Topic: Saturn Outlook or what else in the GM lineup?

[21Rouge]

Our family currently has had since new a 2000 Pontiac Montana (now at about 118,000 km)(not a good experience these past 7 years).

To maintain peace in the family  , (relative is a GM exec), we need to buy GM. The family discount coupled with GM Visa card keeps me going back. This purchase may take place in late 2007.

We have 3 tall boys but this is the last car that we will need to purchase that must accomodate 6.

Any good reports in the GM family?

 

 

[LBJGH]

Buy what every you want... you can't make everyone happy. 

[airbalancer]

I found the rear of the Outlook a little weird, but I was in it for only a minute, driving it was nice
3 tall boys ( how old, how tall)
I would say a Yukon XL http://www.gmcanada.com/english/showroom/gmc_yuko.html
or chevy express http://www.gmcanada.com/english/showroom/chtr_expr.html

[21Rouge]

Buy what every you want... you can't make everyone happy.

I do my bit to keep the extended family happy.

When my GM Br.i.L. discovered that I had bought a 5 speed Eagle Summit Wagon MY 92 he wasnt pleased  . There were two strikes against it

• it was a Chrysler (Eagle division)
• it was a Mitsubishi

[airbalancer]

Buy what every you want... you can't make everyone happy.

I do my bit to keep the extended family happy.

When my GM Br.i.L. discovered that I had bought a 5 speed Eagle Summit Wagon MY 92 he wasnt pleased  . There were two strikes against it

• it was a Chrysler (Eagle division)
• it was a Mitsubishi

SO you are the one person who bought one that year

The old AMC eagle, one of  the first CUV http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC_Eagle

[RunsinLight]

I'm in a similar scenario.

I can honestly say, I won't be buying another GM for a while, I want to try something different. supporting the family is fine but they also must respect your choice to try something different. I've purchase my last 3 vehicles from GM, thats enough loyalty on my part.

[21Rouge]

I found the rear of the Outlook a little weird, but I was in it for only a minute, driving it was nice
3 tall boys ( how old, how tall)

Well actually one tall one right now 6' 2" at 16, the other two are younger but are likely to be 6 ft.

I would like to downsize a bit but that probly cant happen for a few more years ie 5 or so. It would be best to find a *6* seater but that doesnt seem to be available.

I would say a Yukon XL http://www.gmcanada.com/english/showroom/gmc_yuko.html

That's really big...right?

That's got to be much bigger and heavier than the Outlook?

or chevy express http://www.gmcanada.com/english/showroom/chtr_expr.html

Ill have to look at that...

[jww]

Buy what every you want... you can't make everyone happy.

I do my bit to keep the extended family happy.

When my GM Br.i.L. discovered that I had bought a 5 speed Eagle Summit Wagon MY 92 he wasnt pleased  . There were two strikes against it

• it was a Chrysler (Eagle division)
• it was a Mitsubishi

My father worked for GM for more than 30 years as did my older brother. My very first brand new car was a 1982 Nissan Sentra. The reaction I got at the purchase was on the extreme side. Dad especially resented the fact that I didn't buy GM - at least a used one would have made him happy. Finally, things got to the point where where I had to tell them both that if they wanted to make the payments for me I would happily drive a GM unit. Shortly thereafter, Dad and I had a little 'heart-to-heart' and agreed that he had no right to tell me as an adult how or where to spend my money.

Anyway - the interesting epilogue on this was back just after Christmas while spending some time with my parents, they both were quite interested in our Sonata - and especially the price point and options list. When I said that they wouldn't want to drive a Korean car - my Dad said "I have grown up a bit on that one, son" and gave a wink. Funny how time can change so much. 

Anyway - buy what you want and what you think you will be most happy with (you say you have not had a good experience with your current 7 yr old GM vehicle). It's your money in the end.

[21Rouge]

Anyway - buy what you want and will be happy with (you say you have not had a good experience with your current 7 yr old GM vehicle). It's your money in the end.

I guess I have the hope that GM has turned the corner re quality and reliability.

[Allen]

I guess I have the hope that GM has turned the corner re quality and reliability.
[/quote]

hope is good .. reality may be different

[airbalancer]

I have no problems with the 750,000 kms I have put on the GMs cars we have owned
Get the car you like
I seen more people have problems with older Hydunai's then GMs
I believe all cars today are good, every model has some lemons

[21Rouge]

When my GM Br.i.L. discovered that I had bought a 5 speed Eagle Summit Wagon MY 92 he wasnt pleased  . There were two strikes against it

• it was a Chrysler (Eagle division)
• it was a Mitsubishi

SO you are the one person who bought one that year

My wife and I purchased the Summit Wagon in 92 (was the first model year in Canada) and sold it for $300 in 2005. It was reliable but did drink motor oil its whole life.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

When I said that they wouldn't want to drive a Korean car - my Dad said "I have grown up a bit on that one, son" and gave a wink. Funny how time can change so much. 

That's a cool pops you have there.

Mazda5 is the only vehicle that seats 6 as far as I know beyond the 6 seater sedans.

The Outlook is a good choice for you if you actually need the room. Besides some select others (the odd Cadillac, etc), it's probably the best and most competitive GM vehicle I have yet seen. You just have to select from the options list very carefully. If your son is that tall already, make sure he will be able to fit behind the wheel of the vehicle too for when he's of age. The Outlook does have tonnes of seat travel and is very accomodating in that respect, unlike the Mazda5.

As a GM exec, what does your relative drive?

[21Rouge]

Mazda5 is the only vehicle that seats 6 as far as I know beyond the 6 seater sedans.

I would like to consider the Mazda 5 as it is available with a manual transmission. But I suspect it just isnt big enough. Is there anything on the market in terms of size between this Mazda and say the Outlook?

The Outlook is a good choice for you if you actually need the room.

I agree. See my comment above. ie looking for something a bit smaller. 

As a GM exec, what does your relative drive?

He seems to have a different vehicle every month 

[jonl]

With a family of 5 and 3 boys that size, a minivan (even with an SUV snout) would be most the economical to buy and operate.  If you're avoiding minivans, and limited to GM, to the Tahoe makes sense.  And Tahoe's reliability is as good as it get from the General.

[jww]

With a family of 5 and 3 boys that size, a minivan (even with an SUV snout) would be most the economical to buy and operate.  If you're avoiding minivans, and limited to GM, to the Tahoe makes sense.  And Tahoe's reliability is as good as it get from the General.

I have rented and driven the Tahoe, Envoy and Traiblazer. All 3 were really quite good vehicles - especially when you need the 4wd. I drove through a heavy lake-effect snow squall two winters ago between Watertown and Syracuse and was able to maintain a speed of 65 mph in the passing lane without difficulty while other vehicles lumbered in the right lane.

[21Rouge]

I have rented and driven the Tahoe, Envoy and Traiblazer. All 3 were really quite good vehicles

Which would be the best re least interior noise? I must remember that I want to take into account cabin noise when purchasing this next vehicle.

[viamede]

The Kia Rondo seats 7, in a pinch (I do mean pinch). It is roomier than the Mazda 5. I have tried the Mazda 5 several times, as I really liked the design/price, just fit in the drivers seat but knees were right against the dash in the front passenger seat. Not enough of a safety cushion and bound to be uncomfortable after a short time.

Outlook, Acadia or Enclave if you realy want to spend the big bucks seem like the best GM choice.

[Mitlov]

Which would be the best re least interior noise? I must remember that I want to take into account cabin noise when purchasing this next vehicle.

I'd suggest the Buick Enclave then.  Outlook/Acadia practicality, roominess, and fuel economy with Buick sound deadening.

[airbalancer]

Which would be the best re least interior noise? I must remember that I want to take into account cabin noise when purchasing this next vehicle.

I'd suggest the Buick Enclave then.  Outlook/Acadia practicality, roominess, and fuel economy with Buick sound deadening.

I think they come out in a couple of months
They are tring to make it like a Lexus http://www.buick.com/enclave/index.jsp