Thursday, September 07, 2006
IntelliChoice's Most Significant Cars of 2007
Below is their press release with their choices and my comments in bold.
September 06, 2006 10:18 AM US Eastern Timezone
IntelliChoice.com Selects Top Ten Most Significant New Cars for 2007; 2007 Model Year ''Make or Break'' for Many OEMs
CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2006--PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its top selections for the most significant cars to watch for the 2007 model year.
"This new car model year is seeing some extremely important vehicles that will be vital to the success of several manufacturers. 2007 also represents what we anticipate to be outstanding values for consumers in the marketplace" said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "The competitive landscape is changing quickly and high quality is becoming ubiquitous. This is a buyers' market and today's car shoppers have the best selection ever offered."
IntelliChoice.com's top 10 picks for 2007 are:
1. Acura MDX - "At last, a daring design from Acura. Too long in the shadow of Honda, Acura has pledged to challenge buyers with strong visual appeal and driving dynamics a la BMW. The MDX is seen by many as an opening salvo in this battle." My brother owns an older model. It's very nice, but I agree with the fact that Acuras seem to have an identity crisis. They seem more like Honda's Mercury than they do their Lincoln. Given how much my brother seems to like his model, I wonder if he'll be picking up this one anytime soon.
2. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - "GM's recent financial and workforce problems are well documented and these trucks will save the day...or speed the decline. Being launched during a period of uncertain fuel prices, the improved Silverado and Sierra are new from the tires up. The real test comes from the hard-core work truck buyer, as buyers driven by fashion or prestige are becoming harder to find. A brand new big truck from GM is always big news, but given the current circumstances, the news couldn't be bigger." Trucks will always sell, but with gas prices high, and trucks being vehicles that people seem likely to keep until they fall apart, I don't see anyone rushing out to get these new gas guzzlers. Of course, I'm not a truck guy, so I probably don't understand.
3. Ford Edge / Lincoln MKX - "The first true Crossover SUV efforts from Ford, and not a minute too soon. The company really needs another big win (after the success of the Fusion and Mustang) to support their rapid reorganization plans and cover some of their recent missteps (see Explorer and Five Hundred)." Was the Five Hundred a misstep? I sure see a lot of them. These SUVs look sharp in pictures. I will definitely take a look at them when they hit the showroom. The styling is nice, but that inward curved rear takes some utility out of it.
4. Jeep Compass / Patriot - "Two vehicles that challenge the essence of the Jeep brand as strongly as the famous Rubicon Trail. The Compass and Patriot are built off the same platform as the new and successful Dodge Caliber, so indications are very good. But are there enough customers for two Jeeps that turn the term 'Trail Rated' into an optional feature?" The Caliber is getting less than stellar reviews, and the Compass seems to have many of the same issues (namely, it's cheap feeling and it ain't a Jeep). The Patriot looks like a potential winner, however. Success will depend on whether it draws in people who wanted the Jeep look but not the utility.
5. Nissan Sentra - "Nissan was forced 'back to the drawing table' for their new Sentra, and now the clock is ticking. New competition has made the current Sentra look and feel much older than its six years on the market, so the expectations are huge for this all-new model. And the market is prime as small cars have been making a big comeback since fuel prices began their ascent." I don't know about this one. It looks like a smaller Altima/Maxima, and inside looks well thought out, but bland. It'll be hard to compete against the Civics and Corollas of the world, and Nissan's own Versa (nicer than the Yaris or Fit IMO) may prove more appealing to those looking for a small car.
6. Nissan Altima - "When introduced in 1993, the Altima was 'close but not quite' when compared to Camry and Accord standards. A redesign in 1998 didn't help, but in 2002, Nissan hit the bullseye. Enough power, refinement, and size to make a big dent in the midsize market and here comes Generation 4. The Altima cannot afford to lose ground, as the new Camry is off to a huge start, the Chevrolet Impala is much improved, the Ford Fusion continues to impress, and Honda is preparing an all-new Accord. Add to the mix an Altima Hybrid later in 2007 and things get VERY interesting." I own a 2000 Altima, and I don't see anything that the Altima does that Accord or Camry don't do better and the Sonata doesn't do cheaper. Nissan needs to do an exterior refresh to make their sheet metal look less cheap on the outside. And Nissan seems reluctant to fully commit to a Hybrid, which, done right, could do very well.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander - "It is an overstatement to say that this vehicle could be a 'life-saver,' but there are many at Mitsubishi's California HQ that have all of their fingers and toes crossed for its success. The Outlander has grown and now occupies a unique place in the small SUV market. The spec sheet reads big with 220 hp, seats 7 in a pinch, and 30GB music hard drive all wrapped up in a fresh and clean design. Will the 4WD Outlander help Mitsubishi find smoother roads in 2007?" I am really looking forward to this one. If Mitsubishi can bring it in at a price less than or equal to Honda and Toyota, they could have a winner on their hands. The car has some cool technology and is sharp looking.
8. Saturn Aura - "The latest Saturn ads say 'Like Always, Like Never Before'" And this car will be the first true test. Saturn won the hearts of many drivers when it arrived in 1991 with refreshing designs and a friendly dealer network. And then GM slowly burned away the good will by allowing the product line to stagnate. Starting with the hot Sky roadster, future Saturns will follow in the steps of the European Opel line-up and that is a very good thing. The Aura arrives with bold and rewarding styling and engineering and could be the first Saturn since the original 1991 SL to hurt the imports." For some reason, Saturn has never excited me. The cars have always looked and felt cheap. The Aura looks nice on paper, but will it be enough to get people back in the showroom?
9. Toyota Tundra - "At last a true full-size competitor to the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram. To be introduced with a huge marketing spend and tie-ins with country music and NASCAR in an impressive attack on the American Heartland. But as gas prices continue to be a concern, will there be enough rough and tumble truck owners to meet Toyota's sales expectations?" I have to admit that if I were in the market for a truck, I'd bypass the Big 3 and get a Ridgeline or Tundra. The target audience may gravitate toward American makes, but if Toyota and Honda keep putting out great trucks, look for this to start taking more market share. 10. Volkswagen Eos - "You heard it here first - 'soft-top' or fabric convertibles are soon to be seen as 'old school' as more vehicles like the Eos hit the market. An important first step in VW's product-focused strategy to regain their 90's magic, the Eos is a sporty 4-seat convertible with a folding metal top and integrated glass sunroof. Could become a catalyst for change at VW." VW needs to focus on quality. Their cars were sharp looking and well made a few years ago, and then they imploded. I see trouble for VW on the horizon unless they can bring their prices down and quality up.
IntelliChoice.com provides automotive shoppers with the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own, and operate each new model-year trim line over a five year basis. Critical to the buying process, IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs offered by manufacturers--giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis.
About IntelliChoice.com
Part of PRIMEDIA's Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and online buying services.
September 06, 2006 10:18 AM US Eastern Timezone
IntelliChoice.com Selects Top Ten Most Significant New Cars for 2007; 2007 Model Year ''Make or Break'' for Many OEMs
CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2006--PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its top selections for the most significant cars to watch for the 2007 model year.
"This new car model year is seeing some extremely important vehicles that will be vital to the success of several manufacturers. 2007 also represents what we anticipate to be outstanding values for consumers in the marketplace" said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "The competitive landscape is changing quickly and high quality is becoming ubiquitous. This is a buyers' market and today's car shoppers have the best selection ever offered."
IntelliChoice.com's top 10 picks for 2007 are:
1. Acura MDX - "At last, a daring design from Acura. Too long in the shadow of Honda, Acura has pledged to challenge buyers with strong visual appeal and driving dynamics a la BMW. The MDX is seen by many as an opening salvo in this battle." My brother owns an older model. It's very nice, but I agree with the fact that Acuras seem to have an identity crisis. They seem more like Honda's Mercury than they do their Lincoln. Given how much my brother seems to like his model, I wonder if he'll be picking up this one anytime soon.
2. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - "GM's recent financial and workforce problems are well documented and these trucks will save the day...or speed the decline. Being launched during a period of uncertain fuel prices, the improved Silverado and Sierra are new from the tires up. The real test comes from the hard-core work truck buyer, as buyers driven by fashion or prestige are becoming harder to find. A brand new big truck from GM is always big news, but given the current circumstances, the news couldn't be bigger." Trucks will always sell, but with gas prices high, and trucks being vehicles that people seem likely to keep until they fall apart, I don't see anyone rushing out to get these new gas guzzlers. Of course, I'm not a truck guy, so I probably don't understand.
3. Ford Edge / Lincoln MKX - "The first true Crossover SUV efforts from Ford, and not a minute too soon. The company really needs another big win (after the success of the Fusion and Mustang) to support their rapid reorganization plans and cover some of their recent missteps (see Explorer and Five Hundred)." Was the Five Hundred a misstep? I sure see a lot of them. These SUVs look sharp in pictures. I will definitely take a look at them when they hit the showroom. The styling is nice, but that inward curved rear takes some utility out of it.
4. Jeep Compass / Patriot - "Two vehicles that challenge the essence of the Jeep brand as strongly as the famous Rubicon Trail. The Compass and Patriot are built off the same platform as the new and successful Dodge Caliber, so indications are very good. But are there enough customers for two Jeeps that turn the term 'Trail Rated' into an optional feature?" The Caliber is getting less than stellar reviews, and the Compass seems to have many of the same issues (namely, it's cheap feeling and it ain't a Jeep). The Patriot looks like a potential winner, however. Success will depend on whether it draws in people who wanted the Jeep look but not the utility.
5. Nissan Sentra - "Nissan was forced 'back to the drawing table' for their new Sentra, and now the clock is ticking. New competition has made the current Sentra look and feel much older than its six years on the market, so the expectations are huge for this all-new model. And the market is prime as small cars have been making a big comeback since fuel prices began their ascent." I don't know about this one. It looks like a smaller Altima/Maxima, and inside looks well thought out, but bland. It'll be hard to compete against the Civics and Corollas of the world, and Nissan's own Versa (nicer than the Yaris or Fit IMO) may prove more appealing to those looking for a small car.
6. Nissan Altima - "When introduced in 1993, the Altima was 'close but not quite' when compared to Camry and Accord standards. A redesign in 1998 didn't help, but in 2002, Nissan hit the bullseye. Enough power, refinement, and size to make a big dent in the midsize market and here comes Generation 4. The Altima cannot afford to lose ground, as the new Camry is off to a huge start, the Chevrolet Impala is much improved, the Ford Fusion continues to impress, and Honda is preparing an all-new Accord. Add to the mix an Altima Hybrid later in 2007 and things get VERY interesting." I own a 2000 Altima, and I don't see anything that the Altima does that Accord or Camry don't do better and the Sonata doesn't do cheaper. Nissan needs to do an exterior refresh to make their sheet metal look less cheap on the outside. And Nissan seems reluctant to fully commit to a Hybrid, which, done right, could do very well.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander - "It is an overstatement to say that this vehicle could be a 'life-saver,' but there are many at Mitsubishi's California HQ that have all of their fingers and toes crossed for its success. The Outlander has grown and now occupies a unique place in the small SUV market. The spec sheet reads big with 220 hp, seats 7 in a pinch, and 30GB music hard drive all wrapped up in a fresh and clean design. Will the 4WD Outlander help Mitsubishi find smoother roads in 2007?" I am really looking forward to this one. If Mitsubishi can bring it in at a price less than or equal to Honda and Toyota, they could have a winner on their hands. The car has some cool technology and is sharp looking.
8. Saturn Aura - "The latest Saturn ads say 'Like Always, Like Never Before'" And this car will be the first true test. Saturn won the hearts of many drivers when it arrived in 1991 with refreshing designs and a friendly dealer network. And then GM slowly burned away the good will by allowing the product line to stagnate. Starting with the hot Sky roadster, future Saturns will follow in the steps of the European Opel line-up and that is a very good thing. The Aura arrives with bold and rewarding styling and engineering and could be the first Saturn since the original 1991 SL to hurt the imports." For some reason, Saturn has never excited me. The cars have always looked and felt cheap. The Aura looks nice on paper, but will it be enough to get people back in the showroom?
9. Toyota Tundra - "At last a true full-size competitor to the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram. To be introduced with a huge marketing spend and tie-ins with country music and NASCAR in an impressive attack on the American Heartland. But as gas prices continue to be a concern, will there be enough rough and tumble truck owners to meet Toyota's sales expectations?" I have to admit that if I were in the market for a truck, I'd bypass the Big 3 and get a Ridgeline or Tundra. The target audience may gravitate toward American makes, but if Toyota and Honda keep putting out great trucks, look for this to start taking more market share. 10. Volkswagen Eos - "You heard it here first - 'soft-top' or fabric convertibles are soon to be seen as 'old school' as more vehicles like the Eos hit the market. An important first step in VW's product-focused strategy to regain their 90's magic, the Eos is a sporty 4-seat convertible with a folding metal top and integrated glass sunroof. Could become a catalyst for change at VW." VW needs to focus on quality. Their cars were sharp looking and well made a few years ago, and then they imploded. I see trouble for VW on the horizon unless they can bring their prices down and quality up.
IntelliChoice.com provides automotive shoppers with the latest information from numerous automotive resources to evaluate what it costs to buy, own, and operate each new model-year trim line over a five year basis. Critical to the buying process, IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs offered by manufacturers--giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis.
About IntelliChoice.com
Part of PRIMEDIA's Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and online buying services.
// posted by Rob @ 9:53 PM 
