Someone Has to Say It.

[A Bum In A Bus]

100% right.

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by ScottS

The problem is GM supporters are constantly saying, be patient for a couple more years. Then they roll out a couple of hits to get interest up, but then they turn around and come out with a lot of duds and mediocrity at the same time.

I've been hearing about "vehicles in the pipeline" for 25 years now. I agree ... GM fields as many duds as hits.

I've spent months with a 2006 Impala. Dud.
Torrent?? Worst torque steer I've ever encountered.

I truly believe that GM is afraid to innovate, afraid it will lose what few sales remain.

In the 1950s and 1960s, GM's styling seemed to drive the market. It changed dramatically year to year. Today, we see no real annual changes, and when 'big' changes happen, they tend to be 'safe', evolutions of existing designs.

So, with the new GMT-900 pickups, what great, new innovations in cargo hauling did GM provide? A smoother body. Big deal. I want i n n o v a t i o n ... new ways to use the cargo bed, like the side entry on the Cheyenne concept. I want lockable compartments. Creative, configurable tie-downs. How about a tail gate that slides under the bed for storage? Interior/Exterior 110V outlets?

I've given up years ago waiting for GM to wake up and lead again. I know I'll upset all of those out here with pure blind faith in GM, who drool anytime something with a bow tie logo is released, but I expect more from GM that what we're seeing today.

One of GM's 'Core Values' is to be the leader in transportation products and services, but I see Honda doing a better job of leading in transportation products, with motorcycles, outboard engines, watercraft, cars, and trucks.

I'm done waiting for the next renaissance of GM.

[327]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I've been hearing about "vehicles in the pipeline" for 25 years now. I agree ... GM fields as many duds as hits.

I've spent months with a 2006 Impala. Dud.
Torrent?? Worst torque steer I've ever encountered.

I truly believe that GM is afraid to innovate, afraid it will lose what few sales remain.

In the 1950s and 1960s, GM's styling seemed to drive the market. It changed dramatically year to year. Today, we see no real annual changes, and when 'big' changes happen, they tend to be 'safe', evolutions of existing designs.

So, with the new GMT-900 pickups, what great, new innovations in cargo hauling did GM provide? A smoother body. Big deal. I want i n n o v a t i o n ... new ways to use the cargo bed, like the side entry on the Cheyenne concept. I want lockable compartments. Creative, configurable tie-downs. How about a tail gate that slides under the bed for storage? Interior/Exterior 110V outlets?

I've given up years ago waiting for GM to wake up and lead again. I know I'll upset all of those out here with pure blind faith in GM, who drool anytime something with a bow tie logo is released, but I expect more from GM that what we're seeing today.

One of GM's 'Core Values' is to be the leader in transportation products and services, but I see Honda doing a better job of leading in transportation products, with motorcycles, outboard engines, watercraft, cars, and trucks.

I'm done waiting for the next renaissance of GM.

so you know what the silverado has already? SPIT IT OUT!. I know for one theyve added many adjustable bed tiedowns.

[GM-Joe]

I'm on your team, that is how I think. I don't need anyone else's help, I'm a hard working sob and if i can't do it no one can.

One other thing, people claim GM is old and stale and their vehicles are gas guzlers, well look at Toyota, their whole line is about as fresh as a Fog Hat concert and as stylish as a Member's Only jacket. People only buy those Toyota's because of status and ignorance.

[asim]

Good job Swahili! I think people just need to calm down and wait to see what happens.

[LAMRONH]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I've spent months with a 2006 Impala. Dud.
Torrent?? Worst torque steer I've ever encountered.

I truly believe that GM is afraid to innovate, afraid it will lose what few sales remain.

In the 1950s and 1960s, GM's styling seemed to drive the market. It changed dramatically year to year. Today, we see no real annual changes, and when 'big' changes happen, they tend to be 'safe', evolutions of existing designs.

I've given up years ago waiting for GM to wake up and lead again.
One of GM's 'Core Values' is to be the leader in transportation products and services, but I see Honda doing a better job of leading in transportation products, with motorcycles, outboard engines, watercraft, cars, and trucks.

Amen to much of what you say. First GM lost its direction in the 80s, and now it seems to suffer from battered syndrome, where it has no self-confidence and keeps fielding gnarly nothingmobiles, stylewise, like the Impala, LaCross, Malibu, and Lucerne.
GM doesn't even have the self confidence to follow its own direction in model names--LaCross, Lucerne, puleeeze--and half the time they're doing Euro-wannabee alphanumerics which have made the entire Cadillac lineup a meaningless mishmash of nonsense, Ss, Cs, and Xs.
Guess any corporation that thinks toilet paper and laundry soap salesmen are effective automobile marketers should have its collective corporate head examined. Which I have suggested numerous times.

P.S. A couple of weeks ago I got a flyer in the mail from Honda. They were marketing their lawn mowers, trimmers, generators, outboards, I think a skidoo-type watercraft...on and on. Now here is a company that knows how to make a name and then capitalize on it. If GM partners with anyone, it should be Honda.

[cadillacpimpin]

Originally Posted by Swahili

Since then, GM has rolled out products like the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky (recently named the most searched car on the net), Chevy HHR, the GMT900 SUVs (and soon to follow pickup trucks). GM is making massive steps to improve their products and getting back to basics: building vehicles that people want to buy. Though lower volume production cars, the Solstice and Sky roadsters spend much less time on dealer lots than the industry average. Heck, dealer mark up of almost 20% proves that each are in high demand and if you didn't put your name on the waiting list, chances are you’re waiting until next year to get your own.

Just as a clarification,I thought I read the article correctly. But I thought it was saying the SKY was the #1 researched on the gaywheels.com website, not the entire net.

Originally Posted by LAMRONH

P.S. A couple of weeks ago I got a flyer in the mail from Honda. They were marketing their lawn mowers, trimmers, generators, outboards, I think a skidoo-type watercraft...on and on. Now here is a company that knows how to make a name and then capitalize on it. If GM partners with anyone, it should be Honda.

I think there would be great benefit to both parties if this were to happen, as much as I would like to see GM stay in Detroit, as an American comany, Honda IMO has their act together. Except for that ridgeline, what are they thinking there, I know it has some cool features, but I'm just not convinced that its going to be as good as a BoF truck in 20 years.

[Tiger]

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I've been hearing about "vehicles in the pipeline" for 25 years now. I agree ... GM fields as many duds as hits.

I've spent months with a 2006 Impala. Dud..

Try the SS model. You'll be quite surprised.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Torrent?? Worst torque steer I've ever encountered...

You really need to drive more cars!

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I truly believe that GM is afraid to innovate, afraid it will lose what few sales remain.

Dual mode hybrids (teaming up with BMW and DC
Midgates
Cadillac V-Series (Where's Lexus?)
Duramax diesel; 2008 model year diesel offensive to include light trucks
Acadia/Outlook/Enclave
Cobalt SS
More hard top convertibles than anyone else
Best fuel economy of any full size SUV (tahoe, Suburban)

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

In the 1950s and 1960s, GM's styling seemed to drive the market. It changed dramatically year to year. Today, we see no real annual changes, and when 'big' changes happen, they tend to be 'safe', evolutions of existing designs.

Sky Redline, Solstice GXP, SSR, HHR, Acadia/Outlook/Enclave, SS versions, Corvette C6, Camaro Concept, Pontiac G6 Hardtop convertible, Equinox SS, Cadillac XLR, Cadilac SRX, Avalanche, Saab 9-3 SportCombi.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

So, with the new GMT-900 pickups, what great, new innovations in cargo hauling did GM provide?

NOT released yet!

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

A smoother body. Big deal. I want i n n o v a t i o n ... new ways to use the cargo bed, like the side entry on the Cheyenne concept.

See Avalanche 2002 to present.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I want lockable compartments.

Avalache has 3. The largest of which at 40 cubic feet is 5 times larger on it's own vs. the Ridgelines 8 cu ft in bed stow n go.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

Creative, configurable tie-downs. How about a tail gate that slides under the bed for storage?

Will you let them release it already. Avalanche has 10 standard BTW.

Originally Posted by Bythelake

Interior/Exterior 110V outlets?

Available on Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid models since 2004.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I've given up years ago waiting for GM to wake up and lead again. I know I'll upset all of those out here with pure blind faith in GM, who drool anytime something with a bow tie logo is released, but I expect more from GM that what we're seeing today.

Who does more? Who offers more? Who gives the buyer more choices? Who?

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

One of GM's 'Core Values' is to be the leader in transportation products and services, but I see Honda doing a better job of leading in transportation products, with motorcycles, outboard engines, watercraft, cars, and trucks.

If you were a motorcycle enthusiast, you'd know better. Honda has been rightfully criticized for being extremely conservative in the motorcycle market. Their core buyers are NOT happy with them right now.

Honda also does not sell a truck in the US. Just an *******ized Accord/Odyssey spinoff styled like an Avalanche...5 years after GM released theirs. Stunning.

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I'm done waiting for the next renaissance of GM.

Best of luck with your finding a renaissance at any of the other bean counting automakers. Let us know!

[Ty_99]

A spot on article. Couldn't have agreed more.
ByTheLake if u are so fed up by GM, then go buy a Honda already. For a guy who has given up on GM you still seem to pay alot of attention to what they do.

[Ty_99]

As well Honda's all Four Stroke marine line up is not as good as people like to think. Other then being the first company to introduce an all Four Stroke engine line up (partly cause they had to cause their 2 strokes were that bad), they haven't been innovative. And now that Mercury, Yamaha and Evenrude/Johnson all have their four Strokes out, Honda isn't looking so hot. In all of the aspects of recreational motor vehicles, Honda is hardly the first brand I think of, but maybe that is just me.

[drew770]

I am a true GM fan but I have to say I am very disappointed with some of the choices that GM has made recently.
Whatever happened to the new Malibu that GM showed to the automotive press and everyone of them just loved the design? Well, the last thing I heard was that GM decided to shelve the design and just wait until 2010 for the new platform!!
Sorry but if that is correct then GM is dumb as dirt. The midsized car segment is the most competitive segment and the worlds largest automaker will let us have the tired fugly Malibu or Impala for 3 more years while Toyota, Honda and Nissan update and give us a better version of their current offerings!
How about the stank Colorado that is sinking like the Titanic. You would think that GM would have learned its lesson by not letting a product that can not match the competition sit on the lots.
Well, the Colorado will be with us for a long time because there is nothing in the pipelines. By the way Toyota and Nissan are #1 and #2 in sales for this segment.
These are some of the issues that GM has to resolve because the competition smell blood in the water and GM has to learn to walk and chew gum at the same time or it will end up the property of R-N.

[espo19047]

Originally Posted by camaro_freak

none of the vehicles mentioned here will save GM alone. They need a big push in the midsize and full size car department if they hope to stay alive. Small production and large SUVs/trucks won't save GM.

True but you can't fault GM for starting somewhere. Lets see what happens with the Impala and Malibu.

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally Posted by drew770

I am a true GM fan but I have to say I am very disappointed with some of the choices that GM has made recently.
Whatever happened to the new Malibu that GM showed to the automotive press and everyone of them just loved the design? Well, the last thing I heard was that GM decided to shelve the design and just wait until 2010 for the new platform!!
Sorry but if that is correct then GM is dumb as dirt. The midsized car segment is the most competitive segment and the worlds largest automaker will let us have the tired fugly Malibu or Impala for 3 more years while Toyota, Honda and Nissan update and give us a better version of their current offerings!
How about the stank Colorado that is sinking like the Titanic. You would think that GM would have learned its lesson by not letting a product that can not match the competition sit on the lots.
Well, the Colorado will be with us for a long time because there is nothing in the pipelines. By the way Toyota and Nissan are #1 and #2 in sales for this segment.
These are some of the issues that GM has to resolve because the competition smell blood in the water and GM has to learn to walk and chew gum at the same time or it will end up the property of R-N.

The Epsilon II chassis was put on the back burner to bring foward the new Zeta cars, that people have been begging for much longer, and much harder then any Epsilon cars. It sucks, but changing image and pulling people into showrooms is what is needed.
The 355 twins still hold there own. The Nissan and Toyo trucks are very big as well as have gas guzzling V6 engines. The 355 twins are much smaller then thoes two, as well as get better gas milage, and still gets the job done. They deffinatly need to be redone, and Ive brought up several ideas, but they are solid trucks for what the price.



Great article, this is what is on people's minds. This is a way for Nissan to maybe pick up (more like pick apart) sections of GM they want after they crash and burn it.

[zaxxis]

Originally Posted by ScottS

The problem is GM supporters are constantly saying, be patient for a couple more years. Then they roll out a couple of hits to get interest up, but then they turn around and come out with a lot of duds and mediocrity at the same time.

So I take it when you play baseball you hit home runs on the first pitch everytime at bat?

The same for GM. The difference when the last few years and the prior 25 for GM -- is that they are honestly showing they can produce a very good car, truck or SUV.

If you look at the last few model releases, everything designed and introduced after the Saturn Ion and the trio of minivans, have been very good or great product. Sure, we might not like the Torrent and what all it represents, but it's based on the 'Nox and it's still a very good small-midsize SUV. I'm a Ford bigot, but I would take a Nox/Torrent over a Escape. It fills a need that the Pontiac dealers wanted and creates some breathing room for the P-B-G plan to come to realization.

The point is, GM is doing better and is showing that they might actually understand their problems and are working to resolve them. The hibernation is over and the bear is angry.

-Z

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

The Epsilon II chassis was put on the back burner to bring foward the new Zeta cars, that people have been begging for much longer, and much harder then any Epsilon cars. It sucks, but changing image and pulling people into showrooms is what is needed.
The 355 twins still hold there own. The Nissan and Toyo trucks are very big as well as have gas guzzling V6 engines. The 355 twins are much smaller then thoes two, as well as get better gas milage, and still gets the job done. They deffinatly need to be redone, and Ive brought up several ideas, but they are solid trucks for what the price.



Great article, this is what is on people's minds. This is a way for Nissan to maybe pick up (more like pick apart) sections of GM they want after they crash and burn it.

I agree, but I think the delay of EP II (other than for the 9-5 which needs a redesign NOW) was a good idea. That way maybe GM can get it right, after they get the Zeta cars to market and grasp a part of that re-emerging market.