Dsuupr

Well put. I couldn't agree more.

I got to test drive the Astra yesterday. The controls would take some getting used too, as they aren't the "normal" GM controls we have here in the States. Noise is an issue, but overall it felt fine. In some areas it's way ahead of the Cobalt (interior fit and finish, tight suspension, etc), in other areas it needs some work (noise level, balky manual trans, bad gas mileage for such a small engine).

I don't think they should dump anything, but they do need to change the direction of the DTS and STS. STS should be in the middle of the segment (5-series, E-class) and the DTS should go one step further and go for the upper end of the segment (7-series, S-class). It's time GM put Cadillac back as the world standard. Without a 7-series, S-class competitor, Cadillac will always be seen as a 2nd class line-up.

He's 21. When he took home the Audi TT I was ok with it. It's not about quality, it's about the deficit, lost US jobs (3,000,000 lost in manufacturing since 2000), and schools being in a financial crisis that is very important in our family. I am not a believer in the mushy crap the Baby Boomers started. I do believe in equality among the races, sexes, etc., but that doesn't mean I can't stand up for my beliefs and let people know when they do something I believe is wrong. It's no different than those making comments about me being pro American purchase. They are standing up for what they believe and that's ok. Better than being a push over wimp when it comes to what you believe in. Changing the world start at home.

I would have agreed with you on buying what you like 15 years ago, but with a 10 trillion dollar debt I know it's time we changed our thinking. For the past few years Bush has pulled billions of dollars from schools, and 90% of his spending has come from foreign investment. This isn't good stuff and unless you are a total dumbass you would realize this does affect not only the amount you are taxed but also your specific life (roads, police, fire department, schools military, more taxes, etc.). Automobiles are the biggest single imported product that adds to our trade deficit which as of 2006 was almost $800,000,000 a year (total deficit added from imports per year). Like your own personal budget, running on credit can only last so long before it has a very negative long term effects. Something else to consider. Everytime GM, Ford or Chrysler lays someone off, it's your tax dollars that are paying for the person's unemployment. At this time GM has more employees in the US than ALL of the foreign companies combined. I for one am not wanting money that could go to a new car or my kids school to go to a guy who was just layed off because of downsizing. I'm guessing that those that don't try to purchase from countries with fair trade practices, generally are more concerned with themselves than others. I for one am concerned about our country and the people that live in it. Once our trade deficit equals out with the Asian countries and they start playing fair trade, then I will be more open to buying cars they make. For the record; I am not against European cars in general, as we don't run the deficit issue with them as we do with Asian countries.

I'll keep my $2600 difference and enjoy a car that will not have transmission issues later on down the road. Big the thing to note; the Malibu is the 2nd cheapest by a pretty fair amount. That alone should make it #1. The big question is; did they equip them the same? For the price of teh Accord you could consider the V6 Malibu.

Guy sounds like an uniformed fool. Goes to show how dumb the world (when it comes to cars) around us really is.

I don't think the concept of the G5 should go away, but the car as it is should. Pontiac needs a car the same size but done with more flare and in rear wheel drive. The Vibe just doesn't fit and needs to be tossed. The Torrent is a waste of the Pontiac badge. No explination needed.

I'm suprised that everyone isn't just stating this one. Though I do think GM does need a minivan, killing the Uplander is needed.

I am just as mean about my GM cars if they don't perform. Infact I would most likley be yelling at GM on the phone if my car blew any blue smoke or had crooked body panels and a wavy dash. NONE of our newer GM products have had these issues. This is the type of crap GM made in the 80s and 90s not today. honda on the other hand seems to have picked up where GM left off.

If you would have read my earlier post you would realize we took this car from our "kid" to help out. He was given a BIG amount of crap for buying it in the first place. It's a 3 year lease and he is upside down by over $10,000 (you know great honda resale value) so we are helping him out. For the record I DON'T like the car. And I'm just as picky with my HHR as I am with the tl. I buy GM cars because I know the quality is there.

If the car is built as crappy as the TL in my garage I'm sure the Acura dealers will make a fortune in repairs. Just a few things I'm bringing in the TL for on Monday. Some are just questions, but things that even the most basic of cars have nowdays. Others are flat out crappy build issues. 1. Dash wavy and looks warped 2. Rear bumper is not on correctly 3. Car had blue smoke coming out of it when started it up in morning 4. How do I get the lights to light up when key fob is used at night or when exiting the car at night? 5. How do I get the doors to delay lock to get things out of the back? 6. How do I get the trunk to open so I don’t get my hands dirty? 7. Where is the IPOD plug in? 8. Why does the stereo not get good reception? 9. Where is the gas mileage indicator? What shows me how many miles I have left on the tank? 10. There is a rattle coming from the center dash

The resale value on the current Malibu is supposed to be equal that of the camry when it comes to leases. The big catch; toyota has TONS of cash to blow and GM doesn't. Even if they didn't have the cash, the Japanese government would kick in so they did. No matter what GM does, the Japanese government will do what ever it takes to help toyota win.

The last one was crappy, and I'm guessing since toyota helped design this one, it will also be crappy.

I would guess there are MANY more just like that. I do wonder why GM doesn't advertise it more often. It really does show GM DOES build the BEST trucks out there.

You would be crazy to think that the three headed dog wouldn't do this to Chrysler. That is what they are in the business of doing. They don't "fix" companies, they sell them off, piece by piece.

Why go 100% flex fuel when there isn't even enough gas stations to accomidate what they make now.

I miss our Cobalt. Not for the ride, or the excitement of the car, but for the great gas mileage and super low car payment. Really though, there has been a few cars I wish I still had; 1. 1971 VW 411 (broke down ALOT, but I have great memories) 2. 1985 Volvo 765 Turbo (wife wrecked, but I really liked it) 3. 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue (all around great car) 4. 2002 Alero GL2 5. 1996 Oldsmobile Bravada (would have made a great "play" rig) 6. Roach I - Then we wouldn't have had to buy Roach II and Roach III 7. 1979 Volvo 245 wagon In the end, Volvo wagons and Oldsmobiles have been my favorite cars along the way.

M&M already builds a Jeep looking vehicle. They might as well buy it all.

Congrats on the new toy, uh I mean daily driver. I have often thought of doing an "older" car as a daily driver, but often worry about reliability.

I think this was expected, though each one should carry it's own "enviro" style. Chevy - Plug in hybrid with gas engine (E85). 5-seater for 4-door, 4-seater for 2 door, Cobalt sized car(big on inside like prius). Saturn - Plug in hybrid with diesel engine & gas engine (let the public decide if it will be too much). Mini-Suv like the Vue Cadillac - Plug in hybrid with hydrogen (this one could actually make money). 2-seater luxury (XLR replacement) Buick - Plug in hybrid with gas engine (E85) done in luxury (American luxury). 4 passenger luxury small car. Done like Riviera show car. Pontiac - Plug in hybrid with gas engine (E85). 2 seater sports car, Solstice size.

Around here they are doing $339 per month CTS leases. That would be a great fit.

Modern Volvos suck. I wish Ford had never screwed them up. Let her know you can save the money by buying a Mazda 6 or a Focus. Same platform, less issues. They don't even have the saftey rating they used to have. Now if she was talking old school 240, 740, 140, 122; Then you are talking about some of the best made vehicles out there. Heck, why lease a new Volvo, when an old one will be more reliable.

Not bad. Not as beautiful as the Enclave, but that is what one would hope.

We didn't even have it back for more than a week before someone decided to take it home.