Chicagoland

GM X cars begat the FWD A bodies, they were basically X cars with bigger rear seats/trunks. They lasted until 1996, so GM got some $$ out of that platform. Chrysler has said that the Caliber has brought in more poriftiable sales than the Neon did. But, i do believe that thye need a compact sedan below it, along with a B class subcompact car.

"...was around in the 1960s as you pointed out." Malibu was a high end trim level on the Chevelle line from 1964-77. Though by 1974, most people called the "Colonnade body" cars Malibus, so the 1978-83 mid sized Chevys were called Malibu/Malibu Classic [top of the line, not the cheapie as today's Classic]. The FWD A body Celebrity replaced it.

I do agree that the 1978-83 A/G body Malbu was a fine car for its day. May not have had 200+ hp, but it handled well, and lasted long. Only the rear doors with sealed windows were a drawback.

Motor Trend predicted that there would be mid engined Vettes "for the next generation" since the 70's, and that there would be a "1975 Cadillac LaSalle" made by Opel! So, no, no, no, do not for a second belive anything 'exclusive' they say!

I have seen Rondos with rental tags on them, so don't assume these are 'creative'. HHR is way better than RWD fantaics think. The Camaro is not going to save GM alone, the Malibu will be more significant in changing minds. The RWD Zetas will end up low volume, or sold with diesels to meet 35 mpg CAFE, so don't go thinking 1970 is coming back, with 455 ci iron.

Hyundai was supposed to be the 'next Toyota', claimed by analysts driving luxo SUV's. but they don't know how bad the cars really are. Sonatas are 1998 Accords leftover from Honda's reject pile.

In 1990, a $25K car was like $30-35K now.

Yes, over and BON, I didn't rub thier faces in the #'s, there were others who already did. No reply from the 'C1 would have cured cancer if Ford brought it here'. The reality is the c1's look dated and would have been flops, called "mini 500's", and they would have incentives on them. THe Mazda 3 is soo much better looking, better for that to carry the C1. And have this Focus be in a 'new' state until "C2" comes. [its not called c2, but cant rember actaul code #']

There are still alot of "I hate Retro" people and they spin the sales # to thier agendas. They seem to think all cars have to be their taste, and I bet these people never buy new cars to begin with.

Well, gotta face reality, Acura is nothing more than a 'more expensive Honda', and buyers are wising up to it. It will never be an aspirational luxury car as Lexus, MB, Beemer, or even Caddy!

Focus sales show that the C1 platform is not what would increase sales, but just re making the interior and adding modern features. I am sure Euro Ford purists are clicking thier tounges and just cant beleive that this is happening,

The HRR, which know it alls claimed would flop and was a PT rip-off, is flying off lots too. Shows that the know it alls, do not!

This is a fleet sale/order issue, should find more hard evidence before declaring that a model or trim level is 'dead'. Anyway, next model year with the GP dead, the LaCrosse CX will be fleet queen.

Plymouth wasn't anyting since 1977, when the big Fury was killed. Where were all these loyal customers the past 30 years?

Some on here just need to get a life. No, the 60's are not coming back with 60% market share, and BOF RWD big cars cars are not either, but GM is doing good. The Crossovers are really triplets, so what? They are good products. Back in the 70's GM's cars were really similar too, just the emotional attachment to the brand names "from childhood" makes some think they were all one brand from ground up.

Caliber is selling better than the Neon. Wishful Mo-dog fans claimed there would be a sedan called 'Rebel', but was just a rumor.

In 1978-79, the first time the Chevy mid sized car line was simply called Malibu, it sure sold in big #'s too. I may not have the actual #'s, but that new generation sold very well for its day.

MT COTY means squat. Nobody truly cares anymore.

Well, they like it since it reminds them of the cars they love.

'Stigma' my a$$. Rich yuppies may not want people to think they are parents, and drive gas hogging SUV's. But working families who don't care about stigmas, appearances, and other snobby mind games, want something practical. GM and ford simply 'poo-poo' minivans since they didnt invent them. Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai have no problem selling them. Try putting in kid saftey seats in a cramped rear seat of a 'image conscious' vehicle and you will see there is market for minvans.

Good news is the new generation took 4 years, instead of 9 years like the old Corsica.

Isn't there going to be a Lambda minivan built in Spring Hill? Anyway, analysts are wrong when they say minivans with sliding doors are 'out'. Of course a 25 year old says 'I'll never will get a minivan'. Then when they are 45 and have kids, or get a job involved with moving things, suddenly the 'hip cute' cars don't cut it. Too much R&D is spent on 'trendy/hip' vehicles for critics/press, but what about 'meat and potato' work/real life products for buyers?

Yes, I agree that many families are getting used minvans, since new car dealers are pushing expensive trucks. I see more old boxy Mopar minivans than any other US car from the same era, 1988-94. I'd be willing to bet that there will be a 2010 Uplander.

Why should a good seller die simply because some fan boy hates it? Not all car buyers are wanna be drag racers. Also, Cobalt wagon would only work if it is roomy and "looks like an SUV'. Women decide in 80% of family car purchases and they want the "SUV look".

I am seeing tons of shiny white Uplanders at US Post Offices, and in many other places of business. So, some questions. Are fleet buyers getting them instead of full sized vans? Is the USPS getting them since they can run E85? Will the Uplander maybe continue past 2008, since there are very few affordable vans for fleet buyers? EDIT: I re-read the AutoWeek article which says 'into 2009', so look for more at your local PO. The white Uplanders have replaced the boxy UPS looking trucks in many PO districts. And seen a few contractors/utilities with them instead of full sized vans. Big question is, did Ford/GM make a big error thinking minivans with sliding doors are "dead"?