VenSeattle

That is sooo cool. I hand a bunch of Tonka Toys as a kid... this brings back memories. :)

Honda Element. It's the biggest Youth flop there is IMO. I've seen a variety of age groups driving the others but NEVER have I seen someone under 30 driving the Element... the "Dorm Room on Wheels" has failed.

We could edit the choices and combine all the minivan names into one selection :P I selected LaCrosse. Buick needs a sedan name that can be marketed anywhere. LaCrosse will never be used in Canada. So I see the Allure/LaCrosse names consolidated into just Allure or both replaced altogether. I really don't think the other names have anything wrong with them... just that there might be something wrong with the vehicles they're applied to (like the minivans.)

I'll copy the same style. Seems to work pretty well.

Some side notes...

• I'm including names that could be brought back successfully once they're phased out for a period of time. (such as Seville. I think Cadillac could bring it back in 10 years with no marketing problems.)
• I'm listing names that could be recycled, but not necessarily within the brand that it originally belonged to.
• I'm also including some concept car names that I think should be used. There were some very good names used on concept cars.
• I really think the letter "X" has run its course and marketing needs to leave it alone for awhile.
• I'll include the memorable alphanumeric names... but are they really nameplates? (like BMW 3-Series & Lexus GS?)

Anyways... here's my list:

Age 28

Acura: Integra, Vigor, Legend, NSX
Alfa Romeo: Milano, Montreal, Spider
AMC: Ambassador, Hornet, Javelin, Matador, Rebel
Aston Martin DB-series, International, Lagonda, Vignale, Vantage, Virage, Volante
AUDI: Quattro, A4, A6, A8, S-Series
Austin: Maestro
BMW: 3-Series, 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, Z-Series, Isetta
Buick: Bengal, Velite, Park Avenue, Regal, Rainier, Riviera, Rendezvous, Reatta, Lucerne, GNX, GSX, Gran Sport, Grand National, WildCat, 'Ultra' trim, 'Estate' trim,
Cadillac: BLS, CTS, SRX, STS, DTS, XLR, Eldorado, Seville, Deville, Sixteen, Evoq, Imaj, Vizon, Fleetwood, LaSalle, Cien
Chevrolet: Avalanche, Blazer, Journey, Borrego, Cheyenne, TrailBlazer, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Impala, SSR, HHR, Caprice, Corvette, Camaro, Equinox, Prism, Nomad, El Camino, Venture, Uplander, Classic
Chrysler: Citadel, Chronos, Crossfire, Cordoba, Falcon, Prowler, Voyager, Windsor, Atlantic, Pacifica, Imperial, Airflow, PT Cruiser, Town&Country, LeBaron, Concorde, New Yorker
Dodge: Caravan, Challenger, Daytona, Durango, Rampage, Raider, Stealth, Stratus, Viper, Ram, Intrepid, Dynasty, Charger, Magnum
Eagle Premier, Vision
Ford: Bronco, Explorer, Expedition, Falcon, Escape, Contour, Focus, Maverick, Thunderbird, Fusion, Five Hundred, F-150, Mustang, Puma, Cobra, Shelby
GMC: Envoy, Yukon, Denali, Sierra, Syclone, Typhoon, Safari
Holden: Commodore, Torana, GTS, Monaro
Honda: Civic, Accord, Jazz, Odyssey, Prelude, Insight
Hummer: H2, H3 (The need to add a "GENERAL" specialty trim :) )
Hyundai: Elantra, Azera, Sonata, Santa Fe, Tiburon
Infiniti: G, J, M, Q, FX
Isuzu: Impulse, Oasis, Hombre, Amigo, Rodeo, Trooper, Stylus
Jaguar: Mark, S-Type, E-Type, XJ, XK, Sovereign
Jeep: Cherokee, Comanche, Jeepster, Wagoneer, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Commander
Kaiser: Manhattan
Kia: none
Land Rover: Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover
Lexus: ES, LS, SC
Lincoln: Zephyr, Mark, Continental, Aviator, Navigator, Blackwood
Lotus: Elise, Esprit
Maserati: BiTurbo, Bora, Mistrale, Quattroporte, Spyder
Mazda: 323, 626, 929, MX-Series (MX-3, MX-5, MX-6), RX-Series (RX-2,3,4,7,8), Protege
Mercedes-Benz: Gullwing, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, Pullman
Mercury Capri, Cougar, Lynx, Marauder, Milan, Mountaineer, Mariner, Montego, Mystique, Sable, Villager, Monterrey
Mitsubishi: 3000GT, Diamante, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Eclipse
Nissan: Maxima, Z, Sentra, Altima, Murano, Pathfinder, Stanza, Titan
Oldsmobile: Alero, Bravada, Aurora, Cutlass, Intrigue, Silhouette, Toronado
Opel: Astra, Corsa, Vectra, Zafira, Tigra, Frontera
Plymouth: Baracuda, Breeze, Fury, GTX, Pronto
Pontiac: Solstice, GTO, Astre, Firebird, Judge, Montana, Tempest, Phoenix, Vibe, Torrent, Banshee, Piranha
SAAB: Sonnet, 9-3, 9-5, 9-7
Saturn: Aura, Sky
Singer: Vogue
Studebaker: Avanti
Subaru: Legacy, Baja, Forester, SVX, Impreza, Tribeca
Suzuki: none
Toyota: Corolla, Celica, Supra, Land Cruiser, Avalon, Solara, Highlander, Paseo, Sequoia,
Volkswagen: Jetta, Bora, Beetle, Cabrio/Cabriolet, Golf, Corrado, Karmann-Ghia, Passat, Polo
Volvo: none

added a poll :)

They called it the Solstice, and response was so positive at the 2002 North American International Auto Show that Lutz made it his mission to see the concept translated into a production vehicle. And 27 months later (a blink of an eye in automotive terms), Pontiac's first rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster is rolling into showrooms.

Read it... and read it again. Applause for GM. :cheers:

GMC Yukon My Reasons: 1) It's critical for GM to differentiate the Chevrolet & GMC lines from each other. The Yukon will let us know how far GM is willing to go. 2) The GMC Yukon is the most important of the three to the BPG dealerships.

I think we need a Forum for just industry related topics that don't really apply to any manufacturer. For example... I found this article, and really had no place to put it. I chose The Automotive Suppliers section, but I don't think it really belongs in the Supplier section or even in The Lounge since it is just industry related news.

Forum name Suggestions:

In the News

In the Industry

Industry News

What's happening in the Industry

Industry Times

When I came across this I was actually amazed that it wasn't a normal attraction. It seems almost brainless to recognize the market for this.

I hope this helps to improve the image of Chicago, Cleveland, & Detroit and maybe rekindle their appeal. I don't believe the current crop of East and West coast people ever give them credit for being "waterfront" cities... and discredit them from having any type of sophistication to offer their populations.

Chicago



Detroit



Cleveland

Last time reading, I believe the dealerships have about 500,000 less vehicles on their lots right now than last September. Inventory is VERY low. Plenty of room to fill the lots with all 2006 models. Maybe... just maybe... people will finally be able to find the new 2006 model optioned out the way they want it instead of just looking at 3 fully loaded 2006 models because of high 2005 inventories sitting on the lots and taking up space.

In your dreams BV... Buick will continue to be sold in the US. :P I see a time coming soon where Buick's line-up in China will be identical to Buick's line-up in North America.

My Opinion:

2010 Buick cars:

• New for 2009 (as a 2010 model) Buick sedan on Epsilon II replacing LaCrosse (I think they'll drop the LaCrosse name for one they can market in Canada, US, and maybe even China)
  
• The current Lucerne will still be here. FWD. 6-sp auto. Higher V8 output. Possibly 3.8l replaced by the 3.6l. (Lucerne to be replaced in 2011 with a new large FWD/AWD platform (Chi) to be shared with the next gen Impala. 2nd gen Lucerne will be smaller than current Lucerne)
  
• Zeta Sedan above Lucerne debut as a 2011 model.
  
• Zeta coupe/convertible debut hinted at for 2012.

--------------------------------------

2010 Buick Crossovers:

• Lambda with V6 & V8
  
• Possibly a Theta based Buick... still not entirely comfortable with this since I also think GMC will get the Torrent replacement instead of Buick.

Reg... I think you chose a very bad example... The Ion debuted as a 2003 model. The Ion received a revised interior (with new steering wheel, redesigned seats, upgraded interior materials, etc) and a refreshed exterior in 2005. Both in response to complaints. Sure the Gauges are still in the center... that's a controversial/unique feature for the Ion, not a quality issue or a hazard. GM offers the Cobalt for those who don't want center mounted gauges. GM responded quicker than ever before to correct several issues on the Ion. A friend of mine traded his 2003 Ion for a 2005 because the changes were so substantial and that his irritations were actually corrected to his satisfaction. GM managed to redeem itself with at least one 2003/4 Ion owner.

I saw a few in Dallas. They were available for lease exclusively through Saturn dealers. I'm not sure how they determined which Saturn Dealers got them though.

Zeta is a global platform/architecture that's being primarily developed by Holden. The comments only apply to Australia's ability to export Zeta products. It does not, in any way, give restrictions to where else the Zeta platform can be built.

The GM EV1 :P

As Northstar indicated... all this does is state that Zeta vehicles will not be imported from Australia to be sold in the US market. It doesn't rule out Zeta vehicles being built elsewhere or even within the US for the US market. US market Zeta vehicles are still a real possibility. GM just hasn't committed to where the US Zetas will be built. If they did that, it would completely blow any surprise and confirm US plans for Zeta.

I think people need to develop a thicker skin and accept getting offended from time to time. Just because you get offended doesn't mean someone was insensitive or intrusive. Getting offended can indicate you have quirky hang-ups and something legitimately wrong with your personality that might require therapy/counseling.

Luxury cruise ships, nearly absent from the Great Lakes since the rise of the automobile, are returning to the country's inland seas. Midwestern port towns have never looked so exotic.

Continue to read here...

GREAT LAKES CRUISE CO., 888/891-0203;
www.greatlakescruising.com
Eight-day cruise from Milwaukee to Toronto aboard Le Levant from $3,599 per person, double.

one of the tours available:

Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Ontario

A personal friend of mine had his entire team at Microsoft relocated to China last summer. His team was redeployed into the local work force (meaning they stayed on pay roll while they applied/interviewed for open positions within MS), but it's still a traumatic experience on their families and very depressing to see happen.

Um.. Paulie..... no thanks. :P

I'm looking for something that is longer...

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Spoken like a true size queen! :P

Come on people... Do it, do it good, and do it now, damnit!

[post="14498"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Ugh! That can only end with a broken sling and a guilty conscience :o


Here's my entry:

I am blackviper. The opinions expressed in my posts do not necessarily reflect those opinions of the members or staff at Cheers and Gears. Feel free to disagree with my opinions but do not voice it directly towards me. Any and all retorts will be treated as direct threats to the Pontiac brand and the Fiero, which will result in the administration of slow sexual torture and your eventual execution (gender will not excuse you from sexual harm, but might preserve you from death... if you're really good. http://www.cheersandgears.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/AH-HA_wink.gif )

Cute pup Satty.... We just got a female chinese pug puppy last weekend. I'll try to post a few pics here as soon as I get them.

I quickly warmed up to the facelifted 9-5. I now like the evolution of SAAB's styling. With the prices listed, it's a very good buy and finally makes SAAB competitive again in the premium market.

The green illuminated buttons & gauges (along with the red needles) say FoMoCo, but everything else looks great. I'm really impressed.

Mitsubishi Sigma review from the Chicago Tribune:

Jim Mateja
Chicago Tribune
May 13, 1990
Sigma.
What is it?

It`s a four-door luxury sedan that`s as much pleasure to drive as aToyota Cressida, Nissan Maxima or even a Lexus ES250.

Who makes it?

Mitsubishi, the folks that make the Eclipse at Diamond-Star.

Sigma is one of the best kept secrets on the market, not surprisingbecause it started life as a Mitsubishi Galant, the original best kept secret on the market.

Mitsubishi reasoned that if Honda could add Acura, Toyota Lexus andNissan Infiniti, it could have its own luxury product called Sigma. So, allthe bells and whistles were added to the Galant and Sigma was born asMitsubishi`s top-of-the-line model.

Now that you know the background, be advised this is Sigma`s last year on the market. Mitsubishi might keep the name but that`s unlikely when an all-newtop-of-the-line luxury car previews in mid-1991 as a 1992.

The replacement is just being introduced in Japan under the Diamantenameplate.

The 1991 Diamante, or whatever Mitsubishi calls it in the U.S., is larger than Sigma. It`s built on a 107-inch wheelbase and is 186.6 inches long,versus a 102.4-inch wheelbase and 185.6-inch length on Sigma. Diamante isroughly the size of a Honda Accord or Ford Taurus.

The U.S. Diamante will feature a 2.5- or 3-liter, 24-valve V-6 borderingon 200 horsepower. A new luxury sports version of the Galant will come outthis fall called VR-4, which sets the stage for Diamante by offering four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and four-wheel antilock brakes. The front-wheel-drive Diamante being introduced in Japan offers all those, plustraction control and an air suspension system.

Unlike Acura, Lexus or Infiniti, the new car will be sold throughexisting Mitsubishi stores. Dealers won`t have to plow $3 million into aseparate site that wastes land just to salve the manufacturer`s ego.

We asked Mitsubishi the chances of coming up with a version of theDiamante under the Chrysler name. Based on Iacocca`s tirade against Japaneseimports, the chances of a Chrysler Diamante are remote, we were told.

Back to the `90 Sigma.

It`s powered by a sprightly but quiet 3-liter, 142-h.p., V-6 with 4-speed automatic with overdrive that`s rated at 18 miles per gallon city/22 m.p.g.highway.

The gear lever selector button allows you to engage overdrive when youwant optimum mileage on the open highway. For optimum power, leave the button alone. The two times it came down to a decision to hit the accelerator or the brake, we hit the accelerator to avoid trouble and the V-6 delivered the boostneeded without hesitation.

Had we chosen to hit the brake, Sigma`s four-wheel antilock system wouldassure fast, straight stopping regardless of road conditions.

The suspension system complements the engine performance and takes it astep further. Sigma features air-controlled shocks with self-leveling andautomatic valving as well as anti-lift and an ti-dive geometry to keep thevehicle on an even plane under hard acceleration or braking.

In laymen`s terms, you float on a cushion on the straightaways, but hangtough in the corners and turns without body swing or sway. The power steering is as nimble as that on a Honda Prelude, probably the benchmark for powersteering systems.

There`s plenty of arm, head and leg room front and rear, comfortableseats and a trunk that seems to have been designed by a magician, considering all the stuff you can hide inside.

The only objection is a heavy, prop-held hood.

Base price is $17,879, and you get a lot for the money.

Standard equipment includes driver-side air bag; power brakes andsteering; four-wheel antilock brakes; air conditioning; tinted glass; AM-FMstereo with cassette and controls in the steering wheel; power windows/doorlocks; cruise control; digital quartz clock; rear window defroster;intermittent wipers; color-keyed, dual, power mirrors with lectric defogging;power antenna; color-keyed bumpers; bodyside moldings; 15-inch, steel-beltedradial tires; stainless-steel exhaust; bucket seats with eight-way manualadjustment for the driver; velour upholstery; split fold-down rear seatbackswith pass-through to trunk; remote hood/fuel filler door/trunk openers; andmudguards.

Just think... this was only 15 years ago. My, how unrealistic people's expectations have become in order to receive a "decent" review... let alone one with flying colors.