A Trying Time For GM & It's Fans
Can they pull themselves out of the hole?
By: TaHoE
www.GMInsidenews.com
March, 20, 2005

I need to start off my saying that I am GM fan in & out. I hate to see tough times fall on GM, but I must say this time it may lead to GM's demise. I am sure this sounds ludicrous to many people reading this article, but this is honestly the first time that I think GM will loose it's #1 position in the near future. Whenever biased auto writers said that by the end of the decade Toyota will be the #1 auto manufacturer in the world I laughed. "Ha, that's a good one!" I said to myself time and time again, but this time it's coming out of my mouth. Although there are bright spots like Cadillac's resurgence and Chevy's strange popularity, there are also very weak spots like the rest of the lineup. Saturn is pretty much a lame duck right now, sure we have great concepts promised to us, but them can't come fast enough. With a small dealership franchise, out-dated designs and terrible interiors Saturn needs these concepts as fast as possible.

Pontiac is terrible right now, really a mess and this is coming from a current Pontiac/GMC owner. Pontiac has no entry level "performance" compact, it has no other true RWD performance oriented vehicles either, not to mension it has the SV6 and the Equino...I mean Torrenox...I mean Torrent, sorry. Though the Vibe is doing well for Pontiac, even outselling it's Toyota counterpart, it is by no means a performance oriented vehicle. And doesn't anyone think it's scary that one of Pontiac's bright spots is a re-badged Toyota? Even Toyota can make a better Pontiac than GM! The GTO, though an excellent value and performer, is not a GTO, it would be a better Grand Prix Coupe. The Bonneville will be leaving us...whatever! The Grand Prix, though very competent and doing very well, needs an updated powertrain. The G6 (as much as Lutz will argue) is a huge flop, no one cares about it. Maybe getting rid of the cladding wasn't a good idea! (just kidding...just kidding). The Solstice is on it's way....eventually! Sure they turned it from Concept to Production in an amazingly fast time, but now we wait. I would rather they spend that time perfecting the mechanicals and components of the Solstice.

GMC, is actually doing well. Other than the XUV (which is an excellent product, but just packaged wrong), everything at GMC seems to be going well. I doubt however that the Envoy/XL Denali twins will live up to their older brother's success. The Yukon/XL Denali had original styling, an original powertrain (for GMC at least) and specific interior trim. The Envoy has, ummm a new grille, a Denali specific steering wheel and the 5.3L standard....WOW, and all at an over-inflated price which will lead to rebates I am sure. The Fullsizers are being updated soon thank god, but the Canyon will likely continue in life as an ignored, compact, pickup. Don't even try to tell me that the Canyon is midsized, because I will hit you with the ugly stick.

Buick, another scary thought. Though the LaCrosse is a huge step up from the Regal, it's not a big enough step. 4-Speed Auto, Fake Wood Trim left and right, 3.8L Engine? This stuff is not going to bring in sales. The Lucerne is nice and all, but the exterior styling looks frumpy, and I wont even start on the powertrain, actually I will. 190HP 3.8L V6, now that just wreaks of luxury and power. Not to mension the Avalon's V6 produces similar power numbers to the 4.6L NorthStar V-8. O and let's not forget our beloved 4-Speed Auto . Rainier, is doing nothing, I won't even talk about it. The Terazza is not that bad, but needs the 3.6L VVT V6, o and more than 4-Speeds. Park Avenue and LeSabre are soo outdated it's ludicrous, but the LeSabre will be replaced by the mediocre Lucerne, so don't fret.

Saab, has no clue what the hell it's doing, Trucks, Saabs, they are all here. They need to regain their focus. Strictly FWD with All Wheel Drive OPTIONAL. TurboCharged engines. Ignition in the center console. Hockeystick dash. New-Era cup holders. Unibody platforms. Saab-Specific C-Pillar. These are all little things that add to a lot when it comes to Saab loyalists and potential buyers. To make Saab better, GM doesn't need to water down their image, just make their products better.

Hummer, though the H2 is very potent, it's gas-guzzling personality won't keep it's popularity afloat. The H3 has potential, but not with it's Inline-5. 5-Cylinders are for Volvos, not Trucks or Hummers! The H3 at least should have a V-6 Standard, with an optional 5.3L. I know they are going for fuel efficiency, but if a DOHC engine has to work hard, it won't really be all that fuel efficient.

Chevy, is doing well, but they need to update their vehicles. 4-Speeds need to go, interiors improved, SS means power so give them power GM. The Equinox needs to ditch it's 3.4 and at least get the 3.5L. The Vette is amazingly good, really the only very bright spot at GM. The Express is class leading, but that dash just screams Rubbermaid.

Cadillac, is doing an amazing job, but that's what I expect with billions invested. The CTS needed a new interior this year, didn't get it. The STS apparently needs better interior materials in the base model. Escalade needed an interior upgrade last year and this year, but I guess we have to wait for the all new model. XLR doesn't even have lights in the vanity mirrors...what's up with that? Even my '97 GMC Safari has vanity lights...and not only that they are adjustable. Caddy now needs to look at the little things, and not just RWD and V8s.

I am sorry for the long rant but sometimes I think that GM Fans could run GM better than the leaders themselves, in short:

What's Good:
-Chevy Corvette
-Caddy STS V8

What's Bad:
-Everything Else

What to Do:
-Delete all the 4-Speeds
It's really hurting them in comparisons

-6-Speeds Better Hurry Up
It will finally let GM the leg up

-Better Materials
Mouse fur in a $43,000 car is ridiculous

-More Advanced Powertrains
190HP out of a 3.8L V6 is ludicrous

-Think about the little things
No vanity lights in a $76,000 automobile?

-More differentiation between the Brands
One Word: GMT360

-Lower Pricing
Just lower the prices at first, and then there will be no need for negative rebates

...and finally...WAKE UP!!