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I personally feel like this last minute make-over is GM's first attempt at (cost cutting)saving their company. But in turn, running our beloved Saab company into the ground. Doesn't GM understand that you can't cut cost when you are competing with BMW and Benz. They are taking the individuality out of Saab, and that is one of its most important attributes. Anyway, to explain further, If you looked at my post a week ago, "Why did they ruin our favorite car???" you can get the idea of my opinion clearly.
But first, let me get something clear... I don't hate GM! Personally, I have owned 3 GM cars over the last 10 years, and I loved each one for their own individual reasons. I give GM tons of credit for saving Saab, and I think some of their vehicles are great feats of engineering.(Corvette, original 9-5, ect...) My problem is that with all the changes going on within GM, they are taking Saab down the wrong path.
I originally got into a Saab because it was unique, luxurious, and in my opinion, an engineering marvel.(9-5: Fuel efficient but powerful Turbo, Ventilated seat, 360 degree airvents, rear A/C vents, active head restraints, programmable A/C and radio, cooled glovebox, ergonomic instrument panel, CD and tape player, sleek yet subtle exterior design, ect...) Some of these features just recently made themselves available in other Luxury cars. This is what made Saab distictive compared to the other "ME TOO's" of the luxury class. Now that GM is looking for any way to cut costs, they are taking it out on ALL their vehicles not just Saab... Has anyone seen the new Caddy's, they are an afterthought mess of cheap materials. And now, after doing nothing but good things for Saab, those problems have finally trickled their way down into, and ruined the new Saab 9-5.
Bottom line is that any objective observer would give the design an "A" if it was in a $20k Pontiac Solstice... but it would be surely given an "F" if that was put into a $40k Benz, or Lexus. I have nothing against GM's new interiors or their multi-use(muilt-car) radio's, just keep them out of the higher end Luxury cars that are trying to compete with BMW, Benz and Lexus...
Answer me this, Why would I buy a $40k GM backed luxury car that has the exact same parts(not similar like Toyota/Lexus) as a $20k Chevy or Pontiac, when I can get a loaded, unique, and new and improved Benz for the same price? Do I even have to mention that GM on its way to Bankruptcy. What will happen to our Beloved Saab company then? If they let Saab go out of business, will you still like their cost-effective way of saving their company. I think not... I understand where you are comming from defending Saabs honor, but for how long can we stand and watch our Saabs turn into nicer versions of a Chevy...
P.S. I do agree with you on the leather(designed by Saab, not GM) and the 9-7. I think the new leather is a little more coddling, like that of the older '99-'01 9-5's. I just don't know how much more they can be improved. It seems that all those that have taken a ride in my car, already rave about the comfortable leather seats!
I also like the 9-7, even though it's a re-made Trailblazer. At least with the 9-7 they stuck mostly with the Saab heritage, and kept the interior, and exterior unique to a Saab. I don't feel the new 9-5's exterior looks much like a Saab anymore. The rear looks like the new Honda Civic, and the front lost its distictive 3 slot grille. You cant even see the 2 exterior slots now because they are mixed into the lights completely. Its a shame, becasue I am proud for people to know I am driving a Saab, not just another "ME TOO"...
Anyway, enjoy whatever you drive. And remember we all have our OWN opinions and thats O.K. LOL, J/K. I couldnt help myself... Lets just hope that Saab is eventually saved by someone... preferably by Porsche!!!
David
'03 9-5 Aero
posted by 208.60...
, Thu, 5 Jan 2006 14:27:14
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