I hit the Chicago auto show yesterday. It was definitely busy, but overall it was pretty low key. Saab was there, yet Porsche wasn't. I'd have to say Ford had a very impressive display as far as new and improved product. New Taurus and updated Fusion both look real nice. The Taurus SHO looks real sweet but probably to expensive, though it is a large car with an interesting powertrain.
The only GM division with any foot traffic was Chevy. The Camaro and Corvette area was jammed packed. The Camaro looks cool, but I'm not fond of the interior at all, but people were clamming over them. The Corvette "Stingray" concept was very cool and seemed well received. I didn't even get to see the ZR1, it was just way to crowded to get a look. I was shocked that nothing was there regarding the Volt, it was as if it didn't exist. The Cruze looks really nice and in my opinion is the best looking small GM product... well.. ever.
The Malibu looks like a good car in sea of good cars. They were pretty lonely in terms of floor traffic, but they appear competitive. Buick was dead. They had a 2010 LaCrosse on display and no one was looking at it. I will say the car looks nice except for the front end. IMO, the stick on port holes look stupid. They are basically located on the hood and ruin the clean lines of the car. IMO, the front of the car doesn't look nearly as good in person as it does in pics. This is merely my opinion. I will say it is a huge improvement over the current model.
Pontiac was dead too. The Solstice coupe was very cool looking with some traffic in that area, but basically no one was looking at anything else at Pontiac. They had a G6 GTP that listed over $32k and was butt ugly, a G6 GTP for over $35k. That is crazy and no one was looking at them.
Cadillac had a crowd by the Converj Coupe display. I really didn't get a chance to look at it due to the crowd around it. The CTS had a few lookers and still stands out in the crowd. Though I was seriously disappointed when I sat in the backseat and my head was resting against the roof. WTF, I'm 6'1 and in no way would I want to ride anywhere in the back with my head against the roof. The car looked great otherwise, but I was disappointed with the lack or rear head room in an otherwise impressive car.
Of course the Lambo/Ferrari/Rolls/Bentley areas were packed with dreamers. Mercedes was packed, BMW very crowded, Lexus was pretty slow, as was Infinity and Acura. Nissan was drawing a ton of traffic around the GT-R which looks very cool in person.
Honda and Toyota were relatively slow with very little in terms of anything new or exciting. The new Prius and Insight were on display but they didn't have many lookers and I wasn't interested.
I'll try to post some pics when I get around to getting them off my smartphone. I forgot my camera, so had to make do with the phone. I haven't even checked yet to see how they turned out.
The Stingray was really cool. What stood out at the Chicago show was the low number of concept cars and overall low key mood.
I like the new LaCrosse too. I find the front a bit to busy seeing it in person. 3/4's of the car has really clean lines, then they it appears they had to go overboard with traditional Buick cues and I find it to be a bit to much. I wish GM would have allowed access to the car, it would have been nice to get a close look inside. Ford had the 2010 Taurus on the floor where you could get right up and touch it, but it was locked.
I didn't mention Hyundai, but their area was pretty busy. Lots of people looking at the Genesis and I didn't really get a chance to look at it.
Another car that stood out to me was the VW CC. Say what you will about VW, but that is a sharp looking car inside and out.
Smart was there and that is one car I shake my head at. $18k for that little thing that can barely match the fuel economy VW Jetta TDI! Hell for $18k you can get a real car.
Smart was there and that is one car I shake my head at. $18k for that little thing that can barely match the fuel economy VW Jetta TDI! Hell for $18k you can get a real car.
I don't think it will get close to the actual MPG of the Jetta TDI. We got the dumbed down version of the Smart. The ones sold in Canada were all diesels that got 70 MPG. Why would anyone want one that cannot even beat the Yaris for mileage?
My son in law only paid $12k for his new Yaris that gets 40 MPG consistently.
The Philly show was very low key and the only concept on display was this ugly Jeep I saw last year.
The interior of the new LaCrosse is really nice. The Taurus was too far away to really get a good look. From what I could see, it is the nicest Taurus ever.
Got to sit in the Genesis and the only impression I got is that Hyundai copied the Toyota Avalon.
VWs LOOK good, but beware the VW siren song! I was surprised to find out the new VW minivan is actually built by Chrysler.
Yaris is actually a more sensible purchase than a Smart. Heck, a Corolla or a Civic is more sensible. The Smart is really a boutique car for a showoff who loves the attention.
The Smart is really a boutique car for a showoff who loves the attention.
You have a point there. I've seen a few Smarts on the road and I swear I could run it over with Expedition and hardly notice. If the smart could achieve 40-50 mpg I probably could understand the interest, but $18k for 30-40mpg and no room other than a driver and passenger seat is crazy.
I get low 40s in mine on 90% gasoline. A piggyback and a good, lean tune could probably pull another 5 mpg out of it, as the US-spec ones run rich to begin with.
You must be pretty picky not to like any of these. What do you drive anyway? The FX45 is absolutely the most satisfying vehicle I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot of them.
I heard that a lot when it was new but then it seems like every mgfr has come out with a crossover with the same profile. Fortunately taste are different for us all but anyone who does not like the Infiniti line is in the minority of car nuts. Might not like the price but they are tops in quality and even dealerships
I heard that a lot when it was new but then it seems like every mgfr has come out with a crossover with the same profile. Fortunately taste are different for us all but anyone who does not like the Infiniti line is in the minority of car nuts. Might not like the price but they are tops in quality and even dealerships
I don't know about that. I don't think you are required to like all of the vehicles by a particular manufacturer. I loved the Infiniti G20 (SR20DE based) as it was nice inside and a lot of fun on the track. Then the G35 came out and was a great car, especially the sedan with a 6 speed manual. The coupe was smart, they learned from overbloating the 300ZX into a 2+2 that its a different market, so they made the softer Infiniti G35 coupe to allow the 350Z to have a more focused purpose. I think that is about it for "enthusiasts" and the Infiniti line up. If you want a chubby glorified station wagon, so be it, but I don't think its what "enthusiasts" are wanting. Ditto the really big boys like the M45.
but I don't think its what "enthusiasts" are wanting
I guess you have to join a club and pass some requirements to become an "enthusiasts"? I must not qualify.
I had a 350Z at the same time as the FX. Got rid of the Z because to tell you the truth the FX was as much fun to drive and it could haul my stuff too.
C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 5.2 sec Zero to 100 mph: 12.6 sec Zero to 130 mph: 23.5 sec Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.6 sec Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 104 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 169 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
FX35
Curb weight: 4046 lb (rwd/base)
TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec Zero to 100 mph: N/A sec Zero to 130 mph: N/A sec Street start, 5-60 mph: N/A sec Standing ¼-mile: 15.5 sec @ 91 mph Braking, 60-0 mph: 123 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
Yup, bigger, slower, heavier, sounds like a blast.
That said, I didn't mean to sound so elitist about being an enthusiast. There are different things people get excited about. If its fun to drive for you because it has a higher seating position and a more commanding view of the road (and holds more stuff) that is a good enough justification. If someone gets excited about how far they can drive on a gallon of gas, they are an enthusiast as well.
I *personally* equate my enthusiasm to vehicle dynamics and driving performance. I like things like low weight, good hp to wt ratios, handling (cornering ability over ride quality) and reasonable throws on manual transmissions. Everyone gets their own criteria.
I had an FX 45. Not quite as fast as the Z but a lot better than the FX35.
I *personally* equate my enthusiasm to vehicle dynamics and driving performance.
Your personal "equation" for defining an enthusiast may work for you well.
Websters simply defines it as: "person filled with enthusiasm: as a: one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit b: one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest "
Certainly owning a sports car can put one in that classification. Me I'm also a hybrid enthusiast. I'm simply a car enthusiast and the FX when it first came out was the leading edge of sport crossovers. I simply enjoyed it for what it was.
So what kind of enthusiast car are you driving lil'boy?
It's a shame the Solstice Coupe is so small. I would think that would be a nice ride but today's ecomomy puts toys out of the reach of many and a car, even a sports car needs to be useful.
So what kind of enthusiast car are you driving lil'boy?
If you are really that curious, I have an '07 Accord stick. Do I like it? No not really, it was the wrong car for me to buy. Was it the best value that met my NEEDS at the time? Probably.
Now I just want out. I am looking for a used MazdaSpeed6 as that is what I should've bought in the first place. I also like the Civic SI sedan but I am not as excited about it as they are proud of it.
I thank you for being a hybrid enthusiast, the world will appreciate it. Right now I am just thankful I don't have to drive one. I didn't know how much I liked the Accord until I spent 3 weeks in a Prius.
Oh, and what was your point with all the other stuff about being an enthusiast, are we agreeing?
Small? The Solstice looks like someone tried to stuff a G6 into the box for a Miata, and it came out superdeformed. Oversized wheels and overstuffed body. A fat, bloated parody of a roadster.
Your personal "equation" for defining an enthusiast may work for you well.
I agree. I personally like several of the sports cars out there. I just am too practical to buy one. I usually end up buying a PU truck or an SUV. Have not bought a car since 1978. And it was a POC Honda Accord for my wife. I would consider a small diesel or Electric vehicle as a runabout. For trips it will be an SUV preferably a diesel. The best handling non Porsche I have ever driven is the new BMW X5 35d. I doubt the Japanese or Domestics have much to keep up with it. And it is assembled in the USA. Maybe the Corvette. Just as long as it is a smooth road. It would be stuck where I take a vehicle in the desert.
Never drove a Solstice. Sat in one and noticed the thick A pillar, which I do not care for, the brake pedal is to high in relationship to the gas pedal, it has no roll bar, you sit low, as the doors window sills are almost chin high, the wheel do look to large and heavy, and the top seemed to require more effort than the Miata to put up and take down. The top actually looked like an afterthought. That said, the car looks great overall. The coupe' will look great too! Since the couple follows the drop top, it actually will weigh more and cost about the same = this is a drive in reverse :-)) It will add a roll over protection, which is good. The over the shoulder view for driver will still be zero, I would think. It is perhaps the best looking car, I would not buy. GM has the Corvette. I do like the C5 era Vette and the C4 are good values and clean looking. The new C6 is something I am no as sure about. On the plus side is a great car, but the minus is only a feeling of the car losing the Vette look. Personal hang-up perhaps? I do still like it -- maybe growing on me now? But then again, I was a sucker for the Sting Ray and the 70's look. Guess another value car, in a USA sporty class is the Mustang. The new Challenger looks too tall and wide and well fat!
Looks like it is the end of Chrysler and GM as we know it today. Wonder if bankruptcy is no more than days away? Looks like the Union is not going to try to save their workers jobs by way of reducing wages. What will the reorganized company of GM look like? Is it Cadillac, Corvette and a few specialty cars? Chrysler, I assume sells Jeep, then retires into history. Who really knows. It would seem that throwing a few more billion into the mix would have little effect, except for delaying the inevitable. Sure miss the great years between mid-sixties and earliest seventies, when the US had cool cars, with outstanding style. Long live Ford! Save the Vette! :shades:
declare bankruptcy, then all we are doing is giving them money to continue to pay for the bloated UAW costs, but the gov't can make it look like they are supporting the COMPANY, not the union...
However, as GM still lays off more and more workers, the foreclosures will continue to rise and we are playing a shell game, trying to fool everybody...
At least in Chapter 11, everything should be documented, they will still shed the legacy costs, but they can also void any contract (think UAW) and start over just like any other company that went thru bankruptcy (think Kmart, Delta, Continental, etc)...
Either way, the foreclosures will increase for those whose jobs are lost, but they will be lost either way it is done...but under an 11, they can hire back only what they really need, and if anyone who has worked the japanese system, they can do it with only 1/3 the workers they have NOW, simply by voiding union work rules, which is what got them into this in the first place...
If they had been run like a Japanese company with only 1/3 the workers for the same production (think: union featherbedding) they would only have 1/3 the payroll and only 1/3 the legacy costs...but, since they allowed the payrolls to swell over the last 30 years, they have legacy costs that they simply cannot pay...
Plus, future workers should have 401K so that they fund their retirement, not the company...let GM match out of any future profits they have, and I absolutely believe that if they restructure to a better business model like Honda, they WILL be profitable...
Once again, people see GM as a creator of jobs...it is not and never should have been...it's primary business is the creator of profit...out of profit may comes jobs...never the other way around...union people think that GM was established solely as a place for the UAW to suck dry...and, the way it was done, they were right...now, it is time to kill the UAW and close that stupid chapter in auto manufacturing, and move onto the better model...
That is what will make buying American cars worthwhile again, when the product is better because the employee will be better...no union, no welfare attitude...it is amazing the quality of work you get from someone who can be fired tomorrow for poor workmanship...in the UAW, poor workmanship is applauded, and they cannot get rid of you for at least 2 years, while you continue to make junk...
lol, gallows humor can be ... funny. There's a threat though - run the automakers into bankruptcy and we'll send the laid off workers to the Deep South. A reverse Katrina migration.
Actually there is a move in Hawaii to send people back to where they came from with a one way ticket. Seems their welfare roles are bursting at the seams. Like states that have given criminals one way tickets back to the state they came from. We should send all unemployed workers to their state or country of origin. The place they were born should foot the bill for their welfare.
HONOLULU -- Some Hawaii lawmakers said state government could save a lot of money if taxpayers funded one way plane tickets to send homeless back to the Mainland.
Even private social service agencies support the idea of transporting the homeless home and a bill advanced in the legislature Wednesday to do just that.
Up to 40 percent of Hawaii's homeless are estimated to be from other places.
Actually there is a move in Hawaii to send people back to where they came from with a one way ticket. Seems their welfare roles are bursting at the seams. Like states that have given criminals one way tickets back to the state they came from. We should send all unemployed workers to their state or country of origin. The place they were born should foot the bill for their welfare.
that might set a precedent for California to do the same with everyone who doesn't have the appropriate visa or citizenship status. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, just noting the issue.
Those must be the well-to-do homeless, as plane tickets to Hawaii aren't cheap.
As for the comment about shipping the unemployed to Sen. Shelby's home state - last time I checked, he isn't the reason these people are facing unemployment. Unless Congressional Republicans have been secretly running GM these past 30 or so years. :confuse:
It's amazing that, as these companies face bankruptcy, their fate is still everyone elses' fault.
So far, the list of people and organizations to blame for the domestic car makers' plight now includes...Consumer Reports,Car and Driver,The New York Times, environmentalists, Toyota, people who buy foreign vehicles, the Chinese, Wal-Mart and its greeters, and now Congressional Republicans.
Strangely, everyone but management and the UAW.
The list just keeps expanding...I wonder when posters on Edmunds.com who oppose the bailout will be added to the list?
Will we then be required to house an unemployed auto worker?
The truth is that Shelby is doing his job in representing the people of Alabama. Why should the auto workers in his state pay to prop up the losers in Michigan. Makes no sense at all. Helping the weak survive only breeds a Weak Nation.
Management has MBAs. In the fine print on the degree, it says (among other legalese indemnifying them against anything) "Past performance is no guarantee of future success."
" Helping the weak survive only breeds a Weak Nation. "
If that's true, the US needs to reform its foreign aid, especially to places that are not economically self-sufficient, such as Israel. Billions (or period equivalents) pissed away each year for more than half a century, with nothing given in return but needless wars and globalization. Think of what that money could do at home.
Looks like it is the end of Chrysler and GM as we know it today. I rented Chrysler Compass 2 days ago, for minor off road ride....big mistake!!! Horrible engine, sluggish trans, weak breaks. I don't understand who will buy this ugly and useless car.
Why not?? Thanks to programs like Section 8, HIS constituents have been coming up north (or to places like Hawaii) because they pay more in welfare benefits. Section 8 covers a good portion of the rent, so that negates the cost of living hikes for living up here.
I would look for cuts by the states on many programs. We just had dinner with a lady that is an SSI officer. She said CA is cutting their portion of SSI as of May 1st and again July 1st. A single person can get a max now of $906 per month and that will be cut by $30+ this year. It is hard to find a rental for that much. And section 8 has a long wait list here. In Hawaii section 8 wait is over 4 years.
Not sure what it all has to do with buying American. A lot of folks will not be buying American or foreign cars with this economy.
I was just replying to the comment you made about Shelby:
"The truth is that Shelby is doing his job in representing the people of Alabama. Why should the auto workers in his state pay to prop up the losers in Michigan. Makes no sense at all. Helping the weak survive only breeds a Weak Nation."
I agree that welfare payments should be curtailed for abusers. What also would make sense is, that unless you can prove residency say w/in the last 5 (maybe 10) years in a state, that you must wait a year or 18 months before applying for welfare (or prove that you were gainfully employed at the time of moving to your new state). This will stop abuses.
People in states like Michigan have been paying to prop up the losers from states like Shelby's for years now. Payback is a female dog.
People in states like Michigan have been paying to prop up the losers from states like Shelby's for years now.
Sadly all tax payers have been subsidizing losers and con artists forever. Trying to decide which state is screwing US the worst would be difficult. My only point is flailing on Shelby or any other Senator that does not believe in the bailouts for the D3 is kind of futile. Quite frankly I believe the American Public is against all these bailouts. If it was put up to a Democratic Vote.
unless you can prove residency
Alaska tried that with their Permanent Fund and was shot down in the Supreme Court. Most programs like disability and section 8 housing take months or even years to get.
I know two people who recently said something along those lines, however, it didn't have anything to do with competitiveness. Both of them said that they just wouldn't feel right buying a foreign brand, with the domestic companies in such distress right now. So it was almost more an issue of not wanting to kick 'em when they're down, so to speak, than going with what they may perceive to be better quality.
One of the people was a friend of mine, who has a 2005 Silverado, and the other was my uncle, who has a 1997 Silverado and a 2003 Corolla.
Unfortunately, neither of these people is in the position to buy a new car anytime soon, so they're not going to help anybody, D3 or otherwise.
Yeah, and I can't save the doemstic industry on my own either. That 2010 LaCrosse looks AWESOME, but if my Park Ave is any example, girlfriend's LaCrosse could last for over 20 years as well. I could make the excuse that my Park Ave is old and get a 2010 LaCrosse for myself, but I'd be stretching my budget wafer thin since I still am paying for my Caddy. Truth is, my next car will probably be another hooptie.
Reminds me of the 1991 Fleetwood we saw at the last Fall Carlisle. Fortunately, I left my checkbook at home.
Remember the story about the guy who had Edsels all over his property? Maybe you can be the guy with all the R-bodies on your property? Funny, when I was a kid, a neighbor bought a new St. Regis and I thought "He must be rich!"
Comments
The only GM division with any foot traffic was Chevy. The Camaro and Corvette area was jammed packed. The Camaro looks cool, but I'm not fond of the interior at all, but people were clamming over them. The Corvette "Stingray" concept was very cool and seemed well received. I didn't even get to see the ZR1, it was just way to crowded to get a look. I was shocked that nothing was there regarding the Volt, it was as if it didn't exist. The Cruze looks really nice and in my opinion is the best looking small GM product... well.. ever.
The Malibu looks like a good car in sea of good cars. They were pretty lonely in terms of floor traffic, but they appear competitive. Buick was dead. They had a 2010 LaCrosse on display and no one was looking at it. I will say the car looks nice except for the front end. IMO, the stick on port holes look stupid. They are basically located on the hood and ruin the clean lines of the car. IMO, the front of the car doesn't look nearly as good in person as it does in pics. This is merely my opinion. I will say it is a huge improvement over the current model.
Pontiac was dead too. The Solstice coupe was very cool looking with some traffic in that area, but basically no one was looking at anything else at Pontiac. They had a G6 GTP that listed over $32k and was butt ugly, a G6 GTP for over $35k. That is crazy and no one was looking at them.
Cadillac had a crowd by the Converj Coupe display. I really didn't get a chance to look at it due to the crowd around it. The CTS had a few lookers and still stands out in the crowd. Though I was seriously disappointed when I sat in the backseat and my head was resting against the roof. WTF, I'm 6'1 and in no way would I want to ride anywhere in the back with my head against the roof. The car looked great otherwise, but I was disappointed with the lack or rear head room in an otherwise impressive car.
Of course the Lambo/Ferrari/Rolls/Bentley areas were packed with dreamers. Mercedes was packed, BMW very crowded, Lexus was pretty slow, as was Infinity and Acura. Nissan was drawing a ton of traffic around the GT-R which looks very cool in person.
Honda and Toyota were relatively slow with very little in terms of anything new or exciting. The new Prius and Insight were on display but they didn't have many lookers and I wasn't interested.
I'll try to post some pics when I get around to getting them off my smartphone. I forgot my camera, so had to make do with the phone. I haven't even checked yet to see how they turned out.
Stingray Concept
Stingray from different angle
2010 Taurus SHO
Nissan GT-R
Solstice Coupe
Sorry it's blurry, but this shows how busy Chevy's display area was:
Challenger SRT
The Stingray was really cool. What stood out at the Chicago show was the low number of concept cars and overall low key mood.
I like the new LaCrosse too. I find the front a bit to busy seeing it in person. 3/4's of the car has really clean lines, then they it appears they had to go overboard with traditional Buick cues and I find it to be a bit to much. I wish GM would have allowed access to the car, it would have been nice to get a close look inside. Ford had the 2010 Taurus on the floor where you could get right up and touch it, but it was locked.
I didn't mention Hyundai, but their area was pretty busy. Lots of people looking at the Genesis and I didn't really get a chance to look at it.
Another car that stood out to me was the VW CC. Say what you will about VW, but that is a sharp looking car inside and out.
Smart was there and that is one car I shake my head at. $18k for that little thing that can barely match the fuel economy VW Jetta TDI! Hell for $18k you can get a real car.
I don't think it will get close to the actual MPG of the Jetta TDI. We got the dumbed down version of the Smart. The ones sold in Canada were all diesels that got 70 MPG. Why would anyone want one that cannot even beat the Yaris for mileage?
My son in law only paid $12k for his new Yaris that gets 40 MPG consistently.
The interior of the new LaCrosse is really nice. The Taurus was too far away to really get a good look. From what I could see, it is the nicest Taurus ever.
Got to sit in the Genesis and the only impression I got is that Hyundai copied the Toyota Avalon.
VWs LOOK good, but beware the VW siren song! I was surprised to find out the new VW minivan is actually built by Chrysler.
Beats me, a Yaris is lemo sized compared to the Smart.
You have a point there. I've seen a few Smarts on the road and I swear I could run it over with Expedition and hardly notice. If the smart could achieve 40-50 mpg I probably could understand the interest, but $18k for 30-40mpg and no room other than a driver and passenger seat is crazy.
Satifying? doubt it. Ugly? DEFINATLEY!
I heard that a lot when it was new but then it seems like every mgfr has come out with a crossover with the same profile. Fortunately taste are different for us all but anyone who does not like the Infiniti line is in the minority of car nuts. Might not like the price but they are tops in quality and even dealerships
I don't know about that. I don't think you are required to like all of the vehicles by a particular manufacturer. I loved the Infiniti G20 (SR20DE based) as it was nice inside and a lot of fun on the track. Then the G35 came out and was a great car, especially the sedan with a 6 speed manual. The coupe was smart, they learned from overbloating the 300ZX into a 2+2 that its a different market, so they made the softer Infiniti G35 coupe to allow the 350Z to have a more focused purpose. I think that is about it for "enthusiasts" and the Infiniti line up. If you want a chubby glorified station wagon, so be it, but I don't think its what "enthusiasts" are wanting. Ditto the really big boys like the M45.
I guess you have to join a club and pass some requirements to become an "enthusiasts"? I must not qualify.
I had a 350Z at the same time as the FX. Got rid of the Z because to tell you the truth the FX was as much fun to drive and it could haul my stuff too.
Curb weight: 3340 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.6 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 23.5 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 104 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 169 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
FX35
Curb weight: 4046 lb (rwd/base)
TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: N/A sec
Zero to 130 mph: N/A sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: N/A sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.5 sec @ 91 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: 123 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g
Yup, bigger, slower, heavier, sounds like a blast.
That said, I didn't mean to sound so elitist about being an enthusiast. There are different things people get excited about. If its fun to drive for you because it has a higher seating position and a more commanding view of the road (and holds more stuff) that is a good enough justification. If someone gets excited about how far they can drive on a gallon of gas, they are an enthusiast as well.
I *personally* equate my enthusiasm to vehicle dynamics and driving performance. I like things like low weight, good hp to wt ratios, handling (cornering ability over ride quality) and reasonable throws on manual transmissions. Everyone gets their own criteria.
I *personally* equate my enthusiasm to vehicle dynamics and driving performance.
Your personal "equation" for defining an enthusiast may work for you well.
Websters simply defines it as: "person filled with enthusiasm: as a: one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit b: one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest "
Certainly owning a sports car can put one in that classification. Me I'm also a hybrid enthusiast. I'm simply a car enthusiast and the FX when it first came out was the leading edge of sport crossovers. I simply enjoyed it for what it was.
So what kind of enthusiast car are you driving lil'boy?
If you are really that curious, I have an '07 Accord stick. Do I like it? No not really, it was the wrong car for me to buy. Was it the best value that met my NEEDS at the time? Probably.
Now I just want out. I am looking for a used MazdaSpeed6 as that is what I should've bought in the first place. I also like the Civic SI sedan but I am not as excited about it as they are proud of it.
I thank you for being a hybrid enthusiast, the world will appreciate it. Right now I am just thankful I don't have to drive one. I didn't know how much I liked the Accord until I spent 3 weeks in a Prius.
Oh, and what was your point with all the other stuff about being an enthusiast, are we agreeing?
I agree. I personally like several of the sports cars out there. I just am too practical to buy one. I usually end up buying a PU truck or an SUV. Have not bought a car since 1978. And it was a POC Honda Accord for my wife. I would consider a small diesel or Electric vehicle as a runabout. For trips it will be an SUV preferably a diesel. The best handling non Porsche I have ever driven is the new BMW X5 35d. I doubt the Japanese or Domestics have much to keep up with it. And it is assembled in the USA. Maybe the Corvette. Just as long as it is a smooth road. It would be stuck where I take a vehicle in the desert.
Top Republicans Call for GM to Declare Bankruptcy (Fox News).
However, as GM still lays off more and more workers, the foreclosures will continue to rise and we are playing a shell game, trying to fool everybody...
At least in Chapter 11, everything should be documented, they will still shed the legacy costs, but they can also void any contract (think UAW) and start over just like any other company that went thru bankruptcy (think Kmart, Delta, Continental, etc)...
Either way, the foreclosures will increase for those whose jobs are lost, but they will be lost either way it is done...but under an 11, they can hire back only what they really need, and if anyone who has worked the japanese system, they can do it with only 1/3 the workers they have NOW, simply by voiding union work rules, which is what got them into this in the first place...
If they had been run like a Japanese company with only 1/3 the workers for the same production (think: union featherbedding) they would only have 1/3 the payroll and only 1/3 the legacy costs...but, since they allowed the payrolls to swell over the last 30 years, they have legacy costs that they simply cannot pay...
Plus, future workers should have 401K so that they fund their retirement, not the company...let GM match out of any future profits they have, and I absolutely believe that if they restructure to a better business model like Honda, they WILL be profitable...
Once again, people see GM as a creator of jobs...it is not and never should have been...it's primary business is the creator of profit...out of profit may comes jobs...never the other way around...union people think that GM was established solely as a place for the UAW to suck dry...and, the way it was done, they were right...now, it is time to kill the UAW and close that stupid chapter in auto manufacturing, and move onto the better model...
That is what will make buying American cars worthwhile again, when the product is better because the employee will be better...no union, no welfare attitude...it is amazing the quality of work you get from someone who can be fired tomorrow for poor workmanship...in the UAW, poor workmanship is applauded, and they cannot get rid of you for at least 2 years, while you continue to make junk...
HONOLULU -- Some Hawaii lawmakers said state government could save a lot of money if taxpayers funded one way plane tickets to send homeless back to the Mainland.
Even private social service agencies support the idea of transporting the homeless home and a bill advanced in the legislature Wednesday to do just that.
Up to 40 percent of Hawaii's homeless are estimated to be from other places.
that might set a precedent for California to do the same with everyone who doesn't have the appropriate visa or citizenship status. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not, just noting the issue.
Well, I guess if I were to become homeless, Hawaii wouldn't be a bad place to sleep on the streets.
As for the comment about shipping the unemployed to Sen. Shelby's home state - last time I checked, he isn't the reason these people are facing unemployment. Unless Congressional Republicans have been secretly running GM these past 30 or so years. :confuse:
It's amazing that, as these companies face bankruptcy, their fate is still everyone elses' fault.
So far, the list of people and organizations to blame for the domestic car makers' plight now includes...Consumer Reports, Car and Driver, The New York Times, environmentalists, Toyota, people who buy foreign vehicles, the Chinese, Wal-Mart and its greeters, and now Congressional Republicans.
Strangely, everyone but management and the UAW.
The list just keeps expanding...I wonder when posters on Edmunds.com who oppose the bailout will be added to the list?
Will we then be required to house an unemployed auto worker?
Management has MBAs. In the fine print on the degree, it says (among other legalese indemnifying them against anything) "Past performance is no guarantee of future success."
If that's true, the US needs to reform its foreign aid, especially to places that are not economically self-sufficient, such as Israel. Billions (or period equivalents) pissed away each year for more than half a century, with nothing given in return but needless wars and globalization. Think of what that money could do at home.
I rented Chrysler Compass 2 days ago, for minor off road ride....big mistake!!!
Horrible engine, sluggish trans, weak breaks. I don't understand who will buy this ugly and useless car.
Not sure what it all has to do with buying American. A lot of folks will not be buying American or foreign cars with this economy.
"The truth is that Shelby is doing his job in representing the people of Alabama. Why should the auto workers in his state pay to prop up the losers in Michigan. Makes no sense at all. Helping the weak survive only breeds a Weak Nation."
I agree that welfare payments should be curtailed for abusers. What also would make sense is, that unless you can prove residency say w/in the last 5 (maybe 10) years in a state, that you must wait a year or 18 months before applying for welfare (or prove that you were gainfully employed at the time of moving to your new state). This will stop abuses.
People in states like Michigan have been paying to prop up the losers from states like Shelby's for years now. Payback is a female dog.
Sadly all tax payers have been subsidizing losers and con artists forever. Trying to decide which state is screwing US the worst would be difficult. My only point is flailing on Shelby or any other Senator that does not believe in the bailouts for the D3 is kind of futile. Quite frankly I believe the American Public is against all these bailouts. If it was put up to a Democratic Vote.
unless you can prove residency
Alaska tried that with their Permanent Fund and was shot down in the Supreme Court. Most programs like disability and section 8 housing take months or even years to get.
I am sure you are aware that Ford didn't take any federal funds.
Maybe its because for 2/3. their products are getting more competitive.
One of the people was a friend of mine, who has a 2005 Silverado, and the other was my uncle, who has a 1997 Silverado and a 2003 Corolla.
Unfortunately, neither of these people is in the position to buy a new car anytime soon, so they're not going to help anybody, D3 or otherwise.
We wouldn't know you without the Park Avenue.....
And lately I've been hearing the siren song of a '79 St. Regis located just south of Harrisburg, PA. :P
Remember the story about the guy who had Edsels all over his property? Maybe you can be the guy with all the R-bodies on your property? Funny, when I was a kid, a neighbor bought a new St. Regis and I thought "He must be rich!"