That could apply both ways for others. This isn't called "GM on decline in 2009" or "GM on the Mend in 2010." It's not asking for pro AND con by way of the title as is the Camary topic.
Well, you've certainly realized the balance on this forum, right?
I'd say that in 2005 GM sold a few Colorados...or they wouldn't still be selling them six model years later. Personally, I have never liked the styling.
I was in our local chain auto parts store today. They have a fleet of Colorados. Probably a year ago I asked the guy at the register how they were. His reply was "We really don't do anything to them".
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
This is a great article showing where consumer trends are in a shift this year. It is balanced.
I continue to support the Korean model because they are the dynamic leaders at the moment for mass market cars and cuvs. Like it or not, they are changing the face of future automotive markets for the better.
This happened to GM, Ford and Chrysler YEARS AGO. The good thing is that the message is continuous improvement instead of egocentric complacency. It was the message to the Big 3 and now it is directed at the "Camcord Crew".
The best part is I will be able to emerge myself in the wave of change starting tomorrow. :shades:
>I was in our local chain auto parts store today. They have a fleet of Colorados. Probably a year ago I asked the guy at the register how they were. His reply was "We really don't do anything to them".
We have (had) a local auto parts chain. Good one. They used Geo Metros as part of their delivery fleet. Paint looked like it never had been waxed. They did maintenance on the drivetrain, I'm sure, but not much in the way of beauty care got done.
Now that you guys mention it, a couple of the local auto parts stores around here use Colorados. One of 'em is Advance Auto (formerly Trak Auto) and the other, I think, is Fischer Auto parts or some place like that.
The main reason I never really cared for the Colorado was that, in many ways, it was a step back even from the humble S10. IIRC, the S10 had a greater payload capacity and a greater towing capacity. Now, in more recent years, perhaps the Colorado has improved?
I think GM did the Colorado on the quick and cheap, too, by simply bringing over a truck that was originallly intended for the Taiwan market, or someplace like that. Not to damn it with faint praise, but considering they didn't put that much effort into it, I guess it wasn't too bad of a seller.
I think GM, Ford, and Mopar would've been better off though, if they kept with their practice of using the same platform to spawn both a small/midsize pickup and an SUV. For instance, the 2nd-gen Dakota and the first Durango were from the same platform. The Explorer originally came from the Ranger. And the S10 used to be both a pickup and an SUV. I'm sure doing it that way had to have been a lot more profitable than having the Trailblazer and the Colorado on a totally different platform.
"Getting a good deal on a used car just got a little easier thanks to GM. Not only will the company continue to offer a two-year/30,000 mile standard vehicle warranty on any CPO vehicle-- GM calls it Chevrolet / Buick / GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles-- but starting Sunday, buyers will get two years of standard free maintenance."
Never liked that goofy wheel arch trim they have on the Colorado/Canyon. I drove a GMC Canyon once. It's OK for what it is - a basic work truck. I'm looking to haul bricks, lumber, cement, etc. Not go out on a night on the town. The Ford Ranger has got to be even more ancient than the Colorado.
There is one cool feature that little know about - the tailgate can be partially opened to a height that matches the top of the wheel wells. That way you can slide a 4'x8' sheet of plywood and it fits nicely.
I don't get why the makers have let them go so stale, I think they just make more profits on big trucks and would rather sell a base model of a big pickup.
Meanwhile, Ford preps a new small pickup - but not for the USA, the biggest potential market for it.
A case of greed? Sell only the more expensive models here, meanwhile imported small pickups are taxed so the market it protected.
Was just at Ford Carlisle a couple weeks ago. They had a test drive of some of Ford's new vehicles and a display of several others inside a building. The Ranger was among them.
The Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, P-225/45R18, 91W are priced at Tire Rack for $272/ea and carry a 40k warranty..I read somewhere that the Cruze's top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph..
The cheapo model-ECO w/6 spd manual comes with a low-rolling resistance Goodyear tire..I guess it makes the "Greenies" happy sitting in the "ECO" Cruze..
Sounds like GM adapted the old "X" body rear axle design, twist beam...
Somehow GM will have to find an SS emblem and stuff the 260 hp Turbo Eco-Tec under the Cruze hood and settle for driver happiness..It's only home now is found in the "Fisker Karma", being used as an "electric generator."
The Eco gets a smaller tire, 215/55R-17 with a rating of 93H and Tire Rack is pricing them at $147/ea...The bright side is that they have a 65k mile warranty..Things are looking up...
Funny how I posted only two days ago that GM needed to focus on only putting out vehicles where the quality is very good, and improve their agility. I said I thought they were making progress on the first item; not so sure on the second. So today's WSJ has an article on just that subject:
"A great deal is riding on how well Ms. Barra fares. Stamping out GM's lumbering ways and bureaucratic roadblocks is critical to the company's long-term prospects."
Funny how the article says Lutz had that job for most of a decade. I guess he didn't do too well on the speed/agility thing. Reading his recent article you would think he turned GM around all by himself. I always thought he was way overrated.
The best part is I will be able to emerge myself in the wave of change starting tomorrow.
Bye, Bye, Yukon Denali. Hello Optima SX
WHOO-HOO! What took ya so long ta wake up, man? Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubishi/Suzuki are making the only rigs I want to buy right now and probably will be wanting to buy for the next 10 years or so. Or my name isn't iluvmysephia1!
Oh, this is a GM thread? You'd almost never know it. Chrysler is the latest domestic manufacturer that I want to follow closer, and it is primarily because of their Fiat ownership that this fact is so. I want ta see their Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Caliber coming off of their Belvidere, IL, assembly line near you soon. Bring that pup on already, Chrysler. And make it good. Make it competitive. Make it seething in greatness. Make it strong.
And offer a stick shift version while you're at it.
Funny how the article says Lutz had that job for most of a decade. I guess he didn't do too well on the speed/agility thing. Reading his recent article you would think he turned GM around all by himself. I always thought he was way overrated.
And you think that one person can do this overnight? Right...
A lot of the current models that have been significantly updated/approved are the results of Lutz's work. It takes YEARS to get things turned around with every company.
Overrated? It's funny how Chrysler had an amazing turnaround in the early-mid '90s, improving styling, quality, and sales unlike any other domestic maker at the time. Guess who was in charge at the time...
Well, if the G8 was still around I would have bought that. But since GM decided to drop the most significant RWD car of the last decade, the balance of the mid-large size car line up is either bland or too expensive.
Leaves a Grand-Canyon sized hole in the market...guess who is taking the most advantage? :shades:
They sure had plenty of interesting designs, too. They went stale after he left, with only a nip here and a tuck there, nothing ground-breaking at all once Lutz was gone.
Let's see what Fiat can do with them, I personally like the 500c.
Back to GM...twist beam is OK for a basic Cruze. It's compact and light, and allows for a huge interior and trunk.
It would limit what a Cruze SS could do, but GM could take a page from VW and offer a better suspension in that, like the Jetta GLI will get.
To be honest I think they should swap out the iron block for alloy instead.
It's also worth mentioning that, with 135 horsepower per liter, the new boosted Ecotec boasts the highest specific power output of any engine in GM's history. It's also the most power-dense rating the SAE has ever officially recognized. That's impressive stuff.
That may be true for piston engines, but a 1.3l rotary was putting out 255hp in the early 90s, and that's nearly 200hp/liter.
This thing is T/C tho isn't it? The F20C in the S2000 was rated at 120 hp/l when it came out over 10 years ago. It would be around 118 with the current adjustments. :shades:
The 2.0 T in the Kia Optima is 137/liter and the Regal will weigh a "few hundred pounds more". The extra torque will be necessary to move that weight more rapidly.
Well in a year or two, there will be ex-police models filtering to the public, just like Crown Vics do. I still think that there's hope for it, though, as it's obviously the logical replacement for the Impala. I think the looks would go over with NASCAR as well. The current Impala is long in the tooth and due for a complete remake.
This is already being made, so the money GM can save by just re-badging this would be enormous.
Oh, and don't try to outrun one of these if you see one. It's basically a full-size CTS with a police package, a V8 engine, and no emissions equipment. Crazy fast is an understatement
Unlike the Caprice, the 2012 Impala will be available to the general public as a consumer model... Although more power and better fuel economy are always welcome, we’d take the fleet-only rear-drive Caprice over the improved, but still outdated, Impala any day. If only that were an option.
Not to take anything away from Kia's mainstream effort, but I'd pick the Regal GS for a track event.
I'd want to drive 'em back-to-back first, but I'm glad at least someone at Buick has been paying attention to all the complaints about the HP deficiency and did something about it.
And a TRUE six-speed manual? Advantage: Buick
I also hope that with the 295 lb-ft of torque, torque steer isn't an issue.
One other thought: Maybe Buick is holding back for a GSX. Look up the Opel Insignia OPC and you'll see what I mean.
Your data seems to be correct except the GM volume. Here's the data from NY Times:
• Toyota: 8.42 million • General Motors: 8.39 million • Volkswagen AG: 7.14 million • Hyundai Kia: 5.74 million • Ford Motor: 5.31 million • Nissan: 4.08 million • Peugeot: 3.6 million • Honda: 3.56 million • Renault: 2.62 million • Suzuki: 2.54 million
And you think that one person can do this overnight? Right...
A lot of the current models that have been significantly updated/approved are the results of Lutz's work. It takes YEARS to get things turned around with every company.
Yep, overrated. I wouldn't call a decade a short period of time. He helped design some better models, but not so sure on agility - the article seems to indicate NOT. The new models have gone from junky to competitive -- but generally nowhere near class-leading. Not as aggressive as Hyundai, for example.
He's also the guy who couldn't see the point in hybrids. Then GM did a big about-face.
I would agree the advantage to the Regal is the MT for sure and the track video was impressive. I would say the Regal out handles the Optima from first impressions until they are driven back to back.
Now they have something to be proud of. I am mildly impressed they understated and over delivered in the engine performance.
Bingo, no manual except on the base Kia, and even then I didn't like the clutch/shifter combo. The steering was also numb. The SX model likely has better steering feel (wheels alone would help) but no manual.
I also hope that with the 295 lb-ft of torque, torque steer isn't an issue
They should offer AWD, like the TL-S. Searching....BINGO! Yep, it has AWD.
That's the Regal that would perk my interest. :shades:
Yep, the Buick Regal GS will be similar in size and power to my Mazdaspeed6, but I have a bad driveway in snow country. So even if torque-steer isn't a problem, and even if GM kept the MSRP under $30K, it lacks AWD.
As I've said before I don't see where the Buick Regal is an advance over vehicles designed almost a decade ago, as the Mazadaspeed6 was introduced as an '05 model.
BTW hasn't the SAE also confirmed Nissan's 3.8L at 530hp, or 139.5 hp/l?
I think the Aztek's problem is that, in some ways, GM didn't take enough of a risk. Instead of coming up with a bold all-new design, they just took a minivan and did what they could with it. That's why the Aztek has such a high beltline compared to most crossover SUVs of the time, and has such awkward proportions. However, I guess that high beltline and small-ish (for the time) windows were sort of a predictor of where cars would start going, once stricter side impact guidelines went into effect.
"Limited" is a fairly gelatinous term, especially when aplied to a vehicle. How many vehicles have had "Limited" or LTD stamped on them. Isn't the old joke that "limited" means limited-to-all-they-can-sell?
In fact I'd say anything physical that man produces is "limited".
On another topic - I was shocked that a Cruze needs $150 or $200 tires on it. Why can't GM (or other car makers) give us some practical 14" or 15" wheels and tires on the more economical vehicles?
Comments
And let's not forget the Lambdas had similar issues with their transmissions, also addressed with a software reflash.
No big deal. I test drove an Outlook but ended up with the minivan.
That could apply both ways for others.
This isn't called "GM on decline in 2009" or "GM on the Mend in 2010." It's not asking for pro AND con by way of the title as is the Camary topic.
"You gotta remember GM sold about 12 Colorados while Toyota sold about seven billion Camrys."
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I'd say that in 2005 GM sold a few Colorados...or they wouldn't still be selling them six model years later. Personally, I have never liked the styling.
I was in our local chain auto parts store today. They have a fleet of Colorados. Probably a year ago I asked the guy at the register how they were. His reply was "We really don't do anything to them".
No wonder our local Toyota dealer's Service Department is always full--that's a lot of recalled cars to take care of.
While reviewers tend to agree that the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is affordable and looks good, most critics declare it's just not good enough to close the deal. Edmunds.com editors say the 2010 Colorado remains "saddled with subpar materials, an abundance of hard plastic and mediocre seat comfort
Regards,
OW
I continue to support the Korean model because they are the dynamic leaders at the moment for mass market cars and cuvs. Like it or not, they are changing the face of future automotive markets for the better.
Honda, Toyota Lose Grip on American Sedans
This happened to GM, Ford and Chrysler YEARS AGO. The good thing is that the message is continuous improvement instead of egocentric complacency. It was the message to the Big 3 and now it is directed at the "Camcord Crew".
The best part is I will be able to emerge myself in the wave of change starting tomorrow. :shades:
Bye, Bye, Yukon Denali. Hello Optima SX. :surprise:
Regards,
OW
We have (had) a local auto parts chain. Good one. They used Geo Metros as part of their delivery fleet. Paint looked like it never had been waxed. They did maintenance on the drivetrain, I'm sure, but not much in the way of beauty care got done.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The main reason I never really cared for the Colorado was that, in many ways, it was a step back even from the humble S10. IIRC, the S10 had a greater payload capacity and a greater towing capacity. Now, in more recent years, perhaps the Colorado has improved?
I think GM did the Colorado on the quick and cheap, too, by simply bringing over a truck that was originallly intended for the Taiwan market, or someplace like that. Not to damn it with faint praise, but considering they didn't put that much effort into it, I guess it wasn't too bad of a seller.
I think GM, Ford, and Mopar would've been better off though, if they kept with their practice of using the same platform to spawn both a small/midsize pickup and an SUV. For instance, the 2nd-gen Dakota and the first Durango were from the same platform. The Explorer originally came from the Ranger. And the S10 used to be both a pickup and an SUV. I'm sure doing it that way had to have been a lot more profitable than having the Trailblazer and the Colorado on a totally different platform.
GM Updates Certified Pre-Owned Policy With Free Maintenance (Straightline)
My comment was (very) obviously tongue-in-cheek.
Let's keep this discussion about the merits of GM vehicles, and if OW or anyone goes off topic, just ask the Mods to delete the post.
Does look a bit odd.
There is one cool feature that little know about - the tailgate can be partially opened to a height that matches the top of the wheel wells. That way you can slide a 4'x8' sheet of plywood and it fits nicely.
I don't get why the makers have let them go so stale, I think they just make more profits on big trucks and would rather sell a base model of a big pickup.
Meanwhile, Ford preps a new small pickup - but not for the USA, the biggest potential market for it.
A case of greed? Sell only the more expensive models here, meanwhile imported small pickups are taxed so the market it protected.
Looks like the Equinox from the front.
That's obviously a 'chop, but the wheel wells are back to semi-circles. The roll bar reminds me of Marty McFly's pickup in Back to the Future.
Global top 10 2010 sales leaders
units (millions) % change from 2009
1 Toyota 8.4 8%
2 GM 7.6 12%
3 VW 7.1 14%
4 Hyundai-Kia 5.7 24%
5 Ford* 5.2 8%
6 Nissan 4.1 22%
7 PSA 3.6 13%
8 Honda 3.6 5%
9 Renault 2.6 14%
10 Suzuki 2.6 12%
*Estimate
Source: Automotive News Data Center
Regards,
OW
The cheapo model-ECO w/6 spd manual comes with a low-rolling resistance Goodyear tire..I guess it makes the "Greenies" happy sitting in the "ECO" Cruze..
Sounds like GM adapted the old "X" body rear axle design, twist beam...
Somehow GM will have to find an SS emblem and stuff the 260 hp Turbo Eco-Tec under the Cruze hood and settle for driver happiness..It's only home now is found in the "Fisker Karma", being used as an "electric generator."
"A great deal is riding on how well Ms. Barra fares. Stamping out GM's lumbering ways and bureaucratic roadblocks is critical to the company's long-term prospects."
GM's change agent
Funny how the article says Lutz had that job for most of a decade. I guess he didn't do too well on the speed/agility thing. Reading his recent article you would think he turned GM around all by himself. I always thought he was way overrated.
Bye, Bye, Yukon Denali. Hello Optima SX
WHOO-HOO! What took ya so long ta wake up, man? Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubishi/Suzuki are making the only rigs I want to buy right now and probably will be wanting to buy for the next 10 years or so. Or my name isn't iluvmysephia1!
Oh, this is a GM thread? You'd almost never know it. Chrysler is the latest domestic manufacturer that I want to follow closer, and it is primarily because of their Fiat ownership that this fact is so. I want ta see their Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based Caliber coming off of their Belvidere, IL, assembly line near you soon. Bring that pup on already, Chrysler. And make it good. Make it competitive. Make it seething in greatness. Make it strong.
And offer a stick shift version while you're at it.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
And you think that one person can do this overnight? Right...
A lot of the current models that have been significantly updated/approved are the results of Lutz's work. It takes YEARS to get things turned around with every company.
Overrated? It's funny how Chrysler had an amazing turnaround in the early-mid '90s, improving styling, quality, and sales unlike any other domestic maker at the time. Guess who was in charge at the time...
That's because of all the non-topic drivel that seems to end up here (ie. Korean cars and Chrysler).
Leaves a Grand-Canyon sized hole in the market...guess who is taking the most advantage? :shades:
Regards,
OW
They sure had plenty of interesting designs, too. They went stale after he left, with only a nip here and a tuck there, nothing ground-breaking at all once Lutz was gone.
Let's see what Fiat can do with them, I personally like the 500c.
Back to GM...twist beam is OK for a basic Cruze. It's compact and light, and allows for a huge interior and trunk.
It would limit what a Cruze SS could do, but GM could take a page from VW and offer a better suspension in that, like the Jetta GLI will get.
To be honest I think they should swap out the iron block for alloy instead.
To serve and protect.
And do some mean burn-outs.
If so, would an El Camino be far behind? They have a "ute" in Australia already.
It's also worth mentioning that, with 135 horsepower per liter, the new boosted Ecotec boasts the highest specific power output of any engine in GM's history. It's also the most power-dense rating the SAE has ever officially recognized. That's impressive stuff.
That may be true for piston engines, but a 1.3l rotary was putting out 255hp in the early 90s, and that's nearly 200hp/liter.
It's a great effort by GM.
Regards,
OW
That engine offers both, which is impressive any way you look at it.
Not to take anything away from Kia's mainstream effort, but I'd pick the Regal GS for a track event.
This is already being made, so the money GM can save by just re-badging this would be enormous.
Oh, and don't try to outrun one of these if you see one. It's basically a full-size CTS with a police package, a V8 engine, and no emissions equipment. Crazy fast is an understatement
Quoted for agreement, but GM doesn't, unfortunately.
Click me!
Unlike the Caprice, the 2012 Impala will be available to the general public as a consumer model... Although more power and better fuel economy are always welcome, we’d take the fleet-only rear-drive Caprice over the improved, but still outdated, Impala any day. If only that were an option.
Yeah, if only...
I'd want to drive 'em back-to-back first, but I'm glad at least someone at Buick has been paying attention to all the complaints about the HP deficiency and did something about it.
And a TRUE six-speed manual? Advantage: Buick
I also hope that with the 295 lb-ft of torque, torque steer isn't an issue.
One other thought: Maybe Buick is holding back for a GSX. Look up the Opel Insignia OPC and you'll see what I mean.
One can hope...
• Toyota: 8.42 million
• General Motors: 8.39 million
• Volkswagen AG: 7.14 million
• Hyundai Kia: 5.74 million
• Ford Motor: 5.31 million
• Nissan: 4.08 million
• Peugeot: 3.6 million
• Honda: 3.56 million
• Renault: 2.62 million
• Suzuki: 2.54 million
2010 world wide top 10
A lot of the current models that have been significantly updated/approved are the results of Lutz's work. It takes YEARS to get things turned around with every company.
Yep, overrated. I wouldn't call a decade a short period of time. He helped design some better models, but not so sure on agility - the article seems to indicate NOT. The new models have gone from junky to competitive -- but generally nowhere near class-leading. Not as aggressive as Hyundai, for example.
He's also the guy who couldn't see the point in hybrids. Then GM did a big about-face.
Now they have something to be proud of. I am mildly impressed they understated and over delivered in the engine performance.
Now let's see the price. What is the EPA?
Regards,
OW
Classic!
Bingo, no manual except on the base Kia, and even then I didn't like the clutch/shifter combo. The steering was also numb. The SX model likely has better steering feel (wheels alone would help) but no manual.
I also hope that with the 295 lb-ft of torque, torque steer isn't an issue
They should offer AWD, like the TL-S. Searching....BINGO! Yep, it has AWD.
That's the Regal that would perk my interest. :shades:
Remember, though, last time GM took big risks we got this:
Can't blame them for being a little conservative since then.
dealSteal!Notice the AARP rebate in the fine print?
Again, though, you can get a really good value on a proven car with all the tweaks worked out of it. Uplanderguy got a bargain.
As I've said before I don't see where the Buick Regal is an advance over vehicles designed almost a decade ago, as the Mazadaspeed6 was introduced as an '05 model.
BTW hasn't the SAE also confirmed Nissan's 3.8L at 530hp, or 139.5 hp/l?
In fact I'd say anything physical that man produces is "limited".
On another topic - I was shocked that a Cruze needs $150 or $200 tires on it. Why can't GM (or other car makers) give us some practical 14" or 15" wheels and tires on the more economical vehicles?