Recent Comments:
Cheap gas not enough to drive sales, desirable cars needed too! {Autoblog}
Jun 5th 2008 12:14PM @ Chris
How's that TV working out for you? How about your radio or other electronics? I surely hope that you don't play video games either. If we based our purchases off of past conflicts, our market would be...um...lacking. American jobs are being outsourced while foreign automakers continue to add jobs here in the good ol' U.S. of A. Patriotism is so misused and abused it's becoming a cliche. Although this country was founded on the ideals of individualism and freedom of choice & expression, when a person dissents against the popular opinion, they're labeled as Un-Patriotic. That, my friend, is absurd.
Chevy getting new small, turbocharged car next year {Autoblog}
Jun 2nd 2008 7:11PM Ths sounds like either a replacement or redesigned Aveo. This is a great move for GM. If only the General (and the rest of the Big 2.5, for that matter) could rid itself of the parasite that is the UAW, and be on an even playing field with the likes of Honda and Toyota who don't suffer from these sorts of labor disputes, GM would be in remarkable shape. This new focus on quality product is impressive, despite what your personal tastes may be. I'm a devout Honda guy, but I like what GM is doing.
Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan: First official picture released {Autoblog}
Apr 6th 2008 2:30PM ^^^Absolutely GGGRRREEEAAATTT comment. So Chevy makes a vehicle that performs well but looked dated the day is released. Try sitting in one...if you still think its built well and has a quality interior, I've got a Yugo I'd like to sell you.
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy {Autoblog}
Mar 31st 2008 2:02PM At the end of that day, this is move makes the most financial sense. They instantly save critical funds, and they refocus on their core products: mainstream cars and trucks. Chrysler cannot exist, much less the Viper, without Joe Schmoe signing on the dotted line for an Avenger or 300. And with stiff competition here and abroad, Chrylser can no longer afford to shoot for mediocrity. While we may lament the demise of the Viper, if Chrysler is successful in reinvorgorating the brand, the Viper will likely return as a more crafted piece....(of course, we'll complain that its loss the 'rawness' of the original...)
Leno fears Top Gear USA may suck {Autoblog}
Mar 31st 2008 1:19PM I agree that this show is likely to fail...the corporate culture here in the U.S. doesn't harbor subjectiveness in our programming. But one question: Does anyone think its remotely possible to air this show without auto advertising? Granted, this question is distant from reality, but could it theoretically be done? Its next to impossible because of focus groups and targeted advertising, but this is the only scenario I can conjure in which the show could succeed.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si sedan {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2008 1:20PM ^^^I assume you own this car, correct? At the very least, you HAVE driven it, right? Too many people scream for more power, yet can't properly drive what they already have. But I'm sure that isn't you...
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si sedan {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2008 1:14PM There IS an actual mechanical fix...I've had it done myself. Honda replaced 3rd and 4th gears, in addition to the forks. The tranny fluid is only a band-aid for the real mechanical issue. Honda's issue is that they've taken an absurd amount of time to acknowledge these issues. Surprisingly though, I encountered no such issue when I spoke to Honda Corp. My issue was rectified immediately. And even going through all of that, there's no beating the thrill of going through the gears in this one...
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Si sedan {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2008 1:10PM It doesn;t have bluetooth...that's the voice mechanism for the NAVI.
New York 2008: Kia debuts 2009 Optima {Autoblog}
Mar 20th 2008 10:29AM So Kia's approach is to be a blander Acura? Grreeaattt...how's that working out?
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Sedan first look and pricing {Autoblog}
Mar 9th 2008 8:01PM Before I comment, let me open and honest and admit that I own a Si sedan. As a person who works in insurance, is constantly at body shops and salvage yards, I can say wholeheartedly that the interior quality of a Cobalt is nowhere near equal to the MS3, GTI, or Si. Aesthetics are subjective, so its pointless to argue that. But I've seen first hand how the Cobalt interior begins to erode after only a year of ownership--curiously, it seems to always begin with the radio finish.
Granted, that are a couple of different factors at work here; not the least of which is individual owners, locations, etc. I get frustrated when someone looks at a picture or briefly views a car and says "this interior is equal to or better then XXX" That rationale is similar to JD Power's Initial quality surveys----why would I car what people thought initially? The key to any vehicle's rep is always long term.
As for reliablity, I can't speak to which I have no knowledge. If Chevy is making more reliable vehicles then I certainly applaud their progress. However, a car has to have a certain 'feel' for me to want it. I want to go fast, sure, but I won't compromise the way a car can make me grin feverishly---to the guy who inquired earlier, that's the allure of the Si. It doesn't have a snow ball's chance in hell of beating a stock Turbo SS heads-up at a light, but winding that engine to 8600 RPM is just insane.
