Will these vehicles be built in China or built in the USA but the company owned by the Chinese? If built in China. will they be for the Chinese market only or exported to NA?
Per classic trucks, I've always thought the Diamond T was the most beautiful truck ever built:
Mike, I liked that truck too, but the chrome caps must go!!! Maybe if I stayed w/ you guys, my oldest would've kept quiet and stopped nagging about leaving.
Either you enroll in it, or take $500 cash in lieu of the program. According to the report, of the 150,000 cars sold since the program's launch, only 100 people have opted FOR the program, and the other 149,900 took the escarole.
Oh, well there you have it then. So the actual rate of people returning cars under the program is currently 1%. Right now the sample space is too small for the percentage to be meaningful, but imagine if that were 1% of all GM sales in a given year - that would currently be about 20,000 cars returned. Quite a few.
However, this person did not take a refund, they took an automatic instead. I don't see that as dissatisfaction with the car, but rather an individual preference, a mistake when they purchased.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And since the program has only been running 30 days, so the average ownership would only be 15 days in that group. If you can have the car free for 60 days, why would you expect anyone (or hardly anyone) to return the vehicle until the sale is nearly 60 days old?
This is a blanket offer across the board for all GM vehicles right?
And GM sold 156.xxx vehicles in September right?
So they've sold 150k vehicles so far under this program which launched September 14TH, or about a month ago.
So unless there were people who didn't participate in the program (which I don't know how you wouldn't) all this effort is generating about a months worth of sales (or less).........
They sold 247 thousand vehicles in August without the program.
A new study finds that owners of today's Pontiac and Saturn vehicles will take decidedly different paths when it comes time to buy their next cars. They've got to go somewhere because General Motors is giving both brands the boot.
Pontiac owners will remain flag wavers. Their top choice will be Ford, followed by Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Dodge, the study by Experian Automotive finds. Saturn owners, however, will look to overseas, first to Toyota and Honda before they'd buy a Ford. Nissan Hyundai and Dodge round out the list. Perhaps that's fitting since Saturn was created as a free-spirited brand aimed strictly and stemming GM's losses to foreign makers.
General Motors will lose about two-thirds of owners to brands other than remaining Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. Saturn will lose better than three out of four. The defections aren't trifling numbers. If Pontiac were a stand-alone brand, it would be next in size after Mercedes-Benz. Saturn is smaller, but handily larger than Mitsubishi, Suzuki or Land Rover.
Pontiac owners have shown slightly more loyalty to the GM brand in the past year. Saturn owner loyalty has dropped somewhat. Based on second quarter sales, Experian predicts GM will see its market share shrink from 20% with all its brands to 17.5% with just the four core brands. Ford, Toyota and Honda all will pick up about a half percentage point in market share with the rest spread among other automakers.
GM's loss is everyone's gain....except Lemko's!
Seriously, this was probably in the cards 'cause if it's a surprise, here we go again!
Guys,guys....Hold on. GM sold 150,000 or so cars since it's inception. ONLY 100 PEOPLE have opted INTO the program. The rest TOOK THE $500 and ran w/ the car!!! That means they AREN'T ELLIGIBLE to return it.
If i were a betting man id bet on chysler folding first..... the only vehicle in their lineup i would consider is the dodge ram. Maybe the charger if they offered it in a 6 speed manual. I wonder how toyota will do considering they are recalling vehicles as fast as they are making them nowadays .
When I first heard the story a few weeks ago, I couldn't believe my ears. They played the 911 call from the driver, just before the accident. It's understandable that if you jacked on the brakes, eventually they'll overheat and fade, but I showed this to my work partner in our 8600# work van. I floored it, slipped it into neutral, the engine revved until it hit the electronic rev limiter, and I was able to safely steer to the sideof the road and shut the engine off, all with my right foot planted to the floor.
Here's the worst part; from what I understand, the driver was a CHP trooper :surprise: :surprise: :surprise:
I know it's easy to second guess, but if I had a full throttle situation the first thing I would think of is reaching down and pulling on the mat. The second thing I would do would be shift to neutral. If I couldn't shift to neutral I'd be shifting down the gears.
Hope this happens but honestly, this car should have been here 6 years ago.
Although the rumored Buick Regal GS is not yet officially scheduled for U.S. consumption, rumor has it that if it were to come to the U.S. it would most likely be powered by the 3.6-liter, direct injected V6 currently found in the newly released LaCrosse. Although the likely choice of the 3.6-liter 280 hp V6 falls short when compared to the output found in the turbocharged Opel counterpart, when coupled with reported 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and the Haldex-based AWD system it will likely still prove to be a very capable performance-based car.
This is why I am so critical of GM...takes them forever to see clearly and by then the competition annihilates them.
I have a Mazdaspeed 6 that sounds similar to that Buick Regal you're describing, except it has a turbo-4 for that sort of power. I bought it for a little over $22K after rebates.
So how would this Buick be something much better than what Mazda started developing 8 years ago and sold 5 years ago? Will Buick sell it for $25K, so that it is attractive to buyers?
That car, the new Regal, is basically the same as a 9-3 Aero and they are getting 280 HP out of a 2.8 liter turbo version of that 3.6 without direct injection.
I have a feeling if they make the true HiPo Regal, call it a T-Type maybe, it will make a whole lot more then 280 hp out of a 3.6 direct injection NA motor.
I suspect a T-Type Regal would approach $32K. But the de-tuned version should be in the high $20's if the GM really wants market share. I would hope the parts bins used would be more premium than the competition if GM gets serious which is a distinct possibility as focus returns bit by bit.
I personally think that Dodge should just mainly be a truck company. Dodge has always had the best looking truck on the road, and especially with the cummins diesel you just can't beat it. I think they would actually be making a whole lot more money if they dropped their crappy cars.
Isn't that exactly Fiat's plan for that company? Make "Ram" its own brand, continue a couple of Chryslers as premium cars (the 300 and a smaller 200), and kill all current Dodges in favor of eventual replacement by rebadged small Fiats?
Not sure how Viper fits in there, since they weren't successful in selling it as a separate brand.
Maybe GM should do that with GMC, and cancel the Silverado in favor of making GMC the truck brand for GM. One line of full-size trucks, from 1500s all the way up through heavy-duty trucks. It would leave some west coast Chevy dealers unsure of what they would still be selling, though, as more than a few don't seem to stock GM cars, relying 90% or more on trucks for their profits.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I think they would actually be making a whole lot more money if they dropped their crappy cars.
I still like the Charger, even if it is getting a bit long in the tooth, but the Caliber and Avenger are pretty lame. However, the Charger never inspired enough excitement in me to make me trade my Intrepid in for one, so maybe subconsciously, I don't like it as much as I think I do?
You are right the charger is a nice car, looking at one though it just seems like it has been out a whole lot longer than 4 years, it needs some serious updating. You are right on about the avenger and the calliber, those cars are jokes.
Published: 10/19/09, 6:05 PM EDT By TOM KRISHER DETROIT (AP) - When two Visalia, Calif., police officers swung their cruisers behind a sport utility vehicle that had been carjacked at gunpoint early Sunday, they prepared for a dangerous high-speed chase.
The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe roared away with officers in pursuit, but shortly after the suspect made a right turn, operators at General Motors Co.'s OnStar service sent a command that electronically disabled the gas pedal and the SUV gradually came to a halt.
The flustered thief got out and ran, but was quickly nabbed after he climbed several fences and fell into a backyard swimming pool, police said.
It was the first time since OnStar began offering the service in the 2009 model year that it was used to end a chase that could otherwise have had dire consequences.
I think that's a great feature from OnStar. I know in the past some have ridiculed OnStar, but I found it nice because of the strong cell signal traveling through parts of states where service on weaker handhelds isn't strong. I also used the unlock even though we weren't with the car, my son was with the car. He needed things out of the trunk and his keys were in our backseat, 15 miles away. My only regrets is we should have told them there was a pet locked inside the car and they would have done it faster.
I enjoyed watching Bait Car on True television last evening as they had an Escalade that they left with the keys in it. They can lock the doors when they turn off the car!!! Watching those criminals unable to get out of the car is great!
Can anyone tell me why GM is putting out yet another GMC SUV? Why in the world are we bailing them out, when they are not going to change? Don't we have too many SUV's from the company? I am a little confused on what their plan is? I thought that downsizing, and streamlining would be a great thing....not creating more crap that got them in trouble to begin with. When no one is looking, they will revert back to their ways. I have a GM now, but NEVER again. Why support their habit. Especially when my 08 GM car has a lemon of a transmission, they can't even take care of what thy have now, let alone more. I am not impressed. For those that have a newer GM car, we just got a big smack in the face when our values hit rock bottom. My car has been in the shop a lot, but hey, what's a new car or SUV to try to cover up the old crap, sweep it under the rug....Hey? "it never happened".
Anyway, to each their own, I just know that getting a new GM car would not a be a smart investment, not that a car is remotely and investment, but be prepared. Your new GM, will be old news, and swept under the rug sooner or later. :lemon:
Sounds like I am frustrated right? Yes, you would be if you took a chance with GM. This was my very first. Coming from Honda. Honda is not perfect either, but didn't spend nights in the shop. Not a smart move. You live, you learn.
Well, my water pump failed on my wife's GMC Yukon Denali and it's in for service again. Had an extended warranty for 100K/7 years due to expire next month so it was good timing. The extended warranty paid back handsomely for the blown p/s pump, failed a/c compressor and now the w/p.
Anyway, a took a look at the Terrain and it's over priced for a FWD cuv at 24,900 with no options. There were 2 at the local dealer here in central NJ. Got my 2008 CR-V EX for $22,500 + TTL ($24,250 OTD).
Seeing as the quality is still suspect, they should continue to have a hard time selling these clones afaic.
bvdj84 - i understand that GM is putting out a[nother] GMC SUV because they are very profitable and customers still want to buy them especially since gasoline in USA is inexpensive.
It is true that GM sold a lot of SUV's and PU's over the last 10 years. But if they were so profitable, and a large part of their business, then how did GM lose the many billions they had and continue to lose? So something in the math there doesn't add up.
What I suspect is that they are profitable when sold at the expected amount and near MSRP. So if the forecast is 200,000 Silverados, without many incentives, the vehicle will be very profitable. If the actual numbers are 125,000 units sold with an average of $5,000/Silverado incentive then GM will lose money.
I also don't understand why GM keeps to the same formula of business and type of vehicles that led them to bankruptcy. If I were GM I would try everything radically different to differentiate themselves form the competition. GM arrogance to continue to compete in every vehicle category, and not have any distinct advantages?
".....Can anyone tell me why GM is putting out yet another GMC SUV? "
"....Especially when my 08 GM car has a lemon of a transmission, "
Aaaaah, now the cat is out of the bag. "WHAAH, I gots a POS GM product, so I'll trash everything about them!!!"
My 2010 Lacrosse has been flawless. BTW, I'm on my 12th GM vehicle, and NEVER had to replace the tranny. My 1988 Regal, while not the best car I ever had, went 14 years and 145,000 miles w/o ever replacing the fluid or filter (please, don't try this at home; nothing good can come from it. I got lucky). My 1965 Wildcat has NEVER had the tranny out (God bless the TH400)
If all GM or Ford or Chrysler could do was make trucks, they would make a killing. Unfortunately, for historical reasons, GM, Ford and Chrysler are quite large and are not sized to just be truck manufacturers; they make quite a few cars. The trucks carried them for decades, it's the car business that's the problem. The margins on trucks are huge, on cars- not very big. The D-3 also have a stronghold in the full size truck market that the foreign competition are having a very hard time penetrating. It is a profit center for the D-3. As soon as truck demand craters they're in trouble.
Cars are low margin, and with the D-3s historic cost problems, an unprofitable area for them. They are trying to figure out how to make money on cars, particularly small cars. Hopefully, with their cost savings, they will be able to do this. They are betting heavily that oil is going to get expensive again, as all 3 will be coming with many small cars which Americans don't really want unless forced into.
Wasn't it some of GM's choices that help put the economy in the state that it is in?
I am not trashing GM at all, I really think they have and are presently trashing themselves...lol. Showing and comparing Honda's, lexus's in there commercials to show they are on the same level is only an admittance guilt. You certainly don't see Lexus or BMW, or Honda, Acura, showing a GM car to compare itself to. Saturn commercial saying they have been doing right by us since day 1, that is a lie. Oh, and Saturn, Pontiac is BYE BYE. So, realistically GM has said it all in a tiny commercial.
If you look, you will find many others with transmission issues, but yes your right, it doesn't mean everyone is having problems either, or everyone is having 0 problems either.
I like the new Lacrosse, very sharp, but I am not sure I could ever spend money on a GM car right now. Honestly, The values are so low. Hopefully the new car will have a better hold on it. This car is where GM is supposed to be, but when they show the lexus, I would much rather have the Lexus, or have the Accord, that makes 1mpg less than the Malibu, Comparing the Cobalt to a civic? Isn't the Cobalt just a Cavelier...ya right?
Is it so wrong to think GM is being a little frivolous, its like having a mess, but just sweeping it all under the rug, and just buying new.
My real gripe is that GM is still doing stuff like offering no less than *EIGHT* versions of the Lucerne.
They need to offer only the top model and nothing else. Do what Toyota does with Lexus - one model(as a general rule) and that's it. Maybe a few trim or sprot versions here and there, but the mechanics and engine and so on are all the top-end choices for that model. BTW - In Japan and Europe they offer several engines in most of their cars, like GM does here in the U.S. currently.
I never had the transmission fail on any GM car I've owned. My wife's 2005 Buick LaCrosse has been absolutely flawless and she was going on at dinner on what an excellent car Buick is and how she'd definitely would buy another one. I still have my 1989 Cadillac Brougham and my 2007 Cadillac DTS Performance has yet to give me any trouble.
I always thought it was a bit ironic that my '80 Malibu had the lightweight, failure-prone THM200C transmission, yet it never gave me any trouble, while my '82 Cutlass Supreme had the THM350C, and it needed a rebuild! But it was also 11 years old when I bought it, so at that point the previous owner was more to blame than GM. I always found it a bit odd, too, that they'd put the beefier THM350C behind a 231 V-6, while the V-8's were getting the THM200C (or the THM200R-4 if they had overdrive)
The transmission in my '67 Catalina was rebuilt at some point before I bought it, but I don't know the story behind it. The stock 400-2bbl was rebuilt, blueprinted, converted to a 4-bbl, and had some higher performance parts put in, so it's possible that the tranny was just rebuilt at the same time to complement that. I think it also had a shift kit put in Somehow, I don't think it left the showroom floor being able to hold first gear to around 55 mph and then chirping the tires on the 1-2 upshift! :P
>I don't think it left the showroom floor being able to hold first gear to around 55 mph and then chirping the tires on the 1-2 upshift!
If we drive it like that much, it may need a rebuilt once again!
I recall test driviing a 350 Camaro in 67 or 68 and it held 1st gear up to some speed like 50-60 and then was still in 2nd at 85. More car than I could handle.
Comments
Regards,
OW
Per classic trucks, I've always thought the Diamond T was the most beautiful truck ever built:
I always thought it was a neat looking rig. As a kid I used to fantasize about buying it and fixing it up.
Average purchase price of a new GM vehicle; $36,069. Industry avg; $30,327.
The only person to return a car under the program; returned a 'Vette 6 speed.
He turned it in for an automatic.....
If not, it's solid praise for GM.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
However, this person did not take a refund, they took an automatic instead. I don't see that as dissatisfaction with the car, but rather an individual preference, a mistake when they purchased.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
And GM sold 156.xxx vehicles in September right?
So they've sold 150k vehicles so far under this program which launched September 14TH, or about a month ago.
So unless there were people who didn't participate in the program (which I don't know how you wouldn't) all this effort is generating about a months worth of sales (or less).........
They sold 247 thousand vehicles in August without the program.
Pontiac owners will remain flag wavers. Their top choice will be Ford, followed by Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Dodge, the study by Experian Automotive finds. Saturn owners, however, will look to overseas, first to Toyota and Honda before they'd buy a Ford. Nissan Hyundai and Dodge round out the list. Perhaps that's fitting since Saturn was created as a free-spirited brand aimed strictly and stemming GM's losses to foreign makers.
General Motors will lose about two-thirds of owners to brands other than remaining Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC. Saturn will lose better than three out of four. The defections aren't trifling numbers. If Pontiac were a stand-alone brand, it would be next in size after Mercedes-Benz. Saturn is smaller, but handily larger than Mitsubishi, Suzuki or Land Rover.
Pontiac owners have shown slightly more loyalty to the GM brand in the past year. Saturn owner loyalty has dropped somewhat. Based on second quarter sales, Experian predicts GM will see its market share shrink from 20% with all its brands to 17.5% with just the four core brands. Ford, Toyota and Honda all will pick up about a half percentage point in market share with the rest spread among other automakers.
GM's loss is everyone's gain....except Lemko's!
Seriously, this was probably in the cards 'cause if it's a surprise, here we go again!
Regards,
OW
Get it now????
How low can their market share go before even the stubborn bail-out lovers give up the sham and turn it all in with their heads down in shame?
Who will die first, GM, or Chrysler/Fiat? I've read reports that Chrysler won't last until 2011.
I wonder how toyota will do considering they are recalling vehicles as fast as they are making them nowadays .
How do you know you'd be allowed to return it??? :P
Actually, faster. ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I find the whole thing could be resolved by people being less idiotic.
When I first heard the story a few weeks ago, I couldn't believe my ears. They played the 911 call from the driver, just before the accident. It's understandable that if you jacked on the brakes, eventually they'll overheat and fade, but I showed this to my work partner in our 8600# work van. I floored it, slipped it into neutral, the engine revved until it hit the electronic rev limiter, and I was able to safely steer to the sideof the road and shut the engine off, all with my right foot planted to the floor.
Here's the worst part; from what I understand, the driver was a CHP trooper :surprise: :surprise: :surprise:
explorerx4, "Brand problems swept under the rug" #656, 16 Oct 2009 2:37 pm
General Motors and SAIC of China Talking Cooperation (Inside Line)
Cooperation to sell to India.
Although the rumored Buick Regal GS is not yet officially scheduled for U.S. consumption, rumor has it that if it were to come to the U.S. it would most likely be powered by the 3.6-liter, direct injected V6 currently found in the newly released LaCrosse. Although the likely choice of the 3.6-liter 280 hp V6 falls short when compared to the output found in the turbocharged Opel counterpart, when coupled with reported 6-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and the Haldex-based AWD system it will likely still prove to be a very capable performance-based car.
This is why I am so critical of GM...takes them forever to see clearly and by then the competition annihilates them.
HP Buick Regal Could Happen
Regards,
OW
So how would this Buick be something much better than what Mazda started developing 8 years ago and sold 5 years ago? Will Buick sell it for $25K, so that it is attractive to buyers?
I have a feeling if they make the true HiPo Regal, call it a T-Type maybe, it will make a whole lot more then 280 hp out of a 3.6 direct injection NA motor.
Regards,
OW
Not sure how Viper fits in there, since they weren't successful in selling it as a separate brand.
Maybe GM should do that with GMC, and cancel the Silverado in favor of making GMC the truck brand for GM. One line of full-size trucks, from 1500s all the way up through heavy-duty trucks. It would leave some west coast Chevy dealers unsure of what they would still be selling, though, as more than a few don't seem to stock GM cars, relying 90% or more on trucks for their profits.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I still like the Charger, even if it is getting a bit long in the tooth, but the Caliber and Avenger are pretty lame. However, the Charger never inspired enough excitement in me to make me trade my Intrepid in for one, so maybe subconsciously, I don't like it as much as I think I do?
Regards,
OW
Plastic just doesn't scream "power" or "aggressive" and never will.
By TOM KRISHER
DETROIT (AP) - When two Visalia, Calif., police officers swung their cruisers behind a sport utility vehicle that had been carjacked at gunpoint early Sunday, they prepared for a dangerous high-speed chase.
The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe roared away with officers in pursuit, but shortly after the suspect made a right turn, operators at General Motors Co.'s OnStar service sent a command that electronically disabled the gas pedal and the SUV gradually came to a halt.
The flustered thief got out and ran, but was quickly nabbed after he climbed several fences and fell into a backyard swimming pool, police said.
It was the first time since OnStar began offering the service in the 2009 model year that it was used to end a chase that could otherwise have had dire consequences.
I enjoyed watching Bait Car on True television last evening as they had an Escalade that they left with the keys in it. They can lock the doors when they turn off the car!!! Watching those criminals unable to get out of the car is great!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Especially when my 08 GM car has a lemon of a transmission, they can't even take care of what thy have now, let alone more. I am not impressed. For those that have a newer GM car, we just got a big smack in the face when our values hit rock bottom. My car has been in the shop a lot, but hey, what's a new car or SUV to try to cover up the old crap, sweep it under the rug....Hey? "it never happened".
Anyway, to each their own, I just know that getting a new GM car would not a be a smart investment, not that a car is remotely and investment, but be prepared. Your new GM, will be old news, and swept under the rug sooner or later. :lemon:
Sounds like I am frustrated right? Yes, you would be if you took a chance with GM. This was my very first. Coming from Honda. Honda is not perfect either, but didn't spend nights in the shop. Not a smart move. You live, you learn.
Anyway, a took a look at the Terrain and it's over priced for a FWD cuv at 24,900 with no options. There were 2 at the local dealer here in central NJ. Got my 2008 CR-V EX for $22,500 + TTL ($24,250 OTD).
Seeing as the quality is still suspect, they should continue to have a hard time selling these clones afaic.
Regards,
OW
What I suspect is that they are profitable when sold at the expected amount and near MSRP. So if the forecast is 200,000 Silverados, without many incentives, the vehicle will be very profitable. If the actual numbers are 125,000 units sold with an average of $5,000/Silverado incentive then GM will lose money.
I also don't understand why GM keeps to the same formula of business and type of vehicles that led them to bankruptcy. If I were GM I would try everything radically different to differentiate themselves form the competition. GM arrogance to continue to compete in every vehicle category, and not have any distinct advantages?
"....Especially when my 08 GM car has a lemon of a transmission, "
Aaaaah, now the cat is out of the bag. "WHAAH, I gots a POS GM product, so I'll trash everything about them!!!"
My 2010 Lacrosse has been flawless. BTW, I'm on my 12th GM vehicle, and NEVER had to replace the tranny. My 1988 Regal, while not the best car I ever had, went 14 years and 145,000 miles w/o ever replacing the fluid or filter (please, don't try this at home; nothing good can come from it. I got lucky). My 1965 Wildcat has NEVER had the tranny out (God bless the TH400)
IIRC the Equinox, SRX, Terrain, and Lacrosse are the 4 vehicles GM can't keep in stock right now.
Cars are low margin, and with the D-3s historic cost problems, an unprofitable area for them. They are trying to figure out how to make money on cars, particularly small cars. Hopefully, with their cost savings, they will be able to do this. They are betting heavily that oil is going to get expensive again, as all 3 will be coming with many small cars which Americans don't really want unless forced into.
I am not trashing GM at all, I really think they have and are presently trashing themselves...lol. Showing and comparing Honda's, lexus's in there commercials to show they are on the same level is only an admittance guilt. You certainly don't see Lexus or BMW, or Honda, Acura, showing a GM car to compare itself to. Saturn commercial saying they have been doing right by us since day 1, that is a lie. Oh, and Saturn, Pontiac is BYE BYE. So, realistically GM has said it all in a tiny commercial.
If you look, you will find many others with transmission issues, but yes your right, it doesn't mean everyone is having problems either, or everyone is having 0 problems either.
I like the new Lacrosse, very sharp, but I am not sure I could ever spend money on a GM car right now. Honestly, The values are so low. Hopefully the new car will have a better hold on it. This car is where GM is supposed to be, but when they show the lexus, I would much rather have the Lexus, or have the Accord, that makes 1mpg less than the Malibu, Comparing the Cobalt to a civic? Isn't the Cobalt just a Cavelier...ya right?
Is it so wrong to think GM is being a little frivolous, its like having a mess, but just sweeping it all under the rug, and just buying new.
They need to offer only the top model and nothing else. Do what Toyota does with Lexus - one model(as a general rule) and that's it. Maybe a few trim or sprot versions here and there, but the mechanics and engine and so on are all the top-end choices for that model. BTW - In Japan and Europe they offer several engines in most of their cars, like GM does here in the U.S. currently.
The transmission in my '67 Catalina was rebuilt at some point before I bought it, but I don't know the story behind it. The stock 400-2bbl was rebuilt, blueprinted, converted to a 4-bbl, and had some higher performance parts put in, so it's possible that the tranny was just rebuilt at the same time to complement that. I think it also had a shift kit put in Somehow, I don't think it left the showroom floor being able to hold first gear to around 55 mph and then chirping the tires on the 1-2 upshift! :P
If we drive it like that much, it may need a rebuilt once again!
I recall test driviing a 350 Camaro in 67 or 68 and it held 1st gear up to some speed like 50-60 and then was still in 2nd at 85. More car than I could handle.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,