Can GM make Cadillac the standard of the world Again?

Come on guys. Can we get off this CR/JD crap. It is an unending story and every forum on GM talks about the same thing. It usually gets the forum killed.
 
It was just announced that GM killed the new DOHC V8 days after the new mpg rules were signed. Guess they have to make severe changes to meet the new requirements. Also BMW and Mercedes are being fined for not meeting the old 2007 requirements. Will they continue to thumb their noses at the US government or do something to meet requirements? I guess they could continue building gas guzzlers and just charge the porky rich customers the fine. You know, let the everyday man make the compromises to get us out of the oil addiction and rich cats keep porking away.

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Rather than bashing the domestic car industry we need to support their progress. I have no problem having higher expectations but what other industry has even survived against foreign competition? Electronics? Textiles? This seems to be our last stand. If we do not start to have confidence in ourselves and each other, there will be nothing left here. An attitude that anything made outside this country is better will sink us for sure. Do your homework and buy the best quality domestic models. If we send the money back to American car companies and only buy their best products, they save on recalls, have more money to improve their products, pay taxes to our government, make our economy stronger and will keep the factories that are producing high quality cars working. I think the new CTS and DTS are beautiful. If I was a rich guy I would love to have either one.

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Replying to: imatt (Jan 03, 2008 5:16 pm)

We do need to support American companies wherever possible. The thing is that for most Americans, an automobile purchase is a major expense. So we can't buy American cars just blindly and take a beating on quality and reliability. And I think that was the case for many years. The fact is that the American car manufacturers get it now. Much of what they are putting out is good stuff. I and many of my friends who consider ourselves kind of car freaks, have really taken notice of the new american cars on the street. For years we really did not like any of the american cars. Sure we always liked the Corvettes. Who doesn't? But lately we have noticed that some of the GM cars are looking pretty impressive, namely the Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, GMC Acadia, Saturn Vue, Saturn Outlook, Saturn Aura, Buick Enclave. Also some of the Fords look good, like the Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan. And its not just the style of the cars. For many years, we would see american cars with huge gaps on one side of the trunk or gaps between door panels. Thats not the case anymore... Look at the 2008 CTS as an example. Door panels and trunk and hood gaps are tight and even. Interior fit and finish are impressive. Nothing cheap looking. No rattles. Warranty is just as good as the Japanese and Germans. And Cadillac service is highly rated.
So you are right we do need to buy American...but for the right reasons. If the Americans finally get it and are putting out decent cars then we all have to forget about the cars that the Americans were building 10 years ago and look at the products they are building now. As Americans, we don't owe it to GM, Ford or Chrysler to buy their car just because. But we do need to not exclude the American cars just because they are American. If you are in the market for a car, then stop by the American dealers to have a look. If you are in the market for an Accord or Camry level vehicle, then look at the Mailbu as well. If you are in the market for a G35 or a TL or a 3 Series, then include the Cadillac CTS in the running. And if the American car is really nice against the competitors, then buy it.
 
Since this is a Cadillac forum, lets talk about Cadillac a little:
 
I have been driving a truck for many years. IN the market for a new sedan. So I have spent alot of time looking at mid range sedans like the G35 TL, 3 Series and Cadillac CTS, and frankly, Personally, IMHO, I'm impressed with the new 2008 Cadilly CTS. The car looks sharp. Very little not to like.
 
I want to buy an entry level luxury sedan. Really if I can only afford a Honda Camry or Mailbu then I will just buy the most practical. Its just transportation. But for something a little fun, a little more upscale? Here is my short list:
  
1) The G35 is really nice and is still on my short short list. Fast, great handling and best price in its class. But still it does not have the presence of the CTS. Just doesn't. So its a tough decision. Better performance on the G35 against a quieter ride and more presence of the CTS.
 
2) The TL is OK, Honda quality and all... but kinda boring and old in the tooth when compared to the 2008 CTS. And I prefer the rear-wheel drive for a sports sedan.
 
3)The 3 Series is and always will be a BMW. Obviously the ratings are high. Driving dynamics second to none. Theres the chance that when I drive it on decision day, that I will just fall under its spell? But fact is, the 3 Series sedan looks on the small side compared to the CTS. I mean, if I were still in my 20's, I probably would get the 3 Series. But for guys in their 30's and 40's, the CTS is just more of a car. For guys in their 30's and 40's driving a 3 Series, IMHO, it looks like you wanted a BMW and just couldn't afford the 5 Series. Sorry if that offends anyone. Lets put it this way. If you have to pick up an important client at the airport, the CTS is just more of a car that the 3 series. As many of the reviews say, the CTS competes against the 3 series in price, but is more the size of the 5 series. Thats a pretty accurate view.
 
4) The 2008 Cadillac CTS is pretty impressive from both the exterior and the interior. Looks like a $50,000 car. The interior is hands down the best of all four of these cars. And great performance, no not quite as good as the 3 Series or the G35, but close enough for me. I will probably trade that little extra performance edge for a quiet nice all around ride. Just looks more expensive that any of the other cars I listed. GM did a nice job.
 
All of these cars have something good to offer. Something extraordinary that the others don't have. But the point is that the CTS, no doubt, has what it takes to compete. So on that Saturday afternoon, when you go out with an itch to buy an entry level luxury sedan, stop by all the dealerships including the Cadillac dealer with an open mind. And then buy the car you like the best.

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Replying to: grbeck (Jan 03, 2008 10:28 am)

Rocky, you were the one putting forth the conspiracy theories, not dino.
 
I know that and yes I believe CR, is bought and paid for just like all the other car mags. So yes I do believe in the CR conspiracy theory of them giving free passes based on past history without testing the new products. Well they (CR) said they aren't going to do that with Yota's anymore.
 
As far as Ford, goes they do not rankvery high on the reliability charts with JD
Power. Maybe Ford Jr. gave CR's staff luxury suits at Ford Field, to watch my Lydowns play a little football for exchange of a favorable review on some of their cars
 
-Rocky

Replying to: sls002 (Jan 03, 2008 10:35 am)

CR does have a limited budget, as they do not have advertising revenue.
 
I hope you don't really believe that. The CR bible might not have advertisements but the automakers know the dots/circles work like advertisements for the masses thus it's a good use of advertising dollars for the automakers.
 
-Rocky

Replying to: xrunner2 (Jan 03, 2008 10:59 am)

No, but talking to many of the import loyalists one could make the reasonable assumption that it does happen on your side. Just seeing how some of you attack the owners of problematic imports and dismissing them as "operator errors" puts a smile on my face.
 
We are a little to honest to have to lie about our cars problems. A buddy of mine filled out a favorable review several years ago on his Accord, and when I questioned him he tried to down play it.
 
-Rocky

Replying to: 62vetteefp (Jan 03, 2008 5:10 pm)

Agree 62' but I had to respond to the attacks.
 
What's this new killed DOHC V8 you are talking about ??? I hope you aren't talking about the new ULTRA
 
-Rocky

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Replying to: tntmyth (Jan 03, 2008 9:13 pm)

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Replying to: rockylee (Jan 04, 2008 12:32 am)

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Replying to: tntmyth (Jan 03, 2008 9:13 pm)