Yeah, well good luck with the Y-generation, pal!
Because we, Generation-X buyers, have completely turned our backs on GM. I'm speaking from experience having had a Buick and a Chevy before so I can honestly say that domestic cars are a POS. The only thing they're good for are reminiscing those yesteryears when they were still on top of their game. Even then, only Baby-boomers can appreciate that.

Never...and I mean NEVER...again.

 

Hey, maybe GM is on the road to redemption. Just think, pretty soon you will have the oppurtunity to enjoy the VTEC rush in a Saturn Vue or a Chevy Malibu MAXX. Iam not kidding, they plan on using Honda's 3.5 liter engine from the Pilot in these cars. Iam assuming they will also use Honda's transmissions as I don't imagine any transmission in GM's parts bin are compatible. A small step, but in my opinion, one in the right direction.

 

That is real old news. That agreement was signed at least two years ago. So now GM has a good engine and transmission, but the suspension will still suck, the frame will twist and flex like a rubber band, the interior will have everything in the wrong place and feel as cheap as a happy meal toy. I take that back, it will feel cheaper then a happy meal toy; don?t forget the squeaks and rattles.

I remember being at the NA Auto Show. I walked by the GM exhibit (no need to even look at dung on wheels) and they had someone trying to get people into their exhibit. She said come try the GM experience. I said no thanks, I've owned them before and bending over and grabbing your ankles is the GM experience.

 

Guys i work for GM...i was expecting a lot for the new 2003 cavalier with the new ecotec engine and getrag tranny. After 5 minutes of driven. , how can i sale a car that i think sucks The seats with no support, the odd stearing, the cheasy chep plastics, the entire suspension that feels disconnected, the engine doesnt push at all, cheap tires that squeals non-stop, and best of all the TRANNY GETRAG...GOSH IF THIS IS A GOOD ONE I DONT WHANT TO TRY A CHEAP ONE...youre never able to feel the traction point and its plain violent...as hard as i like manual having a demo i would go automatic.

 

If you expect anything from a GM you are in for being disappointed. In about 5 to 10 years, GM and Ford will both be bought; Mercedes gobbled the smallest of the three. The question is, who will be their suitors.

The only way GM and Ford can save themselves is to fire EVERY single management person and totally revamp the blur collar workforce. Until they start with a clean slate, nothing will change.

What about the savior for Chevrolet, the new Malibu. That POS is FUGLY. If they are expecting that as a rebound for that division, it isn't going to happen. The first version was touted as "The car you knew America could build." It didn't work last time and with styling like that, it won?t work this time either.

 

Pretty funny that an advertisement right underneath that article when I read it was for this book:

The Mullet : Hairstyle of the Gods - Mark, Larson

I guess MSN knows what type of person generally would an article about GM.

 

so if GM = mullet, does Honda = chink?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lanbrown
[B]If you expect anything from a GM you are in for being disappointed.

 

Rai,

They are not making a ton of money. They are offering discounts on them as they are not selling either. You can get 0% APR and/or cash back. Overall, they are lucky if they pull a grand or two off of each one. Honda and Toyota are probably making more then that on their small cars.

Don't forget, that the Big two, as the third is no longer American owned, have CAFE to worry about. Sell too many trucks and use too many credits and the fines start rolling in.

As far as stable scraps, right now yes, but wait five years. Honda will be in the game and Toyota will have their Texas plant opened. Toyota execs were in Texas for a race and were amazed at the number of trucks that were in the parking lot. With a new plant, Toyota will make a big push to get more of that market. Why do you think the Ford and GM are concentrating on the car segment now? They see their truck market share about to shrink and their car share getting ever smaller. If it gets too small, they won't be able to see as many trucks tanks to CAFE.

Toyota posted a profit greater then what GM, Ford and Chrysler posted combined.

 

lanbrown,

I know what you mean, I didn't mean to sound like they are making $10K on every Full size truck or SUV (like they do on the H2). But you said a grand or two on these large trucks that adds up figure 2 million trucks and SUV's at $1K profit we're talking $2 billion. And with expensive options (like quad steering) on these things costing $4-5K a pop that's a lot of profit I'm sure.

They're obviously losing money on their cars.

It's true if we had a fuel crisis the trucks and suv's would take a hit.