Grade the "American Revolution."

[JohnBM01]

So what is Chevy's "American Revolution?" These two sites below should answer some of your questions:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6696&sid=173&n=156
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=8&t=25136

As told in first site, Chevrolet came out with other 10 new cars in over 20 months (1 8/12 months). Among some of them include the Silverado series, the all-new Colorado, Trailblazer, and one of my favorites, the SSR. On the car side, Chevy has also been working with cars like the Cavalier, new Aveo, Malibu, Malibu Maxx, the upcoming Cobalt, and the all-new C6 Corvette. Within the past five years, styling trends and ways of thinking have changed for the bowtie guys. By coming up with all these cars and trucks, Chevrolet called this to be an "American Revolution." Your job, GTPlanet, is to GRADE the American Revoultion. Do you think this "American Revolution" is a sensational accomplishment in American automobiles, or do you think Chevy's American Revolution is a load of crap trying to knock off Ford, DaimlerChrsyler, or even the Japanese makes? Is this American Revolution a bigtime move by this auto giant in releasing new cars and trucks to thousands of people across America who want great cars? Do you think that even though all these new autos, the cars and trucks are nowhere near Ford or Dodge (I normally say "DaimlerChrysler" to represent Chyrsler, Dodge, Jeep, etc.) quality? How would you "grade" this American Revolution?

Care to reply?

 

[Joey D]

Well GM is starting to go the right way as far as stylin goes. I really like the Malibu, I think GM did a great job with that, along with the new Cobalt. The Aveo is just a new Geo Metro, but it does have its place in big cities. The Corvette is by far one of the nicest cars I've seen. I'd take it over a Viper any day.

The trucks though I'm not liking as much, I dislike the Silverados looks and performace, I'd much rather have a Ford or Toyota. The Colorado is an updated Chevy LUV. The Trailblazer isn't bad, in fact I kinda like it, it just needs more power and a 2 door version.

 

[skip0110]

B-
While the new cars GM is releasing are superior to the previous generation, none of them leapfrog the Japanese or european counterparts. Clearly the intention is there, with the Sigma platform, but it seems that they are releasing cars that are only about 80% thought out. Case in point: the Trailblazer had a front-end recall that required the owners car's being towed back to the dealerships.

 

[Joey D]

The Malibu is by far a better car then most Japanese counterparts. Then I look at the Caddies and I would much rather have that then a BMW or a Benz.

 

[Zhukov]

Sorry for making this quick, but I think GM came a long way with interior quality; reliability has always been there, and I don't care what Consumer Reports says :| Sure the Cavaliers are know for head-gasket leaks at 100,000 mile area, but did you know that Civics aren't that much far behind.

Styling, although not always inspirational, is fine. I like the plain shoulder look of the Impala, and it's a good car to boot (just wishing for full-time AWD). Cobalt looks like a good economy car to replace the aged and poo poo Cavalier.

Japanese cars do have a nicer design, but there not all that far better in the same categories. Build quality does seam better and not as "cheap looking".

Now one thing, what’s with the fugly and not-so up to par quality Trailblazer's, Denali’s, Escalades, and other GM SUVs selling so well? There all over the place here, it's making me sick

 

[1mic]

the new c6 i would say leap frogs everything ANY car maker has to offer.
top gear got c6 track times better than the NSX-R and porsche gt3 (japan and euro counter parts)

 

[skip0110]

The Malibu is by far a better car then most Japanese counterparts. Then I look at the Caddies and I would much rather have that then a BMW or a Benz.

OK, then, lets compare:
2005 Malibu LS / 2005 Honda Accord LS V6
$21,150 / $23,800
3.5 L V6 / 3.0 L V6
200 hp / 240 hp
23 mpg / 21 mpg
4 spd auto / 5 spd auto
0-60 8.2 s / 7.6 s 0-60 (2001)
same warranty

By the hard numbers, they look pretty similar. The Malibu wins in price and MPG, and looses the drag race power battles (and has a gear less in the tranny). But--and this is a big but--it is saddled with a 40-plus year old 12 valve V6 that does not sound happy when it's revved. GM has high-tech multi-valve V6es, and for the Malibu to be world class, they need to put it in there. High-tech V6es can't be just for Caddies and Buicks. If the driver is not connected, people will not open their wallets.

 

[1mic]

i heard the new accords were crap, using cheaper parts than ever...
but thats just from a honda mechanic working at a honda dealership

 

[CDailey]

The new Accords (well, 2004 models) are actually quite nice.

 

[PublicSecrecy]

Hmm...all of you present a pretty good point, but, in the greatest scheme of things: I have no respect for GM or DaimlerChrysler and I am currently losing it with Mercedes. I have decided to go solely with Japanese or European cars, with the exception of Ford. Also, it will only be a matter of time before GM saves up some money to completely buy out Chrysler, and thus becoming some unstoppable profit-theiving giant. Anywho...I dont think the American Revolution is much of a revolution at all, but more of a "oh crap we're getting old...ok, change a name here add a flare there and stick a badge here" revolution. As for the C6...*shivers* I personally like the deisgn of the C5 much more. Anyway i just think potential buyers should look @ the greater scheme of things (do you really need 400hp? do u want it to actually last longer than 2 years [Kia] or for 20 years [Toyota] ??) and look around and ask for opinions (NOT from a salesman) from people who have driven and ownded American cars before. stupid money.

 

[McLaren'sAngel]

Hiya! Meow! (='.'=)

I think that the Chevy's "American Revolution" thing is not spectacular, just have that same old feel of "Yea, they just changed the looks is all." The word "Revolution" doesnt fit very well with the new stuff they got. To me, it still look like the same technology...nothing NEW that would be on news! If it was to be a "Revolution", they got to do something that will make people just go crazy It could be something even something that is just plain crazy like 1.5 Liter V8 Engine that can operate and make the same amount of Horsepower of a Corvette! Chevy's technology HAVE to make other companies get scientist and engineers in desperation of getting knocked out of business to be considered a "Revolution" to me!

 

[inferno]

you know, I'm kinda glad we have mclarens angel here. I mean really who else is gonna use these

I mean really.

 

[JohnBM01]

If you ask me, I think the "American Revolution," actually isn't bad. The only real Chevrolet I would probably want to get is the (I'm referring to newer models) SSR. Why? I think it has character and personality, plus it looks pretty fun. After seeing it at the Houston Auto Show, I think it's pretty nice. At the HAS, I think you could take free pictures of you with the SSR, but I didn't take any. On the car side, I got into the Chevy Aveo. For a small car, it's supposed to be roomy. I disagreed for a 6-footer like myself. I don't think you can pit in Yao Ming, WWE wrester "Big Show," or maybe even Shaquille O'Neal in the same vehicle and expect them to be roomy. If I wanted room for a small car, two words: Mini Cooper.

If you want to ask what I think is a bit of an "American Revolution," I'd have to say that it would be DaimlerChrysler, and here's why. The return of the Hemi is perhaps the biggest reason. You can have one in the Chrysler 300 and just HAUL. The 300 is a rear-wheel drive family sedan priced pretty cheap. I mean, it looks like it's at least $45K, but it can be had for $23K at least. Want a Hemi truck? Done. Dodge Ram. Of course if I had the money and experience, I'd rather bag the SRT-10 Ram and just tear butt down Interstate 45. On top of that, the Chrysler PT Cruiser is so retro in style. It's a hot rod for a modern era, and it is VERY roomy and comfortable. The shifter is kind of reminiscent of a muscle car shifter from the 1960s. So to me, if anything is more American, I'd have to side with DaimlerChrysler.

But there is silver lining here. I'm trying to be neutral in opinion, but I think Chevy released a lot of machines within a relatively short timeframe. More of an accomplishment than a revolution. Of course, that's my view. The most important thing is YOUR view, so carry on.

 

[Firebird]

But--and this is a big but--it is saddled with a 40-plus year old 12 valve V6 that does not sound happy when it's revved. GM has high-tech multi-valve V6es, and for the Malibu to be world class, they need to put it in there. High-tech V6es can't be just for Caddies and Buicks. If the driver is not connected, people will not open their wallets.

What?!

The 3.5L V6 isn't 40 years old, it's one year old! The '04 Malibu is the first car to use it.

(And if you want to get really picky, GM didn't make a 60° V6 (the old 2.8L in the X-bodies) until 1980. Their oldest 60° V6 is 24. A far cry from 40)

And the valvetrain layout has nothing to do with the driver's "connection" to the car or road or what have you.

In any case most Malibu buyers, like most Accord and Camry buyers, don't care if the engine is smooth at high rpm or not because they rarely venture over 3000rpm.

 

[McLaren'sAngel]

Hiya! Meow! (='.'=)

You know...I was thinking again about Chevy's "American Revolution" and want to add some things in. It may not be a revolution in technogy-wise in my view, but in exterior-wise it does.

Cavelier is now changed into the Cobalt
SSR
Chevrolet's finest sport car, the Corvette got a new look!

As far as the way it goes in this "American Revolution," I think we should give Chevrolet more time and see how they will "Revolutionize" their cars!

 

[McLaren'sAngel]

you know, I'm kinda glad we have mclarens angel here. I mean really who else is gonna use these

I mean really.

Hiya! Meow! (='.'=)

Thank you! I am glad that we have new members like you who are very kind! Enjoy your stay here at GTplanet! Where we all share one thing in common! THE LOVE OF AUTOMOTIVES!

 

[skip0110]

What?!

The 3.5L V6 isn't 40 years old, it's one year old! The '04 Malibu is the first car to use it.

(And if you want to get really picky, GM didn't make a 60° V6 (the old 2.8L in the X-bodies) until 1980. Their oldest 60° V6 is 24. A far cry from 40)

And the valvetrain layout has nothing to do with the driver's "connection" to the car or road or what have you.

In any case most Malibu buyers, like most Accord and Camry buyers, don't care if the engine is smooth at high rpm or not because they rarely venture over 3000rpm.

Whoops! My bad.

And you are right about the driver connection stuff too. But you have to admit that your average consumer is going to be pulled in by marketing that can throw around buzzwords like DOHC and VTEC and VVT-i. I fully realize that a well-designed pushrod motor has it's own benefits that OHC engines cant touch. But this is not percieved as "technology." And variable valve timing has definite benefits--and there is no reason that it can't be used on a pushrod motor. I don't doubt that GM has the engineering prowess either. So why dont they use it on your run of the mill Malibu instead of just Corvettes and Cadillacs?

Also, I think that your average mom/dad is going to see at least 4000 rpm when on the highway/passing.

 

[VIPFREAK]

****ty and laughable especially after the presentation they had to do about the new Monte Carlo and Impala. "We get a lot of questions so.... yes this time it does have a V8 instead of a V6 but no it's still FWD." ha ha..

 

[Joey D]

Chevrolet's finest sport car, the Corvette got a new look!

Plus a new engine and a new suspension.

****ty and laughable especially after the presentation they had to do about the new Monte Carlo and Impala. "We get a lot of questions so.... yes this time it does have a V8 instead of a V6 but no it's still FWD." ha ha..

Average people want a FWD, I know that I wish I had it. It makes driving through snow so much easier. But unless you are a hardcore car guy you don't care what drivetrain your car typically is, most pople look at style then power.

 

[Gturismo1]

I find it hard to call it an "American Revolution" when a fraction of the car's are rebadged or re-skinned Daewoo's.

Chevrolet Optra5 a.k.a Daewoo Lacetti

Chevrolet Optra a.k.a Daewoo Nubria

Chevrolet Aveo a.k.a Daewoo Kalos

You want to call it a revolution, I call it a takeover of a Korean car company and a shameless rebadging spree. But that's just my opinion.

Retro-Designs...where do I begin. Don't get me wrong, these are cool looking vehicles, and they will probably sell, but that's not the point. The point is, where do you go with these vehicles in 5 years? How do you redesign a retro-based vehicle? You can't. Look at Chrysler. The scissors are headed towards the string that holds the PT Cruiser in their lineup. Why? Because the design is dated, and they can't update a retro-car without taking away the "retro-ness" of it. Look for these vehicles to have a short lifespan.

Now that the bad is out of the way, let me move onto the good.

The new Corvette C6 is a thing of beauty, equally true of the new ZO6 model. They took what was an aging design and gave it some character. The C5 in my opinion was to flat in its design. This new design is chiseled and precise. And don't get my started on the Z06. Return of the 427, what more could you ask for. This new Z06 will go down as a legend, pending GM's pricing of it. If they price it too high it won't sell and will fade into oblivion.

The new Cobalt, especially in SS trim is a definate move in the right direction. It is very clean looking, and has potential in the sport-compact scene. GM should offer some factory performance upgrade's to aide in its success. This car has the potential to meet Dodge's SRT-4 head on, if GM does things right.

I like the new design of the Monte Carlo and Impala. It's fresh and clean looing. Now make it RWD and drop in a V8 and you'll have a serious competitor to car's like the Mustang and Charger.

I like the look of the Tracker-replacing Equinox. It looks like a Mini-Trailblazer, and infact, looks better than the Trailblazer. This Mini-Ute is much more attractive than the vehicle it was replacing, and already, you can see more and more of them popping up on the streets, which could never be said about the Tracker.

The new Mini-van, the Uplander, is actually quite appealing looking. At first I didn't like it, but after seeing it in person, the design is growing on me. It is much better looking than the Dust-Buster-esqe fascia of the previous design. However, for this car to become a seller, GM must focus on functionality instead of form. Chrysler could paint the outside of their Caravan's hot-pink, and still outsell this because of it's Stow-N-Go folding seat system, and laundry list of standard features.

A roadster would fit nicely into the lineup as well, perhaps something based on the Solstice/Sky platform. GM would sell many of these and it would be a nice companion to the Cobalt SS as a sporty, low cost car.
-----------------------------

All in all, I would give their so-called "American Revolution" a 5 out of a possible 10.

Why? Because I am still in the dark as to where they are headed. Are they going to continue rebadging foreign cars and calling them American or will they genuinely begin making cars with new technologies and fresh designs. The Cobalt, Equinox, and Corvette (Z06) are a step in the right direction. The Aveo, Optra, HHR, and SSR aren't. I mean GM can't even sell the SSR's they have (see link) and they are going to begin building another retro-car? Seems like poor business skills to me.

My 0.02 (CDN)

 

[xcsti]

ehh 7/10. I hate that van though. The equinox, vette, and sky rock. THe cobalt is a big improvement.

 

[slimer90210]

****ty and laughable especially after the presentation they had to do about the new Monte Carlo and Impala. "We get a lot of questions so.... yes this time it does have a V8 instead of a V6 but no it's still FWD." ha ha..

I was hoping that Chevy would take Pontiac's lead and at the least make the Impala or the Monte Carlo RWD again. My true hope was that they would bring back the Chevelle with the new 7.0L Corvette engine, but I doubt that will ever happen.

 

[JohnBM01]

Gturismo1... are you SURE that's going to be the new Monte Carlo and Impala? I'll get to those later. But let me say this. I like the new Cobalt. It's kind of built for people of my generation, the trendy type who want to stand out. I think it's much better than the Cavalier it replaces (right?). I would like to maybe see it in touring car racing and maybe a few rallies. I agree with you. I didn't like he Cobalt at first, but now that I think about it, it's not bad. I just hope to see it at this year's Houston Auto Show, locally.

Now back to the new Monte Carlo and Impala. I'm not bothered by RWD, but just look at the pictures Gturismo1 provided for them. While one of them kind of looks like the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7 or 8 from the back, they look nice. I'll have to find more pictures before making a final judgment.

That Uplander has DNA from the Saturn Relay. I have to say. For some of the newer cars, I think Chevy is finally getting it right style-wise.

 

[Joey D]

The Saturn Relay, Uplander, and the Buick thing are all the same. They were designed together so none of them came first. I think they don' look very good but they are worlds better then the older mini vans were by a long shot.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Average people want a FWD, I know that I wish I had it. It makes driving through snow so much easier. But unless you are a hardcore car guy you don't care what drivetrain your car typically is, most pople look at style then power.

I realize that, I even prefer fwd in some cases, but even if you look at most of their cars style wise... it's still laughable and ****ty especially compaired to the competition.

 

[Joey D]

I'd drive an Impala over a lot of cars and you never said anything about stylin you just mentioned the drivetrain.

 

[VIPFREAK]

That's why I replied.

 

[gloup]

ehmmmmm sorry for asking, but is anyone here willing to pay $20K to buy a Malibu??????This car looks awful...i bet it feels the same!
Anyway, seriously speaking, i surfed around GMs website and had a look at its products....most of them sucked. There is a serius design issue with these companies and someone must hire a professional designer. A company with such design has no future today. Also, regarding the Malibu, it says that standar equipment is a cup holder....wow! is there a rev meter too? 4gear auto transmition...god, i'm back to the 80's...they didnt mention anything about an ESP (or VDC), runflat tires...or even they didnt mention the suspension morphology... their marketing division is not good enough...they should hire me!

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

That Sky thing is pretty nice, is it going into production? It could be the Corvette's sister.

 

[Joey D]

No they shouldn't hire you because you would suck at marketing their products.

But the Malibu looks good and drives great too. But once again the car isn't ment to be a race car, it's not even ment to be a sports car. Its a mid-sized family car and works great for many people here in America. Also at $20,000 thats a pretty good deal on a car for the average American.