- Oct 9, 1999
- 72,636
- 47
- 91
2004 Chevy Malibu Pic (Epsilon platform)
- Thread starter NFS4
- Start date
It actually looks pretty cool.
Doubt I'd ever consider it though, unless it lasts 400,000 miles with just regular maintenance.
Doubt I'd ever consider it though, unless it lasts 400,000 miles with just regular maintenance.
Not bad.
Manufacturers seem to be putting low profile tires and nice rims on a lot more cars these days.. always nice.
Manufacturers seem to be putting low profile tires and nice rims on a lot more cars these days.. always nice.
radioouman
Diamond Member
- Nov 4, 2002
- 8,632
- 0
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hahahhahahaha, I work for a company that is manufacturing parts for the epsilon platform. I don't think that I want to buy a car with these parts on it! Not that it's really that bad. But there's nothing significantly different about this car/platform than anything else. Why buy it? The epsilon is a platform that GM developed to be a global platform. Just like the ecotec engine. Within a few years, every midsized GM car will be built on epsilon, and all 4 cylinder engines in GM cars will be ecotec. (This excludes cars that GM re-badges, such as the Pontiac Vibe that is built by Toyota...)
Wow, so this means that I could buy a Buick and it is built on the same platform as a Saturn, a Pontiac, and a Chevy... So basically it comes down to buying the cheapest one since all divisions of GM will essentially sell the same car and compete against each other. Sounds to me like this will make more divisions of GM disappear (like Oldsmobile) because each division will not be able to distinguish itself.
Not that it's really that bad. But there's nothing significantly different about this car/platform than anything else. Why buy it? The epsilon is a platform that GM developed to be a global platform. Just like the ecotec engine. Within a few years, every midsized GM car will be built on epsilon, and all 4 cylinder engines in GM cars will be ecotec. (This excludes cars that GM re-badges, such as the Pontiac Vibe that is built by Toyota...) Wow, so this means that I could buy a Buick and it is built on the same platform as a Saturn, a Pontiac, and a Chevy... So basically it comes down to buying the cheapest one since all divisions of GM will essentially sell the same car and compete against each other. Sounds to me like this will make more divisions of GM disappear (like Oldsmobile) because each division will not be able to distinguish itself.
Analog
Lifer
- Jan 7, 2002
- 12,755
- 3
- 0
Originally posted by: radioouman
hahahhahahaha, I work for a company that is manufacturing parts for the epsilon platform. I don't think that I want to buy a car with these parts on it!
Wow, so this means that I could buy a Buick and it is built on the same platform as a Saturn, a Pontiac, and a Chevy... So basically it comes down to buying the cheapest one since all divisions of GM will essentially sell the same car and compete against each other. Sounds to me like this will make more divisions of GM disappear (like Oldsmobile) because each division will not be able to distinguish itself.
There is nothing new about this. I worked for GM for 5 years back in the 80s, and they had car platforms then as well. Don't you remember the critics saying all GM cars looked the same? I remember when we were building the Cadillac Cimmeron, Chevy Cavalier, Buick Sky Lark, Olds Firenza and the Pontiac 2000 all down the same assembly line, with the same engine/chassis/drivetrain. The only difference was the sheet metal and interior trim. Why would you then pay an additional $10,000 for the cadillac version? Exactly why this will fail as well. Until GM address the problem of reliability and reputation, only then can they take on the Japanese. Passenger cars are a loss leader for GM anyway. Trucks & SUVs are where all the money is being made these days. I'm surprised they're going to spend so much on a platform that is not their bread and butter.
Originally posted by: radioouman
hahahhahahaha, I work for a company that is manufacturing parts for the epsilon platform. I don't think that I want to buy a car with these parts on it!
Wow, so this means that I could buy a Buick and it is built on the same platform as a Saturn, a Pontiac, and a Chevy... So basically it comes down to buying the cheapest one since all divisions of GM will essentially sell the same car and compete against each other. Sounds to me like this will make more divisions of GM disappear (like Oldsmobile) because each division will not be able to distinguish itself.
I believe the Epsilon was made because it is very easy to alter to achieve a different appearence from it. I bet all the cars based on it won't be too similar. Whats wrong w/ the Ecotec being in all the 4cyl cars? I think there was a 500hp concept sunfire based on it... so it seems like a solid engine to me.
Does anyone have a picture of the Saab that is out on that platform? We could compare and see if they looks similar.
On another note, why is it that none of you can say somethign good about a GM vehicle. You complain about body cladding, so they get rid of it. No praise. You complain about bad interiors and they're takign steps to 'improve' them. No praise. And how will they not come close to sales with their 'japanese counterparts'? I believe they outsold everyone the last few months with their 0 percent interest marketing.
On another note, why is it that none of you can say somethign good about a GM vehicle. You complain about body cladding, so they get rid of it. No praise. You complain about bad interiors and they're takign steps to 'improve' them. No praise. And how will they not come close to sales with their 'japanese counterparts'? I believe they outsold everyone the last few months with their 0 percent interest marketing.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and bet that many people who buy a Grand prix, Stratus, or Taurus maybe don't consider a Honda/Nissan/Toyota.
- Oct 28, 1999
- 62,484
- 8,345
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- Oct 28, 1999
- 62,484
- 8,345
- 126
Mr.IncrediblyBored
Lifer
- Jun 18, 2000
- 11,208
- 774
- 126
I've seen a bunch of new 9-3s and they look sweet, especially when they have their HIDs on.
But somehow I doubt any of that will get tossed down to GM.
A GM interior is a GM interior is a GM interior.
But somehow I doubt any of that will get tossed down to GM.
A GM interior is a GM interior is a GM interior.
Did anyone notice this from the article?...
Looks like I was right! (talked about this in other threads).
Btw, thanks for finding the pics vi_edit. For all of those people who thought they'd have identical cars across the board: they don't look too similar do they?
Looks like I was right! (talked about this in other threads).
Btw, thanks for finding the pics vi_edit. For all of those people who thought they'd have identical cars across the board: they don't look too similar do they?
Kinda disappointed with the Malibu. Thought it'll look more like the Opel Vectra.
I'm still shocked over Motor Trend awarding the current Malibu as Car of the Year.
I'm still shocked over Motor Trend awarding the current Malibu as Car of the Year.
Originally posted by: yellowfiero
Originally posted by: radioouman
hahahhahahaha, I work for a company that is manufacturing parts for the epsilon platform. I don't think that I want to buy a car with these parts on it!
Wow, so this means that I could buy a Buick and it is built on the same platform as a Saturn, a Pontiac, and a Chevy... So basically it comes down to buying the cheapest one since all divisions of GM will essentially sell the same car and compete against each other. Sounds to me like this will make more divisions of GM disappear (like Oldsmobile) because each division will not be able to distinguish itself.
There is nothing new about this. I worked for GM for 5 years back in the 80s, and they had car platforms then as well. Don't you remember the critics saying all GM cars looked the same? I remember when we were building the Cadillac Cimmeron, Chevy Cavalier, Buick Sky Lark, Olds Firenza and the Pontiac 2000 all down the same assembly line, with the same engine/chassis/drivetrain. The only difference was the sheet metal and interior trim. Why would you then pay an additional $10,000 for the cadillac version? Exactly why this will fail as well. Until GM address the problem of reliability and reputation, only then can they take on the Japanese. Passenger cars are a loss leader for GM anyway. Trucks & SUVs are where all the money is being made these days. I'm surprised they're going to spend so much on a platform that is not their bread and butter.
It will just depend. They could tackle the reliability thing as they make the switch if they wanted to. That's the only way they're going to change their reputation.
I personally hope that it doesen't fail for some reason. I have nothing against American cars, it's just that they don't really compare to most of their Japanese counterparts. We need some domestic competition! Quit being so cheap, you pesky automakers.
What happened to "made in America" being a symbol of quality? We can make engines that last 250,000 miles. C'mon you engine engineers. You can do it, I know you can.
Well I've heard this from a GM Engineer over at Pontiac as well so I'm gonna believe it. Just curious, what ideas were on paper that didn't follow through? jw
Tony
Originally posted by: Cfour
Did anyone notice this from the article?...
Looks like I was right! (talked about this in other threads).
Btw, thanks for finding the pics vi_edit. For all of those people who thought they'd have identical cars across the board: they don't look too similar do they?
That's one grand am I would buy
Really? We used a Malibu in drivers ed, and I have to say that I hated that car. No acceleration, piss poor handling, felt heavy for some reason. And it's not like I own a BMW; I drive a 7 year old Oldsmobile 88, and the Malibu still felt like a complete pos. I'm sure they didn't give the most powerful engine to a bunch of kids learning to drive, but still, I've got to think that better cars are out there. Not to mention how cheap the interior was. We stopped for drinks one day as we were switching drivers in a CVS parking lot, and when I took my drink out of the cupholder at the end of the drive, the plastic part of the cup holder came right up with it, stuck to the bottom of the glass. Now if that isn't quality, I don't know what is. It is nice to see them try and improve though, as more competition is always good for the consumer.
- Oct 28, 1999
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Off the top of my head I remember the Vibe supposably getting a supercharger at some point. Still have yet to see it. The Silverado SS was supposed to be supercharged, then it dropped down to the 6.6L and then eventually down to the 6.0. The new S-10 replacement was also rumored to come with a turboed I5 with around 300 HP and that's down a just a regular I5.
I've also seen pictures of the "G-Force" Grand Prix and no news on whether or not we'll see that.
GM talks about all these high power vehicles, but we just end up getting down watered down shadows of what they originally proposed.
Consumer Reports gave the Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Impala above average reliability. The Toyota Camry fell to to average reliabilty, due to poor build quality. The only German sedan (of any size) to be recommended by CR's was the BMW 5-series.
I think the new Malibu looks far better than pretty much any other midsize sedan on the market right now. The Accord, Camry, and Maxima are among the fugliest cars that money can buy. GM's reliability and product quality are among the highest in the industry, the only problem is getting the public to acknowledge it.
The Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3 are selling extremely well in Europe. The Opel Vectra is even the best selling midsize car in Germany. I think the new Malibu will do well.
I think the new Malibu looks far better than pretty much any other midsize sedan on the market right now. The Accord, Camry, and Maxima are among the fugliest cars that money can buy. GM's reliability and product quality are among the highest in the industry, the only problem is getting the public to acknowledge it.
The Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3 are selling extremely well in Europe. The Opel Vectra is even the best selling midsize car in Germany. I think the new Malibu will do well.
- Oct 28, 1999
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Right. That's exactly why Consumer Reports recommends Japanese for ALL used vehicle choices for family sedan, compact car, midsize SUV, mini-van, and compact SUV.
Oh, and I believe that the Passat is on the "recommended" list. Last time I checked that's a German sedan.
Oh, and I believe that the Passat is on the "recommended" list. Last time I checked that's a German sedan.
I was talking about their new vehicle recommendations you dumbfvck. The relative reliability of past Camrys, Passats, etc. has no bearing on the current product.
- Oct 28, 1999
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Oh, back to name calling. How mature
Does the concept of first year redesign glitches have any meaning to you?
First year GM introduced the redesigned Monte Carlo the Z34's had to be recalled beacause the spark plug wires were causing performance issues.
The olds alero's had serious issues with water leaking into the front seats in the first couple years of production.
The Trailblazer has been given negative marks because of first year quality issues.
The malibu has serious problems with the rotors warping.
Some misaligned trim is hardly something that I'd be concerned about.
Does the concept of first year redesign glitches have any meaning to you?
First year GM introduced the redesigned Monte Carlo the Z34's had to be recalled beacause the spark plug wires were causing performance issues.
The olds alero's had serious issues with water leaking into the front seats in the first couple years of production.
The Trailblazer has been given negative marks because of first year quality issues.
The malibu has serious problems with the rotors warping.
Some misaligned trim is hardly something that I'd be concerned about.
Those cars are kickass when they run.. but they love to break.. (i know from personal experience) Looks awesome though!!
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