Robert Hall

I think that is the idea... that if you get rid of the overlapping models, individual mainstream models *could* sell at Camry numbers.. (though there is no guarantee they would).

I've been very satisfied with my '00 GC..no problems so far (almost 6 years, 70k miles), and been happy w/ it on road and off road (I've taken mine on quite a few back country trails up in the mountains over the years). I haven't warmed up to the new style yet... the exterior is more squared off than mine, and the side windows seem smaller. Inside, the dash material is definitely harder (mine has a squishy plastic on the dash upper, but hard plastic on the lower dash, console and door panels... the seats seem improved, though. I would definitely test drive the new GC when I go shopping for my next SUV, though...

I think it is pointless to argue with 68..he has his mind set and won't listen to facts or other opinions. Anyway, I wouldn't call the BLS a rebadge or badge-engineered Saab..it really looks nothing like the 9-3.

Not really.. Toyota/Lexus is ambitious...they've already been successful against Mercedes in the luxury market, so why not take on the big-league sports car brands? They have the technology and determination.. Whether you dislike Toyota or not, never underestimate them... they are relentless.

There's nothing wrong with Saab 9-3 and Opel mechanicals...not all Cadillacs have esclusive platforms/engines/etc--look at the Escalade. It's an exaggeration to compare the BLS to the Cimmaron--the Cimmaron was based on the lowly Cavalier!!

Car and Driver or one of the magazines this month has an artist's conception of the Honda/Acura... it looks like the artist took a DB9 and put an Acura-style grille and headlights on it.

It looks fine..it would make a good entry level Caddy for the US.

I don't see it being aimed at the Corvette but the Aston DB9, Ferrari F599 and other front-engined coupes with prestige brands and high prices... different market. The Supra will be more of a Vette competitor, I think.

Yes, I guess it's because it's a Jag that it seems shocking. It's been a long time since I've been in a late model car without power windows, though...most recent I can remember was a Cavalier rental about 4 years ago...

I see no problem with a Chevy kappa..as long as it's not a badge job and is sufficiently differentiated like the Solstice and Sky, why not? Small, inexpensive 2 seater roadsters are a good image thing for the brands...

That is just too wierd...manual windows in 2006. Strange, strange, strange. There is a Focus-based hatchback coming, not for Jag, but for Volvo...(S30).

Keeping the prices low also helps Chevy compete with Hyundai and Kia, which are probably more realistically Malibu competitors than the Accord.

Yes, a lot of good movies in '05. There were a lot of intelligent movies for adults and not just the usual big blockbuster special affects popcorn movies..

Saw a sharp dark blue Lucerne with chrome wheels..that car looks so much better in dark colors, IMHO..

Yes... I couldn't take my eyes off of her.. Charlize Theron and Jessica Alba look pretty hot tonight also..

Speaking of Accord interiors, I've ridden in a coworker's '05 a few times..black interior..very nice materials, fit n finish...seems very German to me--reminds me of VW/Audi interiors. Not a bad place to spend time in day to day..

Boys, boys..calm down and watch the Oscars..

Brokeback was very good...I generally don't like cowboy movies or Westerns, but viewed it as a sad, moving very human drama... I haven't seen Capote (definitely want to, though). .. I liked Good Night and Good Luck, and Munich, but Crash was probably my favorite overall of these. As far as movies not nominated, I liked Syriana, Walk the Line, The Constant Gardener, A History Violence, and Hustle & Flow quite a bit also...

Since I haven't sat in one, I really can't judge the quality of the interior trim..but the exterior isn't generic..take away the ventiports and grille, and it's still a distinctive shape.

I've seen 4/5 of the best picture nominees and am rooting for Crash. Too bad Walk the Line or The Constant Gardener weren't nominated, though...

The '06 facelift was trivial, though...maybe they will have a more thorough facelift for '08 (i.e. change metal).

It's been a looong time since I've seen that movie, but it was something like a '76 Mercury Grand Marquis 2dr in typical '70s brown, I think...

I got to ride in an R32 Skyline GT-R last year...fun car. A bit wierd seeing the driver on the right side on US roads... I'd love to drive one.

The new Focus coupe/convertible looks pretty sweet from what I've seen..it would make a nice G6 CC competitor for Ford.

Some more goodies I found in the HW Classics line include a dk green '67 GTO, gold '62 Bel Air ht (new tool), and a '57 Bel Air conv (I think it's the old HW ht made into a convertible). Also found an Ultra Hots Candy Red '65 GTO.