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Is Buick The American Lexus?

Agent009 submitted on 07/09/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:09 AM
from: www.thetruthaboutcars.com

[52] user comments | category: Misc News

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Is Buick The American Lexus?

General Motors is a trash talker. The automaker brags about future show-stoppers, unveils concept vehicles with a sly wink (knowing full well they're stuck in development Hell) and offers press hacks "preview" drives of half-baked green machines. No GM brand has been more abused by these dishonest "you just wait" promises than Buick. The 2004 Velite was a glimpse of an alternate universe, where Buick made perfect sense. And as far back as 2003, board-certified spin specialist Bob Lutz was busy proclaiming that Buick will be "an American Lexus." As if.

That said, last year, with minimal fanfare, General Motors introduced a brand new model: the Buick Park Avenue. The badge-engineered Aussie (nee Holden Statesman) is a full-sized rear wheel-drive sedan boasting the kind of understated elegance– both inside and out– capable of resurrecting the ailing marque's appeal. In China.

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truecarlover - 7/10/2007 8:48:21 AM

+3 Boost

You know - I agree with you. Lexus really is a sophisticated version of Buicks philosophy. If you look at the intention of Buick when it was developed - it was about pleasure for the passengers - but not driving excitement. I don't know why Lexus fans would be upset by this. You could also say Pontiac had the same philosophy as BMW - but not as sophisticated.

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lewishamiltonpimp - 7/9/2007 10:48:42 AM

+3 Boost

I actually like the Enclave but would likely never actually buy one because it has BUICK plastered all over it.

Maybe when I retire to FLorida in 20 years.

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bmwdrvr - 7/9/2007 11:03:45 AM

-2 Boost

i think it has the possibility to get there, we arent offered the chinese buicks who have interiors that would fit in the luxury class..but the current ones just dont have it except the new crossover, but hey they drive, ride, and im sure attract the same customers as lexus

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BMW995 - 7/9/2007 11:31:14 AM

+1 Boost

Wait a minute!
Buick, get rid of that antiquated 4 speed automatic transmission. Lexus has 6 through 8 speeds available on their sedans, and it makes a huge difference.
I know Buick customers are supposed to be elderly, but I'm sure they would appreciate the increase in performance, economy, and smoothness a modern transmission would give them.

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JWalkerLegrande - 7/9/2007 12:00:34 PM

+1 Boost

Buicks in China are 85% rebadged Daewoo cars from Korea. They have nothing to do with the FL Buicks... (even worse, just look at the larger Suzukis here)

I do not see how you could save this brand worldwide just by re-branding these econoboxes in China. American Lexus is Toyota, no need for imitation.

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Designer1 - 7/9/2007 12:30:20 PM

+2 Boost

oh boy, oh boy. GM, GM, GM. When will you ever change and learn.

"Buick an American Lexus"?
How can you get someone else's product, badge it with your stinking badge and yet claim its yours?

People, there is no GM cars left, well in one hand thank God, but in the other hand its a big shame yet the GM leaders are bragging about.

GM has re-badged from so many car companies, Toyota, Daewoo, Saab, and now its ripping off all of Holden. So Holden, I know Holden uses GM engines, but at least their designs are their own.

But, if GM takes designs from other companies, what the hell are its engineers and designers doing then?

A simple advice to GM and also the other "big" 2, to go back to school and learn because they've embarassed the American car industry for soooo damn long, and its enough already.

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Will_ - 7/9/2007 12:33:37 PM

+6 Boost

This is what happens when you're number one. Everyone puts a picture of you in the middle of a bullseye and throws as many darts as they can, hoping one will land in the center...

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2JZSoarer - 7/9/2007 10:44:46 PM

+1 Boost

Formula1 must own a Buick becuase he can't afford a Lexus,he probably can't even afford a Scion xA basemodel,let me guess what buick you own,you own a 1987 Buick Regal with 12inch gold plated wheels(fake gold of course) and white wall tires,oh and your doors open like Lamborghini!!!

markusck - 7/9/2007 1:07:45 PM

-4 Boost

I think the design philosophy is very similar between the two brands...design cars that won't offend, have soft cushy rides, and appeal to a non-enthusiast crowd (the majority). No innovation, no design innovation, no safety innovation (just take what others have done and tweak it)...there is nothing wrong with this approach as Lexus has proven that is exactly what sells cars..the best lexus example.. the ES..

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Czelinski - 7/9/2007 1:56:59 PM

+2 Boost

If they were labelled as anything like Lexus, they should be ashamed. They should try and remove that association A.S.A.P.

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w209w114 - 7/9/2007 2:01:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I say NO. Lexus is the Japanese Buick. Bland, Comfy, Soft, a Tasteless car for the elderly. The IS is an attempt to detract from that image.

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LexSucks - 7/9/2007 5:37:06 PM

+3 Boost

I've allways called Lexus a "Japanese buick".

Will_ - 7/9/2007 3:56:41 PM

+1 Boost

If Buick is anywhere near the realm of Lexus, then I'd say Mercedes better watch out...

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EnnNorak - 7/13/2007 12:05:16 AM

+1 Boost

No, but Mercedes may be called the German Cadillac. Both have many overpriced models although the Mercedes generally has better fit and finish. At least Cadillac does not charge extra for decent paint like Mercedes does in the case of the C-class. I also see Lexus as the Japanese Buick and not the other way around.
Maybe I'm just biased against our economic adversaries.

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LexSucks - 7/9/2007 5:34:42 PM

+3 Boost

Why is it that only the americans believe that Lexus is the best car company in the world?

When I comes to cars, Americans are fools.

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audirevolution - 7/9/2007 10:11:07 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed.
Outside the US, Lexus is ZERO.

Lexus was smart to find out the weakness of America.
All it took was advertising, and people think they're number 1.

EnnNorak - 7/13/2007 12:13:12 AM

+1 Boost

American consumers today are more car-savvy than they were half a century ago and that is why the domestics now offer fuel injection, DOHC engines and nearly all the other technical superiorities of most imported cars. Body panels fit properly now on American cars due to improved manufacturing processes. The knowledgeable consumer demanded and received these improvements from Detroit. With quality and technical competence now on a virtually level playing field, I see no advantage in buying a foreign car except in the extreme luxury market niche.

BentleyGT - 7/9/2007 7:39:27 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus has some good competition now, GO BUICK GO! LOL.

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Lexus - 7/9/2007 8:47:32 PM

0 Boost

Bentleygt, yeah...I'm sure Lexus are shitting their pants now ;) considering they just rob GM it #1 as automaker in the world.

What the deal with this Buick thing? I thought it has become obsolete?. If American car ever become half decent as the Japanese brand, they the German auto industry better worry.

The Big three in German are probably shitting in their pants now. First the Japansee, than the Korean, and now Buick trying to make a come back.

And reinforcement is coming from China and India soon, because China and India are planning to join the auto industry party,

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EnnNorak - 7/9/2007 8:53:06 PM

+4 Boost

I'd rather drive a Buick any day. The last Buick I had was an Electra with the 455 cu. in. engine. It was comfortable but eventually rusted out. I would buy a Lucerne today with the DOHC Cadillac North Star engine. Buick has come a long way since the days of the 4-barrel carburator. Buick offers the elegance of the Lexus at a much lower price. Why would I support our economic adversaries by buying a rice burner when I can get so much car from Buick for less money.

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audirevolution - 7/9/2007 10:09:58 PM

+3 Boost

At least Buick doesn't have annoying fanboys that make unbelievable, untrue statements

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2JZSoarer - 7/9/2007 10:46:01 PM

+1 Boost

True like Audi you mean!!

Georgemia - 7/10/2007 5:23:41 AM

+1 Boost

I hope GM continues to invest in Buick so they have more cars like the Enclave. The Lucerne is not bad, but I can't imagine anyone lusting after it. The Lacrosse is not bad.....and the new "Super" version might even attract some folks.

They have to do better than this, and sell some excitement. I hope they're on the right track.

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markusck - 7/10/2007 12:33:48 PM

0 Boost

Excitment is a huge part of it, Lexus could use some excitement for their non-US sales...nobody is saying they two brands are the same, what is similar is that they are both regarded as bland, uninspiring, and geriatric...excitment can do a lot for a brand...as Lexus has done in the US...lots of product placement with Gucci handbags or Neiman Marcus, glitz and glam a la Paris Hilton (class!), or fancy gizmos like self parking between champange glasses...who needs driving dynamics when you have all that....mmmm L-Finesse at its finest..

cstruc - 4/17/2008 6:55:12 PM

+1 Boost

Just to add my two cents in here... I drive a 93 Buick Regal Custom and I could not ask for a better car. Living in Manitoba the winters are long and harsh with all of the salt they lay on the roads, but just this year have I had to cut out a piece of bodywork and patch it up. Last year I had to replace my passenger side front ball joint, when I went to replace it (at 250,000 kms) I discovered that it was still the original in there! I'm 18 and I love my Buick, my parents have had it for 14 years and the only major component we've had to replace was the alternator. Besides it's regular oil changes and maintenance its cost us very little to run. Now at 270,000 it still idles smooth and has plenty of power on the highway and at red lights :P

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