U.S. made automobiles

[Msterbeau]

I think the US is doing better in that regard.

Look at the new Malibu. That thing is sharp. Are they actually set to build the Camaro yet? That concept was awesome.

Ford's getting there, the Mustang, I love ... even though it's a redesign of the older version. Even the Focus is starting to look nice.

Chrysler's been there with their little cars. Like the Avenger, Charger and Caliber, those things are REALLY nice looking.

I think US cars are actually starting to look better than some of the imports.

Design is subjective and largely the whim of whoever is heading the design function. Others execs will have some influence, and clinics (Where consumers look evaluate designs before they are finalized) can shape things as well. It's hard to really describe how design works without immersing yourself in the job for a while. Because of this and other internal issues, design seems to go through good times and not so good times. GM is getting better right now... Chrysler's stuff largely looks like crap to me but was great not that long ago. Look at BMW.. When their current design boss Chris Bangle took over, he made a radical change in style to their cars...at first people didn't like them... not even most designers... They've refined the look over the years... and now it's more acceptable. Aesthetics being subjective, will always have their proponents and detractors.

[Fin]

The Fiesta will actually look pretty damn cool. There are not supposed to be significant changes between ours and the European model. I've been in design for 20 years.. and I still can't figure out why they don't let us have the same products as there . The regulations are getting much closer together so that issue is going away... *shrugs*

Nice pic!

If that's the way the Fiesta makes it to the U.S.--I like it.

I hope it stays that way to production.

Thanks for the photo-post, Beau.

But you guys know what I mean--there are some sleek lines on that Fiesta, & in the past they've tended to really down-play the curves. As if American's can't handle them or something.

Rayne, do you really think the "new" Avenger looks good? I know, I know--all subjective. I just think they're ugly--& available in a 4-door ONLY, no less!

I thought the 1st addition Avenger & former Stratus coupe looked way better than the new Avenger. PLUS those cars had an optional manual gearbox. Pet peeve--I HATE when U.S. cars don't at LEAST come with the option of a stick. I don't believe any Dodge right now even offers one. Bastages.

"Old" Avenger (groovy!)

Stratus Coupe (cool!)

"New" Avenger (bleckh!)

[Head Wreck]

Vauxhall/Opel Insignia

[Msterbeau]

Probably the next Saturn Aura.

Vauxhall/Opel Insignia

[Fin]

Probably the next Saturn Aura.

See now those are sexy lines.

[Onyx]

Probably the next Saturn Aura.

I really like the looks of that car.