Originally posted by Slacker SAV:
Originally posted by Zoom Zoom Diva:
Overall, it's an improved compact SUV, but GM fouled up in not giving it a total redesign from the ground up (this needs to be done every 4-6 years).



I wish I could live in the little world inside your head where car manufacturers can afford to do this and come out with a profit. Even Toyota doesn't do things that often. The Camry has the same look to it minus a redesigned headlamp layout since 2002 and the Sequoia has only had the taillights laid over since 2000 when the thing debuted. FWIW, I don't think the Honda Civic has changed platforms since 2000 either.
-SAV



hmm.

we're at the tail end of MY2005 right now.

camry: 2002 - 2005: 4 model years. i've seen spy shots of the next gen camry, so while it may not debut as an '06, it probably will for '07....thus falling within the 4-6 year window in question.

civic: 2001 - 2005: 5 model years. the '00 was still a 6th-gen (EK) platform, and '05 is the last of the current 7th gen (EP?) - a new 8th-gen bodystyle debuts this fall as an '06.

sequoia: that's kind of a reach for justifying the argument that 4-6 year model cycles cost too much and aren't financially viable, but i suppose i'll agree that it may be getting a bit long in the tooth. however, toyota's name gives it a little more staying power than saturn's....and big trucks and SUV's seem to be able to get away with longer model cycles anyway. a new tundra is in the works and probably isn't that far off, and i would assume a redesigned sequoia will follow the launch of the tundra pretty quickly....

the industry standard for cars (and small SUV's) does seem to reflect a 4-6 year model redesign schedule with a mid-cycle styling refresh at the 2-3 year mark (usually limited to colors, front/rear fascias, headlight/taillight tweaks, wheel/wheel cover changes...etc.).

anyway, that's my .02 on that issue.

on the VUE - the interior of the one i sat in felt like it was made by fisher price, complete with the mold release lines on all the cheap plastic dash pieces and console. the interior styling was really cheap in feel, look, and overall execution...i was NOT impressed.

with that said, the honda V6 and the styling tweaks of the exterior make the redline version actually look halfway decent. not sure i'd choose it over any of another half-dozen small SUV's on the market, though. hopefully the '06 redesign will improve on the tactile feel of the interior in addition to its look, but time will tell on that issue.

blake --former CSVT owner-- MINE: 2002 jeep grand cherokee limited 4x4 - stone white/taupe HERS: 2005 acura TL 5AT non-navi - satin silver/quartz GARAGE ORNAMENT: 1962 chevy C10 fleetside pickup - tan/rust