Time to replace 02 SSEi

[Hoosierdaddy]

I'm just curious. Most on this site, myself included, have an appreciation for the size,power,fuel economy balance that our Bonne's afford. I've driven GM cars all my life but am very disenchanted with the whole bailout,bankruptcy,poor management,UAWinfluence,killing Pontiac etc. I'd rather eat worms than drive a Buick. So a question for those who may have similar opinions. If you had to replace a 2002 SSEi with a 2006-2009 front wheel drive auto with similar virtues what would you choose?

[gonzo4191]

wouldn't, keep the bonne,

parts and people like us aren't going to go anywhere

[xX3800Xx]

G6 GTP or GXP

[SAMzGXP]

G6 GTP or GXP

i think he was asking non pontiacs, not sure



honestly? ill take the new buick lecrosse over my Bonnie GXP anyday
or the new coming Regal

[94SilverSSEi]

What are your needs or reasons for replacing the Bonneville?

Personally I would keep it till the frame rots out
Just my 2 cents

[Hoosierdaddy]

Our SSEi is our primary auto. We rely on it to:
Take my wife (A nurse) to work and back home at midnight through all kinds of weather (snow!!!)
Haul us to our kids home in N.Carolina (800 miles one way) safely and comfortably. Usually straight through in 17 hrs.
Church on Sunday and out to dinner occasionally.
I,ve considered trying to find another Bonneville but this is our third (1994,2001,2002 after 2001 was stolen) and I'm ready for a change.

[J Wikoff]

Trying to think of FWD cars that I would buy...

Acura TL (not the latest ugly one, though, and I don't know much about their reliability)
Maybe a Maxima
Saab 9-3 or 9-5
Volvo S40 or S60

But don't dismiss the new LaCrosse. A coworked has one, and it is really nice.

[94SilverSSEi]

Maximas are decent but if you are a big person like 6'0 250lbs or more they are a definite no go
there is no head room and u have to slouch in the seat just to fit otherwise they are nice

Ford fusions are decnt also

Why not like an '08 grand prix? they can be had fairly cheap now with lower mileage

[Water 97SSEi]

Why FWD?

However, if it has to be FWD, for whatever reason and a late model vehicle, a few come to mind:

Ford Fusion
2008+ Chevy Malibu
2011 Regal
Impreza WRX (AWD)

Personally though I think you should go RWD and find a used Pontiac G8!

[Jrs3800]

Maximas are decent but if you are a big person like 6'0 250lbs or more they are a definite no go
there is no head room and u have to slouch in the seat just to fit otherwise they are nice

Ford fusions are decnt also

Why not like an '08 grand prix? they can be had fairly cheap now with lower mileage

I do agree on the GP... Friend has the 06 Loaded... Its a joy to drive, very quiet... Al little smaller than the bonneville inside, but not by a lot.. I would take the 3.8 or the 5.3...

[zuper8]

2010 ford fusion. they're one of my favorite new cars.

[J Wikoff]

I've heard good things about the new Equinox, and I've got family with a Traverse and an Enclave, they are very nice.

[crzydmnd72]

GP don't seem to have a lot of rear seat headroom. I am 6'3" and test drove/rode an 08, and my head was touching the roof in back. after a few blocks I had my wife pull over and the saleslady got in back. Good if the kids are young I suppose. It did drive and ride nice though

[olblueeyesbonne]

I'm switching gears myself here in the next couple months.
I am (and have been for the past 2 yrs) set on an Infiniti G35 or G35X 4dr. The only possible alternatives are a 350Z (this would have to be an absolute steal as I much prefer the drivability and sleekness of the 4dr), or a 2004 GP GTP Comp G in the orange fire metallic with low miles.
I know what ever I go with will not get mechanically modded out like I've been doing with Bonneville's the past few years -if any modding is done it'll be cosmetic like tint, 18" rims and maybe a little for audio (navi, and maybe a 2-300 watt sub).

[BonneMe]

I'm switching gears myself here in the next couple months.
I am (and have been for the past 2 yrs) set on an Infiniti G35 or G35X 4dr. The only possible alternatives are a 350Z (this would have to be an absolute steal as I much prefer the drivability and sleekness of the 4dr), or a 2004 GP GTP Comp G in the orange fire metallic with low miles.
I know what ever I go with will not get mechanically modded out like I've been doing with Bonneville's the past few years -if any modding is done it'll be cosmetic like tint, 18" rims and maybe a little for audio (navi, and maybe a 2-300 watt sub).

Driveability of a 4 door?

[PRD2BDF]

Got a Saab 9-3 here, love it to death.

You can pick up one in a wagon version if you wanted. There's also the XWD.

[malatu]

I'm just curious. Most on this site, myself included, have an appreciation for the size,power,fuel economy balance that our Bonne's afford. I've driven GM cars all my life but am very disenchanted with the whole bailout,bankruptcy,poor management,UAWinfluence,killing Pontiac etc. I'd rather eat worms than drive a Buick. So a question for those who may have similar opinions. If you had to replace a 2002 SSEi with a 2006-2009 front wheel drive auto with similar virtues what would you choose?

Are you still willing to drive a GM? If so and if you'd consider an awd, I just bought a Cadillac STS awd. I like it very much.

[Hoosierdaddy]

Thanks for the response guys,
I wouldn't totally rule out GM. I'm very disappointed with the poor management by GM and them allowing the UAW so much control until finally they stoop so low as to take taxpayer money to stay afloat. I dont mean to bring politics into this discussion but sadly our government has inserted themselves so much into industry that they become a part of the decision. My late father drove Caddys for years and I really like the STS and CTS. The STS doesn't seem to enjoy the best reliability ratings (Of course my Jeep Liberty CRD doesnt either) and that is a consideration when I'm relying on this vehicle to be the faithful, reliable everyday workhorse.
Malatu, I don't want to hi-jack this forum but I will be interested in your experience with the STS. I remember seeing one of the first STS-V's with the larger wheels etc. up in Lansing, MI. It looked SO COOL running hard on I-96.
I'm finding the various responses very interesting ....hadnt even considered Saab but I'll check it out! Two of the cars that are on my "short list" have not been mentioned....hhmmm.

[J Wikoff]

What are the cars on your short list?

[Skippy1827]

Ford didnt accept a bailout.
We just bought a 2008 Fusion SEL V6 and love it. Heated leather, climate control, sync technology. auto dimming mirror, plently of leg room in the back and head room, good looks, It has a USB port and headphone jack. (I would recommend the SEL over SE)

Although, the new Buicks look awesome... I will wait 5 years for one of those.