Drew Dowdell

One of the other reasons it was abandoned is because they had a harder time getting it complient with future emissions standards while the 3800 was already ULEV. The 3.6 was coming and produces more HP while also being usable in FWD, AWD and RWD configurations. The milage of the 3.5 in the Aurora wasn't all that great. the 3800 did better on a highway cruise with mileage.

I'm sure they could figure it out. It doesn't sound terribly complicated as to deciding when you need power or not.

'04 CTS, 30,000 miles, no problems, still have this Also had the following up to: '94 Cutlass Convertible, 160,000 miles, Alternator replaced at 117k '83 Caprice Classic 145,000 miles, broken stabilizer bar mount <thanks PennDot>, broken ignition wire '85 Toronado, 169,000 miles, heater core and radiator

At least they were smart enough to not develop their own. Automatic transmissions are not something Ford is particularly good at.

The Flip and Fold rear seat of the Impala could be useful for you too. A Lucerne CXL would probably lease between 300 and 350 a month if you didn't option it up too much. You say you already have an Envoy and the fuel milage must be a little better then that. What about a GMT-900 Tahoe?

I'm curious as to why the 500/Montego have the 6-speed now, but the GM cars don't. Aren't they using the same Ford-GM developed unit?

3 little words. Throttle Position Sensor.That's how they do it now.

The key word is "available". If you're going by "available" engines, the Impala wins. If the only other engine is a 180hp 4-cylinder, then the Impala still wins because it's "lesser" engines are still better then the "lesser" Camry engine. Quieter and smoother.... that can be a plus or a minus. Do you really want quieter in a sport oriented Impala? Again, every cars has it's pluses and minuses. Even with the redesigned Camry, I think the Impala more then holds it's own.

I see a few RLs and Crossfires. I didn't even know they redesigned the ranger. Never see any Insights not on Honda lots I've seen one X-type Estate ever. I see a few Axioms around... there is a bright blue one that apparently lives near me. I see lots of Suzikis I've seen more Relays and Terrazas then I've seen montanas and Uplanders I see S80s frequently Never seen a Raider or a Mazda 5 I see Monterays a lot. The Oddballs I've seen but not expected to. Apparently Mitsubishi is STILL selling the Diamante? I see ones with fresh dealer tags running around. Apparently there was a Lancer Wagon?

I was only refering to currently selling product.

having a non-car guy demand changes in a car company is bad news GM is contractually obligated to provide what it provides to it's employees at the moment. Things are getting better. Look at all their new products that are out now. Perhaps everything new from the CTS on is being well received. Prior to the Cobalt, did any of you think that Chevy was going to actually be competitve in that market? Look at how well the Aveo is doing. GMT-900s, Reviewers saying that Toyota should watch out for the Lucerne, Cadillacs being compaired favorably to the likes of the M-series and AMGs. Impala being reviews as a serious Accord competitor, Solstice, Equinox doing well, Lacross that outsells both the cars it replaced. etc. etc. etc. GM is definately moving in the right direction. BTW, GM stock has gone up 4 dollars a share in the past 5 days....

That was just one factor. Even still, Buick *tells* you what will happen with different fuels.

303hp v. 260hp or 230hp doesn't compete? Every car has it's pluses and minuses. The Camry may have a 5 speed, but the 4 speed Impala is smoother shifting. <see the Lucerne v. Avalon> The Camry is DOHC and the Impala is pushrod.... but the Camry is 210 HP and the Impala is 240hp to 303hp. If you're going cheap, the Camry is 154hp and the Impala is 200hp. If the entire decision making process for your friend hinges on the number of gears, get a Brother labeler and put a 5 on the Impala's gearshift, they'd never know the difference.

You are right. A car that only asks for regular will not get more then the advertised horsepower if you put premium in. In the Lucurne V8's case, they say that it won't detonate with regular, but if you want the full 275, you need to put premium in.

You'd have a G-body Trifecta!

A fairly loaded CXS prices out at 37,135 on CarsDirect.com... I even added the engine block heater. Not bad... not bad at all! For comparison, a loaded Avalon prices out at 36,490. Also not a bad price. Though I <and I'm sure others> would pay the 600 for a V8 Northstar. Buick priced this one right.

Supposed to be a late availability option.... though I don't know why.. you can get NAV in a DTS right now.

of the sedans... the RX is the biggest seller over all at Lexus.

20 YEARS LATER!!! at a time when the entire american industry was struggling Irrelevant Conclusion Are you just going to use logical fallacies for the rest of the thread?

In desperation, the Chrysler Corporation on September 7, 1979 petitioned the United States government for US$1 billion in loan guarantees to avoid bankruptcy. At the same time, Lee Iacocca, a former Ford executive, was brought in to take the position of CEO, and proved a capable public spokesman for the firm. A somewhat reluctant Congress authorized the guarantees, prodded by Chrysler workers and dealers in every congressional district who feared the loss of their livelihoods. With such help and a few innovative cars (such as the K-car platform), especially the invention of the minivan concept, a market where Chrysler brands are still important, Chrysler avoided bankruptcy and slowly fought its way back up. By the early 1980s, the loans were being repaid at a brisk pace and new models based on the K-car platform were selling well. This is bad for the government or GM or taxpayers.... how? Just think for a SECOND if Toyota or Honda were in deep financial trouble that Japanese government wouldn't help them out. Heck Japanese government keeps the value of the Yen low just to keep Sony, Toyota, and Honda happy. Airbus is taxpayer subsidised while Boeing is laying off workers.... You think the europeans don't want to knife GM also?

The bush administration is FAR from conservative. They believe in LARGER government, less federalism, and fiscal irrisponsibility. Sure they may be socially conservative, but that isn't the same thing as politically conservative. The are most certainly not fiscally conservative. Just because taxes are lower doesn't mean it's "right".

You don't think that if GM didn't have a $1500 pension Albatross hanging around their neck with every car they sell they wouldn't have to cut corners?

Uh, by all accounts Chrysler is still standing today... and the government actually MADE MONEY on the Chrysler bailout since it held stock in the company AND Chrysler paided the loan back ahead of schedule. It was a very smart business move.

Starting?

Chas really wants a regular XLR, but with the way he drives it would be about a week before he wrapped it around a tree. I try not to get in the car with him driving. I told him his next car is a 1982 Benz diesel with a defective turbo. Still..... I potentially see one of these in my future.