View Full Version : It's official - LWB models to die next year
bmm354
12-09-2005, 11:12 AM
"General Motors will phase out production of its long-wheelbase Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL about 18 months ahead of schedule, supplier sources told Inside Line."
Full article at http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108416
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This news won't surprise anyone following some recent threads, but it's now official. The Buick Rainier and Saab 9-7X are also getting the axe. Looks like GM is serious about concentrating on the new crossovers, one of which will be a new GMC called Acadia. The spyshots of what's supposed to be the Acadia look promising at least, plus it will be available with a third row.
Blulytes
12-09-2005, 11:20 AM
hmmm... My sisters pathfinder's lease is up in January and she wants to get the Saab. She can get a great deal on it, but for servicability do you think she'll have a problem??? I told her to get an SS... but she didn't like that response. What do you think?
Envoy Fan
12-09-2005, 12:05 PM
hmmm... My sisters pathfinder's lease is up in January and she wants to get the Saab. She can get a great deal on it, but for servicability do you think she'll have a problem??? I told her to get an SS... but she didn't like that response. What do you think?
What is a great deal? Servicability will depend on location of Saab dealers. What is it about the Saab 9-7x that appeals to her?
I drove a Saab 9-7x this week. Happened to be driving by a Saab dealer and just pulled in. Salesman had me fill out a form saying I would be responsible for accidents, etc. and handed me the keys. He did not go with me. Took a nice drive on interstate and local roads. Drive almost like my Envoy Denali. I can feel a difference between the AWD and my selectable drive. Feels a little heavier in the front, almost like the TB SS, than the Denali.
For price (Saab was MSRP 41240 with everything but NAV) it is higher than the Envoy Denali has some features the Denali doesn't have ie Xenon headlamps, but lacks some the Denali features such as full function DIC (Saab only has a limited DIC) and wood trim steering wheel. Denali MSRP is less and red tag and rebates put it costing less than the Saab. More dealers to service the Denali.
If your sister is considering the Saab, she should at least look at the Denali :m2:
Steve02SLT
12-09-2005, 01:44 PM
does anybody else think its insane that gm blew all the money on making new products such as the 9-7 and then nixed it? no wonder they're about to go bankrupt. i do like the 9-7, but for less i'd go for the denali anyday
jauto98
12-09-2005, 02:00 PM
Actually, it probably wasn't that much invested since the body is really the Bravada/Rainier. Suspension was probably tuned with off-the-shelf equipment and so forth. GM should be good at badge engineering. You can thank the bean counters for trying to get as much money out of a program. :(
Steve02SLT
12-09-2005, 04:10 PM
Actually, it probably wasn't that much invested since the body is really the Bravada/Rainier. Suspension was probably tuned with off-the-shelf equipment and so forth. GM should be good at badge engineering. You can thank the bean counters for trying to get as much money out of a program. :(
yeah, i kinda forgot about the buick and olds counterparts. but the awd from those was definitaly nice, i always preferred awd over 4wd, but i'm not the off road kinda guy anyway. either way its still a shame to see any of our vehicles hit the chopping block. :(
jauto98
12-09-2005, 04:27 PM
Yeah, the Saab 9-7x is probably the best of the GMT-360s (besides the SS of course) in terms of interior appointment.
Envoy Fan
12-09-2005, 04:40 PM
Yeah, the Saab 9-7x is probably the best of the GMT-360s (besides the SS of course) in terms of interior appointment.
Have you considered the Envoy Denali interior?:D
StvsDenaliXL
12-09-2005, 05:25 PM
Sad....but I guess GM is trying to cover their losses.....well EXT and XL owner are going to a limited edition now, like the XUV;) ....hope they don't start axeing anything else major:worried:
jauto98
12-09-2005, 05:27 PM
Have you considered the Envoy Denali interior?:D
Hmmm... maybe I need to take yours for a ride :D . Actually from the pics on Ebay, seems Saab uses a lot of padding such as in the armrests and doors. Also, interior gaps appear to be thin. Way better than teh crappy interior in my TB (although really easy to take apart). Should have sprang for the Envoy, though I like the TB exterior....:confused:
Dacomputernerd
12-09-2005, 05:30 PM
Nooo! Looks like no EXT when my lease comes up... this makes the chances of us buying out our current TB even more:undecided
I can't complain about the Denali's interior. It has just as good or better fit and finish then my Audi or Cadillac had.