Yea, and it's called Bob Lutz saying he would have never approved the 300's design.

Are you kidding me? It's the hottest thing out of Detroit since the Cadillac divisions new styling theme. Yet here's a "car guy" that would have REJECTED this design.

So, I guess you're right. There is a real BS that Wagoner has to deal with. I'm beginning to think it might just be Mr. Lutz that Wagoner has to deal with that other companies do not.

 

Yeah, lets get rid of Lutz and bring back Zarella. Times were better then....

Lutz, with Wagoner and Cowager are 3 people that really like there job. Its the other internal stuff that they have to deal with.

Lutz might not have liked the design, but I bet he loved the idea of a true American sedan. I dont see how you can assume that Lutz would have rejected it. Without Lutz, GM would be in a world of hurt, and spinning out of control.
If the Camaro returns, it will be Lutz who brings it back.

 

He's not "assuming" anything, Lutz actually said that...

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache...Lutz+300&hl=en

 

Domestics are on the right track but they still have a way to go.
Fords 500 and mustang will help a lot I imagine. They should offer a diesel option or something to the focus I think to compete with the golf.

GM has the cobolt, C6, G6, CTS, STS, and solstice on the way.

They still have some problems like the ION, saturn really needs some attention. Could give a diesel option to it and maybe hybrid. GM needs a larger sedan under 30k to compete with the 300, 500, IE middle east caprice and loose either the malibu or impala.
IMPROVE INTERIOR QUALITY. I am renting an 04 malibu classic right now and the interior just screems cheap. My 89 grand marquis has a nicer interior.

I think changing the models is a big key compare the: monte carlo, impala, malibu, taurus, intrepid, 300m, concorde to the: accord, altima, camry, passat, and the like and the domestics are just old and way out of date.

If there is too much red tape, then the guys on top should make it their duty to reduce it for the good of the company and dont be so afraid to take a risk. And not a niche vehicle risk like the SSR but something the general public can afford. Just don't make it as ugly as the aztec.

 

Killing either the Malibu or Impala would just be assinine. Not only are both selling great, they're both very well recognized name plates. You don't have to worry about the new Malibu's interior being cheap anymore, but I agree the classics are quite cheaply. The C6 and STS aren't going to be big sellers for GM, maybe in their segment they do well, but GM needs to concentrate on mainstream cars like G6 and Cobalt and the like. Passats are the biggest peices of crap on the road IMHO, GM doesn't need to model anything after that car.

 

Well if they are going to improve them fine, I just didn't see a point of 2 mediocre cars. I know the impala is selling well, thats while I suggested the malibu given what I am driving right now. I have no experience with the passat myself but I have just heard a few people suggest it was a nice car that why I included it. Replace it with your favorite mainstream import.

 

the reason the Impala sells well is that its a big car that sells for real cheap. And it sells for cheap because it is made and feels cheap. Just like most of GM's other grocery getting sedans.

My buddy's old Grand National Buick has a nicer interior than the Impala. GM also wrapped the leather all the way around the wheel on that 1986 car, but can't seem to do the same thing on a car made in 2005. WTF?

Yes, GM has hit a ceiling if you ask me. The rebate gimmick worked quite well, but in order to really gain market share, they need cars that are obviously better than the competition. The G6 is a great start, but the interior falls short when compared to an Accord or Camry. And the 240hp V6 is outgunned by Nissan with 260hp. The Grand Prix might be a great peformer with its 260 HP S/C V6, but once again its interior falls far short of Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. The LaCrosse is also a great car, but once again it falls short on the interior(if it had real wood, that would have been awesome) and still has less HP than Nissan. And I can't even defend the rest of GM's sedan lineup, they all suck.

 

Its simple really, NO AMERICAN Auto maker produces a fun cheap reliable car to drive that is also esthetically appealing. Thew new g6 is a good start but what does chevy make? corvette, 8 suv's and the cavy now cobalt and the silverado and colorado. Not really appealing to a whole lot of people. Same goes for buick except add a few more cars, Caddy is on the right track with new designs and cutting edge styleing but not affordability.

Ford same story, now they have about 8 suv's the tauras and the focus as well as the new stang. And the f-series trucks and ranger. Once again competeing with gm for a declineing sales market. In the meantime Import makers are conentraiteing on styleing, performance (what gm car can you get a 6spd in other then corvette?) honda has accord, acura has tl, nissan has maxima. Chevy has impala to compete here. A fairly bland slow auto v6 car with low resale value.


What they need to do is restyle there cars and make cars people friggen want not what they think. Or have the same damn platform but with 3 differnt skins *pontiac, buick chevy*

Also alot of people dont have a whole lot of money these days and imports are viewed as being better quality and lasting longer as well as getting better fuel economy. Which most do and are. So that is another factor. American automakers need to get there head out of there *** and start asking peopel what they want.

 

The Malibu Classic is on its death bed, and comparing it todays newest cars doesn't make very good comparo sense. The Malibu Classic as been virutally unchanged since it was introduced back in the mid-90s as the Corsica replacement and is now just sold as a fleet car.

 

the funny part is when i remember the malibu being the 97 MT COY...seems like an eternity ago

 

what was motor trend smoking back in 1997? The Supercharged Grand Prix came out that year and owned all in the sporty grocery getter catergory. And they pick the lame Malibu?

 

Pretty much. Honestly, i would only go to them for a few of their v8 cars (300C, Mustang, camaro, vette, GTO) or SUV's and full-sized truck, and that's it. If i were to consider any other segment, i wouldn't set foot in a big 3 (or 2.5) dealership or lot.

Their newer stuff appears to be better, but they have still yet to impress. Now, the 3 companies on top of my shop list (car-wise) would be Subaru, Honda, and Nissan. Ford and Chevy/Pontiac would practically have to give their cars away for me to even consider them. And this is coming from a guy whose last three vehicles have been Chevy/Ford.

They need to do a much better job with their cars. Not only that, but they'll also have to also earn back the trust and respect of consumers who have been forced to go else where for quality vehicles.

 

GM does offer quality vehicles now, and on par with Honda and Toyota.

 

Define quality as you mean it.