"Detroit Three's Ten Most Significant Cars" -- 2008 and Beyond
Since every automotive enthusiast publication, website, and magazine runs some sort of "Best of" list every year, we're listing those we think are Detroit's "Most Significant" for 2008 and 2009, and some early available news on 2010 models. After reading this post, we'd really like to know where you think we're right - or wrong - and tell us what cars should be on this list, and why. They are listed in no specific order. Coming next: Ten Most Significant Import Cars.
CADILLAC SRX
On-sale in mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
This "Caddy station wagon for the 21st century" will likely use a traditional gasoline powertrain, probably a version of GM's "High Feature" 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. A gas/electric hybrid version could be added to the SRX roster in late 2010, and the main reason we picked it for our "Most Significant" list. No new SRX pricing as yet; 2009 CTS base prices range from $33,500 to $36,000.
FORD FUSION HYBRID/MERCURY MILAN HYBRID
On-sale mid-2009 as a 2010 model.
Ford's all-new 2010 Fusion hybrid has been certified by the EPA at 41 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway, with a combined rating of 39 miles per gallon. That beats the hybrid versions of Camry, Malibu and Altima. Based on the competition's '09 ratings for combined city and highway driving, the new Fusion hybrid beats every widely sold vehicle in America except the Toyota Prius hybrid (46 mpg combined) and the smaller Honda Civic hybrid (42 mpg combined). Pricing will start around $27,000.
PONTIAC G8 GT
On-sale now.
The G8 is almost certainly the last big family-sized rear-wheel drive sedan from the Pontiac division. Sometime soon, Pontiac will become a niche brand with just one or two models (sold at dealers selling several GM makes). G8's three engine offerings, a 256-hp 3.6-liter V6, a Corvette-derived 361-hp 6.0-liter V8, plus a new GXP package with a 402-hp 6.2-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic are not high-mileage units. It's built in Australia by GM's Holden division. Base prices from $28K to $31,500.
FORD FLEX
On-sale now.
Like the Pontiac G8, Flex probably looked great - on paper - about four years ago, when planning for future production models really begins. Flex's one engine choice is its biggest drawback: a thirsty 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic (16mpg in-town, 22 highway). All-wheel drive is available. Flex would have been a great car - in 2002. Base prices start between $28,000 and $36,000 for 2009 models.
CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID
On-sale now.
Malibu's "single-mode" hybrid, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine mated with an electric motor, produces 164-horses and mpg figures of 26 in-town and 34 on the highway. New for 2010 (on-sale late 2009) is rumored to be a Malibu "two-mode" hybrid. That model would use a gasoline 3.6-liter V6 + an electric motor to make 255-hp. Both hybrid systems stop the gas engine at red lights, and the two-mode allows the vehicle to run at low speeds on electric power only. Malibu hybrid prices start at $26K; 2010 pricing hasn't been announced.
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY/DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
On-sale now.
When Lee Iacocca was fired from Ford and went to lead Chrysler, he took with him Ford engineer Hal Sperlich, who brought with him a van project that became the first US minivan in 1983. Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan still dominate the minivan market, and offer a 3.3-liter V6, a 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V6. Some models still have stone age four-speed automatics; others a modern six-speed. 2009 base-prices go from $24,230 to $36,550.
2010 LINCOLN MKZ
On-sale Spring, 2009
Lincoln's 2010 MKZ gets somewhat-new looks inside and outside. MKZ comes with one drivetrain choice: a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 Duratec engine with a six-speed automatic transmission (similar to Ford's Flex wagon drivetrain). MKZ offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. MKZ is easy to spec out, with options kept to an enjoyable minimum. 2010 MKZ is built in Hermosillo, Mexico. 2009 models are base-priced between $32,695 and to $34,585.
2010 CHEVROLET CAMARO
On-sale first quarter 2009 as a 2010 model.
A two-door coupe will add a convertible version in late '09 (Camaro in photo is a convertible prototype). A base 3.6-liter V6 engine produces 300 horsepower. Automatic-equipped SS models get a 6.2-liter V8 making 400 horses and has Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation (which most owners will switch "off"). SS versions with a manual transmission get a monster 422-horse 6.2-liter V8. Mileage figures and official pricing haven't been announced. Can't wait to see those mileage figures ... and, I'd wager, neither can Congress.
2009 PONTIAC VIBE
On-sale now.
Vibe is built on the same Fremont, California assembly line as its near-twin, Toyota's Matrix. GM shares the factory with Toyota, and New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) was the first joint venture between GM and an import carmaker. The 2009 Vibe is redesigned inside and out and has more power and other new features, including the return of all-wheel drive, a definite plus. Two engines are offered, a 1.8-liter 132-horsepower four, and a 158-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Mileage ranges from 20 mpg in-town to 26 highway, depending on the model. Base prices range from $16,100 to $20,875.
JEEP WRANGLER
On-sale now.
Jazz is the quintessential American music, and Jeep's Wrangler is the quintessence of American cars. Jeep's logo ties at #1 as most-recognized product symbol worldwide along with Coca-Cola's, and Wrangler and Corvette remain America's most authentic cars. All models have a 3.8-liter V6 engine, making between 202- and 205-horsepower, depending on model. Manual or automatic transmissions are available. "There's nothing like the real thing." Base prices range from $20,460 to $31,840.
Some photos by www.SteveParker.com.
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No. 8 on your list: the Chevrolet Camaro with the 6.2L V8 Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation.
Oh please, can you say "Cadillac V8-6-4"? I knew you could!
Yeah, yeah, I know, it probably works better than the '80s technology, but there is absolutely no way I would trust this gimmick, especially if I hang on the the car for ten or so years.
Been there, done that.
Steve, thanks for noting some of Ford's products in your post.
Regarding the fuel economy of the Flex, it's actually 17 city / 24 highway for the FWD model, which you neglected to mention. You listed the AWD fuel economy. This happens to be best in class for 7-passenger vehicles.
One thing that you and your readers might like to know is that we've developed the EcoBoost engine at Ford - a technology that will allow you to get up to a 20% boost in fuel economy in a gas combustion engine. This is a development that can be extended across our entire fleet, resulting in better fuel economy in all of our cars.
The Flex will have an EcoBoost engine in it in 2009, as will a number of other vehicles. We hope to have 90% of our fleet outfitted this way by 2012. In addition, we're continuing our other efforts in alternative energy, such as battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen vehicles.
For more information, take a look at http://for
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
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Thanks for your comment.
EcoBoost combines an old technology (turbocharging) with a new one (direct injection).
I've often wondered why carmakers don't combine turbocharging and supercharging like big rig diesel trucks do. Sure, it's pricey, but if people will pay a premium for hybrids, they'd probably do the same for an Ecoboost I4 or V6 if the concept is marketed well (any Ecoboost V8s?).
I'm sure that concept has been run by a lot of Ford focus groups.
I'll check those mpg figures again.
Thanks again --- We're here all week; tell your friends!
Steve Parker
I am sorry to say it, but if these are the most significant cars coming out of Detroit, it proves just how insignificant the Big Three has become.
The Cadillac is an overpriced station wagon that doesn't match with the luxury brands it competes with in quality.
Speaking as someone who has owned multiple Dodge and Chrysler minivans, they've been declining in quality since about 1998, and this latest styling change uglied it up pretty seriously, turning it into nothing more than yet another box on wheels.
Nothing with a Mercury nameplate has been significant since the early 1970s, and a new hybrid copy of a Ford model isn't going to save them from selling less cars than Oldsmobile and Plymouth were at the time of their demise.
There is a reason the Pontiac Vibe, when rebadged as a Toyota and sold in Japan, barely lasted two model years - no one wanted to buy one.
The new Camaro is nothing but a nostalgic hack, which I have no doubt will sell reasonably well, but as usual for GM, is 2-3 years slow in getting to market and they've largely already missed the boat to the Mustang (see the HHR vs the PT Cruiser for another example of this).
The Ford Flex, while interesting, is also a case of 'missed the bus marketing'. Borrowing the toaster on wheels styling of the Honda Element and the Scion xB, with the subtle side-ribbing of an old woodie, is far too late to market to be of consequence.
As much as I like the idea of Pontiac bringing over Holden models, look what happened last time they tried it. Not exactly a stellar success... largely due to their crap marketing, and dealership markup of a "special import" model.
The Lincoln, while potentially a nice car, will likely follow the route of almost every other Lincoln in the last two decades and only aim to compete with Cadillac, and ignore the other luxury brands which tend to outperform and be superior quality.
The only two I'll grant you out of your list are the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Chevy Malibu Hybrid. As much as I find hybrid technology to be a poor substitute for actually improving gasoline engine efficiency, they at least have some promise... but if they're not as reliable and enjoyable to drive as their Japanese counterparts, they too will be deemed insignificant.
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Thanks for your comment, and Happy New Year!
To tell the truth, I had trouble coming up with the 10 I listed.
The reason I used the Cadillac is because GM says they're planning to use a hybrid powerplant in it, but not for another two-or-more years. And if GM survives, Cadillac isn't going anywhere; it will always be their prestige division.
Also, I think there's a better-than-even chance Mercury will soon go the way of Plymouth and Olds ... how can they afford just the marketing for that division, even if only for three or four models at most? One of the Ford's, I believe it's Bill Ford's sister, is working at Mercury, trying to save it. To me, a magnificent waste of time and money. But, it's their company ...
Add to your list of GM cars which were either killed or came out too late: Cadillac Allante with the Northstar engine (killed the next year) and the Fiero which never came out, which, because GM didn't want to spend an extra $10 million investment this all-new car would have cost. I drove the prototypes and they were vast improvements over the existing car.
Steve Parker
Want a real reason the big three are in trouble. Only one vehicle on the list is priced below 20K.
The imports are even more expensive. Auto companies do not want to build cars that people can afford without going heavily into debt.
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I believe a Hyundai model now starts under $10,000. Your point about pricing is spot-on. Thanks.
Steve Parker
I see why this list is "most significant" and not a "best of". The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the only one on the list headed in the right direction mileage-wise. Not coincidentally, Ford is also the only one of the Big Three that doesn't need a bailout. Yet somehow I doubt GM and Pontiac will get the hint.
The Ford Fusion "hybrid" gets less MPG on the highway than the Focus it replaced. AND costs twice as much.
"The Fusion hybrid has been certified by the EPA at 41 mpg/city and 36 mpg/highway, with a combined rating of 39 miles per gallon."
Looks promising.
Wish it were built in the USA instead of Mexico.
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Let's see if Ford can get people into their dealerships now to buy some hybrids.
That's the battle all the Detroit Three are fighting. If they don't come into the store in the first place, you can't sell them anything.
Thanks!
Steve Parker
Except for (maybe) the Fusion/Milan Hybrid,... I wouldn't be caught dead buying one of these crap-piles.
I especially love the comment attached to the 'Ford Flex' descriptio
That about sums up most of the Big 3 products,.
+
A fine exhibit of the failure of the Big 3 Auto makers.
Sorry, I haven't bought an American car in the last 20 years - and I have yet to be given a reason why I should reconsider.
Let'em go bankrupt.
+
I don't know what is significant about a vehicle with a 402hp engine, unless, of course, it is an ultra high demolition (UHD) hydraulic excavator.
http://www
Anything smaller than that without a hydraulic jack hammer or similar attachments is, at best, a poorly designed manhood extender.
:-)
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Its 'significance' is, seriously, is the ridiculousness of such a car in the first place. Thanks.
Steve Parker
First of all, all three won't survive or at least shouldn't.
Secondly, many of your pics are of fuel hogs and shouldn't even be mentioned.
The fact that they are fuel hogs is part of what makes them significant.
It's not a "10 best" list.
More a "10 most visible reasons they're headed for the trash-heap of history" list.
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Well, thank you for the props!
It was difficult finding ten from Detroit which had something new to offer ...
Steve Parker
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