Why Is It All Chevy Based?

I've allways wondered why GM went to using chevy based designs for all the mechanical bits in all of their cars. Even though the other divisions had better designs in many ways. Any ideas?

And before anyone asks, "why is this in the muscle car forums?" I think it goes right along with their death. If you guys don't agree then Mods feel free to move the thread.

Its pretty obvious that its a money saving idea to use the same drive train, engine and frame over and over again so my guess is that they had to pick one of their brands and there are more Chevy lines then their others.













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Yogs you're probably right. It just isn't fair, I want an all aluminum Pontiac mill with as much development as an LS6! (the new one)


Here's another thought why does Caddilac get it's own motors?

Here's another thought why does Caddilac get it's own motors?
and what was the deal with the catera? i know its a opel, but it looked more like a cavalier to me

Back in the good old days, every division of GM had their own engines and styling (though they shared most of their hidden parts). But the late '70s saw hard times for GM and the rest of the domestic auto industry so GM reduced the variety to cut costs. Chevy was chosen as the basis for engines just because it was the most common. It is interesting, however, that BOP (Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac) shared more common platforms with each other than with Chevy. Several Chevys of the '80s and '90s (think Corsica and Berreta) had their own platform not shared with the other divisions.

And Cadillac has always had its own engines to make them exclusive.

Originally posted by Musclecarclub
Several Chevys of the '80s and '90s (think Corsica and Berreta) had their own platform not shared with the other divisions.

And Cadillac has always had its own engines to make them exclusive.

Don't forget the vette. The strange thing is that they kept the Olds 403 around till the 80's. (Perhaps GM management is slowly going to kill off divisions till only Chevy and Cadillac are left.) Wouldn't that be sad?

Buick is always rumored to be next to be killed. How many unique models does Buick have? Very few.

Originally posted by Blue02R6
Here's another thought why does Caddilac get it's own motors?

Cadillac is the "exclusive" brand from GM. It detracts from the image when you have the same engine in your Chevrolets than you can get in the DeVille.

It was said before, but Cadillac has typically used its own engines historically. There were engines like the Buick 4.1L V6, Oldsmobile 5.7L diesel, Oldsmobile-based Seville 5.7L gas, Catera/CTS V6, and the entire engine lineup from the Cimarron, but for the most part they have their own engines. It's all image.

And this can help in boosting the image of other brands. When the CTSv uses the Z06 V8 or when the Bonneville GXP uses the Northstar, the image of the "lesser" models can be helped.

Lincoln has also traditionally used its own engines or its own versions of Ford engines. Again, there are occassions where they use a Ford or Mercury engine.

Originally posted by Musclecarclub
Buick is always rumored to be next to be killed. How many unique models does Buick have? Very few.

Just rumors. Buick's been profitable. There's a new Regal coming, a replacement for the LeSabre, the new Rainier comes out this fall, a new minivan is coming, a sedan below the Regal and a replacement for the Rendezvous are all planned.

Originally posted by Hudson


Just rumors. Buick's been profitable. There's a new Regal coming, a replacement for the LeSabre, the new Rainier comes out this fall, a new minivan is coming, a sedan below the Regal and a replacement for the Rendezvous are all planned.

All true. I for one think Buick fills an important niche for GM, especially now that Cadillac is trying to be a "hip" brand. You still will need a tradional American luxury (read "old people") offering, which Buick fills quite nicely.

Of course, Oldsmobile filled a niche as well (the "import fighter") and it got the axe.

Originally posted by Hudson


Cadillac is the "exclusive" brand from GM. It detracts from the image when you have the same engine in your Chevrolets than you can get in the DeVille.

It was said before, but Cadillac has typically used its own engines historically.

I see your point, but most divisions used their own engines till the mid 70s. It detracts from the image when you can only get your BOP with a chevy motor. Especailly since chevy has always been the regular peoples car.