New 2008 Chevy Malibu revealed

[MrDisco]

Set to be announced at the upcoming Detroit Autoshow, GM released official pics of the production '08 Chevy Malibu. It uses an extended chasis found on the well received Saturn Aura, and the 'older' Pontiac G6 ("GM made certain the new Malibu is substantially longer than any of its competitors, including the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord.")

Engine choices are limited to a 2.4-liter 4 cylinder (164HP) and a 3.6 V6 (252HP) mated to a 6speed transmission. The 3.6 is the same engine used in the Cadillac CTS line and after driving it (in the Aura XR trim) on the highway it sure left a grin on my face. Interior quality has also improved notably, with 8 potential colour/material combinations (depending on trim and leather selection).

Personally I can't wait to try this when it hits the dealer lots. If it can overcome the small door entry that I found in the Aura, this may be my next purchase. I dislike the rear tail light treatment, but overall i think its an attractive design.

Whole lot of pics here:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/29/2008-chevrolet-malibu/

[B0000rt]

Ah, the rear is almost a deal killer to me.

Rear looks like the Epica :( But hopefully it'll be better price (cheaper) than the Aura XR :D

[cipher]

Looks a lot better than the last model...IMO.

[Andro]

still something i would not get.......but alot better then previous model that's for sure.

[SkiD]

Gotta love the 10 interior colour combinations, even the grey interior looks good.

Can't wait until Sunday to see the '08 CTS revealed, as it's probably my next car.

[sunnybono]

First impression:

Acura TL in the front

and

Cavalier from the rear

No thank you!!!!!

sk

[15-20_God]

is there a reason why they put 3 grills in the front? is it the new tailfin?

[that_staples_guy]

still something i would not get.......but alot better then previous model that's for sure.

Yeah, same, great improvements but the front screams Chevy Econo Box, mainly the grill design and logo. And as a previous poster mentioned, the back is reminiscent of the Korean made Epica.

[frogger]

They should have published shots of the LTZ model with the dual exhaust and LED tailights.

Its very competitive/looks nicer than the Sonata and awkward Camry but who knows what the 2008 Accord will look like.

[SkiD]

Ah, the rear is almost a deal killer to me.

Rear looks like the Epica :( But hopefully it'll be better price (cheaper) than the Aura XR :D

Rear is ok, not sure I like the front.

Epica
http://autoreview.belproject.com/media/1/20060208-chevrolet-epica-2007-rear.jpg

'08 Malibu
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2008/Chevrolet/2008.chevrolet.malibu.20109616-E.jpg

Camry
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/EI/2007/Toyota/2007.toyota.camry.20089169-E.jpg

Accord
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Honda/2007.honda.accord.20097181-E.jpg

Altima
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Nissan/2007.nissan.altima.20105780-E.jpg

Sonata
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Hyundai/2007.hyundai.sonata.20107747-E.jpg

Mazda 6
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Mazda/2007.mazda.mazda6.20100155-E.jpg

Saturn Aura
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2007/Saturn/2007.saturn.aura.20091702-E.jpg

[MrDisco]

Gotta love the 10 interior colour combinations, even the grey interior looks good.

The interior has me excited (well that and the 3.6). I love the black leather with the wood trim combo.

First impression:
Cavalier from the rear
No thank you!!!!!

Yeah, same, great improvements but the front screams Chevy Econo Box, mainly the grill design and logo. And as a previous poster mentioned, the back is reminiscent of the Korean made Epica.

Cavalier:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-1/1134997/temp2.jpg
Epica:
http://autoreview.belproject.com/media/1/20060208-chevrolet-epica-2007-rear.jpg

They are similar but you could argue its a brand identity they are trying to establish - the white circular lights inset on the trunk. But I do agree the rear is the biggest let down overall. Personally when I saw the rear I thought it was an Acura TL in the way its cut sharply at the vertical.

They should have published shots of the LTZ model with the dual exhaust and LED tailights.

I have yet to see pics of the LTZ from the rear. This page has pics of the LTZ from the front:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/

is there a reason why they put 3 grills in the front? is it the new tailfin?

Lol they can't win. If they went with something traditional they would be accused of being boring and plain. The Camry also has a rather unique nose so maybe its the new industry trend, that or to comply with stricter euro standards on pedestrian safety they need to design these type of front ends. You can sort of picture how odd it would look to have a huge front with only the single intake.

[MrDisco]

Rear is ok, not sure I like the front.


From those I like the Aura the most followed by the Camry (rear view speaking).

[Justin]

Since the new Malibu is larger, wont it be very similar in size to the Impala? Why does Chevrolet need 2 cars that are similar in features and size?

[frogger]

Since the new Malibu is larger, wont it be very similar in size to the Impala? Why does Chevrolet need 2 cars that are similar in features and size?

New Impala due a year later will finally be a RWD vehicle again, probably to compete against the Chrysler 300 etc.

[VivienM]

Since the new Malibu is larger, wont it be very similar in size to the Impala? Why does Chevrolet need 2 cars that are similar in features and size?

Impala has way less features...

Until the rumoured RWD Impala shows up, the Impala is best seen as a "cheap big car"...

[Focus]

I like the front but the back is a bit bore.

[SkiD]

Since the new Malibu is larger, wont it be very similar in size to the Impala? Why does Chevrolet need 2 cars that are similar in features and size?

I would assume that the FWD Impala and Malibu will become like the Taurus and Fusion until the RWD Impala becomes available in '09 - the Malibu will be the retail choice and the Impala the Fleet/Rental choice.

[TenzoR]

First impression:

Acura TL in the front

and

Cavalier from the rear

No thank you!!!!!

sk

Rear looks for G35

[Tinted]

meh

[chriswalsh]

Really nice looking interior, and looks infinitely better than today's models. I'm not too keen on the rear end, but worth checking out at the car show for sure!

[mlc2000]

What kind of moron decided to have 8 different interiors?

Who the hell does that?

They're going to have warehouses full of different couloured dash segments

Look at the companies who are most successful at building cars and ask

yourself....how many interiors do they have?

Now wonder GM is in such sad shape.


Hahaha....
AutomobileMag.com (http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0612_2008_chevrolet_malibu/)says...

The 2008 Malibu is a step in the right direction for the General.
It's handsome and distinctive, and unquestionably better looking than the previous Malibu.
But so is Michael Jackson.

[RTC]

What kind of moron decided to have 8 different interiors?

Who the hell does that?

They're going to have warehouses full of different couloured dash segments

Look at the companies who are most successful at building cars and ask

yourself....how many interiors do they have?

Now wonder GM is in such sad shape.


Hahaha....
AutomobileMag.com (http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0612_2008_chevrolet_malibu/)says...

The 2008 Malibu is a step in the right direction for the General.
It's handsome and distinctive, and unquestionably better looking than the previous Malibu.
But so is Michael Jackson.


You better not look into BMW's "Individual" packages... cause not only do they have lots of colours, but they charge you a lot extra too!!! :lol:

But seriously... before this, GM really only offered customers a light grey interiors with the occasional tan. Looking at the interiors could put you to sleep... This will get peoples attention.

Why have colour options? Why not? People are always customizing the exteriors of cars, so why limit yourselves there. OEM exterior parts(skirts, spoilers, etc) are avilable, so this is like being able to customize the interior a little without having to resort to seat covers and aftermarket vinyl upholstery.

Warehouses full of parts? I think not... they will do like almost every auto manfacturing plant does... l a little something called "Just In Time" delivery. It will be up to the supplier to stock parts...

[frogger]

I think having a few dash parts that they easily can offer different colours on and monitor how many are ordered/change supply accordingly over the model year is a good idea. Most car part plants build parts like seats to order the same they are installed in the vehicles these days, so I don't see the big deal of trying a few colors.There is only so much that can be done with black, gray and tan, and most of its been done! Toyota put that Seafoam green colour shower radio style in their Camry center console, now thats a strange colour choice.

One this is for sure the midsize sedan market could use some individuality, everything is looking the same.

[JAC]

What kind of moron decided to have 8 different interiors?

Who the hell does that?

They're going to have warehouses full of different couloured dash segments


Never heard of JIT manufacturing?

I hate the front end...looks like Pontiac's typical over-aggressive batmobile design. I don't mind the rear.

All in all, it's better looking than any previous Malibu of recent years.

[hyperion]

Looks like Cobalt Speshul edition.

[SkiD]

I think choice is nice, hopefully they do this in other models.

Cloth Interiors:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_03_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118703/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_02_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118702/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_05_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118705/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/08_malibu_hr_03_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118629/)

Leather Interiors:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/08_malibu_hr_02_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118628/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_04_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118704/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/08_malibu_hr_04_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118630/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_06_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118706/) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/2008_malibu_hr_07_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chevy-malibu-1/118707/)

[wrcfocus]

I like what I see coming out of GM recently. The newer Saturn's (Sky, Aura, Astra) definetely are a step in the right direction. Their GMT900 SUV's are leap and bounds better than their predecessor's and the new pickups look nice as well.

The new Malibu is a huge improvement over the current MkII design. At times I feel that the MkI design is even better than the MkII. I'm not gonna go into the Malibu looks similar to this car or that car, cuz it's rather pointless. The one thing I don't like about the exterior is the pointy nose of the car, this doesn't just only apply to the Malibu but also the entire Acura lineup comes to mind. Props goes out to GM for offering the 6-speed on both engines. Hopefully this change will also filter to both V6 engines in the Aura and dare I say Pontiac G6. IMO, the major stumbling block for the current Pontiac G6 and the base Aura is the use of a 4-speed auto, hopefully they'll get the 6-speed soon.

The interior choices are great, it definetely creates different atmospheres (think Audi). Although I'm not a fan of the wood trim, cuz it makes the centre dash look way too busy with too many textures. (Chrome, Wood, Alumnium, Plastic).. I do like the interiors without the wood trim tho.

Now that GM is on it's way.. where is Ford??

[B0000rt]

I highly doubt the High Value V6 will get a 6-speed any time soon, just not cheap enough and not enough to go around, to mating the 3.5L OHV engines to the new 6speed transverse auto...

Now that GM is on it's way.. where is Ford??
You bet they're on their way! I mean everyone whined and moaned and whined and cried and moaned about GM's interior blah blah (you get the picture), and they're starting to deliver! Hopefully not too late!

Ford's "The Way Forward" isn't looking too shabby. I'm sure the only thing keeping them afloat right now is Mustang sales :lol: When the CEO is no longer a "Ford" you know something's going downhill! :(

[SkiD]

I highly doubt the High Value V6 will get a 6-speed any time soon, just not cheap enough and not enough to go around, to mating the 3.5L OHV engines to the new 6speed transverse auto...


I heard there isn't much difference in cost to produce the 6-speed over the 4-speed transmission.
The problem is more likely capacity (they can only make so many right now) and the cost of retooling factories to produce the new transmissions. Eventually it will happen, just not soon enough. CAFE regulations may force it sooner than later becuase the 6 gets 3-5% better fuel mileage than the 4.

[MrDisco]

Impala has way less features...
Until the rumoured RWD Impala shows up, the Impala is best seen as a "cheap big car"...

Impala, as noted, is going RWD, will increase in dimension, (and not surprisingly) is moving upscale. Hence the reason why the Malibu re-design and fall launch is one of the most important products for GM right now.

What kind of moron decided to have 8 different interiors?

Man good thing you're not running a car company.

8 interiors yes, however that's with different trim levels and a mix of cloth and leather (or in other words someone buying a base LS model will not get the choice of adding some of the two-tone leather options).

Since when was choice a bad thing? :confused: Look at the high-end luxury car makers and see the degree of customization they offer. Now for once I can buy a mid-sized sedan and not have an interior that is identical to fleet cars and rentals - miles of cheap grey plastic and even cheaper grey mouse fur seats. It definitely has a better looking interior than the Camry which comes in a nice shade of grey, dark grey, and on one model beige. WOW be still my beating heart.


The 2008 Malibu is a step in the right direction for the General.
It's handsome and distinctive, and unquestionably better looking than the previous Malibu. But so is Michael Jackson.

So where's the joke? They are saying (and rightfully so) anything is better than the previous gen Malibu. It's no a shot against the current design.

[mlc2000]

Never heard of JIT manufacturing?

I hate the front end...looks like Pontiac's typical over-aggressive batmobile design. I don't mind the rear.

All in all, it's better looking than any previous Malibu of recent years.

What the hell does JIT have to do with parts?

I'm talking about the need to stock all those different colours for repairs.
Its not just bumpers and lights that get replaced in accidents.


And the people who are customizing the interiors of their cars aren;t buying Malilbus.

GM is not even in the same league as Toyota, and certainly not BMW.

GM is now competing with Hyundai, and not very well I might add.

They're certainly not going to steal away any Hondaa drivers with these interiors.

You know whats really appalling is the for all Chevrolet,Saturn and Pontiac models, they only offer a 3 yr warranty.
Your warranty runs out about 1 yr before your payments. That really instills confidence.

I looked at the G6 convertible, but when I heard the warranty, I left the showroom.

[B0000rt]

You know whats really appalling is the for all Chevrolet,Saturn and Pontiac models, they only offer a 3 yr warranty.
Your warranty runs out about 1 yr before your payments. That really instills confidence.

I looked at the G6 convertible, but when I heard the warranty, I left the showroom.

Powertrain is now 5 years, 160,000kms.

http://www.gmcanada.com/english/maintenance/protect/war_warranty.html

Besides, what good is warranty, when you have to keep coming back for a new transmission (read Acura TL's transmission problems)

[mlc2000]

Powertrain is now 5 years, 160,000kms.

http://www.gmcanada.com/english/maintenance/protect/war_warranty.html

Besides, what good is warranty, when you have to keep coming back for a new transmission (read Acura TL's transmission problems)

GM makes great engine and powertrains.having said that, hardly anyone put's 160K on a car in 5 yrs. Might as well be 5yrs/700K.

Its the bumper-to-bumper warranty that dies at 3yrs/60K.

Its all the other ***** they cheap out on, that dies so quickly. I speak from experience, I owned a new Olds Alero from 99 - 03. A collossal ***** box, and it actually had a 4yr/80K.

It got more mileage going up and down the hoist at the service center.
Drivers seat replaced 4 times in 1 yr.
All brakes replaced at 14,000km.
washer pump dead at 21,000km.
rear window motor dead at 31,000km
entire dash had to be replaced because a small clip on the lighter cover door broke.
Stereo dead at 50K
defroster dead at 41,000km

Transmission, perfect.



Incidentally, my wife had a 2000 TL, never had a problem.
She got a letter (TSB) from Acura saying that her transmission warranty was extened to 7 yrs, 160K and that she should come in to get hers checked and or repaired for free. She sold hers at 130K.

Those having problems must have ignored the TSB.

[B0000rt]

It got more mileage going up and down the hoist at the service center.
Drivers seat replaced 4 times in 1 yr.
All brakes replaced at 14,000km.
washer pump dead at 21,000km.
rear window motor dead at 31,000km
entire dash had to be replaced because a small clip on the lighter cover door broke.
Stereo dead at 50K
defroster dead at 41,000km

Ah, brakes are a GM problem, haven't seen them last more than a year or two on any GM car in the household. Washer pump gone?
Pure dumb luck, mine's still ticking after 390k.
Rear window regulators, that's another common problem, mine went at around 350k, I just left it, and have been driving around for 2 years w/o windows heh.
Lighter cover door lol!
Stereo, mine's still kicking after 350k.
Defroster, mine just went dead after 390k, found out it was just the contact point on the rear fell off, a little solder and now it's working perfectly.

But it's funny though, that you didn't have the LIM gasket problem (very common problem on the 3400)

[mlc2000]

But it's funny though, that you didn't have the LIM gasket problem (very common problem on the 3400)

I did, just forgot to mention it.

[MrDisco]

And the people who are customizing the interiors of their cars aren;t buying Malilbus.


The point is they are offering a choice for consumers and by offering a wealth of colour schemes it helps bump it from the rental-fleet image the name plate had in the past. Again I ask, since when was choice a bad thing?


GM is not even in the same league as Toyota, and certainly not BMW.
GM is now competing with Hyundai, and not very well I might add.
They're certainly not going to steal away any Hondaa drivers with these interiors.


and yet it is undeniable that their quality has improved and they are winning awards for their cars and factories.


You know whats really appalling is the for all Chevrolet,Saturn and Pontiac models, they only offer a 3 yr warranty.

The very same warranty that Honda and Toyota offer.

[VivienM]

Ah, brakes are a GM problem, haven't seen them last more than a year or two on any GM car in the household. Washer pump gone?
Pure dumb luck, mine's still ticking after 390k.
Rear window regulators, that's another common problem, mine went at around 350k, I just left it, and have been driving around for 2 years w/o windows heh.
Lighter cover door lol!
Stereo, mine's still kicking after 350k.
Defroster, mine just went dead after 390k, found out it was just the contact point on the rear fell off, a little solder and now it's working perfectly.

But it's funny though, that you didn't have the LIM gasket problem (very common problem on the 3400)

390K on what GM vehicle?

[VivienM]

Its all the other ***** they cheap out on, that dies so quickly. I speak from experience, I owned a new Olds Alero from 99 - 03. A collossal ***** box, and it actually had a 4yr/80K.

As far as I can tell, GM has tended to have much bigger reliability issues on their smaller models... (the N and J body)

The bigger ones tend to be more reliable (e.g. my dad's 03 Buick Regal has only needed a new ABS sensor in 47K...).

[mlc2000]

and yet it is undeniable that their quality has improved and they are winning awards for their cars and factories.

So then tell me something? Why hasn't this translated into more sales?

And, before you put too much weight in the awards, read this article
Auto Awards: Who really wins? (http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/23/Autos/tipsandadvice/award_meanings/index.htm)

Cars get all kinds of accolades.
Some are useful; many aren't.

[mlc2000]

As far as I can tell, GM has tended to have much bigger reliability issues on their smaller models... (the N and J body)

The bigger ones tend to be more reliable (e.g. my dad's 03 Buick Regal has only needed a new ABS sensor in 47K...).

I did a quick survey on AutoTrader.ca and Edmunds.com
Based on mileage of 47K, if your dad had bought a 2003 Honda Accord, it would still be worth $24K CAD.
I get identical results when searching for a 2003 Camry.

An 03 Regal is worth $16K CAD.

Thats an indicator of value.
What will people pay, to get a 4 yr old car.

According to Edmunds.com,
The brand new 2003 Regal MSRP was $24,235 - $28,235USD.
The brand new 2003 Accord MSRP was $14,228 - $23,305USD.
The brand new 2003 Camry MSRP was $17,043 - $22,610USD

So here we have 2 cars that were marginally cheaper to buy initially (even loaded) , and are now worth $8000CAD more, just 4 yrs later.

Sounds like your dad has taken a hit on alot more costs than the ABS sensor.

[frogger]

All this reliability and quality of company talk from someone who owns a Volkswagen is pretty ironic.

[B0000rt]

390K on what GM vehicle?

'94 Grand Am.

Transmission was rebuilt at 280k and engine was replaced with junkyard engine at 293k (I estimated the junkyard engine to have atleast 150k kms) Car was donated to me w/ the busted tranny. Junkyard engine cost $800, installation inclusive :D

[mlc2000]

All this reliability and quality of company talk from someone who owns a Volkswagen is pretty ironic.

Isn't it though?

My 03 Jetta has been outstanding. Plus the mileage has been awesome with the diesel.
My lease is up next month, and I'm getting into another one.
It also makes a huge differnce that I fit into the car, not many cars fit me very well at 6'5".


Its a company car, so its of no worries to me.

Would I get one if I was buying for myself? I'm sure I would.
But I will own the company when this lease is up (family business),
so I think I'll be looking for something with a little more prestige.

Would I consider a GM again? highly doubtful.
I'm 42. I'm not some kid who has one just one or two cars,
I've got plenty of car buying experience to base my opinions on.

As a side note, my wife used to manage the pool of cars for office staff at the plant in St Catharines.
You can't believe the number of service issues they had with those cars, and that was for GM employees/managers. Suffice to say, she has never owned a GM.
Since university, she's had a Mazda Rx7, a Nissan Maxima, an Acura TL and now, a G35coupe.

[VivienM]

Sounds like your dad has taken a hit on alot more costs than the ABS sensor.

Except that my dad paid an absurdly low price for the car. :) This was the problem with GM - their MSRPs were inflated gigantically, especially in 03-04.

For about $24K + tax, he got a 200HP V6, leather, sunroof, auto climate control, etc. Sticker price was $34K, but after incentives, 0% financing, GM cards, etc., it's a LOT less.

The same thing in a Accord (a car which made a horrible impression on him, btw) would have been... $32K, maybe, if not $34K?

(These are Canadian prices)

So, woohoo, he paid $8K less, and the car is worth $8K less now? Where, precisely, is the problem? (Except, of course, that he didn't HAVE the $8K more to spend 3.5 years ago...)

[MrDisco]

So then tell me something? Why hasn't this translated into more sales?


Because much like yourself, car buyers are rooted in their beliefs, have long memories (people still think of the Pinto when they hear Ford), and are unlikely to switch brands. Frankly speaking, there is little incentive for a Honda or Toyota buyer to switch models unless it came down to a question of pricing. GM needs to consistently come out with top quality cars if they're to gain any traction amongst car buyers.


And, before you put too much weight in the awards, read this article

This is one of those areas where you just can't win. If an import wins an award its seen as justification for their higher prices; if a domestic wins well it must mean the award has no merit. I'm curious to see who wins the AJAC award next month.
Personally awards are an interesting curiosity but I would not base my sole purchasing decision on one. It's also amusing that ALL the car makers will happily play up the awards that they win so its not as though its a GM-only marketing tactic.

[sergiepopov]

Mazda 3 steering and dash are way too obvious,
center column styling is definitely Acura
Verdict: same old crap underneath the mask up.

[MrDisco]

According to Edmunds.com,
The brand new 2003 Regal MSRP was $24,235 - $28,235USD.
The brand new 2003 Accord MSRP was $14,228 - $23,305USD.
The brand new 2003 Camry MSRP was $17,043 - $22,610USD

So here we have 2 cars that were marginally cheaper to buy initially (even loaded) , and are now worth $8000CAD more, just 4 yrs later.


According to msn autos:
Accord:
DX 4cylinder with auto: $16,600 USD MSRP
EX V6 w/NAV, auto: $27,800 USD MSRP

Camry:
LE 4 cylinger: $19,045 USD MSRP
XLE V6: $25,405 USD MSRP

Regal:
LS v6: $24,235 USD MSRP
GS v6: $28,235 USD MSRP

Comparing a 4cylinder stripper model vs a well equipped v6 is hardly a fair comparison. And as for value at the end, what you're saying is not new or shocking. With an import you're paying a premium upfront and that premium plays out when it comes to resale value. With an domestic you pay less upfront (because we both know the above values is not what the consumer ends up paying), get more features but you take the hit when you sell.

So while the other poster's dad may not get as much money back now, on the flip side he didn't have to put down or finance as much upfront.

[MrDisco]

Mazda 3 steering and dash are way too obvious,
center column styling is definitely Acura
Verdict: same old crap underneath the mask up.

Right because Japan NEVER copies anyone else :) Wait a sec don't I see the 7 series 'Bangle' butt in the new Lexus?
http://www.bimmerfest.com/images/new7_01.jpg
http://www.autospies.com/images/users/XeroK00L/07.lexus.ls460.r34.500.jpg

Mazda 3 steering? Why that looks pretty similar to the previous Audi A4.
http://www.mazdadw.hu/images/m3sedan_09_nagyobb.jpg
http://www.nordicaudi.com/arkivet/bildarkivet/a4/bilder/a42000/a439.jpg

And my personal favourite, the previous gen tail lights in the Accord are identical to a '96 buick regal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v172/lowem/jroller/20040921-accord-hybrid-2005-03.jpg
http://www.buickclub.ch/cars/wenger-regal-rear.JPG

As for same old crap, perhaps you're unaware but the 6speed and 3.6L are new modern designs. The instrument cluster uses LED lighting, and the Delco radio is of a newer gen then older units found in other GM models.
Verdict: new equipment in a design that does not look like previous GM cookie-cutter designs.

[mlc2000]

According to msn autos:
Accord:
DX 4cylinder with auto: $16,600 USD MSRP
EX V6 w/NAV, auto: $27,800 USD MSRP

Camry:
LE 4 cylinger: $19,045 USD MSRP
XLE V6: $25,405 USD MSRP

Regal:
LS v6: $24,235 USD MSRP
GS v6: $28,235 USD MSRP

Comparing a 4cylinder stripper model vs a well equipped v6 is hardly a fair comparison. And as for value at the end, what you're saying is not new or shocking. With an import you're paying a premium upfront and that premium plays out when it comes to resale value. With an domestic you pay less upfront (because we both know the above values is not what the consumer ends up paying), get more features but you take the hit when you sell.

So while the other poster's dad may not get as much money back now, on the flip side he didn't have to put down or finance as much upfront.


You missed something. I was comparing models that are loaded.
Of course u can't compare a 4 cylinder car, and I wasn't.

[VivienM]

You missed something. I was comparing models that are loaded.
Of course u can't compare a 4 cylinder car, and I wasn't.

We were comparing models that were of comparable out-the-door price. :)

Back in summer 03, GM was selling loaded Regals for roughly the same price as Toyota/Honda were selling pretty base 4 cyl. Accord/Camrys.