zrm@prism.UUCP (07/01/85)
I've driven a rental Grand Am, and while it is one of the better American cars, it is a long way from my '76 Bimmer that costs me less to own and run than would a late model GM car. The suspension gets real woozy way before you can even begin to probe the limits, the seats are just horrible, with the bottom cushions way too short, and the interior looks like it won't last. The styling is just that: styling -- as opposed to design. It will look dated in under three years. It also feels like it will fall apart. How many small GM cars do you see on the road 9 years after they were built? How many Vegas? How many Chevettes? There are bright spots: The new Pontiac mag wheels look terrific, even the 4 cyl. engine is peppy (but the thought of a pushrod four!) and the automatic transmission is almost artificially intelligent. If I were shopping for a small sedan, I'd look at the new Jetta. Looks great! Love those aero headlights, and the interior is as plush as any Audi. The Audi 4000S would also be on the short list. You might be surprised to find the Saab 900 is also quite reasonably priced. I've driven the Saab Turbo, very nice, just not my kind of car. But of the two cars you mentioned I'd pick the Nissan. They make wonderful engines that will last far longer than the rest of the car.