I did not get jazzed about the 1959 Pontiac. A buddy had a 1960 Pontiac two door hardtop that was really fast. I think my favorite Pontiac was owned by the local Dairy Queen proprietor. It was the 57 Pontiac Bonneville convertible. Sitting out front it was a draw to the local hangout in our town. My dad liked Pontiacs and bought a 1961 Tempest. That was in the shop more than out. It had a flexible drive shaft that caused much grief, if memory serves.
1959 - I go for the Chevy and the Caddy - what the heck, it was a wild year for GM! The Pontiac was probably the most conservative of the bunch. I liked the 58 and 61 Pontiac's, as well as 63 and 65/66. I'm all too familiar with that tranny because in college I had a trouble plagued 63 Olds 88 and that was one of it's issues. Turns out the car was kind of poop brown colored for a reason!
The "bean counters" are not the ones pushing for reduced costs. It is the very top of the company, the board, stock holders, etc. The accountants just report the facts and do analysis. It is the others that make the decisions about what to cut, and since the big wigs just have to get their bonuses, guess what desicions are made?
I like the looks of the new Dart. I was thumbing through a brochure waiting for my daughter's PT Cruiser to get an oil change, and it seemed like there were several trim levels, which I like--choice.
A PT Cruiser is among the most-maligned cars out there, but I bought my daughter a two-year old one for $6,930 on eBay two years ago and we have not regretted our decision. In fact, I told my wife the other day that if we needed a car for my other daughter, I'd still look for a two or three-year-old one. They could be bought for less than other small used cars and it's a roomy, practical, and (so far) reliable car, with good and local service available.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The link I posted in 14958 didn't indicate that, at least as I read it...
I swear I read that protecting sugar production in the US was a reason for the ethanol tariff. Then again, this mind sometimes decides to mis-remember things.
It has airbags and a CHMSL. Other than that, I preach accident-avoidance. I'm 54 and have never been in a serious accident. When I was a kid, in those deathtraps as younger folks would consider them, we'd even pile in six at a time with the adults and have no seatbelts.
Better to me to have a rust-free late model (fill in the blank) than a ten-year old, structurally rusty car with a great rep to be hit in.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Better to me to have a rust-free late model (fill in the blank) than a ten-year old, structurally rusty car with a great rep to be hit in.
Heck, that PT Cruiser is probably a safer car to have an accident in than what I drove to work today...my 1979 Chrysler 5th Ave. Now not if you ran the two head on into each other, perhaps, but side impact protection in just about ANY car, no matter how big, is almost non-existent, unless you have decent side airbags. And in a rear-ender, I doubt the little headrests they gave you back then would give you much protection.
That being said, statistically I wonder if you're more likely to get T-boned on the passenger side or the driver's side?
The tariff was put on Brazilian ethanol to protect the Corn Ethanol production during the Carter administration. There is no way we could compete making corn ethanol against cane sugar ethanol. Then the price of sugar went up and ethanol could not compete and the US and Brazil stopped making ethanol. The stills were shut down and we lost all that tax dollar investment. Close to 100 corn ethanol stills shut down and put all the people involved out of work.
Gary, this is a private company working on ethanol that gets us away from traditional sources for it (corn and sugar). Shows promise, but full scale implementation is probably years away.
That being said, statistically I wonder if you're more likely to get T-boned on the passenger side or the driver's side?
That's a good question. My guess would be the passenger side, maybe because you'd be more likely to see a car coming towards the driver's side? Who knows.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I am firmly in the camp of cloth tops vs. retractable hardtops. What's the point of a convertible if it doesn't sound like you're driving a tent when it rains?
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I like the '55 Chevrolet the best as it's the purest version of that design. I'm kind of biased toward the '57 as my cousins have two of them in that nice turquoise blue with period Cragar wheels.
Hmm, not a bad idea. Could take the whole family to the beach for a weekend, maybe.
As for hard top vs. soft top, I've owned one of each Miata. Comparing them...
Soft Top: Up/Down in 3 seconds Arguably look better (esp tan top) weigh 80 lbs less cheaper to buy but...they start to crack after 10 years or so new soft top costs about a grand installed
Hard Top: more rigid makes a better coupe top up takes 11 long seconds (LOL) surprisingly better visibility (window is wider) polycarbonate top should last the life of the car
Authoritarian government or democratic government, when you have the potential of 1 billion ticked-off citizens, it's probably a good idea to stay a little ahead of the curve. For a dictatorial government, it's the downside of living in the modern, connected world.
You can bet the ruling elite in China have taken notice of what's been happening in the middle eastern section of the world... A battle tank can't solve every problem that arises...
I notice that Kia is advertising its Georgia plant. They claim to "build" the Kia here in the U.S. Anyone want to guess how much of their vehicles are U.S. content? Assembled is way different than built. These ads are misleading.
Kia reported record sales today of 42,452, up 12.6% from a year ago.
The company also said that year-to-date sales are up 17.8%
Volume leaders were Kia's two U.S.-built models, the Optima mid-size sedan (sales of 12,948, up from 8,616 a year ago) and the Sorento mid-size crossover (9,615, down from 10,178).
I know I'm not a bellwether of popular taste, but why would Kia design a grille in that shape for the Optima? At first glance it looks like sloppy workmanship; then, upon looking again, it hits one that that shape is by design!
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Wow, 40% NA-content and parent company in Korea. Not making me want to sign up right away.
A few years back, our local Toyota dealer won a sales award. The photo in the paper included several Japanese Toyota execs, the dealer, and a samurai sword given him as an award. None of that is bad, but it certainly conflicts with what we hear about how 'American' the company is.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The owner of my last company that I worked for has one on display that was given to him when his company sold their first product to Toyota (before my time) back in the 70's.
Oh, and all our foriegn customers who visited our plant for their product approvals was given tix to Red Sox games during their stay. It's a cultural gesture. :shades:
Not sure about the 200c, I'll take a look next time. I think it's the back seat that's smaller. Trunk must give up some length on that vehicle.
I just looked up the specs, and the 200 sedan is EPA-rated at 100 cubic feet of passenger volume, 14 cubic feet of trunk space. The convertible is 88 cubic feet of passenger volume, 13 cubic feet. So, it loses very little trunk space.
As you guessed, most of the loss comes in the back seat. Legroom drops from 36.2" in the sedan to 33.5" in the convertible And shoulder room drops from 56" to 47-48"
I'm stunned that the hardtop convertibles are working out with that kind of cargo space. I remember that the old VW Cabrio couldn't hold a guitar in cargo unless you folded down the back seat, reducing the passenger space to two. That didn't work for me at that point.
Heck the reason I have the Solara is the roominess for a convertible. I certainly didn't buy it for its driving dynamics (though it's better than my wife's Camry).
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Thank-you for posting the content of how much of these Kia's are not American made. So basically these vehicles are assembled here not "made". This ad is very misleading and I feel more Americans need to be educated on this. I am in the process of gathering data on the plant itself. As far as where the robotics/tooling/machinery are sourced from. My bet Korea. Also trying to find out who supports the tooling/spare parts in this plant. My bet Korea. Americans need to understand there is more to these transplants and them claiming "Made in America". Educate, spread the word....
You can thank our President for the KORUS agreement he signed for more Korean Imports. Including $3 billion in parts to GM. That agreement was signed before the ink was dry on Obama's Korean Trade agreement. An agreement the the UAW boss endorsed.
Speaking of content. Do not forget the number ONE selling Cadillac SRX is only 26% USA content. So it is less American than the two top selling Kias.
I think you will find the made in America labeling will be more and more deceptive. There is a LCD TV manufacturer (parts assembler) in Michigan that puts big Made in USA labels on TVs, to fool the unsuspecting buyers.
The new assembly line is tucked inside a cavernous factory in this Detroit suburb that once made old-style tube televisions. Their first product: a 46-inch flat-screen model going on sale soon at Target stores for $499.
The project is the unusual result of a partnership between a U.S. branding company and a Chinese producer and is as much about marketing a U.S.-made television as it is about a global shift in manufacturing costs.
You'll be happy to know that I did! Here's what I wrote about the Optima in my monthly automotive column:
Kia Optima SX Turbo: The stylish Optima is aimed at the mid-sized sedan market, and pretty much hits its mark. It is handsome, relatively quick, and packed with features that were only found on the most expensive luxury cars a few years ago. Voice activated navigation, heated/cooled/seats, the SX has them all. I was especially impressed by the interior(Kia hired away one of Audi's chief designers and the result is evident here). EPA mileage is 22/34. Best of all, the Optima Turbo costs less than $31,000, and comes with Kia's 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Be aware, that the Optima is not a sports sedan, but having said that I'd note that it is no less fun to drive than the new BMW 528i- which is certainly no sports sedan either.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Thumbed through the Dec. C&D at the store, where they wrapped up reporting on their 40K-mile Sonata. Some surprises to my eyes, based on all I hear about how great that company is. Fuel smell in the car until a hose was replaced; oil pan leak; shift lever recall; chrome trim peeling inside, etc. All warranty stuff, but come on.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Thumbed through the Dec. C&D at the store, where they wrapped up reporting on their 40K-mile Sonata. Some surprises to my eyes, based on all I hear about how great that company is. Fuel smell in the car until a hose was replaced; oil pan leak; shift lever recall; chrome trim peeling inside, etc. All warranty stuff, but come on.
Yet a steering rack replacement on a GM car under warranty is fine? Sheesh!
A very distinct difference between pro-GM (and pro-American manufacturers, in general) posters on this particular board and the GM board, versus the pro-foreign guys, is that generally the pro-domestic guys weren't the first here to post about bad foreign quality. It's done as a response. I've said the Cruze recall for fires was bad, that I don't like the styling of the Equinox, that I wouldn't buy even a GM made in Mexico, that I don't shop Cadillac as it's too expensive, etc. When I push here to ask the pro-foreign guys what they have ever commented on negatively about their favorite brands, it's always really stretching..."I commented on that one recall (that somebody else brought up)!".
Incidentally, Happy Veterans' Day to all who served.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
When I push here to ask the pro-foreign guys what they have ever commented on negatively about their favorite brands, it's always really stretching..."I commented on that one recall (that somebody else brought up)!".
Really? Here are several comments I have posted...
On the F10 528i:
I absolutely despise the steering- so devoid of feel that it belongs in a Buick or Lexus. The sled is also quite porky, of course. My 1975 2002 and 1995 Club Sport 3 Series are exponentially more fun to drive than the bloated 5er. The iDrive interface is now almost truly intuitive- as it should be, since the original iteration was introduced over 10 years ago. I still don't like the "beer tap" automatic shift lever; it's a classic example of fixing something that wasn't even remotely broken. Nice interior, decent power and economy. Haven't played with the Sport or Eco Pro settings yet.
Most telling was my wife's comment after she drove it home: "It's a boat; I can't wait to get my X3 back."
Discussing a short drive in an F30 335i:
So, my son and I spent the entire day at Mid-Ohio. Goodyear had a short autocross course set up to demo their new UHP Eagle F1 Asymmetric All Season tire. You could take 2 or three laps in new 335i sedans. They didn't ask my son's age(he's 2 months shy of 18) so he took out a 335i as well. My impression? Great tires, decent car. The electric steering is almost totally devoid of feel(not as bad as the 5 Series, but that's damning with VERY faint praise), and the engine's power delivery was rather inconsistent- the power seemed to be either on or off. I have to think the engine was not at 100%, as I have driven other Bimmers with that engine and they were fine.
Back in 2005 I was quoted by the Detroit News; I made no friends at BMW NA when I was asked what I thought of Chris Bangle's redesign of the 7 Series and 5 Series:
"The new cars are still a blast to drive, but their hideous styling and Buick-like cockpits virtually ensure that my next new car won't be a BMW," he said, adding that "BMW execs have insinuated that BMW customers don't like the new styling and iDrive because they aren't bright enough to appreciate them. Talk about arrogant."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
If Americans could think past the price of an item and see more of the real price. The price of an American out of work, the price of taxes not being paid, the price of not having health insurance to go see a doctor. We are all connected in this economy here at home. Demanding U.S. made goods and services just makes sense. I agree, to hold an American company accountable for its goods it declares as "American" should be brought to the attention of the American consumer if they are not.
I have typed reams on Edmund's about the problems I had with my 1964 Toyota Land Cruiser and 1973 Subaru and 1978 Honda Accord. All 3 Pieces of Crap. I have not been real glowing about my 2007 Sequoia either. I have said many times how much I liked my 1990, 93 & 96 GM 3/4 ton 4X4 PU trucks. All World class along with my much adored 1998 Suburban. My dislike for GM trucks came with my 2005 GMC hybrid PU Truck. It had serious engineering and assembly issues. My main distaste for the current GM products is the UAW's hijacking of my tax dollars to subsidize their ponzi scheme retirement. And the bailout of GM and Chrysler. The handing of C to a foreign automaker. Etc etc.
And the fact that NONE of the Domestics make a diesel SUV. Which is going to be my next vehicle purchase. I now have about 7 choices none have domestic name plates. Several are assembled here by American workers. And I consider that buying American as much as buying a domestic made from parts that have come from all over the World.
Comments
A PT Cruiser is among the most-maligned cars out there, but I bought my daughter a two-year old one for $6,930 on eBay two years ago and we have not regretted our decision. In fact, I told my wife the other day that if we needed a car for my other daughter, I'd still look for a two or three-year-old one. They could be bought for less than other small used cars and it's a roomy, practical, and (so far) reliable car, with good and local service available.
Crash worthiness?
I swear I read that protecting sugar production in the US was a reason for the ethanol tariff. Then again, this mind sometimes decides to mis-remember things.
Better to me to have a rust-free late model (fill in the blank) than a ten-year old, structurally rusty car with a great rep to be hit in.
The back seat offered impressive room, but the structure was a bit creaky with the roof cut off.
Dad's 200 convertible is more rigid but of course it costs a ton more.
Heck, that PT Cruiser is probably a safer car to have an accident in than what I drove to work today...my 1979 Chrysler 5th Ave. Now not if you ran the two head on into each other, perhaps, but side impact protection in just about ANY car, no matter how big, is almost non-existent, unless you have decent side airbags. And in a rear-ender, I doubt the little headrests they gave you back then would give you much protection.
That being said, statistically I wonder if you're more likely to get T-boned on the passenger side or the driver's side?
Soft or rigid folding top?
It's still on my wife's list of possibilities to replace her 2005 Mini convertible.
What are his main likes and gripes? Any time in the shop? Miles and mpg?
Thanks!
It's a really nice boulevard cruiser for a sunny day, but he drives soooo little. I don't think they've had to add fuel yet.
Not enough driving to even give you an impression. He has a house here but really lives overseas, though he is here in the US now.
Gary, this is a private company working on ethanol that gets us away from traditional sources for it (corn and sugar). Shows promise, but full scale implementation is probably years away.
That's a good question. My guess would be the passenger side, maybe because you'd be more likely to see a car coming towards the driver's side? Who knows.
or the Vanagon?
I liked the original bus.
Does anybody still make the original Beetle?
Such a good boy! Always thinking of others...
As for hard top vs. soft top, I've owned one of each Miata. Comparing them...
Soft Top:
Up/Down in 3 seconds
Arguably look better (esp tan top)
weigh 80 lbs less
cheaper to buy
but...they start to crack after 10 years or so
new soft top costs about a grand installed
Hard Top:
more rigid
makes a better coupe top up
takes 11 long seconds (LOL)
surprisingly better visibility (window is wider)
polycarbonate top should last the life of the car
Chinese government getting serious about vehicle recalls
I guess previously they would just joke around about fixing serious safety defects.
You can bet the ruling elite in China have taken notice of what's been happening in the middle eastern section of the world... A battle tank can't solve every problem that arises...
Just ask Bashar al-Assad...
The company also said that year-to-date sales are up 17.8%
Volume leaders were Kia's two U.S.-built models, the Optima mid-size sedan (sales of 12,948, up from 8,616 a year ago) and the Sorento mid-size crossover (9,615, down from 10,178).
Optima 40% US content
Sorento 55% US content
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/01/kia-october-sales/1673127/
According to NHTSA website.
A few years back, our local Toyota dealer won a sales award. The photo in the paper included several Japanese Toyota execs, the dealer, and a samurai sword given him as an award. None of that is bad, but it certainly conflicts with what we hear about how 'American' the company is.
The owner of my last company that I worked for has one on display that was given to him when his company sold their first product to Toyota (before my time) back in the 70's.
Oh, and all our foriegn customers who visited our plant for their product approvals was given tix to Red Sox games during their stay. It's a cultural gesture. :shades:
Not true for the MX-5.
Trunk has the exact same capacity and in the case of the Miata the shape of the hard top's trunk is slightly MORE usable.
Go figure!
Not sure about the 200c, I'll take a look next time. I think it's the back seat that's smaller. Trunk must give up some length on that vehicle.
Brazilian plant openings serve Budweiser, also.
Brahma Chopp is so much better.
I just looked up the specs, and the 200 sedan is EPA-rated at 100 cubic feet of passenger volume, 14 cubic feet of trunk space. The convertible is 88 cubic feet of passenger volume, 13 cubic feet. So, it loses very little trunk space.
As you guessed, most of the loss comes in the back seat. Legroom drops from 36.2" in the sedan to 33.5" in the convertible And shoulder room drops from 56" to 47-48"
Of course my step mom is really short, not sure about two 6 footers on the same side.
Heck the reason I have the Solara is the roominess for a convertible. I certainly didn't buy it for its driving dynamics (though it's better than my wife's Camry).
Had to use the back seat and take the top down since things were sticking up!
Speaking of content. Do not forget the number ONE selling Cadillac SRX is only 26% USA content. So it is less American than the two top selling Kias.
I think you will find the made in America labeling will be more and more deceptive. There is a LCD TV manufacturer (parts assembler) in Michigan that puts big Made in USA labels on TVs, to fool the unsuspecting buyers.
The new assembly line is tucked inside a cavernous factory in this Detroit suburb that once made old-style tube televisions. Their first product: a 46-inch flat-screen model going on sale soon at Target stores for $499.
The project is the unusual result of a partnership between a U.S. branding company and a Chinese producer and is as much about marketing a U.S.-made television as it is about a global shift in manufacturing costs.
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/47181431#47181431
So what percentage do you attach to assembling a bunch of Chinese parts. Then putting them in a Chinese made box with Made in America all over it?
You'll be happy to know that I did! Here's what I wrote about the Optima in my monthly automotive column:
Kia Optima SX Turbo: The stylish Optima is aimed at the mid-sized sedan market, and pretty much hits its mark. It is handsome, relatively quick, and packed with features that were only found on the most expensive luxury cars a few years ago. Voice activated navigation, heated/cooled/seats, the SX has them all. I was especially impressed by the interior(Kia hired away one of Audi's chief designers and the result is evident here). EPA mileage is 22/34. Best of all, the Optima Turbo costs less than $31,000, and comes with Kia's 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Be aware, that the Optima is not a sports sedan, but having said that I'd note that it is no less fun to drive than the new BMW 528i- which is certainly no sports sedan either.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Yet a steering rack replacement on a GM car under warranty is fine? Sheesh!
A very distinct difference between pro-GM (and pro-American manufacturers, in general) posters on this particular board and the GM board, versus the pro-foreign guys, is that generally the pro-domestic guys weren't the first here to post about bad foreign quality. It's done as a response. I've said the Cruze recall for fires was bad, that I don't like the styling of the Equinox, that I wouldn't buy even a GM made in Mexico, that I don't shop Cadillac as it's too expensive, etc. When I push here to ask the pro-foreign guys what they have ever commented on negatively about their favorite brands, it's always really stretching..."I commented on that one recall (that somebody else brought up)!".
Incidentally, Happy Veterans' Day to all who served.
Really? Here are several comments I have posted...
On the F10 528i:
I absolutely despise the steering- so devoid of feel that it belongs in a Buick or Lexus. The sled is also quite porky, of course.
My 1975 2002 and 1995 Club Sport 3 Series are exponentially more fun to drive than the bloated 5er.
The iDrive interface is now almost truly intuitive- as it should be, since the original iteration was introduced over 10 years ago.
I still don't like the "beer tap" automatic shift lever; it's a classic example of fixing something that wasn't even remotely broken.
Nice interior, decent power and economy.
Haven't played with the Sport or Eco Pro settings yet.
Most telling was my wife's comment after she drove it home: "It's a boat; I can't wait to get my X3 back."
Discussing a short drive in an F30 335i:
So, my son and I spent the entire day at Mid-Ohio. Goodyear had a short autocross course set up to demo their new UHP Eagle F1 Asymmetric All Season tire. You could take 2 or three laps in new 335i sedans. They didn't ask my son's age(he's 2 months shy of 18) so he took out a 335i as well. My impression? Great tires, decent car. The electric steering is almost totally devoid of feel(not as bad as the 5 Series, but that's damning with VERY faint praise), and the engine's power delivery was rather inconsistent- the power seemed to be either on or off. I have to think the engine was not at 100%, as I have driven other Bimmers with that engine and they were fine.
Back in 2005 I was quoted by the Detroit News; I made no friends at BMW NA when I was asked what I thought of Chris Bangle's redesign of the 7 Series and 5 Series:
"The new cars are still a blast to drive, but their hideous styling and Buick-like cockpits virtually ensure that my next new car won't be a BMW," he said, adding that "BMW execs have insinuated that BMW customers don't like the new styling and iDrive because they aren't bright enough to appreciate them. Talk about arrogant."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The 'GM New Models' forum is the one I far and away participate the most in, so my comments still hold for there. I don't see you posting there often.
And the fact that NONE of the Domestics make a diesel SUV. Which is going to be my next vehicle purchase. I now have about 7 choices none have domestic name plates. Several are assembled here by American workers. And I consider that buying American as much as buying a domestic made from parts that have come from all over the World.