If I do get another coupe (I probably will, though not anytime soon) it will not be a domestic. I've always loved Mustangs (yeah yeah...eat me) but the 05 was a disappointment to me. Like its been said, if I wanted a first gen, I'd buy one. the HP increase is nice but it just doesn't do anything for me, and if you're a Mustang nut (like I used to be) you know that they've been going 'retro' in its stylings since the first gen ever came out (little bits here and there if you know where to look). I liked the Shelby-like prototype/concept they had a while back but not the one they went with.

Camaro...gone. It was a great car but GM always tried to make it a pony car (high volume seller). I loved the 3rd gen from day one but the fourth gen just wasn't all that revolutionary, and went on too long (if they had came out with a new style in 1999, I'm sure they would have taken some of the sales from the Mustangs, as well as imports.

In 2002, keeping an open mind, I test drove a few import coupes. The main reason I didn't buy one is because I like my space (I used to drive a lot of full size pickups back then and was used to a lot of elbow room). The RSX sold me except for those tail lights (I predicted, and was wrong, that a lot of riceboys would also buy them and alteeza the hell out of them). I didn't like that round crap at all. If they had the 05 tail lights, I would not only have bought it, but kept it also. Nothing, for that price, can compare to the performance and handling.

All the new import coupes, even the audis, are starting to look good to me, and I was a long time import-hater. I was going to create a thread about 'what if the future Camaro turns out to be a disappointment' but to be honest, I already am. Since 2000, Chevy has not only been hitting every branch of the ugly tree, but to me its been defying the laws of gravity and bouncing around up and down, diagonally, and what-not...with its SSR, Colorado, Trailblazer, ect. I loved the Camaros (always have) but I can't see how a company that produces so many ugly NEW cars can make a future Camaro I like. Hell, I even liked the 2nd gen camaros.

The crossfire is starting to grow on me (though I hated its looks in magazines) but I haven't driven one to be honest. Other than DCX, I think domestics are committing design-suicide. They're just plain fugly. I was a die-hard 'domestic driving redneck' (though I'm not white) but I give up.


Ok, give me your rants, compaints, bitches and moans. I know I would have if I'd read this a few months ago.

 

If you want something like an RSX, you can cool at the Cobalt SS coupe. It will most deffinalty pack a lot more SOTP feel, but everything else should be right in line with the RSX.
As for domestic coupes, there is still the G6 coupe coming out, and all shots I have seen are very very very attractive. Especialy in 3.9 245hp and 6spd manual combo!

 

I'd say an RSX Type S and a Cobalt SS would be a neck and neck race. Cobalt SS=205 HP, RSX=210 HP.

Steve, I feel your pain. Most of Chevy's newer stuff is ugly, and if I were in the market for a new car, I definetly would not buy a Chevy, or anything GM(except maybe a Cadillac or Vette).

 

Lack of torque would put the RSX-S, on top of its higher price tag, well behind on the list of sport compact coupes, with the SS taking top rank.
And that little 2.0 ecotec isnt even stressed out with its 8psi...all that forged internals gone to waste....such a shame.

 

Cobalt SS > RSX

GTO is a very nice coupe (technically import ) you can get an '04 for $27K many dealers are offering nice 18"s as options too. It's like a 400HP/400tq M3 at 40-50% off, I definatly recommend test driving one. 245HP G6 coupe and V8 '06 Monte Carlos are coming out this spring/summer.

Other than the lack of a Camaro, GMs coupe line up looks better than ever, better than all imports combined IMHO, and I didn't even include the C6, XLR, or Solstice. All GM needs is a new Camaro & Turbo V6 Grand National and the coupe line up will be complete.

 

the cobalt SS has 12.5psi same as the ion redline

 

Steve2002 - What a foolish decision, IMHO. You have no clue what GM's coming out with or what it will look like. To dismiss it based on a few mediocre designs like you mentioned is mighty shortsighted. In your hurry to hate on GM, you conveniently glossed over their recent hits, including the Equinox, CTS-V, Cobalt, LaCrosse, Escalade, C6, and even the Grand Prix GTP. Judging by your sigblock, GM lost you over a decade ago. What's new?

I'll be amazed if you stick to your guns for the next few years as GM continues to bring out new and more capable performance vehicles like the next RWD performance coupes. But then I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, since in some people's minds - GM can do NOTHING right

As for these wonderful 4cyl imports... got torque?

 

BDF, thats more of what I was expecting

First, to everyone else, I seriously doubt that the Cobalt can even come close to the handling of the RSX, which is what really sold me. ON the HP, I thought it was the high revs that made it feel fast, but trust me, one time I found out the hard way that the RSX can spank a car with twice its engine.

But I'm only using the RSX as an example. Most import coupes have kickass suspension/handling compared to domestics...especially Mustangs and Camaros. I've never denied that, being a camaro or mustang fan.


Equinox? Looks like a Escape with a bowtie. I hate all Chevy SUVs. You're right though, I've never been a fan of Chevy anyways, except for a few exceptions. CTS-V? got bling-bling? Cobalt? see above your quote. La Crosse? Are you serious? Looks like an Hyundai. Actually, I'd never buy a new Buick, ever! I could buy one 5 years old for 1/8th the price! and add it to my list of 'beaters' Escalade? Got bling-bling? C6...ok, nice sports car...but I'm not that old or fat, and I'm bald by choice. Not much different from the C5 externally. Got ***** to redesign the exterior? GTP...not bad but too 'blah' compared to the other sedans out there.

I'll be interested in DCX and what htey put out (besides those tanks like the 'big horn' and 'bumble bee'...sorry but for that kinda $ I'd just get a F250 for 20k and mod the hell out of it ).

 

sure that cobalt can't stack up to the rsx?
i thought it was supposed to have a terrific suspension comparable to the other great 4 bangers (srt4s, evos, whatever)
just wondering, i'd like to see which would win in a couple of autox'es

 

Looks like you need to be buying what u like and its obviously not a GM vehicle

There seems to be so many people that come to this site that really dont like GM cars at all , but they act bothered GM doesnt stack up to the cars they actually do like

 

Do you want a car that feels fast or a car that is fast. RSX is a 15 sec. car, if you have twice the engine and can't beat one you're either a) driving a fullsize van or b) suck very badly at driving.


What import coupes are you talking about????? If you want an import that can handle as good as the Vette your spending over $100,000. Not many imports can handle the 1LE Camaros. If by kick *** handleing you mean at or below the level of American cars than you are right.

 

At this moment, the only GM car I would actually buy with my own money is the GTO. It's a great car, well made, and it's pretty heavy duty, meaning it should last for quite a while here on our smooth roads and less harsh conditions than down under. It's also quick as heck & without the limiter can do well in excess of 165!

In the immediate future, you can most certainly add the Colbalt SS. It's going to have an engine that's not only high in power, but it's also going to be very friendly to build ups. It's also going to be one of very few economical high performance cars that has less than 4 doors.

Then you have the G6 coupe and the upcoming 245 horse V6.

If you are waiting for RWD, the Solstice will be out in about 8 months along with the Sky. Want more than 4 cylinders, it's only about 2 years or so away.

As I said in another thread, if you are a GM loyalist, and can't wait to get into one of their upcoming cars, LEASE a competitor's for a couple of years. GM will see there's a market, and will have more incentive to get with it, and by the time your lease is up, you can go right over & grab one of GM's hot new rides.

 

Only GM car I would buy right now is a Vette. Damn near bought a 2002/2003 Z06 instead of the 04 Cobra (tough choice for me). Nothing else does anything for me (personal opinion, of course).

 

Well, you know what people say about opinions and what they're like...

Colorado/TrailBlazer/Equinox sell well and look great. Nothing to dislike, save for the plasticky dash on a TrailBlazer. I see new Equinoxes EVERYWHERE...

Whine, whine, whine...

 

what made you go for the cobra in that case?