i've driven the new malibu and it is definitely an improvement...but a equal standing peer to an accord or camry it is not (it's only advantage right now is they have a wagon)

 

I'd say that just from a looks standpoint both inside and out, the Vectra kills the Malibu. How'd they make the Chevy version of the same car so much uglier? Oh wait, because GM still thinks us Americans are stupid.

 

Too bad none of the domestic companys knows how to do a sedan with stick shift. I actually looked at a used Saturn L series with stick, but the only way they came is stripped - no ABS, V6, etc. I don't think the new Malibu comes with stick at all. It seems like when a domestic does come with stick, it is geared toward cheap people who want a very basic car vs. someone with some sporting pretentions. If I want a midsize sedan in stick, I need to look at Mazda 6, TSX, Accord, etc. Heck, I think even the Camry comes in stick.

Uh, sorry, rant off!

- Markus

 

well if you want a V6, the accord V6 sedan has never come in stick either. toyota used to do that stripped-down-only stick shift versions of cars, too, but not anymore

 

no thanks

 

Well anyway, the L-series is indeed dead after the 2004 model year.

Saturn confirms that production of its slow-selling midsize L-series sedan and wagon will be halted this summer at its Wilmington, Del., plant. The facility will be converted to production of two small, rear-wheel-drive Kappa platform vehicles, the Pontiac Solstice roadster and an unnamed Saturn coupe.

Solstice is slated to arrive in the fall of '05 as an '06 model, the Saturn coupe shortly after the first of the year in 2006.

Saturn adds the Relay van this fall as an '05 model. It also will add a new midsize sedan built off the same front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform as the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu in '06 as well as a sport-utility vehicle larger than the Vue.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news44/

 

Oh no, must wait until 2006 for a new Saturn midsize sedan?
GM, why do you do this to us?! :sad:

 

:lmao: