Seems other folks see whats going on at GM also.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/..._jubak.asp?msn

 

I used to be a GM guy and loved their vehicles. I had a Grand National and thought that beast was great. Then they scrap the program. A program that had the fastest stock car and a great engine. Why scrap it? I had a GTP, Z28 (2 of them), Yukon, Sierra all of which I liked. But then I noticed other mfg's coming out with newer more modern designs and there was GM just sitting on their current models. When Dodge introduced the first Quad Cab P/U (/w 4 doors opening) I loved the design and looks. I was sold. My wife went to the Lexus brand. We felt bad leaving GM, never had a problem with their vehicles, just started to hate the look of them. Then the 3rd Gen came out, GM still in there current look. Then when they put that stinking front end on their trucks I knew it was over for me with them. Now they got these vehicles out that I have no interest in and don't care for the looks either. I think their research and development lacks character as you can tell from their current models. Plus, they stickered them things too far out of their league. Some of those prices were in the Lexus/Infiniti/BMW range and for a much lesser car. That's my rant and why two customers left.

 

GM has had some abortions over the years (Corvair, Fiero, Aztek etc.) We have a relative that worked for GM who trades his trucks (trailblazers) every 36k because he is afraid to own one with no warranty. He wonders why our family won't drive GM products. IMO I think they try to design fun, funky stuff that people shy away from. I hope they can turn things around.

 

The GM downfall should be a lessen to all not to put IFS on their trucks . I must say that I love the 1989 (I believe thats the year) gassers that had the TBI 350 with straight axles, I'm a real fan of that engine as far as gassers are concerned (few moving parts, stupid simple, reliable, I have over 150K miles on my TBI 350 in the Jeep and it still runs like a mad ape).

 

You're thinking of the 86-87 years I think. The duallys and Suburbans went on a few more years like that not sure when they quit. I almost wonder if they decide to produce a vehicle based on how ugly it is rather than how good looking anymore. Aztek, new Silverado, Trailblazer, SSR. And the stuff that is just absolute JUNK (Sunfire, Cavalier, anything with a 2.2L 4 cyl.) is just insane. The engineer that comes up with that stuff ought to be strung up.

 

Keep it coming...

 

I believe.....

1987 was the first year they put the fuelly motor in the 1/2 tons with the 73-87 body style and solid front axles. In 1988 they took the 1/2 ton and light duty 3/4 ton to the new and, in my opinion, the current body style with the IFS. The 1 tons and Subs carried the old body style with the fuelly motor and a new grill until 1991. In 1992 they switched all models over. The heavy 3/4 ton was born in 1988 in the new body style and had factory fender flares and heavier axles and a "heavy duty" 4 speed auto trans that made it different from the light duty 3/4 and 1/2 tons.

 

Aww come on, the Fiero was a cool little car. Just underpowered. The GN V6 would have been awsome in that little ride. BTW, a small block fits nicely in the back of those too.

 

Wht killed the fiero was the amount one had to pay to insure the little death trap. Poor mans sports car with Corvette insurance.

 

They rocked the world when they stopped the f-body (Firebird and Camaro) and came out with a new GTO looking like a RWD Grand Prix. GM shot themselves for good in 2002. That is my opinion.

 

Hey...I thought the Corvair was a Great little car! By the time Ralph Nader started jumping on them in order to sell his book "Unsafe At Any Speed", GM had already converted the rear swing axle to IRS. There are some of us that thought the car was ahead of it's time. I installed the 2.7 liter engine in my VW bus and it turned it into a real cruiser. Top speed was something over 115mph (the point where I chickened out), and at the time, other than the 180 hp Vair engine, the Chrysler 426 Hemi was the only OTHER US built engine that sported a nitrided crank! There are some Vairs still racing in Vintage and in SCCA and I love seeing the little tubs kick butt on some of the much newer and more sophisticated stuff. I used to really enjoy watching one lead a Ferrari around the Colorado road race tracks, until it had lost so much oil past the pushrod tube seals that it would have to park it, but by then the high $ Ferrari was coated inside and out, and the driver was fuming. Wouldn't surprise me if the Vair guy intentionally used a bad seal or two on purpose!

 

They have a real history of F-ups.
Leaving the high end sports car in the entry level line, Talk was moving vette into it's own but why, when I buy my 11k car I want to look at something worth more then 15 yrs salary .
GM diesel ...I won't even comment
Stopping the camero/firebird. '79 Trans 6.6 was the most rocking car I ever owned, Have they ever heard the word "Mustang" The only reason to look at Ford.
VEGA
diluting Olds until they had no choice but pulling the plug. It was an Olds 403 in my trans, the Hurst Olds, Toranado, nice history

 

when they axe'd olds that was the last straw,i now have a tdi jetta setting in my driveway.man i still have an 83 and 84 olds diesel's i still drive,gutless as all get out but still gets my over 30 mpg in a big 98.look at the new gm adds(we have over X number of models that get over 30mpg)yeah and look at em all little $#itbox's.now if they could match my jetta's 50+mpg they might sell a few.

 

I grew up around chevies. I had a new 75 1/2 ton that rusted thru at 12 months. I was told it was my fault for not washing under it. Then in 78 bought a Dodge van and drove that for 10 years with no issues. A chevy would of had a starter,water pump, alternator and carb issues by then. Then a friend talked me into buying a 87 1/2 ton. Within a year the trans was going out. Sold it, stayed with Dodge.
I have a Dakota-92 with 296,000 miles and motor has not been touched by any wrenches. Stil not burning oil.

 

I still have my '87 Chevy 1/2 with the TBI 350. It's got 220K on it and drives great. No rust, gets 15mpg with 3:73 gears. I had it repainted 2 years ago because I got tired of having to wax it ever 2 weeks to keep it shiney. This time it got clear coat, the original paint wasn't cc'd.
I to had a lot of fun in the 2 Corvairs I owned. But, for now I'll keep my '68 Camaro and my '87 truck, nothing GM makes now is interesting enough to buy.