I think at least one person is pining for them. Probably not enough to rejuvenate the Saturn Division.

 

 

I'm not quite alone (don't forget that Saturn itself was pretty much of a cult in the automotive business). But I agree with both of you that it is very unlikely that we'll ever see any dealerships (Whoops.....Saturn called them "Retailers") with the planet-and-rings logo. Like it or not, GM is doing quite well with its present line-up....though, yes, I'm glad that Buick was spared instead of Olds and Pontiac.

One thing, though, that still puzzles me (though we're getting off-topic) is why GM's management still insists on two overlapping truck/SUV divisions that sell essentially the same products, with the only differences being in standard equipment and trim. I've heard a couple of opinions and explanations why, but to me it still doesn't make sense.

 

 

Cracks would sometimes happen with age, but seldom from a direct impact, unless it was by something like a freight locomotive LOL. At the auto shows (and I tried it myself, more than once), the reps used to take a standard wooden-ash (or even metal) baseball bat and whack the side of the panel for all it's worth.....no dents, or, from what i could see, even cracks. Of course, those were brand-new cars, right out of the factory.


And, even if the panel DID crack and have to be replaced, it was usually a simple matter. Disconnect the wires to the lights/bulbs, unhook the panel-clips, remove old panel from the space-frame, clip the new one on, hook the wires back up, and, Presto......ready to go. You could often order new panels right from the factory pre-painted (with the special waterborne paint job), so they didn't even have to be painted in the shop. That's one reason why insurance companies liked the S-series so much...I remember, when I had mine, I had excellent rates.

 

Read my posts, Jill. I said there WAS a cult, not necessarily IS. But I disagree that I'm one lone voice in the wilderness....I personally know a lot of people that liked the S-series, and still think it was a good idea.

 

We're off-topic, folks. I think Bit would want us to get back to Avenirs.

 

Are you talking about front fenders rather than rear fenders?

 

Yes, I did see some references to plastic rear fenders on the new Lacrosse....but I can't actually find them to post. So, until I can, to be fair, I'll put that comment on hold.

 

just a reminder, this thread isn't about the lacrosse, saturns, or even how doors close.

if you have something to add about the enclave avenir, great.

 

Saturn was once a cult, I lived 10 miles from the factory where they were built. Back in the 90's, they had their hippie Saturn homecoming several years in a row, with over 10,000 people camping out, doing drugs, listening to music, all that fun festival stuff. Saturn definetly had their marketing figured out in the 90's, its just that the product didn't improve and make that next leap forward in the late 90's/early 2000's, a lot of the Saturn faithful hated the Ion, that sealed the fate for the brand IMO, because the loyalists moved on to better cars like the Civic or the Prius.

 

Absolutely. The Ion, despite the nice plastic body panels, was an abomination compared to the S-series. I remember when I test-drove it, I couldn't help but come up with the same conclusion that Car and Driver did........."we waited over a dozen years for THIS?"


From a purely personal perspective, I would have liked to have gone to the homecoming as an S-series owner....but, from what you say about it being like Woodstock with a bunch of pot-smoking, I'm glad I didn't. I strictly avoided that kind of atmosphere and culture...even as a youth.



I don't know if you saw my earlier post, but, if Lincoln decides to go ahead with production, it might be a good idea to also compare the upcoming Lincoln Aviator to the Avenir (and to the Enclave in general). Looks like it might be good potential competition....it will be done on the next-generation Explorer platform.

I don't have the benefit (or hindsight) of several years of owning a JGC like you have, but, from my test-drives (done several), there's certainly no major complaints with it from my part. It's a great vehicle, with a nice interior and excellent road manners, though I thought the initial 2011 version rode a little smoother, and had maybe nicer-looking wood-tone trim inside, than the later ones. It doesn't seem quite as large inside as the Enclave, and, of course, lacks a third-row seat, but if you aren't carrying a family around regularly, that's not a big deal.

Did you also compare the Cadillac XT5 to the Enclave Avenir? Though lacking a third-row seat like the Enclave, it's got the same awkward E-shifter as the Lacrosse and Enclave....took me about a month or so to get used to mine. And, of course, the dreaded Cadillac CUE system that no one seems to like.

 

 

yes thanks, will see what that brings. of course it will bear no resemblance at all to the explorer i had which was body on frame, rwd. and if it really is a 'next generation explorer platform' (you know i think the term platform is pretty meaningless as everything's derived from work done before), then i guess it will still be based on the current explorer which is think is pretty terrible like all the big ford utes with very high belt line / front, poor visibility, and they drive like cruise ships. no thanks.

my jeep has open pore real wood so it's not wood-tone anything. looks and feels great. this thread of course is not about the jeep but just for comparison with this new avenir:

jeep:


avenir:


the avenir looks more modern maybe but i think the jeep's materials are much higher quality.

obviously not as big.

no, i was looking at the enclave because i might want more room next time. the xt5 wouldn't offer that over my jeep. i actually think a loaded but aged durango might even be better fit and value.

 

Had no idea Jeep was using real wood. As for the interior, you and I agree, the Jeep is higher quality in every way than the Avenir Enclave. The design of the Enclave is newer but there were a lot of shortcuts taken. The RX is a natural competitor to the Enclave and beats it in every way.