http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/index.php

I get their Podcasts, great fun….RB

Yeah, like I was hoping Ford wouldn’t mess up a really nice design in the new Mustang. But they did, of course. Too bad, as I would have bought one. :(

And yes ain’t no one forcing me to buy a Maxx as even losing fingers couldn’t do!

I guess I’m just a proud America and expect us to be better than the rest of the world and have been horrified since about 1970 at what we have been producing. I have owned, sadly, only one US vehicle since 1971. It was an Aerostar. I had it for less that 1 year and sold it for a Trooper which ran strong, even if underpowered, for 6 years and then a 4Runner.

My wife and I looked at a few US cars when she was going to change out her 325i but what would we have bought? So we got an A4 Quattro.

When I look at my neighbors cars I see Europe, Japan and a minor few US vehicles…….Damn Sad……..so it’s not just me.

Well Gabe I got side tracked again….sorry.

I think it’s part of the problem in US instead of demanding a total package from our auto makers we defend their lame decision making. I never thought I would say this but Cadillac seems to be putting together some fine packages even though it’s not my type of car. Their design and ergonomics teams seem to be getting it right. At the LA Auto Show they had a crowd. I must admit though that their interiors are still a bit too double knitter, Lounge Lizzard for me but as a whole package, not bad. The new Camero is very nice but I fear GM will F it up like Ford did with the new Mustang and turn it into a mush pile.

I give Lutz the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate award.

The Malibu Maxx is far from an excercise in beauty, but then again, what family midsize sedan is these days?

The Maxx is about functionality on a decent looking package at a bargain price. Forget resale value, et al, those cars are made and intended to be driven to the ground.

Each car that made it to the “delightful” list, is tasty in its own way. The Malibu doesn’t interest me personally in the least simply because I have no compelling need for a family hauler right now.

For that duty, I hope to get a MINI Traveller in the near future.

Anyone remember the Seinfeld episode with the “breathtaking” baby? Well, there you go.

I suppose it’s as Gabe implied; “delightful” is all a matter of perspective. I just hope my MINI isn’t delightful in a Malibu Maxx sort of way.

Of course, I love my MCS. But if I needed a 4 door family hauler I’d consider the MAXX, especially with all of the discounts available.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the “Needs” and “wants” of folks owning a Chevy Malibu are very different from those of us owning MINI Coopers. No one cross shops MINIs and Malibus as far as I know. However, the point the study is trying to make is that GM with the Malibu Maxx appears to have delivered a pretty satisfying automobile given its virtues for the MARKET AUDIENCE IT WAS INTENDED OR TARGETED TO.

No one is making a direct comparison of the Malibu with the MINI. That’s why Strategic Vision has different “segments” in which each award winning car competes with similar entries in the same market segment.

The MINI Cooper competed for this award with the VW New Beetle, Scion tC, Ford Mustang, etc. All cars in a similar segment with similar market mission and buyer audience.

Please re-read the press release before jumping to conclusions.

Toyota should take notice: Sterile, lifeless, ultra-reliable transportation appliances are not the end-be-all in the automotive market. The intangible sense of subtance and perceive uniqueness about the product goes along way in ensuring customer satisfaction and long term loyalty.

I guess GM finally is getting it…..