What Car Is The Next Star? Weigh In!

What Car Is The Next Star? Weigh In!
Auto sales are weak, two major American manufacturers have gone bankrupt and the housing market has yet to find a bottom.  Although the boys in Washington believe that the economic data being relayed back is hinting at a turnaround, I am not so sure if we are out of the woods, yet.

With that said, the American auto manufacturers have been releasing a bevy of new products.  But, I want to know what you guys think is the star.

Ford’s Taurus is back and coming to the fight with its legacy, performance-oriented SHO.  Although it is another step for the debt-laden manufacturer, it will get hairy as prices are quite high.  Granted, it is aiming to take down the likes of BMW’s 5-series and Audi A6.  Too expensive for an American sedan?  Time will tell.

With sales down nearly 11 percent for June, Ford is weathering the storm much better than many of its global counterparts.  Sales of the Fusion and Flex were record breaking for June; the company is gaining momentum with new, innovative product.    

General Motor’s is not fairing out so well with sales down nearly 34 percent for June.  But that has not gotten the bruised brand down.  Sales of the new Camaro and Aveo are keeping the firm’s hopes up.

Is the new Camaro the savior?  Could it be the 2010 sport-ute, Equinox?  Something tells me that although the Cadillac CTS wagon may be a good car, it is not excellent timing.  Particularly when many auto builders are abandoning wagons and bringing in a new, GT segment. 

One car that has struck my fancy is the new Chevrolet Spark.  Set to hit U.S. shores after 2010’s first quarter, it is a nice looking vehicle that will provide competition to Honda’s Fit and Scion’s portfolio.  If GM can hold out that long, this car could be what brings Detroit life, especially if it does well in European markets.

Certainly the hardest hit, Chrysler, slipped 42 percent in June.  Hopefully, the return of Fiat to the U.S. – with the tiny 500 – will put the brakes on this slide, but, those Italians always seem to be taking their time.  So, who knows?

One car that has a lot of potential and made quite an impression on me during the New York International Auto Show was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Materials and build quality were astounding but it will be interesting to see how it actually drives, assuming the firm is still around.

Amidst the great tumbling of the former big three, good products are still being turned out.  What remains to be seen is a truly stand out vehicle that will stir up the consumer’s lust and desire.

What do you think, Spies?


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kuvakas1kuvakas1 - 7/13/2009 12:45:06 PM
+4 Boost
I think the Taurus will be the next big hit. It takes the All-American theme so well done by the Chrysler 300 a step further. It's a big, good looking American Sedan


WhelanWhelan - 7/13/2009 12:45:24 PM
+4 Boost
Chevy Spark was in Transformers 2. It didn't look all that bad. Comparitavely sized Smart and Honda Fit variants don't look as good IMO


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 7/13/2009 12:47:39 PM
-2 Boost
The GT segment are station wagons... it's like calling a vehicle an SUV instead of a minivan. But as far as reducing interior space over a wagon to distinguish a car will make's the car risky, I would even say even riskier then having the car branded as a station wagon. But the car I think will be the next star... hmm I dunno, I have a tiny inkling of a feeling that within the next couple years the G8 ST will be back, but this time properly branded as a Chevy. I'll say that speculation is the next big thing.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 7/13/2009 12:50:15 PM
+2 Boost
The Taurus in any guise wasnt desighned to compete with the cars you mentioned. The G8, 300, and charger yes. The MKS competes with these cars


Agent00RAgent00R - 7/13/2009 11:08:52 PM
0 Boost
In Ford's press drive they had comparison tables against the BMW 5-series and Audi A6.

They are aiming to take them down.


pennfootballpennfootball - 7/13/2009 12:55:53 PM
-6 Boost
The next Ferrari 450....
"I only care about the Ferrari's"


sectorsector - 7/13/2009 1:15:28 PM
-7 Boost
The "Equus", home-market luxury flagship from Hyundai.

With the success of Genesis -- car of the year 2008, they'll no doubt bring it over here.

The standard list of equipment alone will make BMW and MB obsolete.


MSP6MSP6 - 7/13/2009 1:22:54 PM
+4 Boost
Heard you where having an affair with Hyundaismoke .. ?


sectorsector - 7/13/2009 1:38:10 PM
-4 Boost
Heard you're having an affair with the back end of your 318i.


MSP6MSP6 - 7/13/2009 1:56:24 PM
+2 Boost
While Hyundai is copying other manufacturers designs, Hyundai fan boys are copying posts. That is so funny !



veyron1001veyron1001 - 7/14/2009 11:46:01 AM
+1 Boost
GM goes one step further and copies its self.


fatandsassyfatandsassy - 7/13/2009 1:59:52 PM
+3 Boost
The new Jag just blows my mind with tech, beauty, innovative design, interior you want to stay in all day.


Agent001Agent001 - 7/13/2009 2:13:41 PM
+3 Boost
Ford Transit Diesel work van

001


NItePhireNItePhire - 7/13/2009 4:21:45 PM
+3 Boost
If the quality is rather good i will have to say the Ford Fiesta. I I think that the handling will already be there. Its the quality that will define it. If its not there then it wont matter how will it look or drives, folks will just go back to their ugly ass fits.


thstonethstone - 7/13/2009 5:35:03 PM
+3 Boost
Cheap gas: Ford Taurus. Everyone loves a good American family sedan.

Expensive Gas: Ford Fiesta. Everyone loves a good American eco-green car.

And I don't even particularly like Fords, but it seems as most of America does.


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 7/13/2009 10:44:56 PM
+2 Boost
The 2011 Jeep Grand C Is my guess. Adjustable suspension, nice grillwork and finally has interior appointments that have been needed for a long time. Rumers of Hybrid and or electric comming.


Agent00RAgent00R - 7/13/2009 11:53:57 PM
+1 Boost
Good call.


quizzquizz - 7/15/2009 10:53:10 AM
+1 Boost
I thought "at-will" employment was a good thing in that it helps employers fire whenever they want, which keeps workers more attentive and less lazy. "Guaranteed contracts" created by collective bargaining and unions result in reduced labor efficiencies due to complacency of the worker.


bfghemicudabfghemicuda - 7/17/2009 12:12:18 AM
+1 Boost
HS You got it wrong again. The employer should hire and fire who ever they want, ITS THERE COMPANY. If you dont like it FIND ANOTHER JOB. By the way I believe employers hire to give people that have the qualifications for the Job an opportunity. They fire because of employees that cause trouble, miss work, think a job is a right not a privledge or have a bad attitude, kinda like you.
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