Now that General Motors has declared bankruptcy, it seems a wave of nostalgia for the company that was once the world's largest automaker is sweeping the nation. This reminiscence in the New York Times is just one example, which is made even more poignant by the photo gallery where dozens of ordinary folks have shared the memories of the significant the Chevys, Pontiacs, Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Cadillacs that have played an important role in their lives.
While we've certainly had some memorable moments behind the wheel of GM-made metal, we think there's a better than average chance that the long overdue changes at the carmaker is undergoing may just clear the way for better things to come. Though public perception of General Motors' products has yet to come around, we can tell you from personal experience that the company is producing some of its best new models in decades.
If you're still skeptical, check out these DriverTV "virtual showroom experience" videos to see what we mean:
For years, drivers of European luxury brands have looked down their noses at Cadillac models with a level of disdain usually reserved for a stranger's soiled skivvies. This new compact Caddy changes that dynamic in a big way, however, matching the world's best sport sedans in style, luxury, technology and--mostly importantly--performance. Remember what our home-grown hero Charles Atlas did to the bully who kicked sand in his face after he bulked up? Well, the same thing is happening here.
Granted, we don't want to go back to the bad old days--like, oh, say 2005--when all kinds of Americans that had no real need for a full-size pickup were driving them for personal transportation. That said, there's still a place in the world for these workhorses and we think this fuel-efficient new gasoline-electric hybrid version we just drove--averaging a respectable 18.5 miles-per-gallon even when towing a trailer on mountain roads--is likely to be the way of the future.
From its attractive, ultra-quiet interior to it's swoopy styling, this upscale seven-passenger crossover is hands-down one of the best new models to come out of Detroit in recent memory. While we like the versions of this vehicle offered by other GM brands--especially the new Chevrolet Traverse--it's no exaggeration to say this Buick is truly world-class.
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