caddycruiser

HHR...didn't think so, but maybe Vibe...don't think so VUE...maybe, but not sure Envoy...no thanks H3...umm, cool, but no CTS...yep, that would work Weird choices, but I guess they fit the "by the book" version of what I like...

Well, as far as the lack of interior color choice in the XR, it was said on the SaturnFans board not too long ago from someone that attended a dealer meeting, that Saturn had said they would soon into a gray and a beige choice (both already on the XE) for the XR, because they did now realize just black and Morroco brown just weren't enough for that model. I believe they were just going to be later '07 intros, so I would presume anytime now. Actually, dealers should know something about it, especially considering that a lot of buyers have probably been asking.

I'm getting tired of reading the dumb comments here about the GL450 being chosen. Yeah, the new GM's are a terrific improvement over the well-liked trucks before them, but they aren't perfect. The Fords are also another nice improvement, but nothing groundbreaking. The MB, while maybe not the most exciting for some, has better build quality, refinement, space usage, and features that most large ute's out there, and the sticker really is in the same ball park as a lot of loaded up Chevys, GMCs, Fords, etc. And it isn't small either. A new GL parked next to me at the grocery store today, and not only was I actually impressed by the look in person, but it was clearly larger than the typical stunted looking Tahoe and a more comfortable "medium" like an Expedition or something. Add that in with a level of bodywork, finish, details, trim, etc. that is about the best in the business, and I understand why it was chosen. As for what may be chosen as truck of the year, I wonder about that one. The new GM trucks are terrific improvements over the past gen and generally wonderful, but the fact that the new Tundra will also be out shortly and is MUCH different and improved in every way over the old one just might make it a close call. We'll see how that one goes, but I can't predict it yet, at least not until there are more in-depth reviews out of the Toyota or the GM's.

Having seen a new Silverado in person recently, as well as being familiar with all the other trucks on the market, I really like the look of the new Tundra--at least from these pics. It looks fresh and modern, and not at all overdone, or so bland it's almost a bad thing (the GM's...shoot me for saying so). They finally look large and tough, too, with a "road style" flare to make it all smooth and sophisticated too. No, the work truck version people keep commenting on doesn't look great, but neither does a WT Silverado or F150--they look a lot worse, a lot of the time. Still, Toyota isn't going to kill or really hurt any other truckmaker, since truck buyers are often the most stubborn crowd set to one brand for like no matter what, but at least there will be a great new and fresh choice out there for those actually looking for something different and new, with power and size to spare.

Looks good, and I'm glad the front didn't change too much, because the Equinox is still one of the best looking GM's from every side and angle. Throw in a bettering interior, tighter suspension/steering, and finally the 3.6L & 6-speed, and you should get even more buyers clamoring for one. Especially put side to side with a "refreshed" new '08 Escape/Mariner...

If you have an Intrigue with the 3.8L, you have the Series II, and yes, that one has had problems in terms of the intake manifold failure--which can cause other issues. Once it's replaced (hopefully before more problems), you're usually set to go for a long time without issue, but it is one bug a bit too overly common to that 3.8L. Some are lucky and get away with no problems at all, but most run into it eventually. I have a customer with a pampered '99 LeSabre, for instance, with 65k miles on it that coolant just kept disappearing, only to eventually find out it was the infamous 3.8L plastic intake manifold issue. Once replaced, no more issues. The Series I was well before that, I think from about '95 or so and earlier, and the Series III didn't start until the '04 Grand Prix.

Why did someone start a second thread for a pre-exisiting topic?

Anyone else think this should be a clear preview of changes coming for the STS here, at least mainly the interior? That part, at least, seems to share a similar theme with what was recently introduced in the SRX here, so one would think that. As for this car itself, the extra wheelbase definately helps it out. The current size is nice, but for a car of its pricepoint and apparent size, it really is fairly cramped--especially in the rear. Not that they'd offer a model like this here, but it does solve that issue as well. I really like it, and also agree that they should have a special interior option for 4 buckets and a full center console like that across the STS line--even if limited, it should be pretty popular.

Good point. Having owned an Avalanche, the only thing I can think of is that there might not be as much space overall in the back seat of these crew cabs, so you'd always have to make sure to push the front seats up so it would fold down properly--we already have to do that with both the Av and the Suburban, at least a bit. With the way it is in the trucks, no worries about moving the fronts, just flip it up and you're done...even if the loading space is a little odder then.

Terrific first review, and their nit-picks are spot on. The 4-speed still can't, regardless of tuning, get the best out of the engine power, but that will eventually be remedied. But that's talked about enough. And then little things like the hard armrests and odd driver offset are very minor, and not many will probably even notice. I'm still not overly hot on the look, but these trucks have undoubtedly improved far and beyond what the last gen was (and they still aren't too shabby themselves). The increased body/frame rigidity, revised suspension, and interiors are the 3 keys that made the biggest improvements, no doubt.

This is really one of their best vehicles, and has a terrific outside look and interior, along with being the perfect size for most people. And with the new 4.0L and 6-speed, is apparently quite quick now compared to the "original". They sell well here and I know several people with them who love them, so I just don't see this happening, unless there's more information missing....where'd the report come from?

Well that pretty much backs up the reaction I've had from even looking at pictures. I really want to like DCX, but it very much seems like they got the LX cars done and out there, and then...plunk...just a bunch of poorly executed crap flooding the rest of the lot around those cars. Some of the remaining vehicles are still nice--Durango/Aspen, Ram, minivans, etc--but with each redesign or new intro, they seem to go to a stranger styling realm and step down another grade in material quality. Almost like they just don't care anymore. That, or maybe it's just GM now getting all the good designers and buying up all the nice materials...haha...

Yeah, the 6-speed is a given and will be in there eventually, but the 6.2L is reserved for higher end trims like the Denali and Escalade. On the other hand, they are offering the 6.0L right now in 1500 Avalanches and Suburbans, which people have requested for a long time, so MAYBE it will eventually show up as some kind of an option in the Tahoe as well.

This is dumb, but I guess they had to make a story out of something (even if it is a rebate). MAYBE will get a few to give it a look in person, but once they do, I have a feeling they'll turn the other way and buy something else. Between the mixed good & bad look, the low-rent (not as much so as some Chryslers like the Compass or Caliber, but still not good) interior, and the marginal powertrains in most, it might even do worse than the old one, but we'll see. I want to like it, but the more I look into them, the more I just can't see it working. One things for sure--put a Sebring and an Aura next to one another, and which to choose isn't even a question. Here's some idea of the more "typical" ones you'll see...ugh... http://www.manassaschrysler.com/Chrysler/index.html#sebring The proportions are SO bad, some of the trim just weird, ugly wheels, low buck interior...not good.

Very nice. I was expecting a lot, and after taking a spin over to the local dealer to look at a few, I was VERY impressed...they seemed more fitting to be on something like an Acura lot, than what you would typically think of Saturn or even GM--which is the big point of them. The XR's with the 3.6L, 6-speed, 18" wheels, etc. are a terrific deal, and for just around $20k, the XE's are a SCREAMING deal, and just as impressive visually and equipment-wise.

An older guy at our church showed up in the first '07 Silverado I've seen yesterday--a Silver Birch 1500 LT crew cab Z71. Standard 17" wheels and blackwall tires, but also a sunroof, and no running boards. Stood out just because I think it's one of the first on the road at home, but just isn't that "wow!" in person. Nice and simple, yes, but really needs things like the optional wheels and extra trim to make it stand out even a bit. And the front end just comes off as very blockish and chunky, and again a bit staid. Still, I liked it, but also strangely decided that a lot of the current GMT-800 ones (such as a similarly equipped Z71) stand out as a bit sharper and snazzier overall, aside from the old tech fit & finish and cheap innards. BUT, it's growing on me, and the more I see in different colors and different trims, I still do like the new ones better.

Very cool. Last year our '93 Fleetwood rolled over 100k on the highway, but as my mother was driving it as a spare, no one noticed until after the fact. Not a big deal, but I still would have liked a picture My father's '92 Roadmaster is at about 196k, so another year or so (only a couple miles a day to work and back), and it will hopefully roll over the 200k mark without incident as well. Now you just have to make it to 300k and take a pic! :AH-HA_wink:

I think it looks really good, and the powertrain & chassis definately are up to snuff. Compared to an Accord, etc., the interior is a bit crude in some areas, but not overly so--and it has improved over the years. Mitsu makes some very nice cars, and is VERY good at the sport aspect as well, I just wish they could do a little better and more people bought them. It's been a long time since I've even seen a current gen Galant on the road, the last of which was a cheapie Enterprise rental--so it's a bit of a shame.

Exactly. And for what you use the car for, why spend extra money on something that isn't at all necessary? They look fine, and for so old, the rest of the car looks darn nice as well. Still fun surprising people at redlights, hu? :AH-HA_wink: Even these older B/D-body cars before the LT1 of the 90's were quite quick, and it's always fun playing with people who would never think it from the looks.

Cool--what year and engine is it? And yes, those Wal-Mart hubcaps would be better in the dumpster...but better than ugly ragged steelies underneath, I guess. Then again, most of the OEM ones didn't look good either, so who cares. Those cars really are beasts, and even a bit more than the newer '91+ ones which themselves were no weaklings.

Good point, but it's still worth mentioning in this case--just because there are several small things that would make a noticeable difference. Same deal with almost every car, but most it just isn't as noticeable or worth pointing out.

As an '04 owner, and mostly a fan of the new '07s, I pretty much agree with the review. Great, but still could be better with several extra "no-brainer" things.

Let's remember, this is just the extended cab with the small back doors. Looks pretty comparable to others of the same--and the real crew should be a lot larger.

Something DEFINATELY sounds Corvette raspy about that...

Yeah, and strangely enough, they convert quite a few of these every year. Used to be mainly Eldorados, but when those ceased production, the Deville was the next best option...not nearly as popular, though, as would be expected for a larger and more commonplace 4 door sedan.