Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:47:24 GMT From: Johannes <joh-stop-spam-snospamstop-spam-efitter.com> Subject: Re: Dependable Cars JD Power Survey
Tex wrote: > > "solarsell" <nonospam.com> wrote in message > news:HNKCg.4905$f8.2283nospamny09... > > <dannospamam.com> wrote in message > > news:44db42d6$0$497$815e3792nospam.qwest.net... > >> Lexus #1 for 12th straight year. Saab 2nd from last :( > >> > >> See jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2006133.pdf for press > >> release. > >> > > Pity. The GMization continues in every area including (lack of) > > reliability. From the Consumer Reports survey it would appear the 9-3 is > > really dragging down the score and 9-5 continues to be average and ahead > > of most of the other euroboxes. > > I'm not so sure GM had a lot to do with it...most of the engineering and > design on the 9-3ss came from Sweden, not Detroit. Yes, the epsilon I > platform design came from detroit (albeit with heavy input from Sweden), but > most everything else was sourced directly from Trollhatten. The epsilon > platform actually proved itself quite well. The rest of the car, left much > to be desired (as far as quality/reliability were concerned). 9-3 shares engines with Vauxhall. The 1.8i is straight from Vauxhall. The 9-3 turbo engines were modified by saab, but later stolen back by Vauxhall for some of their models. The 1.9D is common with Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The Cadillac BLS is just a reskinned Saab 9-3. I suppose that shared engine development makes good sense, like they do for VAG cars: VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat. I think even engines in Bentley and Buggatti are derived from VW engines, just more cylinders bolted on.