I like your automotive thought process.

 

Hrmmm I knew you would say that... ohh well I got nothing against you man, but seriously nothing GM has as far as sadans are really stunning, and class leading. As for every auto maker, The market right now is kinda boring... DCX is kinda adding some spirit, but the cars look aweful in my opinion

 

The only car I would consider in your price range that would seem to be the type of vehicle you are looking for made by GM brand new is the GP GXP. I am not much on fwd, but I think this is a pretty nice car. If interiors concern you that much, I think there is an interior upgrade coming out for them soon. I am sure Jason E would know much better about it.

 

CTS, LaCrosse... personally, if I had your income I'd blow all my money on an XLR.

 

TT solice =

Have you seen any projected specs on it yet?

 

Cobalt SS with the performance package ( LSD and recaro's ) , side bags sunroof and XM ticks in at just above $25K . Been in mine for 3 months now and like more everyday drive it . It handles like a go-kart , and doesnt beat ur a$$ when your just cruising , materials look and feel like quality stuff , it vault solid ....no rattles and surprisingly quiet inside despite the louder than normal exhaust . Check one out , youd be surprised .

 

Try back in a few more years.

 

I don't know what kind of vehical you consider a "car", but my parents just bought a '05 Uplander. This thing is impressive and a vast change from normal GM vehicals. If anyone does get one, get the 3.9L. That 3.5L should have never ended up in that thing. Even though the 3.5L is only "rated" at 24mpg on the highway, my mom said she saw 28mpg going through the hills of PA and WV on their way to Harrisburg. This was turn 4k rpms going up the hills with less then 5k miles on the van.

Also, this thing is supper quite and I hate it. You can't even hear the engine driving around so I have to constally be looking at my speed just driving in town to know what I am doing, normally I just listen to the engine and just from its tone. The ride is also very nice, from what I remember. It has been a few months since I last rode in the car, but from what I remember it was very calm even over the roughest roads.

The interior is also amazing. I have never understood how judge "cheap" interiors, but the interior on the Uplander is a vast improvement from the Trans Port my parents have and reminds me of a Corvette interior, from my friend's dad's 2k Vette. One thing that needs to go on the interior is the built in car seats in the middle row. It makes sitting in them for any period of time uncomfortable.

You should go look at one if you like Toyotas.

edit: forgot to add that it only has a 4spd auto, but it really doesn't need it.

 

When GM offers value for money RWD vehicles with great powertrains, like Commodore, and offer it in wagon/crossover form and ute (as in Aussie definition of ute) people will stop being those ugly Camrys and expensive BMWs and discover the real definition of the term 'value'.

Well maybe they won't stop buying Camrys and BMWs but at least GM will realise there is a niche that needs to be filled.

 

Get a C4.

1) You won't have to save. (Decent price).

2) Look just as good.

3) LT4 / L98 both good engines and can be made to scream. (L98 requires intake swap but nothing major).

4) Size - to me they seem to be more of a "smaller" vette which IMO is better then bigger. C5 seems big, C6 does seem alittle smaller but I don't know how it compares to the C4.

 

http://www2.saabusa.com/build/step2.asp

It may not be a domestic, but it is a GM.

5spd auto or manual
2.0L 210hp turbo engine
nice interior
nicely tuned suspension
premium appointments and features
DVD Navigation system

 

I would have to say the cobalt is aimed at the import/tuner crowd.

 

I've seen a LOT of Solstace's driving around here lately. That car is going to be HUGE! It looks incredible, and keeps getting better every time I see it.

Dan

 

Unless I'm missing something, this sounds a lot like a Cadillac CTS. I've put some seat time in them at work, and I was extremely impressed. My only complaint - and it's a mild one - is that it's a bit dull inside. Given the sweet parts hidden underneath, I'll willing to accept lackluster door panels. Cadillac's quality numbers would seem to speak for themselves.

 

GM vehicle that would win over an import buyer?

The 1st thing that jumps to mid is the Cobalt. For a car of that class, I think the thing's a jewel. I also think the Equinox is a grand slam. Then of course, the G6. All world class stuff for their price range & class. Then of course, Corvette. But someone who wants a Corvette probally isn't window shopping with imported 2 seat sports cars.

Then there's the 2nd tier stuff. The CTS (though personally, I don't think it's worth the price for a V6 car) is otherwise a pretty good suspect. The Impala is a great Camary/Accord competitor in material quality and at least percieved assembly. The Malibu isn't half bad either. It's not something I'd want, but it's still a good car.

Although Buick's LeCrosse is screwed together well and has a pretty good interior, its design is duller than a Lexus. STS' design doesn't have the luxurious impact of BMW, Mercedes, or especially the CTS parked right next to it on the lot. It seems too watered down and generic to be a top dog luxury car. The rest of the car is fine. And although the Grand Prix is perhaps the only midsized FWD sedan I'd reccomend to anyone, it's more because of styling, performance, and value than because I think it's a better made car.

Chrysler is kind of weird (I know you didn't ask). It seems all their cars compete with imports to varying degrees of success. Neons (especially SRT-4s) are 100% accepted by the tuner crowd. The Mitsubishi based Stratus coupe is on par with Honda Accord coupes, Chrysler's minivans picture is next to the word "Minivan" in the dictonary, people actually traded in their Lexus, Infinitys, and even some Beemers for the 300. Yet the 300, Magnum, Viper, Ram trucks, and now the Charger are all distinctvely American in design. Go figure.


BTW: if you think I'm just being hard on GM, at least that's more positive feedback than I'd give Ford (even though I'm a former Ford guy):
Mustang, F series trucks, and the FiveHundred. That's it!