I really don't even like the Cadillac as much as this, and I remember seeing the base Premier stickering at $36,520. The interiors are beautiful too (my friend has a '15 LTZ which they love). I like the large chrome side moldings on the Premier--so much that I think lesser Impalas look naked without it. I saw a new Continental yesterday...only the second one I've seen on the road. Back in March I saw my first one, at a rural country inn we ate dinner at with friends. The plates had the initials of the inn so we figured it was the owner's. I liked it.
The new Impala is a nice looking car. The Taurus, not really. I still can't decide on the new Malibu, but I think Chevy did a nice job on the latest Cruise (however they spell it).
My '17 Cruze I think looks OK; bright grille and bright wheels, although it looks like most everything else in its size class.
I like the Malibu in that it looks like a 3/4 Impala, but I hate that even the Premier has no brightwork down the side. Not enough difference between the LT and Premier IMHO.
Anybody notice that you can't even optionally buy side moldings from the factory anymore?
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I don't care for side moldings, but I generally park to avoid dings. Generally not into chrome wheels on modern cars either, but they can work on the right vehicle.
All of the top 10 models for reliability listed by the magazine based on its annual reader survey are foreign makes. The only other exception is the Audi Q3, which is tied with several Toyota and Lexus models for reliability.
The most reliable cars did, basically, everything well. The 10 worst, which we've already told you about, fell apart in the ratings for a variety of reasons, from balky automatic transmissions to glitchy power electronics.
With that in mind, here is what Consumer Reports lists as the 10 most reliable cars for 2017:
Cars That Go the Distance: Consumer Reports Car Reliability Survey 2017
For pioneering consumers, nothing beats the thrill of owning something completely new. These early adopters are the ones you see lined up around the block when a next-generation smartphone is released or racing to the dealership when a redesigned or new car model rolls into showrooms.
But our Annual Reliability Survey, in which consumers provide us with data on hundreds of thousands of cars, has consistently shown that this pioneering spirit is not without consequences. Our latest survey of about 400,000 subscribers who own 640,000 vehicles reveals that all-new or updated models are now more likely than older ones to have a wonky engine, a jerky transmission, or high-tech features that fail outright.
The Chevrolet Cruze, for example, was redesigned for the 2016 model year and, in last year’s survey, had outstanding first-year reliability. But the 2016 and 2017 models dropped to below average this year because of power equipment, fuel and emission systems, engine, and transmission problems.
Amazing how their survey can change in six months' time, LOL. As I said, I've had mine back for ...an oil change.
I know this bunch is more car-minded that the average consumer, but I've actually seen people post online about their new Cruze "stalling at stops". They actually don't know it's built with a start/stop feature. Real educated consumers! Although, I guess shame on the salesman for not mentioning that, but on the other hand...we all know attention spans today. It's what makes me worry more than ever about driving my old Studebaker out-and-about.
Which reminds me in a roundabout way--I am still stupefied how I say, DAILY, people driving at dusk or later with ZERO lights on. Even my old Cavaliers had daytime running lights and automatic headlights. Of course, one has to set the auto lights to "auto" on the switch. It's hard for me to believe how apparently not every car at least has daytime running lights.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
They actually don't know it's built with a start/stop feature Personal opinion, but this is a feature they need to dump, or at least allow the driver to disable. I've yet to drive a rental with it (any brand) that I don't find bothersome and intrusive.
My Bluetec has start/stop, and it is barely intrusive - maybe because the engine kind of turns on rather than cranks. You barely notice it. It only irks me because it messes with the dashcam.
I think all electronics issues short of system failures should be disregarded - an owner being unable to grasp the functionality (I suspect with never reading a manual), it is not a reliability or quality issue, it is a dolt owner issue.
But there are some electronics that just don’t work well. The infotainment system in my 2014 Buick is very glitchy, and I am never able to keep my phone paired. That affects its functionality so I think it is a defect. It’s not an issue in later Encores fortunately.
Yeah, electronics usually comes with a learning curve. But this stop start thing is rather stupid in my book. It isn't going to really save all that much fuel, let alone cash when you monetize the effect. It is more a reaction to a ridiculous and unrealistic gov fuel consumption regulation. Once that 55 mpg (or whatever the specific number is) goes away, I think this feature may well go away. Kind of like the foolish mousetrap automatic seatbelts years back that never really worked smoothly and eventually got dumped. So just dump the feature now, or at least make it subject to the owners preference of on or off. In the real picture it is the consumer who is impacted. It is the consumer who pays for the fuel. Let the consumer decide for themselves instead of foisting it off on them with no discretion.
I think one could support something like Bluetooth simply not working being close enough to a system failure to be counted.
I remember a 2013 Impala I rented (new style, loaded LTZ) with the touchscreen system also had a laggy interface that seemed to be running on tech from a decade prior.
But there are some electronics that just don’t work well. The infotainment system in my 2014 Buick is very glitchy, and I am never able to keep my phone paired. That affects its functionality so I think it is a defect. It’s not an issue in later Encores fortunately.
Regarding start/stop--I have thought for decades, how wasteful it was to have to stop at red lights when an ignoramus could see nothing was coming at all the other directions. I'd tell my family, "I think you should be able to go through a red light after stopping if nothing is coming", usually to ridicule, LOL. I'd say "There'd be no fuel crisis if you could do that".
I do think the start/stop addresses this somewhat. My younger daughter dislikes the feature so much that when I bounced off her if she wanted a new Cruze if I could get a good deal on one (deals like I got in January aren't around anymore though), she actually said she'd rather have the older style since I told her it didn't have start/stop, so that's what we bought to replace her Cobalt which was totalled.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Uplander, I think your kid is right regarding stop start. It is annoying to me too. Honestly, if I liked several vehicles in a similar manner, I'd delete the mandatory stop start one right off the top. You said you got used to it after a week or so. But did you really learn to love it, or just tolerate it? With what new vehicles can cost these days, why do we have to tolerate a feature instead of having the option to either deploy it or not? Again, the consumer is buying it, not the manufacturer or government. It is not a safety item, so let consumers decide. What's next, mandatory hybrid drivetrains? The American economy is historically based on consumer choices, not manufacturer mandates.
The California settlement amounts to $13.9 million, but GM previously paid around $2.5 billion in penalties and settlements over the faulty ignition switches, which caused engines to stall and prevented airbags from deploying during collisions. The automaker has repeatedly assured the public that is has learned from its past mistakes and taken measures to improve the safety of its vehicles. A large part of that has been GM’s Speak Up for Safety program — established in 2014.
However, that’s aimed toward a brighter future, whereas this court case was targeted at an uglier past. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said it was his belief that GM absolutely failed to disclose important defects in power steering, airbag and braking systems.
While GM still faces countless civil suits in connection to the ignition switch recall, the California angle was among the last governmental cases against the company that had gone unsettled. Only State of Arizona vs General Motors is left to wrap up. Ironically, Arizona was the first state to pursue legal action against the manufacturer.
In a Cruze, there is no way to shut it off. I won't feel it all winter as it doesn't engage below 41 degrees F. It is an adjustment at first, when you've not owned a car with it.
In heavy traffic, mine won't shut down in repeated stops. It must somehow sense that.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The Cobalt I bought new, I had felt the key starting to get hard to pull out. That was pre-recall. I had it replaced for free. The one I bought used, when I had my dealer run the VIN, I saw the previous owner had it replaced. Part of the problem was that either the key in the switch felt sloppy, or the key was hard to get out. I did not take advantage of GM's offer of a free rental car while parts were being made during the recall. I didn't worry about it.
I had both of mine replaced again after the recall. They made a dumb mistake not assigning a new part number after redesigned ones had previously been used in replacements, so they weren't able to tell if they were replaced with new or old inventory.
I would absolutely have bought my Cobalts again.
Incidentally, we rented a 2016 Corolla about six months ago. My wife, very non-car, said, "This car feels like crap compared to our Cruze".
LOL.
She based that on her experience, not what she heard or read.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Used to need 3 years, but I think today you may need 5 year reliability stats before passing judgement, and by then it its too late for many buyers.
That's pretty true. I bought a new '11 Malibu. Had I bought a new Sonata instead, according to CR, I'd be two notches worse off for reliability at this point.
I believe, but not sure, that Volkswagen and Toyota have had the largest fines levied on an auto manufacturer in history.
Thinking Tokyo-based Takata's fines were pretty high too.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Amazing how their survey can change in six months' time, LOL. As I said, I've had mine back for ...an oil change.
I know this bunch is more car-minded that the average consumer, but I've actually seen people post online about their new Cruze "stalling at stops". They actually don't know it's built with a start/stop feature. Real educated consumers! Although, I guess shame on the salesman for not mentioning that, but on the other hand...we all know attention spans today. It's what makes me worry more than ever about driving my old Studebaker out-and-about.
Which reminds me in a roundabout way--I am still stupefied how I say, DAILY, people driving at dusk or later with ZERO lights on. Even my old Cavaliers had daytime running lights and automatic headlights. Of course, one has to set the auto lights to "auto" on the switch. It's hard for me to believe how apparently not every car at least has daytime running lights.
I am one who leaves the headlights on "AUTO" on every car I've owned that has that setting. However, I have noticed dealership service departments like to turn it to "off," and sometimes it takes me a while to realize they've done that.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Uplander, I think your kid is right regarding stop start. It is annoying to me too. Honestly, if I liked several vehicles in a similar manner, I'd delete the mandatory stop start one right off the top. You said you got used to it after a week or so. But did you really learn to love it, or just tolerate it? With what new vehicles can cost these days, why do we have to tolerate a feature instead of having the option to either deploy it or not? Again, the consumer is buying it, not the manufacturer or government. It is not a safety item, so let consumers decide. What's next, mandatory hybrid drivetrains? The American economy is historically based on consumer choices, not manufacturer mandates.
Be careful what you ask for. Apparently some government entities around the world think banning internal combustion engines is a good idea.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I would debate the idea that the American economy is based on consumer choices. It's really more complicated than that. We don't necessarily get "what we want"; we get some of what we want but also what is practical and profitable to manufacture. Some things are dished out to us--take it or leave it.
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
I would like to see 18 exterior and 6 interior color choices. Audi has been offering extra paint colors and semi-custom options arrangements, but only to those with really deep pockets and money to burn.
Does a neon nitro green paint job really cost thousands more than a blue one? If you pony up though, you can probably get any color you want.
So with unlimited money I could say I want 2013's Garnet Red on my new XXXX.
'21 BMW X3 M40i, '15 Audi S4, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
So it's even the imports' fault that the "domestics" don't have enough color choices?
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
So it's even the imports' fault that the "domestics" don't have enough color choices?
Absolutely. What was Honda's and Toyota's choice of colors and interiors in the '70's? The domestics saw that most people (not me, LOL) didn't care about that and joined in.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
I agree, Shifty. I know that I'm probably older than several regular posters here, but I miss the days of 18 exterior colors and six interior colors and being able to buy individual options. Economies of scale won out apparently--that and since the imports didn't do that, the domestics felt they no longer needed to either.
So it's even the imports' fault that the "domestics" don't have enough color choices?
Yup.
Haha, nobody makes the domestics change their colors. You could even argue that if the market truly wanted those colors the "domestics" could offer them and that would be a major selling point that the "imports" don't have.
The color choice reductions are purely a management decision by each individual automaker.
I fully believe it's a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" thing. I miss the wide palette of color choices in and out, personally. As far as blaming the consumer who accepts it--what is one supposed to do when that's all that's offered? Are you not going to buy a new car if you want or need one, because they don't offer the old wide choices in color? No, if you're like me, you'll shake your head, resigned to buy what's available.
I think the reality is, no matter what your buying habits are, the domestics were influenced in this regard by the imports. It seems obvious. Maybe it isn't if you weren't alive or old enough to look at new cars in the sixties through the late seventies.
Most new-car buyers today don't know about those days and most buyers, other than guys like us on car forums, see a car as an appliance.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I also believe that the industry-wide use of package/model A, B, or C and virtually no individual options can be directly attributed to the imports. It used to be I never saw a duplicate of another car, either on the road or on a dealer's lot. I mean, NEVER. Now I see them sitting next to each other on a dealer's lot--a perfect duplicate.
All I'm getting at is that it was much-more fun to custom-order a car even 35 years ago than it is now. I'd compare it to being hungry for something but you're not sure what--you'd enjoy going to a place with a big menu than one with four daily specials.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
When I say blame the consumer, I mean the consumer doesn't care. They aren't irked enough to demand something different or shop elsewhere. A few people care, but not enough to be catered to by the mass market. Automakers spend untold sums on focus groups and consumer research, and haven't moved into standardized packages by accident. I can look at my mom as an example, who had some unusual cars in the past, but has been driving white cars since her 93 Taurus. She doesn't care. Want something in an odd color combo? Go Euro. Don't want to spend new Euro prices? Buy late model used, as these days the cars are more reliable than ever, and due to high supply via the lease market, depreciation can be hilarious. So if you want that blue car with a brown interior, white car with a white interior, gold car with a tan interior, the Germans can probably do it for you.
IMO, the most traditional "American style" car in terms of variety is the MB E-class. It exists as a sedan, wagon, hardtop coupe, convertible, and rakish "4 door coupe" that I consider the 21st century version of a 4 door HT. It can be found with engines from relatively thrifty 4cyls to supercar-like V8s, and can be built to your spec.
As you know, a lot of things were different 45 years ago. Probably a better time to have been lucky enough to be buying a house or paying for college, too. Things changed, just as they did in the 45 years prior.
Those old days of custom ordering were also very wasteful in terms of efficiency. Streamlining options offerings and limiting color combos keeps costs down.
I wonder if anyone in the sixties was bemoaning those cars in comparison to Model T's.
Every place I've ever worked (all white-collar) has wanted me to think that every change is for the better, and would never be about somebody's ego.
I've lost count at how many changes at my various workplaces had made things worse in general! LOL
And why do they call it a 'four door coupe'?! How about 'hardtop sedan'? I know why--the average buyer thinks a hardtop is anything other than a convertible, LOL.
I have felt old lately. I love watching "Jeopardy". In the last three episodes, no one knew who had the album "Tea for the Tillerman" and the single "Wild World"; what artist beginning with 'Z' performed "Werewolves of London"; and what film had a bit part with Lulu who was much-better-known as the performer of the hit song from the film. That all just astounded me. I think I was generally more aware of history and even pop culture from before my age group than younger folks are today (and the contestants weren't twenty-somethings). Just an observation.
"Curmudgeon alert", LOL. Better bring it back to cars I guess.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Who offers some greens? There is a bright metallic green on '18 Equinoxes I like, but I bet it's gone by the end of the model year. Fin, you probably remember; it reminds me of the bright green metallic used on '72 and '73 GM cars.
A few weeks back, we passed a gorgeous (to my eyes) dark green metallic C7 Corvette coupe.with polished or machined aluminum wheels. I think it was a '14 as I don't think that color lasted a year.
My dealer always has the high-zoot Corvettes in the showroom--screaming yellow or red or black, with black wheels and cladding. Yuck. I'd rather have a base coupe. There is a dark plum color I like on 'Vettes now--much like my '85 Celebrity was.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I suspect some luddite types definitely bemoaned 60s cars - too big, too powerful, too complex.
Four door coupe is just a term for a racy roofline. Not quite a fastback, but maybe it is the modern day equivalent. I doubt a 4 door HT design could meet modern side impact standards. The racy low cut sedans are as close as we will get. Change isn't always for the better, but sometimes it is. If standardized colors and options make a car 3% cheaper for the typical consumer who couldn't care less about those items, it wins.
I had to look up the Wild World part (I know the song, but not the album name), but I know about Lulu. I suspect most 30-somethings in 1972 didn't know the stars of the flapper era, either
A friend of mine recently bought a green on green MKZ, Lincoln calls it a "jade" green, I think.
I don't think I'd want to be a solo Lincoln dealer today, but that's how Ford is marketing the make. They're in their own location where I live now, but it's owned by the Ford and Mopar/Jeep dealer. Now that I think about it, Cadillac is marketed as a stand-alone brand now too, but there isn't a Cadillac dealer within fifteen miles of here.
Popular music from the '60's and later is surely more prevalent in today's culture (oldies radio, movies, TV shows, Muzak) than that of the teens or twenties was when I was young.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Comments
https://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/impala/2018/oem/2018_chevrolet_impala_sedan_premier_fq_oem_1_1280.jpg
I like the Malibu in that it looks like a 3/4 Impala, but I hate that even the Premier has no brightwork down the side. Not enough difference between the LT and Premier IMHO.
Anybody notice that you can't even optionally buy side moldings from the factory anymore?
All of the top 10 models for reliability listed by the magazine based on its annual reader survey are foreign makes. The only other exception is the Audi Q3, which is tied with several Toyota and Lexus models for reliability.
The most reliable cars did, basically, everything well. The 10 worst, which we've already told you about, fell apart in the ratings for a variety of reasons, from balky automatic transmissions to glitchy power electronics.
With that in mind, here is what Consumer Reports lists as the 10 most reliable cars for 2017:
1. Kia Niro
2. Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 (tie)
3. Lexus ES (tie)
4. Lexus GS
5. Audi Q3 (tie)
6. Toyota RAV4 (tie)
7. Lexus IS
8. Toyota Prius V
9. Toyota Prius C
10. Infiniti Q70
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/10/28/consumer-reports-names-10-most-reliable-cars/809540001/
For pioneering consumers, nothing beats the thrill of owning something completely new. These early adopters are the ones you see lined up around the block when a next-generation smartphone is released or racing to the dealership when a redesigned or new car model rolls into showrooms.
But our Annual Reliability Survey, in which consumers provide us with data on hundreds of thousands of cars, has consistently shown that this pioneering spirit is not without consequences. Our latest survey of about 400,000 subscribers who own 640,000 vehicles reveals that all-new or updated models are now more likely than older ones to have a wonky engine, a jerky transmission, or high-tech features that fail outright.
The Chevrolet Cruze, for example, was redesigned for the 2016 model year and, in last year’s survey, had outstanding first-year reliability. But the 2016 and 2017 models dropped to below average this year because of power equipment, fuel and emission systems, engine, and transmission problems.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/consumer-reports-car-reliability-survey-2017/
I know this bunch is more car-minded that the average consumer, but I've actually seen people post online about their new Cruze "stalling at stops". They actually don't know it's built with a start/stop feature. Real educated consumers! Although, I guess shame on the salesman for not mentioning that, but on the other hand...we all know attention spans today. It's what makes me worry more than ever about driving my old Studebaker out-and-about.
Which reminds me in a roundabout way--I am still stupefied how I say, DAILY, people driving at dusk or later with ZERO lights on. Even my old Cavaliers had daytime running lights and automatic headlights. Of course, one has to set the auto lights to "auto" on the switch. It's hard for me to believe how apparently not every car at least has daytime running lights.
Personal opinion, but this is a feature they need to dump, or at least allow the driver to disable. I've yet to drive a rental with it (any brand) that I don't find bothersome and intrusive.
Before I bought my Cruze, I actually read some reviews where it was rated as less-obtrusive than in BMW's. Blasphemy!
I think all electronics issues short of system failures should be disregarded - an owner being unable to grasp the functionality (I suspect with never reading a manual), it is not a reliability or quality issue, it is a dolt owner issue.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I remember a 2013 Impala I rented (new style, loaded LTZ) with the touchscreen system also had a laggy interface that seemed to be running on tech from a decade prior.
Regarding start/stop--I have thought for decades, how wasteful it was to have to stop at red lights when an ignoramus could see nothing was coming at all the other directions. I'd tell my family, "I think you should be able to go through a red light after stopping if nothing is coming", usually to ridicule, LOL. I'd say "There'd be no fuel crisis if you could do that".
I do think the start/stop addresses this somewhat. My younger daughter dislikes the feature so much that when I bounced off her if she wanted a new Cruze if I could get a good deal on one (deals like I got in January aren't around anymore though), she actually said she'd rather have the older style since I told her it didn't have start/stop, so that's what we bought to replace her Cobalt which was totalled.
Do most cars have a button to switch off stop-start? My car does, I'll use it if I know there is heavy traffic.
GM Ignition Defect Scandal Reaches Penultimate Chapter
The California settlement amounts to $13.9 million, but GM previously paid around $2.5 billion in penalties and settlements over the faulty ignition switches, which caused engines to stall and prevented airbags from deploying during collisions. The automaker has repeatedly assured the public that is has learned from its past mistakes and taken measures to improve the safety of its vehicles. A large part of that has been GM’s Speak Up for Safety program — established in 2014.
However, that’s aimed toward a brighter future, whereas this court case was targeted at an uglier past. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said it was his belief that GM absolutely failed to disclose important defects in power steering, airbag and braking systems.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/10/gm-ignition-defect-lawsuit-reaches-penultimate-chapter/#more-1597830
While GM still faces countless civil suits in connection to the ignition switch recall, the California angle was among the last governmental cases against the company that had gone unsettled. Only State of Arizona vs General Motors is left to wrap up. Ironically, Arizona was the first state to pursue legal action against the manufacturer.
In heavy traffic, mine won't shut down in repeated stops. It must somehow sense that.
I had both of mine replaced again after the recall. They made a dumb mistake not assigning a new part number after redesigned ones had previously been used in replacements, so they weren't able to tell if they were replaced with new or old inventory.
I would absolutely have bought my Cobalts again.
Incidentally, we rented a 2016 Corolla about six months ago. My wife, very non-car, said, "This car feels like crap compared to our Cruze".
LOL.
She based that on her experience, not what she heard or read.
That's pretty true. I bought a new '11 Malibu. Had I bought a new Sonata instead, according to CR, I'd be two notches worse off for reliability at this point.
I believe, but not sure, that Volkswagen and Toyota have had the largest fines levied on an auto manufacturer in history.
Thinking Tokyo-based Takata's fines were pretty high too.
Does a neon nitro green paint job really cost thousands more than a blue one? If you pony up though, you can probably get any color you want.
So with unlimited money I could say I want 2013's Garnet Red on my new XXXX.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
re: blaming imports for it, I'd rather blame the consumer who accepts it.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
The color choice reductions are purely a management decision by each individual automaker.
I think the reality is, no matter what your buying habits are, the domestics were influenced in this regard by the imports. It seems obvious. Maybe it isn't if you weren't alive or old enough to look at new cars in the sixties through the late seventies.
Most new-car buyers today don't know about those days and most buyers, other than guys like us on car forums, see a car as an appliance.
All I'm getting at is that it was much-more fun to custom-order a car even 35 years ago than it is now. I'd compare it to being hungry for something but you're not sure what--you'd enjoy going to a place with a big menu than one with four daily specials.
IMO, the most traditional "American style" car in terms of variety is the MB E-class. It exists as a sedan, wagon, hardtop coupe, convertible, and rakish "4 door coupe" that I consider the 21st century version of a 4 door HT. It can be found with engines from relatively thrifty 4cyls to supercar-like V8s, and can be built to your spec.
As you know, a lot of things were different 45 years ago. Probably a better time to have been lucky enough to be buying a house or paying for college, too. Things changed, just as they did in the 45 years prior.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Every place I've ever worked (all white-collar) has wanted me to think that every change is for the better, and would never be about somebody's ego.
I've lost count at how many changes at my various workplaces had made things worse in general! LOL
And why do they call it a 'four door coupe'?! How about 'hardtop sedan'?
I have felt old lately. I love watching "Jeopardy". In the last three episodes, no one knew who had the album "Tea for the Tillerman" and the single "Wild World"; what artist beginning with 'Z' performed "Werewolves of London"; and what film had a bit part with Lulu who was much-better-known as the performer of the hit song from the film. That all just astounded me. I think I was generally more aware of history and even pop culture from before my age group than younger folks are today (and the contestants weren't twenty-somethings). Just an observation.
"Curmudgeon alert", LOL. Better bring it back to cars I guess.
A few weeks back, we passed a gorgeous (to my eyes) dark green metallic C7 Corvette coupe.with polished or machined aluminum wheels. I think it was a '14 as I don't think that color lasted a year.
My dealer always has the high-zoot Corvettes in the showroom--screaming yellow or red or black, with black wheels and cladding. Yuck. I'd rather have a base coupe. There is a dark plum color I like on 'Vettes now--much like my '85 Celebrity was.
Four door coupe is just a term for a racy roofline. Not quite a fastback, but maybe it is the modern day equivalent. I doubt a 4 door HT design could meet modern side impact standards. The racy low cut sedans are as close as we will get. Change isn't always for the better, but sometimes it is. If standardized colors and options make a car 3% cheaper for the typical consumer who couldn't care less about those items, it wins.
I had to look up the Wild World part (I know the song, but not the album name), but I know about Lulu. I suspect most 30-somethings in 1972 didn't know the stars of the flapper era, either
A friend of mine recently bought a green on green MKZ, Lincoln calls it a "jade" green, I think.
I don't think I'd want to be a solo Lincoln dealer today, but that's how Ford is marketing the make. They're in their own location where I live now, but it's owned by the Ford and Mopar/Jeep dealer. Now that I think about it, Cadillac is marketed as a stand-alone brand now too, but there isn't a Cadillac dealer within fifteen miles of here.
Popular music from the '60's and later is surely more prevalent in today's culture (oldies radio, movies, TV shows, Muzak) than that of the teens or twenties was when I was young.
I suspect some luddite types definitely bemoaned 60s cars - too big, too powerful, too complex.
Back then, that probably would've been Consumer Reports, LOL.
I remember when they would pooh-pooh any bodystyle available for a model other than four-door sedan, LOL.
"Fun to drive" was never a consideration for them. Since then, they seem to actually employ some enthusiasts in their testing, I will give them that.