Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

1…1213151718…60

Comments

  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I'm not sure how the Outlook/Acadia will be at the dealers by Dec, when according to this article, production starts in Dec, advertising begins in Jan, so I'd assume that they'd hit the dealers in Feb. What article were you quoting?

    10/11/06 article:

    http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061012/FREE/61011004&Search- - ID=73262427534067

    "GM plans to launch the advertising for the Outlook and the Acadia in late January, Jackson said. Production starts in early December. Enclave production starts in March or April"
  • pigpig Member Posts: 98
    When ever it is, I'm personally not going to get impatient and run out and by something else without giving the Lambdas a solid look 1st...as they are my priority until they prove themselves otherwise. I really don't think GM is about to, nor can afford to, do another Rendezvous. I'm
    sure from all initial data and information...that they did
    it right, this time. December/February/June...I'm hangin in there.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    Ok, it's offical, I live in Lansing where they are building these new vehicles and it said on the 5:30p.m. news that next Tuesday GM will begin building production cars as the pilot build has been completed. So it is just a matter of time before they start showing up in dealers inventory. This Sundays paper is to include a 24 page layout on this new plant which is highly automated and lots technology including a roof on the plant that collects rainwater and stores it to be used to flush toilets. Hopefully they put as much thought in the design of these cars. The people at the plant are some of the best in the world and the old Lansing Car Assembly won many many awards for their quality. This is one of the reasons GM has built the ONLY 2 NEW plants in the US in the last 30 years in Lansing. Says alot for the people who build these cars.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Dealers are saying they will get Acadias by late November/ early December. Cars are usually advertised after they come out.
    THe Rendezvous had alot of potentail. THe exterior dimensions were very small, yet cargo is 108 and it has best second and third row space in it's class. Yet styling could've been alot better. And mdx came out a year before, so what makes Buick think it can get by with people having to remove second row, or no split third row? points off for interior flexibility.
    On another note, I get to see, and possibly drive (though I doubtit) Acadia Next week! i'll fill you guys in.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Yeah, you'd BETTER fill us in!

    Just kidding, hope you have a good time.

    REMEMBER THE DEAL! ;)
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I do not get my data from articles. Do not believe everything you read. They are in production now.
  • pigpig Member Posts: 98
    Cargo area was the only reason I tested the Rendezvous as I found looking at all that undercarrage from the rear view
    unattractive. As I studied it, I found it rated (Auto Consumer Guide) as a lowly bottom dweller, only rated above 2006 Suzuki Xl-7. Not where I would imagine the Lambdas want to find themselves. Plus I found it felt top heavy and it would not offer a rollover resistance test as most other of it's competitors did, for ACG.
  • pigpig Member Posts: 98
    Thanx for clarifying that. Which department do work in...or are you the ball bearing account rep to GM or are you one of their mechanical seal vendors. In any case, you've always been very helpful to the forum.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    I do not get my data from articles. Do not believe everything you read. They are in production now.
    Hate to pop your bubble but since I live where they are built and it was told and verified they start production this Tuesday. The other cars that they have been building are pre production cars that are used for everything from crash testing to just driving to get out the bugs.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    The other cars that they have been building are pre production cars that are used for everything from crash testing to just driving to get out the bugs.

    I apologize about that. Should have been more clear. I consider cars that the managers drive production since they will be sold to the public after the "ship to commerce" date is reached. No matter. Vehicles will be in the dealerships in some quantities by Dec 15.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    You are wrong again. Those cars will be destroyed, given to school mechanic class (without Title), insurance Co. for their testing or used for more internal testing. Being they are pre-production vehicles they are NOT allowed to sell them do to libility reasons. How do I know, I spent my last 16 years at GM working on future vehicles at the plant level.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Depends on what cars you are talking about. About 100-200 cars are built before "ship to commerce" and are driven by GM employees on the roads to find any last minute bugs that come out during the plant build process with production approved parts. These do not have the "EX" in the VIN and will be sold. These vehicles are on the road now. Cars built in the last year are EX vin'd and are at the proving grounds and labs being tested. They are some also on the road (usually camo'd) or modified for press fleets/auto shows.

    Anyways Acacias and Outlooks will be at the dealerships by December 15 unless there are issues.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Where is it being built? are you sure LAnsing?
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    Send in the CLOWNS...............
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Pun intended, I guess. But if Gm is really carefull not to overdo the cloning thing, and they really pay attention to detailing to set vehicles apart, then they can put a fourth or fifth lamda on the streets. How about a saab. That would be sweet, and I know they could do it because look at how well 9-7x has differentiated itself from the donlooked upon trailblazer.It would probably be made smaller, but how nice it would be- a real performance lambda- even though thwey should all perform nicely- since Yukon Denali is said to go 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. But that might cut into SRX territory. Also, there are supposed to be lamda minivans, but GM has never done well in the minivan segment. And why have a GMC ninvan when you can have Acadia. Gm should just consider having only one minivan-Chevy Lambda. The only place two is working is at Chrysler. We'll see.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Want to see what a Saab Lambda might look like?
    image
    Sweet, don't you think?
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I guess with all of these "insiders" posting different things here, I'd still say that Mike Jackson, GM North America's vice president of marketing and advertising would know something when he said, Production starts in early December according to the article.

    http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061012/FREE/61011004&Search- - - ID=73262427534067
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    He may have known something at that time but that was a month ago and a lot can happen in a month. I will go along with what is being told here in Lansing by news/TV since this is the home for these new vehicles and the 2900 plus people who are building them. Besides it is pretty hard to keep 2900 mouths quiet.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is awesome. If GM brought that now, Acadia and Enclave wouldn't have a chance with me. THat is SPECTACULAR!
    :surprise: :surprise: :surprise: -I'm speechless! WHat I will say is smart move for GM. I bet we will see some concept like this soon. GM's hinting.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Mike says the official line that they are supposed to say.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Come on. Just another clone. No will buy that because it is the same as a GMC/Saturn/Buick. They all look the same. Isn't that what everyone will say?

    BUT, most will have no idea that the above car is on the same platform as a Outlook and most would not care. They would just love it for the styling.
  • gollamgollam Member Posts: 29
    hi guys..new to forum...really like the acadia...but how is gmc in terms of reliability/dependability?..predicted reliability for the acadia?..esp. past warranty?..this will be my first gmc vehicle if i decide to buy...thanks
  • hondafordhondaford Member Posts: 51
    I am with you. I have been a Ford man for years, but their reliability is down. I almost bought a Freestyle when they first came out, but was a little shy about a new model. My neeighbor bought one and turned it in for a huge loss after less than two years. Besides, their social engineering has me turned off.
    The Acadia/Outlook/Enclave looks wonderful on paper. I may lease to avoid being stuck with a lemon. GM has only produced a few good, relaible cars in recent years.
    We keep hearing about this Lansing plant that puts out a good product. I hope they are right.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Didn't think about reliability. but I'm sure (and deeply hope) GM is working hard to make sure reliability will score good. I hope consumer reports (even though I despise them) will rate Acadia well.

    About Saab Lambda: THat's exactlywhat I'm saying. If they make it look good, It will sell. THis could actually hurt Enclave sales. Oh well. Where did he get that picture from? Someone should mail a letter to GM.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    GM has been doing very well in reliability. LaCrosse and Impala have better scores than the Camry/Accord for both long term (3 years) and short term reliability( JD Power). Check out the latest Consumer Reports also. What is hurting GM are the older models such as the rehashed minivans. The latest large SUVs are doing great for reliability at Consumer Reports. It can be variable though as the Cobalt and Solstice are below average.

    Because these are new architectures we cannot be sure untill they are out. BUT, keep in mind that overall all cars are now pretty much even in reliability and the differences are minimal.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    I need an SUV within 3 weeks and am praying the Acadia comes out by then. I was going for the Pilot, but if the Acadia is in the same price range, I may opt for that.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    3 weeks is cutting it close. There may be a few out there though by then. Check with a larger GMC dealer in a metro area.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    yea..well I live in NYC..but the only thing i'm wondering is the leasing price...I find that American companies have way higher leasing prices than the [non-permissible content removed] and euro companies.

    And I want to stay around $400 a month, so I don't even know if I can afford this. I'm gonna make a call tomorrow and see if I can get any info.
  • gollamgollam Member Posts: 29
    hey, guys..just curious...if given the choice, would you guys pick the acadia over the mb?..in terms of value/dependability/reliability/luxury..?...or would it be the mb in terms of just the nameplate?...
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    Kinda hard to compare. The GL450 is in a luxury class, I wouldn't consider the Acadia and Outlook Luxury..the enclave can be entry luxury though.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    MB really has had poor reliability reports from Consumer Reports and JD Power. I would think the price difference for comparable vehicles would be huge?

    Looks like the MB would be much more off road capable if ou want it to be though.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    MB BABY!!! Seriously, I would pick the MB over the Acadia anyday if you had the money since it is a luxury SUV. Another thing that has a large impact on my decision is styling. The Acadia, unless you get the plastic chip-resistant panels in body color, looks hideous IMO. On the inside, the MB wins once again for styling, quality of materials, etc. However, a GL450 can top $70K. An Acadia tops out at around $28K less! That's a HUGE difference. I personally would pick the Enclave over both of them because although the price may come close to or hit the $50K mark loaded, it will be just as good as the MB but look better and return way better MPG. The GL450 isn't really near the Lambda's in terms of price, but it's right with the Enclave on features, so why pay $20K more?
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Saw my first Outlook today on the street. Only got a quick glance because we were going in opposite directions. First thing I saw was the front end and I thought what is that? And then as it went by I thought that is not a very big looking vehicle.

    Looked good to me. Must have been one of the company drive cars that are out now.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Where did I get it from?
    http://www.gminsidenews.com/naias/saabria/9-6x.shtml
    It's a GM Insider Website where they posted their dream lineup for Saab as well as a few other brands.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Phelan: GM Enclave Will Take Its Buyers from Rivals
    Detroit Free Press

    By Marl Phelan

    Nov. 10, 2006

    When the 2008 Buick Enclave goes on sale next year, General Motors Corp. expects up to 40 percent of the new SUV's customers to come from other automakers, Steve Shannon, Buick's general manager, said Thursday.

    GM has not revealed pricing for the midsize model, which uses a car-like structure to provide better fuel economy, more room and more comfort than traditional SUVs like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, the Enclave's targets, the upscale – but smaller – Acura MDX and Lexus RX350, have base prices of $39,995 and $37,400, respectively.

    GM has struggled to attract customers from other brands, but analyst Michael Robinet of Northville-based consultant CSM Worldwide expects the Enclave to succeed.

    "They got a lot of things right on these vehicles," Robinet said of the Enclave and the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook midsize SUVs GM will build at a new assembly plant near Lansing.

    "We think it could be a real good news story for Michigan," Robinet said.

    Buick hasn't said how many Enclaves it expects to sell annually, but industry sources say the number could reach 65,000 to 80,000.

    The Enclave "nails the fact that what Buick brings to the market is important," Shannon said.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    Can anyone guess what the Acadia lease may go for monthly?
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    There are some ways that Benz disappoints me. like no captains chairs for vehicle this size. But I'd definitely get Benz.
    About Saab lambda-from what i read on that site, Gm mite be considering. i mean, why wouldn't they? they've shone the need for a big crossover. I read that Gm mite in Motortrend.Those pics look amazing!
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    At 6:41a.m. this morning a beautiful GMC Acadia was the FIRST FOR SALE vehicle off of the line here in Lansing as shown live on my local TV station. It was followed by a white Outlook. So ladies and gentlemen, the race is on :shades: :P :)
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Usually they stack up the cars until enough are built under full production speed and then inspected to assure they meet quality levels. About 2 weeks from SSP to Ship to Commerce.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    O wow...so can you predict about how long until they hit showrooms? I'm dying here haha
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    I just called a GMC dealership near me and asked what was going on with the Acadias, and they said NEXT fall..
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    O wow...so can you predict about how long until they hit showrooms? I'm dying here haha

    Huhh?

    anyway it looks like they are on schedule and should have a significant number at large dealerships by Dec `15 or so.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    just called a GMC dealership near me and asked what was going on with the Acadias, and they said NEXT fall..

    someone is a bit off. A whole year.
  • hondafordhondaford Member Posts: 51
    The dealers are not on the same page. I went to a GMC dealer yesterday. They said not til January, and they did not even have any brochures.
    Methinks the dealers are not well informed!
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    There will be dealer stock mid december but it will not be huge. Smaller volume dealers will probably not get vehicles until next year. Also GM has learned to underpromise on new vehicle delivery. I can still hear the press when a new vehicle was delayed due to start up issues. Really can kill a new vehicle in the start up gate.

    The biggest dealers will get 2 maybe 3 vehicles this year. It also depends on where you live. The plant should be pretty low volume the first couple of weeks of startup and then they hold them until they are sure everything is ok. And then they have to be shipped long distances by truck.

    OEM's also have different methods of distribution depending on the vehicle. They may decide to send the Acadias to the states where GM sales are weakest like California or east coast. Or they may send to dealers who have the strongest sales country wide.

    We should start seeing driving impressions from the press mid december.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    yea...I figured they wouldn't know too much, I doubt they care to keep up with the news.

    I don't mind waiting until early December, because if it's not the Acadia, I'd end up with the Pilot.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Better say late December or later. I would think most are sold already that are coming in. Could be wrong. Anyway I would be talking to the local dealers and making deals now.
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    well I called 2 and they didn't have any info on it..so I highly doubt they'll make pre-sales..I'd also want to test drive it before I take the leap.
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Well, dealers want to sell what they can NOW. Wonder if they are taking a little gamble that the 'hot' buyer will settle for the old Yukon if they think the Acadia/Outlooks won't be available for a long time. Taking a chance that some buyers will jump on something like the Pilot if the Lambada is not a choice? OTOH, they could just be clueless :-)
  • sasukesasuke Member Posts: 77
    That's another thing...The Acadia, won't it compete with the Yukon? I've never seen a car company make models to compete with itself.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.