I think GM's problem is they put all their efforts into power. They put too big a motor into too small a car. Look at the Z28 VS Mustang GT. The Z28 wins is straight line acceleration and loses at EVERYTHING else. aka build quality, handling, styling, paint, ease of maintenance. Didn't you have to drop the exhaust manifold to change the spark plugs.
However it is not just GM who is messed up. All manufacturers are making BIGGER cars MORE powerful. We don't need more power, what we need is manufacturers manufacturing lighter cars with more efficient engines with good safety. We don't need a completely renovated model every 3-4 years.
But I guess this is all a sign of old age as we remember the good old days when gas was a dollar and cars were small and nimble and got over 40mpg. Although that was only a handful of cars that never really sold well in the late 80s/early 90s.
2000lbs
manual steering
DIN radio with 4 speakers
only option "needed" AC
everything else standard and cheap and durable
I like my Saturn but who needs power windows, power locks, and power steering on a two door 2300lb car. Just extra junk to break and leave you stranded. But I do like the interior lights that you can control and not "have" to have them on everytime you open the doors. Useful when listening to the radio and you want to preserve the battery and not attract mosquitos.
All new car equally suck. The bigger is better thing bugs me, but why do they have to make big awkward shaped radios that are almost impossible to fit aftermarket stereos. Are they saying, this is what you get and you better like it cause its all you're going to get.
And with all the 'enhanced' body styling comes enhanced prices on body parts and make it difficult fitting them. And nothing like a good old big V8 FWD car making DIY maintenance consist on taking it to the dealer. V6s are no better.
Ford Festiva/Aspire
Geo Metro
Mazda 323
Dodge Colt
Suzuki Swift
Mazda RX7
All these cars were simple and effective. The RX7 grew out of that and became heavier with more options, but was pure when it came out. The Saturn S was nice when it came out without power steering or AC optional, not standard. Although I don't really like this car it is the last of a dying breed. It is fairly light (although too heavy for me), too many options, too big an engine, too long a wheelbase. The Cobalt is about the best thing we got going now, at least Chevy is trying with teh EFE edition. Well, Honda has the Fit only because they ruined the Civic and tacked on a hundreds of pounds and a $5k fee to have good economy. The Yaris is the only "new" car I would enjoy having, although I'm sure its heavier than it needs to be and has all the options that make a car suck.
Since metals with some technology can be made lighter while being as strong, we should be having lighter cars, with adequate power with all the R&D going into making the car last longer and be more reliable. But I guess there's no money in it, otherwise I see no reason why it isn't happening.
btw, my Aspire fit four adults comfortably WITH a slamming system in the hatch, weighed 2050lbs, no power steering, manual everything with AC and airbags and got T-boned by a semi doing 50mph and I walked away. It also cost very little in maintenance and needed few repairs. It would do 85-90mph and got 40mpg either in town or interstate. The only thing wrong with the car is it isn't made anymore. Was cheap to purchase to boot!
