DETROIT FEELS THE HEAT: Big 3 fleet sales hid Oct. retail collapse

Automotive News ^ | 11/14/05 | By Mary Connelly

[Recon Dad]

I was kind of kidding. I shouldn't bitch. In 32 years I haven't bought a car or paid for gas.

[oceanview]

you can't test drive a Solstice - none are available.

why did it take them so long to build it? because Bob Lutz wasn't working there years ago.

the new Miata is not without its problems, the passenger footwell is oddly shaped because of the way the engine sits against the firewall on that side, very uncomfortable.

[motzman]

Yeah, Pontiac didn't make enough of these cars--figures. Meanwhile, their lots are filled to the gills with crap that will never sell.

If the Solstice came in at around 15k, nicely equipped, it would be a real winner.

the new Miata is not without its problems, the passenger footwell is oddly shaped because of the way the engine sits against the firewall on that side, very uncomfortable.

That's not a problem...that's a quirk...;)

I have this month's Road and Track and Motor Trend--both have comparison tests of the MX-5 and the Solstice and neither mention this (not that it isn't true---they usually love to nitpick this kind of stuff). The only MX-5 interior negative is the leg room is a bit tight for over 6 footers. And, they can't understand why the MX-5 has 4 cupholders. And (most importantly) why the He## would Mazda drop the name "Miata"?

Both, however, give the Solstice credit for a good effort--but recognize the Miat...excuse me, MX-5 as the superior vehicle.

[mrmargaritaville]

if the ride is fly you must buy.

[eraser2005]

Fastglock45,

I would recommend against the Ford Expedition - it, and even more so, the Lincoln Navigator, are good examples of the "look at the model, not just the make" mentality that would serve people well.

My Taurus currently is pushing 100k, without problems. Sure, I've replaced the brake pads, but I would never trust a vehicle with that many miles on original pads. The rule I live by is that the brake system must be the best maintained system on the car. The ability to stop is more important than the ability to go (not to diminish its importance)...

The Tahoe I would rate slightly higher on reliability - but none of the big SUVs are really very good (even the Jap ones) reliability-wise.

[oceanview]

how is the HHR doing, I don't see many of them on the road.

[anymouse]

So does GM still have sheet metal keys that easily bend or break in the door locks? ;)

I'm sure you enjoy selling (and test driving) Vettes, but what other GM car is worth a damn 5 years down the road? Vettes are only so appreciative because so few are made and the status symbol value. Every 50-something, bald, divorced businessman wants one to score the trophy blond weekend bimbo. Heck as long as Viagra is on the market, you'll keep selling Vettes. ;)

[hripka]

I am debating a purchase between a Honda Odyssey and a Chrysler Grand Caravan/Town and Country. It seems that the Odyssey is the way to go.

[1FASTGLOCK45]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the recommendation, i'll definately look at the Chevy/GM line instead of the Ford, (Can you tell you easily talked me out of Ford, i'm not a big ford fan at all), i do own a 63 chevy 2ton truck which still runs after all these years, but i don't drive it much as it's huge and won't fit into any kind of parking garage, its like driving a Semi.
Thanks again!
-1fastglock45

[eraser2005]

No problem at all...

I generally like Fords, but there are some models I just wouldn't recommend, and the Expedition is one of them... Maybe when it gets replaced next year things will improve. Now the new Fusion - that's one sweet car... :)

Best of luck with whatever you get, and remember - proper maintenance is key for any vehicle. :) Of course, if you still have a running 1963 Chevy, I don't that's an issue... :)