You gen2 guys read Oct 05's Motor Trend?

[slingshot]

Well, Motor Trend never did pick the best Cars of the Year anyway. After reading those unprofessional and biased comments, I would never get a subscription to that magazine. And by the way, TW85, IMO the car looks great in that photo pose.

[joebxr]

I just read this review on Pg 101...ugly or not...
16 Cylinders
4 turbos
8.0 liters
987 HP 923 lb-ft torque
Sanctioned 250MPH top speed
$1,300,000

[Jon11582]

Forget the bugatti, Saleen S7 will own it if they come out with the 1000hp version like MT says. Its the first place Ive heard of a 1000hp S7 from the factory, but if it does it, itll be making more power than the Bugatti with half the engine (V8 vs W16) and half the turbos (2 vs 4), and half the price (555K vs 1.3M).

I hear its no big deal to turn it up to 1000 hp though aftermarket anyways...at 750 its only running 5.5psi and it happens at only 6300RPM, non-intercooled. With 750hp, It already beats the Bugatti's rumored 3 second 0-60 by pulling a 2.8s... With 33% more power...we're talking fast.

[MikeATL]

Sounds like Motortrend hates imports (except the ones that remind them of BUICKS!) and can't get enough of those domestic POS.

[P Funky]

Yeah, way for them to throw support behind Buick... which is, what, like a hair away from bankruptcy anyway?

Also- that Buggy... the hood kinda makes me think of a girl in a thong... and not in a good way...

[zoomzoomthis05]

lol
too bad i already bought the solara, otherwise i would totally buy a chevy HHR based on just that
j/k

i have to admit, i do want the ground effect from the SE Sports

I really like how mine looks with them.. the only drawback is the mud guards dont fit with the ground effects. but that NBD....

[Somedude]

you know some of those people might be chevy lovers so they give the HHR a good review. It just so happens the people who wrote the solara review don't like solaras, it could happen.

[2AZ-FE]

Just be proud you had a choice in picking the car you really wanted, because many people don't have a choice in the car they really want or worse, they can't even afford one...

Well said.

I first saw the 2nd Gen at the NY Auto Show in '03 (or was it in '04?). I didn't think the proportions looked right on the turntable like that. But since then it's grown on me. I think it's one of the sleekest designs out there right now. I thought they hit the mark with the interior back then at the auto show, and I still do after seeing the current crop of cars.

The only really bad photo of the 2nd Gen car I've seen was, ironically, the press release pic TRD put out of their version with the dual exhausts. That angle of the rump is just wrong. . .

And what the heck was GM thinking with the HHR?? A PT Cruiser wanna-be years later, with REALLY messed up proportions? At least the Scion xB is cheap (I just saw a Chevy banner ad for a hopped up HHR for $21K. Right.). This decision was about as bad as introducing their Pontiac Solstice just in time for-- Autumn. I wanna push for their recovery, but c'mon. . ..

[Jon11582]

Yeah, way for them to throw support behind Buick... which is, what, like a hair away from bankruptcy anyway?

The Avalon started as a large American-built Camry to be a Buick fighter in 95....It seem seniors love those huge cars, and Buick had a hold on that market. All thier saying is they did it right this time, and this one appeals to even a younger crowd just as well. The Avalon was originally built for the "Buick market." so comparisons are warranted.

And to 2AZ-FE. When I saw it at the autoshow, I actually really like how it looked, even on that turntable. Maybe its just different perspectives.

And I think MT needs to find a editor/reviewer whos a bit less subjective.

[SPF 0]

As a Gen2 owner, I can't say I'm completely nuts about the looks of it either. While not ugly, it also doesn't cause my brain to release any endorphins either.

For better or worse, the cars I liked each had some aspect that represented too serious a compromise. The Solara was only practical convertible that I found.

[joebxr]

And what the heck was GM thinking with the HHR?? A PT Cruiser wanna-be years later, with REALLY messed up proportions? At least the Scion xB is cheap (I just saw a Chevy banner ad for a hopped up HHR for $21K. Right.). This decision was about as bad as introducing their Pontiac Solstice just in time for-- Autumn. I wanna push for their recovery, but c'mon. . ..

The PT Cruiser was designed by Brian Nesbitt. A year or 2 after introduction, he was upset that he was not promoted to Design chief, and GM came courting him. Brian went to GM as Head of the Truck Design Group with a goal of breathing new life into the tired designs of GM Truck based vehicles....that should answer a lot about the design similarities and comparison to the PT.

[zoomzoomthis05]

As a Gen2 owner, I can't say I'm completely nuts about the looks of it either. While not ugly, it also doesn't cause my brain to release any endorphins either.

For better or worse, the cars I liked each had some aspect that represented too serious a compromise. The Solara was only practical convertible that I found.

If you arent completely nuts about the car then why did you buy it?

I went to great lengths when it came to buying my car.. I drove every car I thought I would have wanted. Then when I drove my car I knew if was what I wanted all the way around and yes it does cause my brain to release endorphines.... especially when I am on the open highway and I can open her up.....

[SPF 0]

If you arent completely nuts about the car then why did you buy it?

I wanted to be able to take long road trips; the limited trunk space on many of those car precluded me from packing much more than an overnight bag. I live in a snowy area and wanted a front or four-wheel driver; this again limited the choices. And so forth and so on.

I'd ideally like to have an Audi TT Roadster Quattro only with a big ol' trunk. Since they don't make one, well, a Solara it was. Having a thrilling car is terrific, but I've got to live with the thing in the meantime.

[drace99]

I have to agree, A few things I would love...
more modifications...but I am being patient,
supercharger, and a 5 speed MANUAL trans...I mean I would totally love this car if it was a 5 speed manual. Other than that, I think it looks awesome, great toyota quality, I have not had one problem yet, and it drives great. Also helps to have a convertible...(with the top down it becomes a ferrari)
Doc

[chuchurocket]

lol i have to say i was a tad upset when i first started reading the review, than i saw the "sleekly dodge neon" comment and figure they are just a bunch of clowns