Does Every New Car Have To Be New?

[unit731]

Does every new car introduced have to have the latest and greatest styling? Does every new car have to have the latest and greatest electronics?

 

Today while driving I can't tell the difference between a Hyundai, Buick, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, or Chevrolet. They all look the same to me model for model. Yes, there are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUV's. I can't tell brand from brand.

 

I was recently at Mr. Goodwrench dealership and I viewed all of the new Cadillacs. Not one had a bench or split bench seat. All bucket seats. No more three seating in front. And small bucket seats to boot. Even the Escalade had small hard bucket seats with a huge console in middle.

 

Like a broken record, I've ranted before, no more column shift. My right leg hits every one of the consoles on almost every car. Not a comfortable driving position for a long commute.

 

Smaller windows. I sat in a new Camaro. Can't put my arm out the window in a comfortable position as the driver window is too small and the door panel is too high. Every car and truck I have owned I could easily put arm out window with window rolled down. And yes, I do sometimes have the air conditoning on and window open. Many cars now have small windows with associated poor safety visability.

 

Oh, the fancy cars now have a camera or beeping sensor for back up. Nice. But as I stated I was at Mr. Goodwrench dealership and a CS lady was backing up a new sedan and she rolled down window and asked me to guide her backing up a new sedan as the beeping was not sufficient or confusing.

 

There is no attempt at a bumper anymore. Just an expensive piece of plastic. Ever try to replace a dented/scratched facia? The cost is way out there.

 

Wedge shaped cars. Now we have the wedge. Smaller tiny windows in back. What happened to good visability? Gone from the automotive styling schools.

 

And then there is the expensive electronics. Do all people really need a TV screen with an extenive "menu" just to turn the radio on?

 

On a personal note. I helped drive a Mercedes 500 sedan to Florida. The car had 17 button on the driver door. And on the center dash over two dozen buttons. The owner of car told me "Don't touch any of the buttons" - the whole trip to Florida. He didn't even know what all of the buttons did. One, he told me disabled the vehicle. I have no clue if he was kidding or not. But we drove to Florida with the radio off the entire trip. As he did not know how to use the menu nor the buttons. Too many buttons. Too many "menu" items. The Mercedes was two years old.

 

Are we now at the position that only cheap cars are simple? Tiny shoe box cars with simple buttons. And the larger cars one needs a PHD Degree just to turn the radio on?

 

Yes, styling has to do with sales figures. Yes, people are sometimes fickle about styling. Stray from the mainstream and you are cooked as a stylist. Just ask the folks who did the styling of the Pontiac Aztec.

 

Yes, some of the styling has to do with MPG. Granted. But what happened to the user friendly automobile? What happened to user comfort? What happened to large soft seats? What happened to safe visability?

 

What has the new automobile come to?

 

"GMI First Look: 2014 Chevrolet Impala

*Chevrolet Brings Back Impala With A Full Tank*

April 5th, 2012

www.gminsidenews.com

Words: Alex Villani

Pics: Adam Bean, Brian DeLuca, Alex Villani

 

Image: http://www.gminsiden...um/IMG_3932.JPG

 

Say goodbye to the ancient W-body based Impala with its sub-par materials and fleet-special design. Chevrolet has launched the all-new Impala here in New York, and it is a stunner. As part of GM's vehicle debut bonanza for the New York Auto Show, the Impala was the most anticipated vehicle launch here at the show according to our Facebook poll. "

 

 

LINK

[j-ten-ner]

I don't mind all the buttons in my truck.

I don't mind all the electronic.

As long as it works!

 

I'm kind of proud that I was able to fix my cars by myself. Until now. But with my 07 Sierra I'll soon come to my limits.

Not talking about mechanical stuff. I mean a broken automatic climate control as a sample. Or problems I can't figure out 'cause of an electronic problem. One not always get a code to read out and go from there.

 

One sample with my work truck (2008 F350).

Driving down the road the DIC tells my to safely pull over and stop!

Hae??

I dit so and as soon as the truck comes to a halt the engine shuts of and doesn't start anymore. Does not even turn over. Nothing, nada.

 

It turns out that a faulty sensor in the exhaust cleaning system caused the trouble!

EXCUSE ME? I'm stranded in the middle of nowhere because of a fu*&^%ng sensor??? For the exhaust cleaning system??

 

Oh man I was so mad!

 

so long

j-ten-ner

[RyanbabZ71]

I can put my arm comfortably on the door panel and drive my camaro.

 

Personally I would never buy a vehicle with front bench seats. I am more comfortable in buckets

 

 

Ryan

 

 

[Zembonez]

I understand the rant. I also like simpler vehicles.

 

Lots of things have changed and they are not always for the better. They are however what the people buying the cars want. Safety this and safety that sells cars, so manufacturers follow the trend. I think the number of electronic idiotproofing gadgets on the average new car are pathetic. I also think the thin sheetmetal and tinfoil bumpers on our trucks is a joke.

 

We get screwed a little more with every new generation of trucks but the majority of people are wooed by the Buick interior and don't seem to notice.

[Daryl LBZ]

I can put my arm comfortably on the door panel and drive my camaro.

 

Personally I would never buy a vehicle with front bench seats. I am more comfortable in buckets

 

 

Ryan

 

 

 

This ^

[MikeNH]

Does every new car introduced have to have the latest and greatest styling? Does every new car have to have the latest and greatest electronics?

 

Today while driving I can't tell the difference between a Hyundai, Buick, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, or Chevrolet. They all look the same to me model for model. Yes, there are hatchbacks, sedans, and SUV's. I can't tell brand from brand.

 

I was recently at Mr. Goodwrench dealership and I viewed all of the new Cadillacs. Not one had a bench or split bench seat. All bucket seats. No more three seating in front. And small bucket seats to boot. Even the Escalade had small hard bucket seats with a huge console in middle.

 

Like a broken record, I've ranted before, no more column shift. My right leg hits every one of the consoles on almost every car. Not a comfortable driving position for a long commute.

 

Smaller windows. I sat in a new Camaro. Can't put my arm out the window in a comfortable position as the driver window is too small and the door panel is too high. Every car and truck I have owned I could easily put arm out window with window rolled down. And yes, I do sometimes have the air conditoning on and window open. Many cars now have small windows with associated poor safety visability.

 

Oh, the fancy cars now have a camera or beeping sensor for back up. Nice. But as I stated I was at Mr. Goodwrench dealership and a CS lady was backing up a new sedan and she rolled down window and asked me to guide her backing up a new sedan as the beeping was not sufficient or confusing.

 

There is no attempt at a bumper anymore. Just an expensive piece of plastic. Ever try to replace a dented/scratched facia? The cost is way out there.

 

Wedge shaped cars. Now we have the wedge. Smaller tiny windows in back. What happened to good visability? Gone from the automotive styling schools.

 

And then there is the expensive electronics. Do all people really need a TV screen with an extenive "menu" just to turn the radio on?

 

On a personal note. I helped drive a Mercedes 500 sedan to Florida. The car had 17 button on the driver door. And on the center dash over two dozen buttons. The owner of car told me "Don't touch any of the buttons" - the whole trip to Florida. He didn't even know what all of the buttons did. One, he told me disabled the vehicle. I have no clue if he was kidding or not. But we drove to Florida with the radio off the entire trip. As he did not know how to use the menu nor the buttons. Too many buttons. Too many "menu" items. The Mercedes was two years old.

 

Are we now at the position that only cheap cars are simple? Tiny shoe box cars with simple buttons. And the larger cars one needs a PHD Degree just to turn the radio on?

 

Yes, styling has to do with sales figures. Yes, people are sometimes fickle about styling. Stray from the mainstream and you are cooked as a stylist. Just ask the folks who did the styling of the Pontiac Aztec.

 

Yes, some of the styling has to do with MPG. Granted. But what happened to the user friendly automobile? What happened to user comfort? What happened to large soft seats? What happened to safe visability?

 

What has the new automobile come to?

 

"GMI First Look: 2014 Chevrolet Impala

*Chevrolet Brings Back Impala With A Full Tank*

April 5th, 2012

www.gminsidenews.com

Words: Alex Villani

Pics: Adam Bean, Brian DeLuca, Alex Villani

 

Image: http://www.gminsiden...um/IMG_3932.JPG

 

Say goodbye to the ancient W-body based Impala with its sub-par materials and fleet-special design. Chevrolet has launched the all-new Impala here in New York, and it is a stunner. As part of GM's vehicle debut bonanza for the New York Auto Show, the Impala was the most anticipated vehicle launch here at the show according to our Facebook poll. "

 

 

LINK

 

 

 

 

Most of what you have said is absurd and here is why-

 

If you can't tell the difference between models, hang up the keys because you're going blind. Hyundai, of all automakers has some of the most unique styling of all mainstream automakers. Similar body lines, especially from a side profile are the results of aerodynamic testing. Fuel economy is king these days and certain designs work better than others. This is why all the ultra-efficient cars (Volt, Leaf, Prius, Insight) share a very similar side profile. Less drag means better efficiency.

 

 

3 across bench seating is obsolete, period. The only time three across could be even remotely comfortable in just about any vehicle is if one or both passengers were children. I don't know the specifics of the laws as I don't have kids but I do know my friend's son who is 8 is still in a booster and he's probably a bit taller than average for a boy his age. You can't put a car seat in a space that small nor will it mount safely with the lap belt only seat belts that the last few examples of 3-across have. And once the child is old enough to ride in a vehicle with no booster seat, they're still supposed to be in the back till like 12 or 13 and by then they'd likely have grown enough that being in that middle seat would suck for them and everyone else.

 

I am with you on consoles that intrude into leg room and make driving miserable. I don't want to see them go as column shifts look like ass on cars but a redesigned console with the shifter there would be nice.

 

Nearly every modern sports car has you sit low with the belt line high up. Lower center of gravity=better handling.

 

As for driver assists, can't fault GM or anyone else for some of their customers being massive morons.

 

Blame the feds for the bumper issue, they dropped the 5 mph standard to 2.5 and light trucks (which includes SUVs, minivans, crossovers, etc.) are exempt from the law so they meet no standards in that regard. Can't really blame the automaker then they have no incentive to make the bumper better.

 

Again, aerodynamics dictate everything these days. That said, very few cars give me issue with backing up and I've driven dozens and dozens and dozens of late model vehicles the past few years for work. Setting up the mirrors properly and understanding the driver aids if the car has them is crucial.

 

The touch screens in cars are a direct result of the bulk of the population living out of smart phones and tablets. This is just the automaker responding to market trends.

 

 

And the owner of the Benz is one of the stupid morons I mentioned earlier. If he can't be bothered to learn how his vehicle functions then maybe he should take a bus. As for a button that disables the car, false. Unless you're talking about the button for keyless ignition.

[unit731]

Again, aerodynamics dictate everything these days. That said, very few cars give me issue with backing up and I've driven dozens and dozens and dozens of late model vehicles the past few years for work. Setting up the mirrors properly and understanding the driver aids if the car has them is crucial.

 

The touch screens in cars are a direct result of the bulk of the population living out of smart phones and tablets. This is just the automaker responding to market trends.

 

 

And the owner of the Benz is one of the stupid morons I mentioned earlier. If he can't be bothered to learn how his vehicle functions then maybe he should take a bus. As for a button that disables the car, false. Unless you're talking about the button for keyless ignition.

 

 

 

Very good points/rebuttal.

 

We will have to agree to disagree.

 

This may be a generational thing. Younger folks have grown up with bucket seats and console and floor shifter. That may be the norm for them. Any deviation from this is not the norm.

 

As far as the Mercedes goes I did not mention that this was his wifes car that he rarely drove.

 

I was around when the first US compact cars were introduced. The Lark, the Valiant, the Corvair, and the Falcon. All "small" campact cars. Those cars are now larger then the full size cars of today. All six seaters. Some did offer bucket seats as an option.

 

Younger folks have grown up with smart phones. So going through menu items is common and easy.

 

I did sit in every car at the Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac - in the show room. All had hard small seats. My Chevettes had more comfortable seats then any of these new cars.

 

Safety and air bags may have something to do with the demise of three seating in front. But most pickup trucks still have seatbelts for three across - unless you have the optional bucket seats with full console. My Chevrolet Colorado can still legally seat 3 in front - uncomforatable, yes - but still legal and in a pinch it can be done. It will be a sad day when automakers or authorities decide that 3 cannot legally be seated in front in a full size pickup truck.

 

Backup alarms or beeping or cameras is a good thing. More then one child has met their demise with back up accidents.

 

But now I move to the time when these highly electronic cars and trucks get older. Some or many must and do drive older cars and trucks. Yes, there are many who can't afford a new vehicle and must purchase used cars and trucks. What happens when all or parts of all of this electronic stuff begins to break? What is the cost to replace a TV/dash "menu" screen? With the radio built in. Used ones I suppose. Anti-lock brakes. I know of more then one person who has the anti-lock brakes warning light come on in dash - and the cost is too much - so they just disconnect the anti-lock brakes.

 

On a side note here. While standing at the CS service area one customer came in with a very nice looking previous generation Chevrolet Silverado. I only overheard part of the conversation. Apparently his anit-lock brake light was on in dash. The little I overheard was that there is a magnet that is used to determine the need for the anti-lock brakes. Again, the little I heard was that a tad bit of rust either was on the magnet or on the tip of the sensor - which made the light come one. Nothing was wrong or broken with the anti-lock brakes. Just enough surface rust on some sensor or some component of the anti-lock brakes - to make the dash light come one. If the CS person or the mechanic was not honest - what would that repair bill have been?

 

Back to the Cadillacs. All of the transmissions in sedans were made in France. I owned a Peugeot and a Renault. All I can state is - good luck to those Cadillac folks if they keep the car longer then the warranty!

[MikeNH]

Car sizes have been all over the place since the 70s though- I mean cars like the Civic and Carolla are bigger than the 80s versions of the Accord and Camry. And while the overall size of the compact cars you mention might be bigger, I'd be curious to see how they stack up in actual interior volume and things like head room, back seat space, etc.

 

I know your passionate about the 3-across thing but I just don't see it as viable with the way laws are these days. The F-150 I had in high school and both my Silverados had/have bench seats and while I had 3 in the cab somewhat often in high school, I could likely count the number of times I had three in my '03 Silverado on one hand and I never have in this one. Hell, this truck the center seat is all but a joke anyhow- there is of course a seat belt, but the padding on the bottom is nonexistent and since it is in a fixed position it won't always line up with the recline of the other seats or how far they're slid back so if you had the outer seats slid forward it would be like a recessed space that no adult would ever fit in, let alone a child old enough to be out of a booster seat.

 

As for the ABS thing- the sensor issue on 800s is a extremely common issue, the writer probably sees it every week.

[kstruckcountry]

Haha maybe he likes the bench for purposes other than seating? ;)

I liked it in my 1990, it was the most comfortable bench ever, but I love the buckets in my 2006, they're the most supportive seats I've sat in. I also like having a deep console, and cupholders I can pop out and wash.

[unit731]

Haha maybe he likes the bench for purposes other than seating? ;)

 

 

 

This punter has enough funds after all expenses for at least one or two 'value' meals and a night or two at the local Motel 6 !

[kstruckcountry]

Haha maybe he likes the bench for purposes other than seating? ;)

 

 

 

This punter has enough funds after all expenses for at least one or two 'value' meals and a night or two at the local Motel 6 !

 

 

[Silverado4x4]

I remember back in the day I use to sit in school and look out the window watching the cars and trucks go by and could name every vehicle and make I saw but now you can forget it.

 

Thats why I like my vehicles with little options as I dont need all that stuff in vehicles now-a-days. I buy my vehicles with what I use in them, I guess iam old school when it comes to vehicles. Dont need heated seats, backup cameras, 6 way power seats, tilt wheel, and the list goes on.

[bigcountry78]

I guess I'm old school too. As an owner of 2 reg cab Chevys, I want 3 wide seating. My 06 has the fold up center console and even has 2 carseat anchors, one for the middle and one for the passenger seat obviously. My 78 has a bench seat. And I can vividly remember having 5 or 6 ppl at a time in each truck. It wasnt comfy but it sure beat walking.

 

I have a smartphone that happens to be a touch screen. But I hate the idea of having a touch screen computer in my dash to control the radio and AC. I definetly prefer to have seperate radio and AC controls. And I very much like having buttons and dials on my radio.

 

I'm not a dinosaur tho, and I think fuel injection is a great thing. But I also believe that all these safety items are taking more and more control away from the driver. Such as lane drift sensors, and auto braking features. They do increase safety but at the same time they let the driver concentrate on other junk like texting, or eating, or tryin to figure out the touch screen radio.

 

Look at my 78 for instance. In order to drive it I have to 1) pay attention to what is going on at all times. 2) actually know how to effectively drive a manual. And 3) take responsibility for the 3 tons of steel I'm driving down the highway. Yes I actually have to drive and pay attention and take responsibility for controlling my vehicle. What a novel idea. Ok rant over, kind of struck a nerve there. So in short I mostly agree with the OP.

[Morgan1986]

I personaly like harder seats with good lumbar support . I know my seats are good in my 05 with the upgraded cloth package.

[chakis24]

hmmm...i probably shouldnt even tell you about the chrysler knob for their automatic transmissions then? might knock you on your ass lol...

 

(and yes this picture if from a RAM)