Volt Becoming The New Edsel?

Well, it's an opinion piece and no more. Just someone's emotional, gut feelings. No facts, no rationale, no suggestion of a real strategy other than "let's make cool cars".

The responsibility isn't for the one giving the opinion. It's for the auto makers. We didn't know cool cars existed until they were offered in the first place. If these "cool cars" are built, those looking will find them.

That's true. The automakers are ultimately the ones who bear the burden of a solution but there's really nothing to the article other than a guy saying he likes the Camaro and hates the Volt.

I believe the point is, if I might use an analogy, no one likes taking vitamins. We don't sit around saying, "Buhba, do you want to go to Jamba Juice and get a wheat germ smoothie" (maybe Agent 001) "no, lets go get a beer."

We know we need to make sacrifices for the future, this means going for eco-friendly models that really brings no joy to most of us. We need to be mindful of gas prices, so most own a four banger along with a larger family vehicle.

Ford's new Fiesta, Honda's Fit and the MINI helps to add fun to a normally boring segment. The Camaro offers a V6 that gets better gas mileage than some Scions, and really people do want to enjoy their vehicles. We will see what happens with the Volt and I believe its a real game changer. The impact the Volt has made on the automotive scene is huge, and it isn't even out yet.

The author is out to lunch. The success of the US car makers will depend on making good cars that people will be able to afford, not on niche cars. Why have the Japanese been so successful in the US? Because they delivered good product for a good price. Having exciting cars is not part of their equation, there have been some exceptions though. In the US it's about serving the masses. The first sign of a bullish return will be cars that show a new and sustainable future. This Camaro is simply a retro car living on past glory, mostly appealing to middle aged guys that are going through mid life crisis.

The Volt is a good direction for GM, I hope it delivers on what is being promised.

Actually, the Camaro of course appeals to those that remember them and who has the money to purchase them, middle age guys. Instead of purchasing Porsches (the other middle age vehicle, just different bank roll) they like the Camaro and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. What we have here is also, if you read a number of articles, is a new interest in the Camaro and an appeal that spans a number demographics. This car appeals to many due to its tech and style. It would be understandable if the car was a sled like the older models, but the car, no question has strong appeal. At the autoshows, the stands were flooded with young kids and people saying they can't wait for it (Southern California is very diverse demographically) so the old, trailer trash, white male with a mullet appeal is dead.
America's love style to. Chevy has the Malibu, Cruze, Transverse and trucks, the Camaro, next to the Vette is something to aspire to own.

Yeah, I know, I was taking a cheap shot at middle aged guys...of which I will be in a few years...I actually like the Camaro too.

Obviously, you didn't get the memo in junior high to ready the article...

Last time I checked, the Chevrolet Dolt isn't a Ford.

wall street journal? isn't that owned by faux news? haha and you expect those Big Oil representaves to ever say anything positive about a car like the Volt?

DinamoR, is it possible, in this world, you can have an opinion without a motive?

Well with 14,000 orders all ready, I don't think any car company would kick that kind of demand to the curb. Coupes naturally have a short life span, Mazda Miata, Nissan 370Z, Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette not withstanding. The key is to continue to be competitive and relevant and be ready when the market shifts. What most cars on this list have in common is they are relatively inexpensive, and have ( except the Miata) a V6 option.

GM is becoming the Edsel yet alone Volt.