caddycruiser

Interesting review and yes, ANOTHER big mag review commenting on cheapness all around parts of the Camry. Same thing being said about the Tundra, and also real-world remarked on about the Avalon, and it kind of makes you wonder what's being said internally or if they even care anymore. All that said, just another great review for the Aura, and it deserves it. Next up, with more balanced proportions and some slightly more elegant details, the new Malibu hopefully will get similar praise and more.

Anyone else besides the 3 of us here?

Interesting, and sounds exactly like the dealer I was at. I guess I could see that issue with the tracks, and more than one person has mentioned it, but we'll see. Space wise, they're so much better than a typical Yukon, it's almost astounding, and would be a big deal maker for me, but I wonder if it will for others too. Same with the price, at least on lower models, which is in typical nice sedan range, but they're really loaded. Should be seeing a lot more Yukon/Tahoe trades, when the customers come back in and don't feel like another $50k MSRP truck with a lot less room and that sucks more gas. Just like any intro, things will probably get steadier once there's an actual selection out, and not just one at a time at certain dealers. Seems like a lot of AWD SLT's are the desired choice, too, which isn't unexpected given the same trim & drivetrain is was always sells most in the Yukon/Tahoe line. Oh, and just a typo, but you too said "Arcadia"...a mistake that I've seen a lot of people making.

Fitting it in and out of the garage better yet?

I'm in! And very willing to also meet up with anyone else here who goes, as long as I do make it. Should be a killer morning

Yes, as I said in that thread, I've put my name down and am in. So, unless something unforeseen happens, I'll be there too.

Interesting, and welcome! The pricing for the Tundra was just released, so you should know that. Otherwise, after my Acadia and Yukon test drives this past weekend, I've been doing a lot of research into both, at least even more than before. We have a Suburban and had only been thinking Tahoe/Yukon next, but I was really just more astounded with the Acadia's package for the price, compared to the overpriced GMT-900's. Have you had a lot of interest in them and/or what did people trade in on the 2 sold ones? The dealer I went to sold their first loaded SLT-2 AWD to a guy that had apparently been calling them everyday and waiting for the truck to drop it off, and the second one was the nicely optioned SLE FWD that I drove but that hasn't sold yet.

In what way? Just sounds like a GMC salesman new to the site and trying to get an idea of how long he's going to get strung along by a customer...then again, I have been wrong before. It should definitely all be in another section, however, but rarely does that seem to get modified around here by mods.

Yes, I've been wondering too given how much more it's popping up on websites lately. Given the less than stellar reviews from some of the big mag's so far, we shall see what it does on the market shortly...but, as positive as I try to be, I don't see it doing much more than giving current Tundra people a new step. BUT, given how there's a person here waiting on a GMC decision until they see Toyota pricing, the attraction could be stronger than a lot of us think. I still really like the looks, size, and top engine power at least.

Looks a lot boxier and more upright to me than the apparent Hyundai basis, which would make sense I guess. Then again, Hyundai is going to have 3 relatively similar ute's itself (just minor size differences and such), which is the latest trend, so why wouldn't Kia join in.

I forgot something a little funny from my test drive that I had to share too. The one I drove was a FWD SLE, and as most know, SLE's get no badging to say as so--only SLT's get the SLT badge on both C-pillars. I was looking and looking, inside and out and playing with every little thing, when I noticed there was an SLT badge on the driver's side C-pillar. Knew something wasn't right, and went to the other side, and as should be, there was no badge on that side. No one at the dealer apparently had noticed, and when I pointed it out to the salesman he kind of got a little nervous like I was pointing it out as a bigger fault of some sort and said "Well, not everything is perfect. I'm sure we could have the guys remove that for you." Didn't bug me one bit, but I guess it's been a while since I've seen a new car with the wrong badging randomly on it...so I wonder if there's now an Acadia SLT floating around out there missing a badge on one side

I didn't know they could do that, but I was enamored enough with how easy it was to make the seats flip, fold, and disappear or reappear. Definitely a trump card over the larger and more expensive GM full-sizers I'm used to. The only thing that bugged me, at least for a few seconds, was the lowness of the middle row--kind of made me feel down in a hole a bit--but the 3rd was fine, and I'm sure I'd get used to the 2nd after some use.

Looks great, and I bet it feels like it's from a whole other world and standard compared to the Colorado (just had to get one more jab in there about that thing). Terrific color and equipment choices too--the GMC is my favorite, as far as looks, on the trucks.

Today I got my chance with both an Acadia and then a Yukon. I expected to enjoy both, and did, but the Acadia really won me over. Here’s a bit more of a breakdown: Model & Equipment: Acadia SLE FWD, with Convenience Package, Cargo Package, Preferred Package, Trailering Package, and 8-passenger Seating. Stickered right at $31,019. Exterior: Though I still think a few angles are a bit chunky, it looks great in person. Just the right level of chrome, gray trim, and textures—and the dual chrome exhaust looks terrific. Wheels also are very fitting, and even being a base, I really liked the looks of the standard 18” ones. Inside: Easily my favorite part. Very nice seats, great small chrome details, beautiful and clear gauges, and everything was a natural feel to grab and use. Most of the materials and plastics are harder, yes, but nothing looks or feels cheap and compared to even the Outlook, the Acadia’s overall design inside is more attractive. As for the seats (all in cloth, which I loved), like I already mentioned, the fronts were very comfortable and supportive. The middle row did actually surprise me with how low it is, like others have mentioned, but a minute or two of sitting in it I was quite comfortable and also played with the fore-aft sliding. Back to the third, easily accessed with one of the best middle row flipping setups I’ve seen, was all that I expected and more. Lots of foot and leg space, just right height, and actually reminded me a lot of our Suburban’s third row—just, actually, a tad bit airier and much easier to get to. The best part of all, though, is how simple and easy it is to fold all the back seats into the floor and have a huge cargo space. And all seats up, you have the cargo space in the very back comparable to most extended wheelbase minivans—terrific. Performance: This was my first experience with the GM 3.6L, and I was already in love with it right at start-up. So smooth, so quiet, and a lovely purr—sounded, felt, and ran like a high end jewel, and no more (even if excusable) growl or vibe from a common GM pushrod. Once under way, the steering was firm, sharp and quick, and the brakes just right. It took off from a stop VERY well, and never seemed to struggle in the least, though on the curving and bumpy 35 mph road, the 6-spd was a little indecisive with me on and off the gas. Handling was terrific, and you get the nicely raised driving feel combined with firm and extremely supple high-end luxury car ride. That, actually, was another thing that impressed the heck out of me. I was on a pretty torn up and windy road, but even the biggest hole just came through as a muted and distant thump, with no extra noise and no float. Absolutely terrific suspension tuning, and made even better by a body structure that’s extremely solid and well constructed with NO odd noise whatsoever, regardless of how cold it was or what terrain I was slamming it over. I’m a squeak and rattle freak and was very, very impressed by that. Overall: I knew I’d enjoy it from the reviews so far, but my test drive absolutely sealed the deal and now I’m infatuated by the Lambdas. The model I drove was technically on the lower end, cloth, FWD, and all, yet it was still nicely optioned and seemed loaded to the gills with more stuff than even I’d use—all for $31,019!!! Given the wonderful interior layout, looks, high end build quality feel, and refinement, the pricetag is just beyond incredible, especially when I started comparing it to a typical Tahoe or Yukon. There were people waiting to drive it after I did, and given the reaction from everyone, I know this and the other Lambda family members are going to become one of the best all time sellers for GM and the crossover segment in general. The salesman I had agreed, and said the same. Another best and worst part, for me? We have an ’04 Suburban now and the only vehicle I’ve heard my parents comment on as wanting next is a new Tahoe/Yukon, which I generally agreed with. We love the solid truck feel, quiet and comfortable ride, great space, and general looks. But having driven an Acadia and then a top tier Yukon minutes later, I just was not as impressed as I thought I’d be with the Yukon and it, almost, was kind of disappointing compared to the Acadia. Awesome truck, yes, and better than our ’04, but that just should show you how good the Acadia actually is. Even though I drove it second and last, I can't remember much from the Yukon, but do recall everything about the Acadia. I still don’t think we’ll be in the market for at least another year, but for all that we like about an SUV (space, height, power, looks) combined with the more pleasant “car” attributes of a crossover, and a price THOUSANDS less than a comparable BOF SUV, one of these is going to be on the list to check out for sure (and will get a big push from me).

These and others have been put in GTO's for a few years now, nothing new.

Sounds great to me. Like others have said, with all that stuff standard AND the best looks of the bunch, it should do very well. Can't wait to see them in person, and drive one, but until then an Acadia or Outlook should satisfy my interest.

GREAT point and why I actually have a high level of respect for most dealers who deserve it. I can't imagine dealing with the large number of customers who bat lie against lie, and get mad over dollars, just to most of the time have the satisfaction that they really saved a big chunk. Not saying a good deal isn't worth fighting for, but sadly for salesmen (most of which who are honest and pleasant), dealing with people too hung up on nickels and dimes is just nuts. It's also a good point how the selling prices have changed so much over the years. A long time ago, real transaction prices were closer to MSRP--just like ANYTHING else you buy in the world--but when products started getting dull and underwhelming and the market was just flooded, fire sales started with big cash laying everywhere, and people just became addicted and won't buy most cars without it.

That's all well and good IF the discount is there to be had--it surely was with a demo Bonneville. You obviously knew there was, and went from there. On the other hand, there are people (i.e., relatives of mine) who go in wanting to get a newly released vehicle with a very small invoice-MSRP spread, demand a price well below what would actually be invoice, and then think the dealer is either 1) an idiot or 2) doesn't want to deal hard enough to get their business. Most people aren't this strange, but some still are. Kinda exactly like the guy CARBIZ mentioned. It's people like the latter, and variations on that, who will have the hardest time getting used to the idea of either small ($500 - $2000 max) or no cash on the hood, regardless of a lower MSRP, features, etc. I'm all for it, though, and hope it continues. Hopefully gone are the days when you'd walk into a Chevy dealer and get $10k+ below sticker on any new Tahoe/Suburban on the lot before any negotiations, like we and thousands of others have done (technically would be a good thing, IF the original sticker wasn't so inflated in the first place).

Aside from the recent dive into discussing power seats and airbags, I still think the standard/optional levels on the Enclave are terrific and should only help it do that much better. NOW the real question is what pricing will be. The Saturn and GMC both start under $30k, so I could see a CX FWD Enclave starting right around $30k or a bit more, given it's somewhat higher level of standards.

Agreed, though I always thought the '97-03 Grand Prix was the ONE W-body that had all proportions done well, including the front overhang. This car looks terrific, and barely worn, especially for having over 100k on the clock--hope it continues to serve you well!

Very much agreed on that. My mother had one vehicle with leather just because it was standard, and vowed never again--cloth has suited her well, and is most always very comfortable. Done well, and of the proper quality, it can look just as fitting and elegant as well. So I'm definitely of the crowd happy on that choice. I do, however, wish BOTH seats were power. Strangely enough, years ago, dual power seats was a standard on many GM cars and trucks but then quickly went away with decontenting. We had an '02 Avalanche, for example, that came with side airbags standard, manual lumbar control (not power, but terrific), and 6-way driver AND passenger seats. In '02 and before, as long as you got buckets, even on lower models, they were all like this. Then in '03, it went away. We got an '04 Suburban afterwards that, despite being newer and more expensive, has no side airbags, no lumbar control, and only the driver's seat is power. The airbags weren't a deal killer, and the lumbar was a favorite of my father but could be lived without, but a clunky manual seat in a $40k+ truck was and is just dumb. Same case here, again. The decontenting isn't as glaring with most new GM models, but vehicles of a class and price like this (Enclave, GMT-900's, etc.) should all have dual power seats standard. ALL that said, however, this information on the Enclave's equipment is still great. She's vowed that a Tahoe or Yukon will be the Suburban's replacement in a year or more, but definitely liked the Enclave the first time she saw it on TV (got an "Wow, I'd drive that."), and being that I now see she could get on in perfect specs, I might be able to ween my mother to one of these a bit more persuasively now.

This is terrific! The features list is just right, at least for us, and should we ever decide on one instead of a new GMT-900, it's just great that you'll be able to get a CX with cloth that ALSO has HID's, power liftgate, and more. The Saturn is similar in this regard, except for being more options, but the GMC does suffer a bit with its arrangement. Make ours a White Diamond/Cocoa cloth CX FWD with the machined wheels, and that's perfect.

Not sure if this was already brought up (sorry if it was--I didn't read through all the posts), but WHY are they claiming they have the first minivan exclusive power-fold 3rd row? That is a newer minivan feature, compared to some SUV's, but Toyota was the first to have it in their top model Sienna well over a year ago. Did they just forget about that, or thought they'd try and slip a quick one? Otherwise, I still like these vans, as I've always liked Chrysler vans. I actually think the current gen models look much more svelte and luxurious inside and out (especially a current T&C Limited, which is really richer looking in a lot of small ways than the new model), but with a new gen, you do have to change something. They're still attractive, and well done, and passed the "dad test" (i.e., I just sent him the pics and got a good response, which is usually a good sign for someone who's so critical of every new design he sees). He even thought the table and spinning seats was a nice idea "for things like traveling when you stop and pick up food quick or something", after I mentioned I thought it was a bit of a weird feature. Still do, but some people definitely will like it. I guess the main things that bug me about this new one are some drab details and proportions on the outside that just don't look as good as the current ones, and the less well done interior from the obvious current DCX hard & shiny store. BUT, they've always had a strong following, and after the LX cars, even things like the less than spectacular Caliber and new Sebring are going like gangbusters in some places (like here, which actually still suprised me recently), so these vans should have no trouble at all. Once Stow n' Go came out, their sales really shot up and people love them. On that note, it's too bad they couldn't come up with better shaped rear seats and retained the feature, but oh well--for the typical kid rear rider, they don't notice much anyway.

Headlight internals on a non-C model like that pictured are a tad different, and there's clearly a few minor touches changed on the rear lights and possibly bumper/trunklid. All good news, both because the LX's are generally accepted as gorgeous cars and because of the recent intros of some poorly executed and ugly new Chryslers--the "good' they hit a few years ago seems safe. Couple it with just freshened interior bits, and things like the much stronger 4.0L vs. the 3.5L, and all should be well. I love these cars to death, and a 300C Hemi is still a car I lust over as much today as I did when the first pics came out--even more so after playing around and inside a few in person. Then again, I do have a "thing" for large, powerful, RWD cars. All that said, the "hard to change" argument is still very valid. When a car is so distinctive from day one, it can be really hard to figure out little things to change with time, but it looks like they have a handle on it--just tiny nips and tucks here and there that a lot may not even notice, but that still keep them fresh.

As I said in another thread I accidentally made about this review, we're on our second GMT-800 monster ute, and both parents have already commented many times on how they love the new GMT-900's, but I'd still spend my money on the Ford this time around. I think the GM's do look a bit trimmer and even sportier all around, and I do really like some of the interior aspects, but the Ford just wins hands down in just about every category when directly compared. Styling is subjective--though I've always liked the Fords just a tad more--but the Ford has much better packaging, performs better in most regards including acceleration even with a bit less power (thoughtful tuning & 6-spd trans help a lot), PLUS is actually still noticeably better and more realistically priced than the GM's which are still overinflated a bit despite reductions this year. The GM's will probably still sell in bigger numbers, but the Fords could DEFINATELY attract more new buyers if a bigger crop even gave them a quick look on their way to buy their yearly Tahoe/Yukon. I know people with both, both last gens and new 07's, and each loves theirs but the Fords are undeniably better done in a lot of important ways.