Comments on: Buick Avant

By: Ktulu

Ktulu — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:37:04 +0000

I like it… I can’t find fault with it… I think it would be a great product for Buick.

By: TerryB.

TerryB. — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:40:43 +0000

While you’re out there reinventing the Buick wheel, have you taken a look at what the custom shops are doing to bring back the look and feel of the old Buicks with a modern touch. Wonder what Mr. Earl would think…

http://www.californiacruisers.com/hhr_1953_woody.htm

I’m not too fond of the ‘Woody’ look. But everything else, from the waterfall grill and side chrome to the simple bumper overlays and bullseye hood ornament just says Classic Buick.

By: tokao

tokao — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:36:41 +0000

Very good design indeed.

By: Wade Bryant

Wade Bryant — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:08:20 +0000

Someone sent me this mostly glowing review of the Chevy Equinox that did mention some of the less-perfect plastic bits.- http://autos.aol.com/article/2010-chevrolet-equinox-drive

By: Chief

Chief — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:07:20 +0000

With the demise of many GM brands, I am hoping that we’ve seen the last of cloning and rebadging. While I’m fully aware of the global platform concept, etc., my number one suggestion for any new vehicle would be to make certain that we do not see the same vehicle sold as 4 different brands.

Furthermore, one of my pet-peeves is the insistance of manufacturers to make 4 different sizes of the same vehicle – identical front ends, generic styling, etc. I see nothing wrong with a new Buick that looks nothing like others in the line-up. If it is a worthy offering, there should be no problem with the car being recognized as a Buick without looking just like all the others on the road. Scion proved that with 3 models with nothing more than a logo in common yet, everyone knew them as Scions. Besides, I would rather have my vehicle noticed via ” Wow, what kind of car is that?” versus ” Oh, I see you bought the small Buick”

By: Wade Bryant

Wade Bryant — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:44:29 +0000

You make some excellent points and believe me we are having this exact discussion “in-house”. Buick needs to re-establish itself in many vehicle segments and in both the US and China. I think a flagship car would be appropriate in addition to a small premium entry. Lexus doesn’t sell too many LSs but it does a lot for their reputation.

By: Wade Bryant

Wade Bryant — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:38:49 +0000

I know this is a bit off-topic to Buick small premium but I’d like to understand the “plasticky interior” concerns a bit more. Many of our recent products have placed considerable effort on the interiors and use some of the highest-quality materials in the class. Most of the reviews have been exceedingly positive and I thought the Equinox interior was class-leading from a design perspective. We used to be criticized for shiny plastic surfaces that looked “plasticky” but we have far better low-gloss materials in all our products now. Could you be specific on the turn-off points? What gave the plasticky impression (color, texture, gloss level, shapes, scent)? I think the Venza interior is a bit uninspired especially considering it’s higher price tag. What was so appealing to you and your wife?

By: mross25

mross25 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:03:09 +0000

I would like to see buick continue to focus on regaining its reputation as a premium car maker before venturing into small cars. The Lacrosse is a good looking car, and so is the new Regal. Buick needs a flag ship large size car that can compete with the Hyundai Genisis and other RWD flagship V8 vehicles. Buick could use a beautiful coupe and some additional crossovers. I think if Buick can be a brand that competes with Lexus eventually, but needs more cars and suv’s. Contrary to what some believe I feel Cadillac and Buick and co-exist together. Cadillac is flashy vs. Buick is understated elegance and luxury. If Hyundai can sell a $40,000 dollar RWD V8 Genisis, why can’t Buick sell a $40,000 RWD V8 automobile? When I was a child my parents owned Buicks and I remember the feeling of pride I had getting out of beautiful Park Avenues and Electra’s. Particuarly the 1983 Buick Park Avenue Electra comes to mind. The attention to detail on the interior was amazing. The leather padded dash, bright work chrome, wood grain and layout were elegant and the exterior of the car had presence. The Lacrosse and Enclave reminds me of the Buicks I grew up with. Please make a full size Buick that gives the Lexus LS a run for its money.

By: Andrew Scott Kinomoto

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:32:54 +0000

Very thoughtful design. I think for any small vehicle (premium or mainstream) personalization will be key. Drivers today want the option to make their vehicle stand apart and be a personal statement of style and preference. The Mini Cooper is a prime example – every single model is unique from a myriad of options. The Avant is a great concept and looks to be going the right direction.

By: Jason Card

Jason Card — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:36:50 +0000

Even if you throw out all the unique features of the Avant concept and only maintain the beautiful body shape/design and the fact that it is a 2 X 2 seater coupe, so long as you use premium interior materials and equip it with at least a 200 HP engine that can do a 0-60 time in the low 7 second range, I think you will have captured the interest (and dollars) of young upscale professionals like me who would like to buy North American, but can’t find anything described as “sporty and luxurious” that can compete with European (read: German i.e. BMW/Audi/VW) vehilcles.

Audi missed the boat by not making its A1 available in North America. Buick could punish them for that mistake by making this car.