DUH!! Spend billions on a new brand and dealer network instead of fixing what's broke

According to some, GM has too many dealerships for their market share. Setting a new standard for dealership performance .... using Saturn dealers as the benchmark ... then dumping those that don't meet it would look after the excess and make all GM product more desireable. Then reward the Saturn dealers with product consistent with their performance.

 

I could drive through the doorgaps on a new Saturn Ion.

I know they use the "plastic" excuse, but what about the Corvette? They fit fine, and I understand the new ones will have 3mm gaps.

Stick a fork in Saturn. They're done.

 

I would also like to see Saturn try their hand at a diesel engine.
Some of the domestics need to get into this market. It's solely dominated by VW right now.
The closest domestic small diesel will be the Jeep Liberty when it comes out....
I've also read and heard nothing but bad reviews about the ion so it's no wonder the sales are poor.
Sure it's got a 5spd auto but from what I hear you can't manually shift it at all. It just shifts whenever it feels like no matter what gear it is in. It also shifts well before redline under hard acceleration.

 

What problems does the Ion have other than the dumb dashboard/gages? I think the exterior looks good, some don't like the C-pillar but Nissans have the same thing. it also has more power than the S-series.

The new quad coupe with the 17" is one of the best looking small cars on the market.
http://media.gm.com/events/productse...03ST_IN041.jpg
http://www.conceptcarz.com/img/satur...yc_03eight.jpg

the best pic:
http://autoworld.com/news/saturn/X02SV_ST011.jpg

tuner coupe:
http://www.greatimes.ru/cars/sat_con.../satutuner.jpg

 

I like the back end... the front is tollerable...

but the C-Pillar is rotten.

Also, the Silver roof bar things are just hideous....

Those 4 spoke wheels are ugly as sin too...

 

yeah the 4 doors wheels (at least one version) looks like it was made by lego!!! How is that for "different" (too ugly different)

I'll agree the coupe looks better but the IP would probably stop me from buying it.

 

Roof bar is interchangable, you can get it in any color you like.

I don't care for 4 spoke rims either, but again rims can be changed, check out the pics of the blue care with the chrome 17" 5 spokes. that car also has a black roof bar.

 

Ah. I didn't know you could get a body color roof bar... all the ones at the Cleveland Auto Show had that Silver color. Thanks for the info though


Wheels can be changed, true, but there is no reason for having the stock ones be so blocky and clunky looking.

 

The roof rails are customizable, I think the dash trim can be changed too.

http://saturn.com:97/ion3/accessories/

They don't show what all the color choices are though.

 

A Diesel Saturn would be a very good idea indeed. I think it could be done easily if GM used one from their European engine line up too.

 

The one pictured looks like wood grain!

This is just odd.

I mean, who in their lives has said ... "You know, I'd love to be able to customize the look of my roof rails!!"


I just don't get it...

 

I've seen ricers do worse.

I think this feature is mostly marketed towards kids.

Does anyone know if the Saturn Tuner coupe will be a turbo or S/C 4cyl.????

and if it is going to be out this fall shouldn't it be at the auto shows by now? maybe NYC.

 

It will be supercharged.

 

to both those posts. the SL1 and SL2 cars were HIGH volume cars that were decent looking and appealed to plenty of different markets. My sister has a 96 SL2 DOHC. 110K miles, absolutely like new.The 91-95 and 96-99(?) SL's built in Tennessee have absolute top notch quality, built like no other. Not sure where the new LS series is being built, but I've heard tons of complaints already on this relatively new car ever since GM stepped too far into the equation. Dealer attitude/courtesy still has the Saturn feeling to it, but it's starting to feel a little more forced, like they know things are about to go south.

They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well the SL's direction was just fine & dandy, while the LS is crap-in-disguise from the getgo. I won't even go into Ion.

 

It all comes down to the fact that Saturn buyers aren't all that perceptive. They're buying into the quality bunk, and going for the nannying brand image. In reality, all GM is offering Saturn buyers are low-style plastic Hyundais.