Chevy Volt

[HatchetJack]

The FWD was the beginning of the end for GM. That and the computer
emmisions control systems mandated by the feds. The technology was just
not ready for that yet. It put customers and mechanics under unnecesary
hardships. Had they continued to improve their existing technology and
platforms, things would have turned out for the better. Give me a 78, 79
chevy or ford over a mid 80's model anytime.

[merrylander]

WE have a pair of FWD 2000 Impalas, generally outmaneuver anything else on the road.

[HatchetJack]

I agree, they are pretty good now but in the 80's they stunk. I have a 2000
ford taurus and I cant complain other than fit and finish. And those darn
oxygen sensors and idle control valves that constantly give people fits.

[BlueStreak]

"Rather have an EV1 though. I still don't understand why they pulled the plug (pun intended) on that one. Seemed like a great car. "

It was a legal battle over the batteries. GM tried to screw the inventor of those batteries out of any compensation for his design, and a court battle ensued. (This is how the GM capitalist machine rewards innovation. No, wait, I've got that wrong. "It was all the unions fault". I keep forgetting my wing-nut political correctness.)
Anyways, as I understand it, the case has been resolved. But, in the mean-while the courts would not allow GM to market the EV1. Couldn't just leave them sitting around, so they crushed them.

Dave

[merrylander]

Seems to me that folks are forgetting that the Japanese produced their fair share of remons.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by HatchetJack

The FWD was the beginning of the end for GM. That and the computer
emmisions control systems mandated by the feds. The technology was just
not ready for that yet. It put customers and mechanics under unnecesary
hardships.

So, why didn't it cause the same trouble for any other manufacturer?

And we'd be better off if cars were still belching out the level of poison they did pre-1968?

Had they continued to improve their existing technology and
platforms, things would have turned out for the better.

They did. They just couldn't keep up.

Anyway, I thought it was the UAW that killed Detroit. Sounds like you're saying it was management and engineering. Help a poor dumb lib to understand.

John

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Seems to me that folks are forgetting that the Japanese produced their fair share of remons.

Rots and rots of remons!

Seriously, they didn't produce that many, especially after the late '70s. Yes, they did have a serious problem wit rusting body panels, mostly because they weren't prepared for the weather conditions and road salt here, but mechanically they ate our lunch for a long time.

John

[Charles]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Seems to me that folks are forgetting that the Japanese produced their fair share of remons.

I was always fond of rimes in my gin and tonics!!!!

Owned a Subaru wagon once. Engine, transmission, and rear end were great. But it rusted out quicker than a Champagne Velvet can in a mud hole, clutch cable kept breaking, and every year I had to replace a front axle assembly after the boots split and ruined the CV joint. But it would go anywhere.


Then again, my old Silverado 3500 will go anywhere too, and with a lot less problems. The heater and air aquezzer work too.

Chas

[merrylander]

Tell you what, bring over Toyota's iron dog, the Avalon and I'll blow the doors off it.

The problem is that I never hear anyone say "I bought a Honda Civic and it rusted to rat shit, I'll never buy another"

Sure I had some duds, a Buick Century with a computer controlled carb, bad decision. A big candy apple red Ford Meteor that was made with imported steel, body panels rusted from the inside outward in both directions. By the same token I has a Chev Belair with a 283 V8 that was a dream, and a Buick Century 5.0 V8 ditto, Pontiac LeMans that gave me no trouble. The Impalas we have now are trouble free and can go like a bat out of hell.

It just seems like so damn many people will kiss Toyota's arse, or Honda's even when JD Power say the new Malibu is the best. I mean if you like the Japanese so effing much why don't you emmigrate.

[rickr15]

Truly odd how that is Rob. On another board I can think of as well the statement goes something like

"My Toyota #### is the greatest ever its gone 200K with only one motor and trans replacement, Oh and the broken seat, and a few minor this and thats. But except for the rust its the best. Oh and American cars suck. I never owned one but my neighbors friends aunt told him so."

Funny how many Americans are so quick to diss the few products we do make here. Its as if they enjoy calling themselves inferior as a people.