorry Rocky, this is the "GM on the right track" you're talking about? I know you want to see it, but I fear your hope is clouding your judgement. I don't see it at all.
Rocky
Presenting the fastest SUV in the world !!!!
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=108449
Rocky
If Toyota keeps building ugly vehicles like this one.
-> blinders for me :shades:
Rocky
:confuse:
Rocky
I believe the first auto maker, foreign or domestic that provides a diesel passenger car to compete with Volkswagen will gain a large market share. People are looking more at mileage than in the past and it’s tough to beat a diesel for high mileage.
I have heard the argument that the public does not like diesel cars and I say Bull. Volkswagen can’t keep a TDI on the lot and Jeep is selling the Liberty CRD in numbers far beyond expectations. The market is there, you just have to put them on the lot.
Ford and GM already have diesel versions of almost everything they sell, so this not like it’s a great retooling issue.
My money is in hand Ford, put a 2 L or 2.3 L diesel in a Ranger and it’s yours.
So your answer from my gathered past info is yes.
I agree it would be awesome if the domestics made a diesel. The Audi diesel (European) 4.2 Twin Turbo V-8 found in Europe has 479 lbs. of Torque. Angus McKenzie a editor from Motor Trend wrote a interesting article about diesels. He test drove a Benz and Audi and loved the Audi.
Not to mention he got 35 mpg :surprise:
Rocky
No problem.
I do see hope. So much yummie torque
He said a diesel is perfect for squirting through congested traffic because there isn't no delay waiting for the engine to rev up and drop 2 or 3 gears like a gas.
He said the Audi diesel is superior to the Audi V-8 gas.
Rocky
As for teachers making only $40K? Shoot, they make WAY more than that where my parents live - in the NE Pennsylvania anthracite coal region - a place that's been economically depressed for fifty years! Shoot, up there, $40K is a princely pay. More is beyond the dreams of avarice. My brother is a teacher in Delaware and in no way is he strapped for cash. He even gets the summer off to go fishing. He thinks those of us who work all year 'round are "chumps."