Author Topic: Automotive world say goodbye too... (Read 1556 times)

AKDejaVu · « **on:** July 13, 2002, 11:06:37 AM »

Cadillac Eldorado
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Prizm
Chrysler Prowler
Lincoln Blackwood
Lincoln Continental
Mercury Cougar
Oldsmobile Intrigue
Pontiac Firebird
Suzuki Esteem

Creto · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2002, 11:22:06 AM »

scuttlebutt intel has it the camaro is supposed to make a return in the near future. Kinda like the new coke, classic coke ploy.

like i said though it's just scuttlebutt

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2002, 11:42:11 AM »

I hadn't really heard that about the Camaro. I heard it was being discontinued because it could not compete with the Riceboy scene. Something about highschoolers not liking it and therefor 40 year old mid life crisis gents did nto like it... and there went their customer base.

I heard the GTO is making a comeback... and I hope that Pontiac gets it right in regards to outright performance, RWD and overall nastiness. I also hope they get away from the fricking huge plastic nose peices and air scoops that doomed the Firebird.

Its kinda wierd but America just doesn't seem to be to enthralled with the current 2dr sedan selection from the Americas. Honda, Acura and BMW pretty much own the market over here.

I do know that my Mini gets more looks than anything from any of those car companies and any US car company could generate.

Of course, my 71 Blazer gets a good deal of looks too.

AKDejaVu

mora · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2002, 11:52:35 AM »

Why in the hell are the ricecups so popular there? I can understand their popularity here because of their price but in states they are even more expensive than homemade cars I think. What's wrong with you people?

AKDejaVu · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2002, 11:56:58 AM »

The often weigh less than 3000 lbs and can easily be bumped to over 250-300 hp. On the track the V8s are struggling to compete.

AKDejaVu

Creto · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2002, 12:02:59 PM »

LOL Im 40 got a 98 with t-tops and I like it!

'cept that dang skip shift where you have to reach a certain RPM or it forces you to bypass 2nd and 3rd and drops you into 4th gear. Had it for 4 years now and still not used to it, One of these days I'm gonna remove that feature, one of these days I tellya

Heard same about it not being able to compete, was supposed to come back bigger engine different look, but way economy going bigger engine may not sell anymore.

Sandman · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2002, 12:39:16 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKDejaVu
The often weigh less than 3000 lbs and can easily be bumped to over 250-300 hp. On the track the V8s are struggling to compete.

AKDejaVu

Hell... even a Dodge Neon made it on Hot Rod Magazines top ten list for 2001.

Of course... it was highly modified and capable of doing a quarter mile under nine seconds.

Muscle cars are show cars anymore, not racers.

DmdBT · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2002, 01:04:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by mora
Why in the hell are the ricecups so popular there? I can understand their popularity here because of their price but in states they are even more expensive than homemade cars I think. What's wrong with you people?

Simply put its that I do not mind paying for an automobile that has been built and designed by the Japanese because I feel that it is superior to the products made here is the US... that includes those Japanese design cars that are BUILT here... just not the same quality of workmanship.
This, of course, is my humble opinion and I certainly hope the "USA #1" pom-pom team takes it at that.

Lonz

Skuzzy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2002, 01:26:44 PM »

Nah,..you are close BT. I think the U.S. automotive industry is finally figuring out you cannot build quality into a car, it has to be designed into the car.
This is where Japan has a huge lead, and many other countries as well.

Let's face it, out country has never been about efficiency when it came to the automobile. We always have taken the sledg-hammer approach to it.

Don't get me wrong, I love my hot rods and you cannot get a hot rod from any country except the U.S. Course, the only hot rod left is the Dodge Viper. The Corvette has lost grace as a hot rod, even though it is still a very nice sports car.

funkedup · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2002, 01:33:18 PM »

Lincoln Continental was a classic, but the rest of that list are pretty much useless. Camaro and Firebird are quick, but for the same money I bought a Japanese 4 door sedan that will run the same 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. I'm not even getting into build quality and reliability...

The biggest problem with US cars (and the industry in general) is the UAW.

Gman · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2002, 02:56:43 PM »

Had a 97 and a 98 Ram Air Firebird. Best cars I've ever owned, hands down, from a list including 300zx turbo, rx7 r1 turbo, Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo, and a Ford Mustang GT.

Hadn't heard that news about GTO, if it's true, that'll be my next ride.

Kieran · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2002, 03:02:27 PM »

Dad worked for GM as a UAW member for over 30 years- you ain't lyin'. Unions have their purposes, but that one has become a welfare state for many. Of course, I know many UAW workers that are terrific and dedicated. It's too bad the system protects those that have learned how to best exploit it.

Yes, our teacher unions are crap, too. Many people need to get out of my profession, too.

funkedup · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2002, 05:03:30 PM »

Yep Kieran. I worked in a UAW plant and so did my dad and my uncle and some good friends. After our experiences (with the products as well as some of the personnel) I don't think I will ever purchase a UAW-built auto.

Braz · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2002, 07:50:09 PM »

Wanted a convertible,

Looked at Mustang GT, 20 minutes of paperwork to get a testride. Then when the salesman tried to put the top back up, it was off-center by 3 inches! He worked for 5 minutes to close it, but couldn't. I left.

Went to Toyota, salesman asks for my license number, and throws me the keys to an MR2 Spyder. Have fun, he says turning away. I popped the top in 5 seconds and tore up hi-way one for 30 minutes. Back, top goes up in 5 secs again! I bought it.

Politics aside, our cars suck on maintenance/fit/finish. Sad.

Montezuma · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2002, 10:00:30 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by funkedup
Camaro and Firebird are quick, but for the same money I bought a Japanese 4 door sedan that will run the same 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.

A Camaro with a 5.7 V8?

You're dreaming rice boy