If GM sells enough vehicles and gets their stock rating out of "junk" status, maybe they'll get to keep their jobs.

 

You are correct the Euro brands have the worst reliability on average, but you have to look at each brand and even different models specifically. For example, Saab historically had "average" reliability (source: consumer reports) BUT their new 9-3 (model year 2003 and up) has "MUCH WORSE THEN AVERAGE" reliablity (source: consumer reports). As an owner I can say that it's true most of these issue are with electrical equipment and not the engine/transmission , but I have little confidence that the car will not develop engine problems in the near future (when it's more than 3-4 years old and out of warranty). Then the 9-3 owners will be screwed BIG TIME (source: 9-3 is on consumer reports black list of "used cars to avoid").

On the other hand the Saab 9-5 has "above average" reliability and is "recommended" by consumer reports. Other european brands are a little different : Volkwagen/Audi had overall poor reliability, but BMW had average. Also, BMW and Mercedes has VERY LOW depreciation, mostly because people see them as status symbols and even though most people can't afford a new one, they want to get a used one to show off their precievd status.

Of course, all this doesn't apply to the 9-2X because it's really a Subaru Impreza and has BULLETPROOF reliability, high owner satisfaction, and is a consumer reports "top pick". It is 100% made by Subaru in Japan and has no european parts in it.

And to the people who quote MSRP - I guess you live under a rock cause everyone knows GM is giving employee discount to everyone, on top of the rebates, so the real price for 9-2X Aero is $19500 and $16800 for base Linear (=tC).

 

I just feel bad for GM car owners that bought a month before GM announced this. Also, I feel bad that their car equity and retail value just plummited. Talk about never buying from a manufacturer again. If that happened to me, I'd never consider GM again.

It's about keeping your existing customer base happy, not always focusing on getting more. Satisfying your exsisting and repeat customers it what will make a company successful. Tisk tisk at GM, bravo for Toyota.

Car deals are one thing. But I'm PROUD to have my hands on something from such a remarkable company.

 

GM is taking the wrong approach in my opinion. Instead of selling the latest version of the tahoe, grand am, and cavalier at the lowest price.. they need to actually use some of that innovation they do use on the caddy now and then and come out with something new.

 

yeah, they put every development resource into escalades, hummers, and how many versions of the denali they can make as opposed to developing new CARS. I mean, they just updated the CAVALIER... and the cobalt aint even that hot. Who the hell wants an impala or aveo when you can do so much better for a LITTLE more money. GM, it aint all a money issue with us consumers. First, build a car we WANT to drive, then let's talk price

 

it's no secret that the real problem with GM is that their current car lineup is mediocre and they can't seem to come up with new cars which surpass the competition. Maybe they should just buy some japanses car company like Subaru who knows how to make really good cars.

 

Actually if Im not mistaken, GM does own a percentage of Subaru's stock.

 

Yes, and they do have some very innovative ideas, which are tested on the Caddillac. The problem as I see it is that they are scared to go out on a limb and change up their lineup. They have rested on their past accoplishments for far too long now.

 

they have rested on the profits from the giant trucks for far too long. Now that gas prices are going up and truck demand is in decline they have a problem. And what would happen if the japs with start getting into the large truck category ?

 

Yeah, well it's about time GM's prices better reflected the value of its products. Fortunately (?!), not a whole lot of people were buying GM's products the month before this "employee discount" sale began.

Besides, GM was already offering immense rebates, finance subsidies and other discounts that just didn't stand out from the crowded competition. The "employee discount" thing was an attempt to simplify and unify its consumer pricing structure, and to distinguish itself from competitors.

My curiousity is about what happens after the current promotion expires. I think/hope that eventually GM's MSRP pricing will be much closer to selling prices, but I am afraid that the GM empire will continue to hemorrhage cash faster than it can reduce costs. In a couple-odd years, GM owners may face the prospect of driving "orphan cars" whose parts and support are no longer guaranteed by their manufacturer.

 

The $500 maintenance plan for 46k miles makes no economic sense. I've read the maintenance manual and all they do at scheduled stops is basically change the oil and inspect the car. Inspecting can easily be done yourself; it's called driving.

If you get oil changes every 5000 miles for 46000 miles that is 9.2 oil changes. The first three are free, so make that 6.2 oil changes you're paying for.

6.2 x ($29.99 + $5.00) (sales tax/disposal fees/etc.) comes out to $217, which is $283 less than the maintenance plan.