GM i definately stepping in the right direcftion with all the new models. not saying they're anywhere close to Honda or Toyotas reputation when it comes to passenger cars, but at least they freshened up their styling unlike the 80'* and 90'* where everything looked the same. The new styles look great (Solstice, SSR, Vette, G6, STS...).

On a different note: Is the G6 going to be faster then a Comp G GP. 250hp, smaller car- less weight, and i'm assuming less price because it'* replacing the Grand Am. If so, they should drop in a northstar from the new STS and see what happens.

GM as a whole is a good company. I have halted my preliminary searching for a new GM simply because the sudden outburst of redesigns worries me a little bit. New models and designs tend to have a few more bugs than usual. I'm also disappointed that they discontinued my favorite model...even though this is old news...I'll miss the Firebirds, and I am disappointed that the GTO has the same basic design as the other Pontiacs.

I just can't afford to have a new expensive car with many problems. That'* all I'm saying. I LOVE how all the new models look. And the GTO engine....*drool*

I guess I feel like maybe GM is moving too fast. They didn't do much redesigning with anything besides the GP for years, and now....well, everything'* changing.

Just my two cents, not trying to be disrespectful. I'm just a little...worried is all...

I feel my vehicles are exactly as I imagined. I had a difficulty(being it made wrong..lol) with my first duramax GM told me to bring it in, popped a new engine in it in not too long of a time. Not too many questions where even asked, and with my new trucks, both great. I have to admit when I traded in my first duramax the drivers leather seat was completly warn out and dirty... but it was a work truck, and gm said no problem it was covered under warrenty and wouldnt effect trade in. These are all new vehicles and gm treats there new expensive truck buyers with care.

My buddys 02 8.1L crewcab had piston slap, and had a bad oil loss issue, and had the transmission blow twice... all of it was under warrenty. The second time the tranny blew the vehicle was over its 60,000km mark and gm wasnt obligated to fix it, but they did. Going on about gm trucks... ahah... anyway as for cars go.

My dad and I have owned my trofeo sence it was shipped to us, and theres been not to many unexpected problems along the way (EXPT OF LAST SUMMER WHEN THE DAMN DASH WASNT WORKING ) but after I figured out the problem it was 200 dollars to fix it... I recently got the engine fully rebuilt at 220,000km and it runs better then the day it was new, and still looks as good. We bought the car for 49,000 sticker price, and today its worth 10,000. In my books thats great for a 12 year old car, and its a whole lot better car then you can buy for 10,000 new or used.

60k km and you're out of warranty?!?! Geez, it'* 10 years 100k miles here....

Well that dash is silly, what'd ya expect?

First thing. If you are going to post and opinion on an open forum you have to be willing to accept conflicting view points. Just how the game goes.

Second thing. I am going to lay mine right out on the table and say that I agree with Regal 100%. Where do I start.

The new Chevy Malibu is a JOKE. They borrowed a european platform, made it handle like a mushy American platform. Then added drum brakes to it, and gave the 3400 a makeover and passed it off as the new face of GM! And then say it can compete against the Camry and Accord. Um, both Camry and Accord are bigger and have more standard features and V6'* that are light years ahead of the 3500 in the Malibu.

The new Canyon and Colorado. They were designed and engineered by Isuzu. Take this how ever you want,but have you seen the interior? It looks like a 89 Nissan Hardbody inside. My 1995 Sonoma had a more advance interior.

The SSR? GM canceled the F-Body and gave America that? Nuff said.

GMs quality is in the Toilet. The majoroity of the people that I work with have taken advantage of the 0% financing and handsome rebates that GM has offered, but the cars that they bought have all been in for NUMEROUS repairs under warranty. To the point that it is a monthy thing. The quality has gone in the toilet at GM, fit and finish too.

The new G6 was a great car when it was a concept on the show circuit. Now after the bean counters go done with it, its another econobox. The show car looked like to could be a 'baby Acura' with an attitude.

The 04 GP, what the hell happened to it? They had a car that looked bad ***, with the wide stance and performance to match. Then they make it 'better' by reusing the chassis, giving it a HORRABLE overhang on the front end, moved the wheels in and discontinue the 2-door option. Im sorry, but maybe some of you remember that the Grand Prix was a 2-door only car until 1990. Now it is a 4-door plain jane family sedan.

The Aztek?

GM has had a history of canceling things JUST when they get them right, The Grand National, Fiero, Impalla SS and F-body are perfect examples of that. I am DIE HARD GM to the bone, I just hope my SSEi last long enough so I can buy a GM product that sparks my interest.

Jason

THANK YOU

Have you driven a new malibu? I decided a long time ago not to listen to magazines about american cars.

The 2 dr GP was replaces by the GTO, it'* the same basic shape, thats where Holden got it from. The F body was also replaced by the GTO, not the SSR.

I for one don't think that the most technological engine is the best one. I don't think that a 3400 is worse then a DOHC v6 with VTEC in an accord because of it'* technological "marvels". In the end the only things that matter are power, milage and weight. The s2000 was hearlded as a marvel because of it'* engine, now a few years later, it'* well known that the engine is holding it back, and makes it a hard daily driver.

One last thing....

GM just unveilded the next generation of their mini van. Here is the summary. The roof and side glass are reused. The list of things that the new vans dont have that others do and are looked upon as must haves.

*Swing Out windows on the sliding doors
*Side Impact airbags for the 2nd & 3rd row
*Rear windows that can be operated by the rear occupents
*A rear seat that folds flat into the floor.

Guess what is under the hood...the 3500...

Also, the Silverado SS? Um, yeah. How is that worthy of the 'SS' badge? For 5k more I can get a tire shreading SRT-10 from Dodge with a Viper drive train and looks to back it up. Dont fuss about price either, because of you can justify 40 large on a Silverado with AWD and a 6 Liter, you can more than justify the extra 5k to run side by side with a vette.

Jay

You asked of we liked the new direction that GM was going. I answeded by saying that GM has not gone anywhere.

As for the Malibu, no I have not driven one. It does not inspire me enough to, even tho the old one did, and I almost bought one. Also, the salesman who sold me my SSEi told me not to as it was not worth my time. He sells Chevys for a living. His qoute to me was 'Honestly, I dont know how I can sell this thing, it has nothing going for it".

Im not here to get my jollies by bashing GM, I focking pissed off because im an engineer by day and American car enthusiast by night and have this generation GMs to choose from.

I do not solely rely on magazines for my thoughts or opinions, I am well known in my area by most of the GM dealerships. That reputation is based on the fact that I know many of the sales managers but have never bought a car from them. But on the weekends im in there with my Fiance kicking tires and slapping on dealer plates for test drives. Most of the time I go solo with out the sales people because they know me and my MO. The simple fact is tho, when the majority of America is known to buy a car based on a magazine article, what are they going to do when they read an article that says that the 3500 is a desendant of the 2.8L from the early 80'*? That drum brakes are standard on a Malibu while Camry and Accord are getting discs? (EDIT: Base model 4 cylinder Camrys get drums.) That is where they are going to get the information to purchase a car. I would like to pick up a car magazine, read a comparason test and see the American car win by a land slide, not the other way around.

Just thinking about your 2.8-present engine comparo...

The engine in my moms 2001 camry is a decendant of our 1988 Nova engine. The Nova in all seriousness with a manual is quicker accelerating.