Do you agree with this quote regarding how people buy cars?

[NickD 202]

I am still happy with my forty-four Ford.

[Otto 83]

A lot, I'm sure.

For example, did you know that

• Chevy Malibu earned the highest possible rating in recent government frontal and side-impact crash tests — five stars?
• Chevy Malibu comes with the best coverage in America: the 100,000 mile/5-year Powertrain Warranty plus Roadside Assistance?
• Chevy Malibu had a hybrid model?

It is simply a fleet car - handles/stops like one, looks like one and for those green-minded corporate buyers, wears a Hybrid badge. Perfect for those Chili's luncheons.

And it's not on any safety list I've seen..

[jundp 191]

Price range

Miles per gallon

Longevity

Me too. Of course, P also prefers German made...

Advertisers firmly believe people buy because of belief systems. There is no other explanation for the success of advertising.

Yep. And there are certain emotions or socially acceptable 'cravings' that are targeted by advertisers. And they work.

[Amby 490]

I only know one person with a really old car. She has an early 90s Camry stationwagon. The AC doesn't work and she is scared to drive it far. I guess it's good that it's still moving though. No wonder I see so many of those damn Camry on the road

[AlHayatZween 2]

Yes. Or buying stuff made in China.

Where do you find stuff that is not made in China?

[Amby 490]

Yes. Or buying stuff made in China.

Where do you find stuff that is not made in China?

After he pointed it out to me about 8 months ago I've paid more attention and it's actually quite easy to find stuff not made in China. I have found that the stuff not made in China is usually more expensive (sometimes not that much), but not as hard to find as I thought it would be.

Edited July 10, 2009 by Amby

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I believe that most American cars are worthless ####### and hence, I wouldn't buy one.

What if third parties like Edmunds, JD and Consumer Reports said otherwise?

It would take some time for this perception to change. Reputation is one of those things that's rather hard to repair.

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Chevy Malibu earned the highest possible rating in recent government frontal and side-impact crash tests — five stars

And it's not on any safety list I've seen..

Here's the screenshot from CR for the Malibu.

Edited July 10, 2009 by ƒµ(l{ ¥0µ n00b

[Amby 490]

AJ my uncle bought a Santa Fe for my teenage cousin and she loves it. I've never drove it, but I've rode in it and it's quite comfortable. I just can't get used to hanging out in a car that feels so open and high from the ground. I feel like I'm in a spaceship or something.

Ok now that makes no sense because you changed your post. Thanks

Edited July 10, 2009 by Amby

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

It's happened to Hyundai. Their cars use to be unreliable pieces of junk, but slowly, over the last decade they have built a reputation of good quality cars for less than their competitors. Part of their selling point was their warranty...that at the time, far exceeded the rest of the auto industry.

I own an Elantra and think it's a great value for the money!

I may buy a Santa Fe next!

[AlHayatZween 2]

Yes. Or buying stuff made in China.

Where do you find stuff that is not made in China?

After he pointed it out to me about 8 months ago I've paid more attention and it's actually quite easy to find stuff not made in China. I have found that the stuff not made in China is usually more expensive (sometimes not that much), but not as hard to find as I thought it would be.

i will have to try harder... seems everything i pick up is made in China.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

AJ my uncle bought a Santa Fe for my teenage cousin and she loves it. I've never drove it, but I've rode in it and it's quite comfortable. I just can't get used to hanging out in a car that feels so open and high from the ground. I feel like I'm in a spaceship or something.

Ok now that makes no sense because you changed your post. Thanks

I posted it too soon because VJ appended it to the previous post which I didn't like, made the attachment inappropriately placed on the screen.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Chevy Malibu earned the highest possible rating in recent government frontal and side-impact crash tests — five stars

And it's not on any safety list I've seen..

Here's the screenshot from CR for the Malibu.

I think GM needs to trim down their line of cars. Then take a car like the Malibu and make it one of their flagship models, like the way Honda has with Civics and Accords. I'll bet if you just asked random people what they thought of the Chevy Malibu, they probably would give you a puzzled look. But a Civic or Accord are very well known. Same with Toyota Corolla and Camry. Hyundai has been smart and followed the same formula with their Elantra and Sonata. GM has way too many goddam models to build a reputation of brand recognition and reputation, IMO.

[almaty 19]

wo, i am crying that is the most beautiful name under an account..i hate nOObs..

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

And thanks for the feedback, Amby... I will be test driving it in the next few days.