GM phasing out Oldsmobile

[crash]

GM announced that they would be phasing out Oldsmobile over the next few years. What does everyone think about it?

[carman]

I think its good since we hardly see any new Oldsmobiles on the road, if GM isn't profiting, then throw the Olds out!

[HeadBanger]

This breaks my heart. Olds has always made some fine automobiles and it's one of the oldest manufacturers in the country.

It's indeed sad..

Ron..

[enzo@af]

Yeah, it's sad to see GM scrapping some classics...Olds and the Camaro. But, it's sales that forces these things to happen. Apparantly people just don't go for these cars.

Oldsmobile seems to only have one segment of the market to shoot for (with the exception of the bravada, maybe). Maybe with a slightly diversified platform sales might have picked up a little. Perhaps an entry level two-door with some pretty good zip.

[JD@af]

Yeah, it makes me sad too. I guess it is just business. Of course Chrysler is also in the process of eliminating its Plymouth division.

As for the Camaro, it may be disappearing for now, but I would be surprised if the nameplate were not to be resurrected in the future. I hope it is, and I really think that it will be.

[enzo@af]

Yes, I've thought the same thing about the camaro. In fact, when it was originally announced that it was to be axed I heard that they had intent to resurrect it sometime in 2003/4. I saw some concept sketches, but they looked pretty weak.

[ThunderFish911]

Yeah, Oldsmobile is going straight down the shitter. Plymouth is screwed too. The next one to go is Mercury... just wait and see.

[Carguy]

Oldsmobile used to symbolize success, status and stability.

I grew up in an Olds family, starting with a 1963 Olds Dynamic 88 and finishing up with a 1989 Custom Cruiser Wagon.

In between there was a 1966 Delmont 88, a 71 Delta 88, a 73 Delta 88 (I got my license with this one), a 75 Delta 88, a 78 Delta 88 and the best one of all, the 98 Regency Brougham.

These were magnificent automobiles that were recognizable in a parking lot and always had crowd appeal.

But the boys at GM obviously know better and felt that their money is better spent on Gems such as the Pontiac Aztec, (Ughhhhh!).

Ransom E. Olds must be rolling in his grave.

We'll all miss the Rocket!


Carguy

[Chris]

I think it sucks. they are the oldest american manufacturer. From the curved dash (first practical car), to the Aurora, they have always been good. GM f***ed them. I feel they could have made it work, but they couldn't. I hate bean-counters

[Hudson]

Originally posted by Carguy
...Ransom E. Olds must be rolling in his grave...

Actually, he's probably more upset that it's survived this long without him. RE Olds left the company early on and started another company. Olds also built the REO (famous as the "REO Speedwagon"). The company later dropped its cars and concentrated on REO trucks before merging with Diamond T. Diamond Reo built custom trucks as late as just a few years ago.

[87accordlxi]

im really disappointed. like some other guys here, i grew up in an olds family, my first car was an olds (86 ciera, hehe), and my next car will probably be an olds. i want to get one to keep the tradition alive long after the company goes away

[Marc]

General Motors is out of its !@#$%&? mind for dropping Olds!!!!

[JE123]

Originally posted by 87accordlxi
like some other guys here, i grew up in an olds family, my first car was an olds (86 ciera, hehe)

I too am growing up in an Oldsmobile family. I drive a 1990 Olds. Cutlass Ciera. It's not that great looking but it is very dependable, like most Oldsmobiles. They are also easy to fix. It is going to be sad to see them go.

[87accordlxi]

ya my ciera was very dependable too. too bad the cleveland winters ate up much of the body. and if something mechanical did go arong, it was cheap and easy to fix. i remember the only gripe i had was changing the oil filter (i had the iron duke) where the right front wheel had to come off to get in there.

[DreamsofaCobra]

I guess I have the same story, first cars I can remember were all Oldsmobiles. A '79 Cutlass Crusier Wagon, and my dads old Omega. I have never seen one of those since he got rid of his. My own '92 Cutlass Ciera has served me well for almost 150k miles. Things keep changing, but what can you do? It sucks.