<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I vote for the best products by putting my money down for the best vehicles available, just like you do with tvs/dvd players.

S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And I do, and it has been with GM, not only because I work for them, but because it has held true. The only bad GM car I have had since I went to work for them in 1990, was a Caterra; lucky for me, it was only for one-year.
The biggest problem cars I had from GM were the Vettes, and even there I can't complain, it was only a few times for each Vette (both with active handling/ABS problems).
When in TN, my neighbor had more problems with his Nissans than I did with my GM products or even my Jeeps (disconting bent rims, paint scratches, etc.).
Prior to working for GM, I still purchased GM's but was always issued a Ford to drive. I had a Crown Vic issued, and the first three months it was in service 6 times, after that initial period, it never broke again.
The largest thing Saturn had to offer was knowledge. Saturn did everything different than GM, and some of that technology transferred to GM, but most of it didn't. We fixed cars faster via the bulletin route, we changed production parts faster to produce less problems, but that knowledge has not progressed to GM due to the hatred within GM of Saturn employees.
The amazing thing about the VUE and ION is the number of GM employees that purchase the vehicles. Just a quick drive through the parking lots at GM and you will see that Saturn could be the number one seller.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">GM needs to loose the union in a bad way. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
You have to remember that GM agreed to the contracts and said that they would be good for GM. Yes, there will be changes comming and a lot of people are concerned at what will happen.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I vote for the best products by putting my money down for the best vehicles available, just like you do with tvs/dvd players.

S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And I do, and it has been with GM, not only because I work for them, but because it has held true. The only bad GM car I have had since I went to work for them in 1990, was a Caterra; lucky for me, it was only for one-year.
The biggest problem cars I had from GM were the Vettes, and even there I can't complain, it was only a few times for each Vette (both with active handling/ABS problems).
When in TN, my neighbor had more problems with his Nissans than I did with my GM products or even my Jeeps (disconting bent rims, paint scratches, etc.).
Prior to working for GM, I still purchased GM's but was always issued a Ford to drive. I had a Crown Vic issued, and the first three months it was in service 6 times, after that initial period, it never broke again.
The largest thing Saturn had to offer was knowledge. Saturn did everything different than GM, and some of that technology transferred to GM, but most of it didn't. We fixed cars faster via the bulletin route, we changed production parts faster to produce less problems, but that knowledge has not progressed to GM due to the hatred within GM of Saturn employees.
The amazing thing about the VUE and ION is the number of GM employees that purchase the vehicles. Just a quick drive through the parking lots at GM and you will see that Saturn could be the number one seller. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No doubt Big 3 quality and reliability is up in a big way. That's not the main problem. Consumers can feel and see the subpar engineering and materials in many of the mid-priced cars (not trucks). Things like cheap plasticky interiors, coarse pushrod motors, torque steer, poor ergonomics, lack of refinement, etc. And the rate of depreciation is terrible, much of which is the result of dumping these dogs on rental car fleets as part of the low margin business model.

We know GM is capable of building a decent vehicle, look at the H3. Engineered with both offroad capabilities and onroad refinement. The exterior and interior fit and finish is on par with anything in this price range. For those of us that have owned and driven the best of BOTH imports AND domestics, the H3 is something else.


Yea and the NUMMI parking lot here in Fremont is loaded with Toyota's plus some Pontiac Matrix's. I am not impressed that a lot of GM employees buy GM cars, I expect they would.

GM's turnaround is important for the US economy and Hummer's future for sure, that's why it's somewhat relevant on the Hummer forum.


S.

Why don't they (GM or somebody) put nice cars in rental fleets to intice buyers?

After renting a great car for business they would spread the word and say ...I had this great XXX and its was fun, sporty ergonomicaly good etc.

Ask for a decent upgrade all you travelers

It is the cost of the union that is now killing GM. Drastic changes have to be made to save GM as every day I read or hear about how GM is in serious trouble, it has me worried as a buyer, are they going to be around in 10 years?
GM is cutting prices, employees plants ect, while Toyota is bulding more plants right here in the U.S.A.
the new Tundra will be bult right in Texas where trucks rule, it has me concirned.