I drove this one home tonight and must admit that -- as body-on-frame SUVs go -- it's a compelling ride. The 5.3-liter engine has plenty of power and the handling is definitely improved over the previous versions (they've switched from torsion bars to coil springs up front). Interior materials are notably better as well, though I still think the leather grain could be more supple. The navigation touch screen is easy to use and the audio system is pumping (I don't understand the teensy-tiny volume and tuning knobs, but it does have an MP3 auxiliary input jack)...
Of all the things that have been improved on this truck the most impressive relates to the body panel gaps. They are truly tight and consistent, so much so that they almost seem out of place on the vehicle (really shows my level of expectation regarding GM SUV body panel alignment). The GMC folks told me that the increased rigidity of the structure is what allows them to achieve such tight panel gaps. The reduced flex in the body means they can put body pieces that much closer together. This element, if nothing else, gives the truck a much greater feeling of quality and refinement. Not sure how many people are buying these vehicles in a $3-a-gallon world (yes, even with Displacement-on-Demand), but if this is what you need GM has worked hard to make you want theirs.
By moparbad
on April 11, 2006
09:05 PM
I'm not in the market for a big SUV, however, I'm very impressed with the quality of this family of vehicles. The Tahoe is what I've driven, and if GM can replicate this type of quality in their cars, then I may finally find something to use my GM Card earnings on.
Their may be hope for GM yet.
The exterior styling is not compelling, and I think most non-GM fans will never know how good GM can be unless the keys are handed to them.
Then again, every time I drive a Buick I think GM should be put out of it's misery, why did they not kill Buick i/o Oldsmobile?
By editor_karl
on April 11, 2006
10:14 PM
"...why did they not kill Buick i/o Oldsmobile?"
A question I ask myself on a regular basis. During the GT500 event last weekend I was driving with another journalist and she asked this same question, too. We both admitted that Buick still has a core group of loyal customers (though more die every year). Also, Buick is huge in China and we all know where that market seems to be headed. That said, I still think they should have killed Buick and kept Oldsmobile as the import fighter (a role Saturn also tries to play...sort of).
By mikesright
on April 13, 2006
09:13 AM
Ever thought that the word OLDsmobile might have made it a poor import fighter? Oldsmobile was filling a gap that Chevy had taken up completely anyway. Buick was the right brand, it just really needs some attention, which it has been getting lately (and will have more). It needs to be the doctor's car again, quiet, refined luxury, and it will be able to do this as they move Cadillac to edgier and more upscale designs. They can now use Saturn to more directly compete with Toyota and Honda, and Chevy will continue to be the mainstream brand.
By moparbad
on April 13, 2006
09:27 AM
A great product will sell even if it is name Hyundai! Olds Intrigue and Olds Aurora were much better vehicles to compete with imports compared to Buicks of the same timeframe.
GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe examples of products that can compete with imports despite GM having made them due to their build quality and quality of execution.
By 1487
on April 14, 2006
04:37 PM
GM claimed OLds wasnt making money and thats why it was killed. IN the grand scheme of things it wouldnt have made sense to keep Olds and Saturn because they had the same mission. GM wasnt going to kill Saturn because it has a relatively positive image and was easier to expand. Killing Buick at this point would be pointless so GM is doing the right thing. The Lucerne is doing well and the Enclave looks good. With Cadillac moving upscale there is room for Buick to sell near luxury vehicles. Although Edmunds didn't agree (shocking!), the Lucerne is probably the best non Cadillac GM sedan on the market right now. I think that is just a hint of the future.
Karl:
What was up with all the praise for the Yukon? What about the unrefined powertrain? What about the vague steering feel? I'm confused.
By ateixeira
on April 20, 2006
06:49 AM
Something surprised me when I browsed these at the NY show - the 15/20 mpg ratings on some models actually match the Ford Explorer.....V6! Not bad.
Still, I wonder if keeping the live axle in models targeted at families was wide. Where's the magic 3rd row?