I was about to say that I can't explain it...but I'll give it shot:
For me, that old GM stuff (and the British stuff) is sorta like the girl the grew up across the street from you. You know everything about her; her faults, her alcoholic mom, her scars, fears and weaknesses. But you also know all the good things about her too; all her strengths, how to care for her, her likes, dislikes, etc. Imagine the bond you might share with someone you know that well. Any "other" car is more like the girl from a few towns over. Sure, maybe she's gorgeous, trendy, well dressed, and maybe you've taken a test drive or two; but you only know what you've heard. Now maybe the mystery is intriguing, maybe the grass is greener, but will you ever be able to share a bond comparable to what you could with the first girl?
I was the same way with Mustangs. I had an 1987, 1989 and 1994. My bro had a 1966 and a 1987 LX. My youngest bro had a 1979 (was a 4 banger, we transplanted in a V8) and then a 1970. My step mom had a 4 banger LX. So Mustangs galore. I know them inside and out.
But now? They just feel like cheap POS to me. Oh I still like them quite a lot (I'd like to build a really nice notchback). But....meh...after driving nice stuff, it would be hard ot get back into something so un-refined and cheap feeling.
But bang for buck, they were tough to beat and fun (at the time).
I had owned 5 Saturn "S" series: my first one was bought brand new, a 1995 dark green SW1 (station wagon SOHC), many years later drove by my son, then by my sister. Bought a bunch of used ones: my former 2002 light blue SL2 (sedan DOHC) still my son daily driver today after he resold his problematic 2002 red SL1 (sedan SOHC). I still have one 2001 silver SW2 auto (station wagon DOHC) but sold my 2000 silver SW2 with stick to a friend of mine, she wanted it so much, I gave up ... but I still miss her.
There was nothing special, fancy or luxury about those cars but they have been to me trusty reliable (exception taken of son's red one), inexpensive to buy, drive & maintain, in short easy to live with. I knew them so well, only need a short drive to feel if it sounds right then make decision on the fly to buy it or leave it! Man, I feel cramped inside now and it is so noisy now compared to my Volt but it still have a special place into my heart.
Back to the topic
Congrats, it seem white cars are trendy theses days but stick become a rarity !!
