GMTruckGuy74

I'm definitely excited for GM's future and glad I've been a 100% supporter since I started driving in late 1991. I agree with you NOS and ocnblu that it really is a great time to be a GM enthusiast. And while some naysayers here will bring up current vehicles, NOS did say in the very beginning that he wonders what GM will look like 5 years from now. Croc, I already sat in a 2007 GMC, oops I mean Pontiac , Torrent and I like the new interior 100 times better. The dash layout, added features and new styling have improved the Torrent enough that I would seriously consider one if in the market (I think I'd wait for it to become a GMC though!).

I like the way your plan sounds, except for two things: 1. I wouldn't use the Syclone name. That's like putting the Trans Am name on the GTO - it just doesn't belong on it (trust me, I support 100% GMC bringing back the Syclone - a'la Denali - on the Canyon platform). 2. Why go through all of these modifications and have a 4cyl under the hood? How about a 5.7 V8 converstion, or at least a 4.3 V6 upgrade? I mean, from the way your plan sounds, it's going to be one bad looking truck. Why not have some real balls under the hood? I owned a 2001 Sonoma Highrider (ZR2) and know what a great engine the 4.3 V6 was... I also sold 1999 & 2000 MY GMC Sonomas and know what the 2.2 4cyl is like Since you want to do this truck in the spirit of the Syclone, why not go two-tone with the paint? The original Syclone was jet black on the mid-to-upper half and a flat black on the very lower half. Why not model yours after the Syclone II version and go with a really dark gray for the lower? I think that would stand out. Do you have any other pictures of the Syclone II & Typhoon II that you can post? I never seen them in person, but I remember when I was seriously trying to buy that '91 Syclone back in 1998, those two trucks were all the rage on the Sy/Ty website. I remember how everyone thought that they would make a return, and talk at the time was that the new Jimmy/Envoy and Sonoma replacements (Canyon name wasn't even thought of yet) would bring them back. What a shame GMC is just forgeting that these two trucks were the original "Denail" models (think about it - AWD, upscale interiors, and more horsepower than their civilian models).

The wife and I sat in a white XE and a Techno Gray XR last Sunday (dealership left the doors unlocked!?!). I was very impressed with the AURA, as I pretty much fihgured I would be. The XR is on my "must have" list - if the wife would let me trade in the '04 Malibu, I would in a heartbeat for the AURA XR. However, I wonder if a RED LINE model will be available soon, and what it will look like and what features it will offer over the XR. That is one reason why I haven't talked the wife into trading in the Malibu just yet. The only problem I noted sitting in the driver's seat was that on the B-pillar is a piece of triangular-shaped plastic (not small) that sticks out and I constantly hit it with my elbow. The G6 sedan and my Malibu sedan doesn't have it, I know it's design is a continuation of the door panel, but I'm not sure if I like that or not. I read in the MT article that the door panels have ambient lighting at night - I'm curious to check this out. Anyone test drive the AURA at night yet?

PurdueGuy, do you know of any chapters in the New Jersey area? I'd like to join one if there is. TIA!

I'm halfway between two Saturn dealerships; haven't checked out my dealership yet, but the other one had five - four XRs (Ocean Mist <which was parked in the service area and was missing the console & driver's seat>, 2 Techno Gray and one Silver) and one XE (White). I saw my first one in a parking lot yesterday over in Delran, NJ - it had a PA license plate on it. So far still haven't seen any other SKYs on the road, but Solstices are becoming more popular nowadays.

Well, I'll offer yout he opposite view here on the Sunfire. My parents just got rid of their 2002 Sunfire SE coupe for a leftover 2006 G6 V6 sedan... and they couldn't have been happier. The problems? The power window motors/regulators were constantly wearing out, and their not cheap to have replaced. The mileage odometer/trip odometer display went blank and did not indicate the mileage. I think riding on a surfboard with wheels was more comfortable. Very cramped interior with horrible Fisher-Price plastics. The pump for the windshiled washer fluid was cracked and leaked fluid (not the platic container, the actual pump). Power was decent, but not hot rod-like. My dad took care of it too, which is the sad part. He finished paying it off in April, was going to buy new tires (with only 27,000 original miles, the tires on it were crap), but thought it was too much of a money pit already. Because of the non-working digital odometer (went through State inspection in June and was recorded with mileage in the high 26k area), the condition of the tires, and some small scratches & dents, the best trade-in deal he could get was $4,000. The car was loaded with power windows/locks/mirrors, sunroof, cd player, 4-speed auto trans with Enhanced Traction Control (ETC), and the upgraded chrome wheelcovers. My parents are happy to be gone with it. The funny part is their insurance was higher on the 2002 Sunfire than on their 2005 Saturn VUE (and now the G6). The reason - they're usually totalled in an accident, or if not totalled cost some $$$ to get repaired. Insurance companies don't want to take a big loss on a crappy vehicle. Just my $0.02 here (the sad part was I always loved the '95-'99 Sunfire GT models)

Thanks for the replies everybody. Ocnblu, get rid of the SKY Are you crazy!?! Much like you, I remember seeing these cars at the Philly Auto Show back in 1990 & 1991 and thinking what a great looking car - even when everyone else was calling the design an "upside-down bath tub". The LTZ model was MotorTrend's car of the year and was on the cover of its magazine. And a neighbor purchased a maroon '91 LTZ, so I guess this car just really has stuck in my mind over the years. I guess the real reason that I'm considering it is that John mentioned donating the car and getting the $500 tax credit. As he was sayaing that a thought immediately came into my mind - I'd rather buy it from you for $500 than seeing it given away! And then of course it stuck in my head the rest of the night and all of yesterday But if he were to sell it, would he sell it for $500 or would he want more? I'd be specific that I'd be very interested in buying it for $500 Actually, I liked the new rear fenders at the time they debuted in '93, and they really make the design on the '94-'96 Impala SS models standout. But I really like the look of the '91-'92 covered rear fenders on the non-SS models more.I'm assuming his car looks like this (he said it was maroon, don't know if it's a Caprice, Classic, or LTZ model yet): Anyway, I think I'll strike up the conversation with him today to see what he thinks. I'll update you guys if I have any more info to share.

I'm torn on what vehicle to get in 2008 when the Envoy lease expires. I want the new Sierra Crew Cab 1500 Z71 4wd... the wife really likes the new Enclave and Outlook... maybe we'll both compromise and get the Acadia. Thanks for posting the pictures.. I love to see GMCs!!!

The reverse light shares it's design and location exactly with the Saturn SKY... coincidnce??? Maybe it's a Chevy overseas, but I think this car will be here next summer as the Saturn ION replacement. Just my $0.02! And I love how the insides of the taillights have the little bowtie emblems incorporated into them. If it is a future Chevy for N/A, then that little design element has to stay.

I have to say that I'm disappointed too that the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty wasn't extended. Since I lease at least one vehicle and usually for 36 months @ 15,000 miles per year, I add in the extended warranty to my lease payment to cover for those extra 9,000 miles (why should I have to pay out of pocket for a car I won't own?). And being that the vehicle lasts me between 30 & 36 months, the new powertrain warranty doesn't impress me at all (with leasing, that is). The problems I've experience have mostly not been powertrain-related, so I would have liked the extended Bumper-to-Bumper warranty instead (much like Caddy & Buick's 4 year/50,000 mile coverage).----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On another point - since GM said it will be retroactivated to all 2007 model vehicles, am I assuming correctly that my 2007 Saturn SKY, purchased in April, will also benefit from this longer warranty??? If yes, then I'm happy with the longer powertrain warranty as I didn't get the extended warranty at all at the time of purchase

I asked in the tech section a question about a coworker's 1991 Chevy Caprice not too long ago. http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=10943 John wanted to get it fixed so that his newly-licensed son would have a car to drive. Well, his wife didn't want him to drive the Caprice, so they went out and bought a new Honda Accord (for the wife, not the son!). The son will now drive a 2001 Impala. John is thinking of donating the car to the American Red Cross motor pool (local one that resells donated cars to raise cash) or some other "donate your car for a tax break" place. Now my question is should I offer to buy it? I don't need a 4th car, but I do like the looks of the 1991 Caprice and have always wanted one. If I were to buy it, I'd use it driving back and forth to work, saving mileage on our leased Envoy. However, the battery-draining issue will need to be fixed and I don't want to get into a money-pit kinda of deal. So, I'm going to ask for your opinion. I don't think John got rid of the car yet, but if you care to voice your opinion, do it soon!

Can you say Saturn ION <Astra> replacement? Notice the quad-doors and that the shaping of the car is very similar to the Astra.

Umm... care to give a member a really BIG discount before you leave the field??? Just kidding - the SKY took away any available funds for home improvement projects (trust me, the wife reminds me of that fact daily). Good luck with the changes you want to make Bob, and thanks for cluing us in (finally!). Most people don't like change; as long as it's not "change for the sake of change", I'm generally all for it. You never know what will come of it, but why stay bored with routine if you desire something new? Please keep us updated on your progress.Capriceman, wow... I must say you've definitely got my attention.. inquiring minds want to know! j/k About possessions... a few posts back I admitted to my problem - buying too many toys, collecting car magazines & brochures, and wasting money on needless items (namely car stuff). Recently I've begun to think about what would happen if a fire took away all of my possessions? I'd get no money from the insurance company, and it's not like my life would end without the stuff. So I'm making some progress on coming to terms with the fact I need to liquidate a good majority of my toy collection and need to recycle car brochures & magazines not really necessary to my life. Since work (school) is starting up again, I'll need to schedule some nights and weekends to accomplish my new goal. Sorry, thought I'd post an update.

Back in June of 1998, I came VERY close to buying a 20,000 mile original condition 1991 Syclone at the Carlisle All-Truck Nationals. However, my damn bank was giving me such a hard time about financing that I had to pass on it. I was 16 y-o when the Syclone came out and will never forget riding my bike the 4 miles to the local Buick-GMC dealer, in February, to see it in person. From that moment on I so wanted a Syclone. One day I'm sure I'll have one

Seeing this picture of the Malibu does support your statement: I've always liked the Malbu coupes. What was the last year that they were offered?

Are you smoking crack? No way would this ever happen. Listen, GMC still offers work trucks because people in certain vocational careers might prefer a GMC over a Chevy. So your saying to just abandon this market? If I were a contractor, carpenter, plumber or electrician, my work truck would definitely be a GMC! Also, while the W/T or SL trim might not be your preference, some people can only afford that trim level. Why tell them that they can't own a GMC? You definitley don't want to abandon that market. I can understand many here who don't see GMC being "Professional Grade" with base models - but those are exactly the trucks that are being used "in the field". Professional Grade can mean many things to many people. Leather, chrome rims and dvd players might be professional equipment to a lawyer or doctor, whereas a diamond-plated toolbox, rubber flooring, and a reliable drivetrain might be professional equipment to the construction site foreman. GMC can't afford to abandon any of their market - no matter who they are or what they buy.

I should have joined the "355 group" back in late 2003 when my Sonoma Highrider (ZR2) lease ended, but the wife wanted a car I'd like to say that if I had the chance to go and buy a 2007 Canyon today that I would; however, I know I wouldn't. The exterior design isn't what's stopping me, it's as you say the lack of refinement of the interior that is. GM has answered half of our prayers by improving the engine performance and hopefully the new rims will make those designed-by-Fisher Price plastic 16 inch rims go away. But the interior looks basic no matter what model trim you choose. Look at the GMT-900 SUVs and Pickups and the GMT-360 SUVs - they have some style in them. So why can't the little guys? I can't believe GM spent all that time and money redesigning the S10 line only to give us the Colorado & Canyon interior, rims and engine. Hopefully 2008 will be a turnaround year for these trucks with a new interior and some updated (and different) exterior styling for the GMT-355's MCE. My Envoy lease is up in 2008, and while the new Sierra has definitely got my attention, a more improved Canyon Crew Cab Z71 4wd might be the more economical choice. Thanks TAMA for posting your 2 year review and you too ocnblu for responding on how great your truck is.

Walt, it's been a week now since you took it back and they did the repair. Any updates for us?

Welcome ohsnap! I am a male and I'm not gay Have you and the "boy" looked at 2006 GMC Envoys? I know the GMC dealership I got my '05 Envoy from and the local Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealership have several 2006 leftover Envoys. I'm sure GM will do something in September with incentives to clear out leftover inventories. Just my $0.02 here. Have fun and stick around - you might really like the place!

Z28, you might want to consider putting A/C in the car. I didn't put the SKY's top down on the extremely hot days this summer, rather I relied on the A/C to keep me cool. Baking in the sun & extreme heat is not my idea of a great way to spend a summer day in a convertible. And I learned from the Solstice & SKY forums that those Solstice owners who didn't opt for A/C are now sorry that they didn't.

In 10th grade a new kid transferred to my high school. He was just as you describe in your quote. In the senior yearbook under his picture it stated "The only white African-American to graduate with the class of 1993".

Hahaha! Jazz is the same color as my SKY! I wonder if I own a "robot in disguise"! Too bad they didn't use a SKY instead of the Solstice. I'd really like a toy version of my car. Speaking of that, I can't wait for the Topkick to become available as a toy.

Buickman, I have to tell you that your statement is a bunch of B.S.!!! I teach Marketing to high school students. Even my students know that there's always a BIG sale in the retail market around holidays. This is a given. YOU should know that much, given your many years in the business. Tha means you should have known new incentives would be arriving for this weekend (remember the 4th of July "72 hours" sale???). Go cry boo-hoo somewhere else. SableStyle, you hit the nail right on the head. If you have any common sense, then you know to wait for the holidays for big ticket items (cars, electronics, etc). My parents just took delivery of a new 2006 Pontiac G6 LAST NIGHT. So I'm sure they didn't get the new Labor Day incentives. However, they have been looking for a particular G6 model for two weeks and finally found one Monday. It was actually sold when they got there, but the deal fell through and they were able to buy it. If they waited for the weekend, then they would never have found the ONE they were looking for. You as a consumer have to take your chances. Buickman just doesn't get it.

Relevance? Umm, the fact that GMC is a HUGE cash cow for General Motors. That's their relevance, and the fact that many people prefer the styling of the GMC models over their Chevy counterparts. More Denali models are sold than Escalade models. At my son's football practice, I have only seen one Escalade SUV and I've seen at least 4 Yukon Denali models. I live in a golf course community and there are more Denali's in driveways than Escalades, and the same can be said for Tahoes. And get off your "rebadge" kick. Um, same could be said for many of your precious Buicks (do you remember the '80s?). GMCs and Chevys have always shared many parts over the last 80/90 years.... and they've always sold without a bunch of customers leaving to buy Toyota, Nissan, or Honda trucks (900,000 pickup trucks were sold last year - how many Buicks TOTAL were sold?). I can empathize with your statement. GMC has been starved for the last couple of years while Chevy got specific truck models (SSR, Avalanche). But you must realize GM doesn't see the need for Buick to have more than 3 or 4 models in the "new" Buick., and a minivan isn't being considered.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We need to clarify something right now people - the fact that Pontiac, GMC, and Buick are no longer INDIVIDUAL divisions. For the 21st century, GM has regrouped them as ONE, single division. I will admit that having two Lambda crossovers on the same lot does confuse me, but I'm sure the PRICING structure will definitely separate the two per customers needs. We have to adjust and compare the "new" B-P-G to the Chevy lineup - Pontiac would offer the sporty cars (Camaro, Malibu, Impala & Monte Carlo SS), Buick offers the family cars (Malibu, Impala <non-SS>), and GMC covers the truck line.

DOes LEXUS sell a minivan? NOPE! They sell the RX-330, which Buick will offer the Enclave to compete against it. I wouldn't consider what's sold in Europe as a basis for what should be sold in NA... and Chrysler needs the Town & Country as it's their bread & butter (much like the pickups & suvs are GM's bread & butter). I agree that the old Saturn would have benefited from a Lambda-based minivan; but with the focus now on a more Opel-based lineup, and I've said this in the past, I'd like to see GM offer something that no other GM division offers. My vote is still for GMC to get the minivan, and I agree with many of the posters here who have already acknowledged this and supported the arguement with good evidence (that commercial sounds great z28luvr01. All you GMC haters will just have to deal with it!