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Comments
This is how simple is done:
I still have an issue with the climate control... just way too much going on... separate control for everything. I prefer digital, or at least more compact.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
For some reason, GM seems to have had a fetish with that for years. I remember on the 80's Monte Carlo SuperSports with the floor shifter, there were no labels on the console. Made it look kinda odd, like it was missing something. It still had the PRNDL up with the gauges though.
Does the Impala have a dual-zone climate control? Maybe that's one reason the one pictured above seemed a bit fussier than it needed to be.
Actually, I think most climate controls these days are fussier than they need to be. I kinda like the old Chrysler system of the late 70's/80's, where you had a lever to select your fan speed, another to select your temperature, and then buttons to push for Max AC, AC, heater, defrost, etc. The only thing that wasn't intuitive was for fresh air vents...for that you pressed the AC or Bi-Level (Chrysler sometimes called it Hi-Lo) button, and then pulled the button back out. That would keep the fan running, but turn the a/c off.
My rental G6 for my recent Southwestern trip also had this -- bravo. Same for my former '97 Camry and current '04 Camry LE. My '05 Camry XLE has a fancy auto climate control, which isn't quite as intuitive.
But I had the same problem as Kirstie with the trip computer/odometer -- too many buttons to fiddle with, as opposed to a stalk on the speedo itself. And I was using one trip meter for gas mileage and the other to keep track of accumulated miles.
Take "Grandma's" car, the Ford Five Hundred (soon to be Taurus): tons of interior room and trunk space. Honest seating for five. Compare with the Chrysler 300 -- sure it
iswas a head-turner, but that center transmission/driveshaft hump makes the rear center position nearly useless for an adult. And the trunk space is severely compromised because the spare tire can't be hidden in a deep well.Loren
The fastest I ever took the Seville STS around that same curve was in the high 90's and the Magneride held it pretty darn good for being such a big car. the stabilitrack kicked in as I had a lil tire slip from the gravel.
I know it's probably not the safest place to test a car at it's limits but I have always been a little bit of a dare devil.
Rocky
I noticed those differences as well, between the 500 and 300. However, in addition to the space efficiency of the FWD, I think that a lot of the increased interior room is simply because of the way the 500 is styled. The 300 seems to have a lower roof, as well as a lower decklid. The 500's seating position is upright and kind of close to the firewall, more like a pickup truck than a passenger car. I found it to be a bit tight for my legs, and less comfy than the 300.
Isn't the 500 offered as an AWD model? It would be interesting to compare the center spot in one of those to the 300. Also, since the 300 has an independent rear suspension, which means no driveshaft travel like with a live rear axle, they were able to move the gas tank under the back seat, just like in an FWD car. It just kind of wraps down under the driveshaft. Then, with the gas tank ahead of the axle, they were able to get the spare tire under the trunk floor, just like on most FWD cars.
I found it usually very easy to operate and get the right temps. But I have not driven a newer Impala with the system; I drove other GMs. I like my button-operated systems on my cars with computers operating the HVAC, but earlier cars were very stable.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I really do appreciate you honest review and there are a lot of likes with our Impala. I like the 3800 V6 as it is really fuel efficient and has plenty of power when I need it. Since I baught it used it is very economical also as a family sedan to carry around 2 little ones and have plenty of room. The Trunk is huge which is good for us as we carry strollers, diaper bags, etc, with us.
The great thing is Kirstie, is we are really getting a lot of choices and when I do buy my next new automobile whatever that might be I will have a very very hard decision to make. I think that is a good thing, I think ? :surprise:
Have you driven a new Aura, yet ?
Rocky
Have fun - be safe doing it.
Loren
I do like the way they spruced up the interior on the '06 though, and while the exterior styling is less distinct, I think it's more attractive.
I'm curious to see the '08 Malibu when it comes out. I've seen the concept car on the auto show circuit, and it looks promising.
Rocky
really ? I have sat in the back of my Impala, once to play with my daughter and found the room more than adequate. I guess being married to a women who I consider a dwarf in height I had probably a few extra inches than normal.
Rocky
Something is just wrong about those last two names. First, when asked what car you are driving at the hotel check-in, you have to sort spit the name Buick, then come up with Velite or worse than that Enclave. I like Lucerne (Safeway liked the name too), as you could nickname the car the Lucy. I love Lucy! LeSabre was better than the LaCrosse. And more fitting with the Velite. Meet ya at the Starbucks Enclave tonight. :shades:
Loren
Loren
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Maybe all the good "Western" names like Durango, Santa Fe, and Silverado were already taken and "Winslow" or "Tucumcari" wouldn't cut it?
Then again, they could have resurrected "Electra" if the name had to start with an "E."
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Rocky
Rocky
You don't get my point. You said
Your logic is flawed. People will buy good vehicles regardless of what the brand USED to stand for if they like the vehicles enough.
I used the Phaeton to illustrate that brand image matters. If the Phaeton had a Mercedes or Lexus badge on it it would have sold much better. Give me a break, it's obvious the market cares about reputation and image of a brand. Part of first year MBA school.
Loren
Rocky
Enclave is better. ;-)
Hey Rock, did you buy your Impala new or used? Just curious if you have the new one or the one with the four big round taillights.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
the Impala LS btw is a 2004 model. Plum with grey leather, sunroof, spoiler, alloys. It's a pretty nice car as it is what the boss wanted. It will be her car after our strike is over and I go buy something else. I'm going to buy a work car and then go buy a brand new car hopefully by the 2009 MY
Rocky
Rocky
http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/AUTO01/704260344/- 1148
Rocky
But then, what do you expect from someone who said only last year "We have been #1 for 70 years, and we will be #1 for another 70 years to come". I sure hope this guy does not jeopardize GM's future to prove the statement he made was right.
DETROIT -- A key investor in Delphi Corp .'s plan to exit bankruptcy protection says it has not pulled out of the deal as expected by the troubled auto parts supplier. Delphi officials said April 19 that the company had been told that Cerberus Capital Management LP would leave a consortium of investors who would pump up to $3.4 billion into the company in exchange for new shares of Delphi stock. Nearly a week later, Cerberus spokeswoman J.J. Rissi in New York said that has not happened. "There has not been any decision made," she said Wednesday.
Rocky
-Did you not read it throughly as he clearly says it was the right thing to do to give up fleet sales. :confuse:
Rocky
That's true, which makes me wonder what all the buzz about retaining to #1 is about. How is he going to do it? We have to admit that Wagoner is very concerned about it that he thought of buying Chrysler, which would have been a stupid thing to do. That's your strategy of remaining #1. Adding more brands would ensure keeping the position, even if you cut back fleet sales. Never mind if it is disastrous on the long term.
I don't think Wagoners main concern was to remain #1 but I'm sure it was a important issue with him. He was a Duke basketball player and is obviously very competitive. I think he saw potential in Chrysler. If I was in his position I would of took a close look. The problem is their is no prestige in Chysler. The trucks have loyal buyer and so do some models of Jeeps, but overall it would take billions to reshape the brands.
Wagoner, has enough problems with his own brands like Pontiac, that need special attention. If they would get Pontiac, to be a RWD performance brand it might deserve to live. Pontiac, should be a competitor in gadgetology contenet to the entry-level luxury cars Acura TL/RL, Infiniti G35/M45 and of course Lincoln. The brand doesn't need wood trims interiors but could use some aluminum and maybe some fauz carbon fiber to add a sport flair. The perfect interior I can think of for Pontiac, is the current Acura TL. The G8, reminds me of what a modern day sport's car interior should look like.
I like where Buick, is headed as long as they get to the finish line. I like the concepts I've seen and the Enclave, is a great start for the future. Buick, needs some RWD cars as well and I still think a RWD Lucerne and a mid-size Buick Velite Sedan/Convertible can complete the line-up It would be 4 models in the Buick stable. I do think Pontiac, needs to use the Holden Statesman as a Bonneville replacment and keep the price under $40K for a fully loaded version. I'd put in the 3.6 V6 300 hp engine in the Bonneville and make a GXP version with the Ultra V8. I think it's possible to make this work. The RWD Ultra V8 Lucerne, could move up market and start at $45K. The Velite could start out at $35K and top out in the mid $40's. The Convertible could top out in the mid-high $40K range. The LaCrosse could be axed. What I'd still like to see is a Cadillac BLS size Buick, make production. Something ultra luxurious and very fuel efficient with perhaps a turbo 4 out of the soltice/sky making around 260 hp. and of course a hybrid.
Saturn, is doing great. No need to change focus besides maybe open a few more dealerships in area's that closed.
Chevy looks to be doing better. It will be great once it get's the 08' Malibu and 09' RWD Impala, to the market.
Saab, on paper looks to have plans but until I see them I will just wonder. :surprise: :confuse: I myself could make Saab, into a strong seller. They just need to focus better. I for one would make the brand have RWD and a new state of the art AWD system that incorporates 4WS. The brand needs to be unique or die IMHO.
Hummer, has the H3 SUT coming. They need to power all hummers with diesel engines IMHO to keep fuel economy up. Well I suppose the H3 could get away with a hybrid motor.
GMC, needs some unique models. It could be a upscale chevy division and offer brand unique features. The Denali trim works but their is lots of room for improvement. Like on the Yukons, I'd have features like height adjustable suspension's, HD Radio, Maybe Satelitte TV, etc to get middle-upper middle class family's in the show room.
That is my $0.02
Rocky
Of course you didn't point that out to her having been educated in marriage maintenance skills in the early years.
I found there were some colors that were great on that car. Red is good, burgundy is good, plum is good, black is good... It's just a pleasant pallete. I also like the body color covers over the rear lights surrounds that leave only the round openings.
That car is a great example of a car that serves most buyers well. A few have comments about width in rear and leg room rear probably due to the W-body shape which is that way for who knows why. I still feel if it said HonYotaDai on the car it would get fewer comments on its deficiencies (which are real in those cases).
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The SE includes 16" alloy wheels, according to the Honda USA web site. I don't see a distinction between painted or whatnot. Most alloys are at least clearcoated nowadays though, so I fail to see a distinction between 17" alloys and 16" 'painted' alloy wheels. I'd be highly surprised if whatever size Honda alloys you might be able to get with any Accord trim aren't 'painted', at the very least with clearcoat. In fact, I recall early 90's SE accords in parking lots with chipped finishes on those alloys being fairly common.
Anyway, between this, and the fact that the SE *does not* have 17's, I guess Honda doesn't win this one.
So GM has acknowledged Audi as a leader. What's this got to do with the steering wheel in the Accord versus the one in the Lacrosse though?
Trunk hinges- used rarely? You smoking the good stuff? Most people that buy a "family sedan" use the trunk. Often for the regular shopping trip and grocery runs. Speaking directly from LOTS of experience gained before I became a minivan / truck only household, it's fairly often that hinges have to be accounted for when loading the trunk. Smashed bread and eggs don't go down well around my house. Nor to broken items or torn giftwrapping during the holiday visit to relatives!
I'm 6'3", and a little extra long in the legs, more average in the torso, so usually I have to watch for legroom more than headroom. The Impala's probably fine for most people, and I did think the front seat was comfy. But by the time I had the seat back all the way, it turned the seating position right behind me into an inhospitable torture chamber.
I remember in the previous generation, the Impala felt roomier in the back than the Aurora/Century/Regal, which in turn felt roomier than the Grand Prix. Nowadays though, the Impala, LaCrosse, and Grand Prix all felt about the same in the back, although the rear doors seem to be tighter on the LaCrosse and Grand Prix, making it harder to get in and out.
Still, I guess if I found a good enough deal on a used W-body and needed a car, it wouldn't be a total deal breaker. If nothing else, I guess having a car with a cramped back seat would get me out of being volunteered to drive during big family get togethers and such!
Back in late 2003, my Dad wanted to get a car, after relying on public transportation for eons. We found a used '03 Regal that had been a rental, and had about 19,500 miles on it. It was $10,995. Heck, I told him that if he didn't buy it, I would!
It's been a good car so far. I think he only has about 40,000 miles on it now, so most likely the kinds of problems it develops will be more age related than mileage. Lately though he's been second-guessing himself on the car, and thinks that maybe there was something wrong with it, and that's why it was so cheap! But it's been over 3 1/2 years now. I think if it was hiding any problems, they would've surfaced by now!
the Malibu you saw is the production car, it's not a concept.