rmc523

That is one thing I didn't like about the current Altima/Maxima -- how similar they looked from the front.

I like the current Maxima, and except for some issues with the front end, I like this one as well.

I too hate the headlights and to a lesser extent, the square grille. Back is ok, interior is nice as well. As another poster mentioned, the Infiniti-Nissan line is being heavily blurred. If you look at a front 3/4 view, you'll notice some curvy sculpting in the hood, which I believe would be better suited on a generally more curvy Infiniti vehicle. Unfortunately from some leaked pictures, it appears the new Nissan 370Z will be recieiving these ugly headlights as well.

I agree. Maybe we'll see a more squared window on the more 'edgy' (and arguably better looking) Sky coupe/Targa if one is made?

I don't think it looks too bad....how it'll sell, I don't know, but it doesn't look that bad.

I agree about the front end as well. I believe 'droopy', the word you used, is a good way to describe it.

That's interesting.....I wonder what their target price would/will be?

It doesn't look right to me.

I feel like we've responded to this same question before.

I read it the day you posted it over at autosavant. Good review, and from the looks of it, I agree the interior materials are sub-par, especially for the price paid, as you mentioned. There should be chrome door handles, fewer exposed screws, radio, etc. controls on the steering wheel, rear seat armrest, and an easier-to-reconfigure/adjust rear seat. I'm sure some of these problems will be resolved in it's next redesign. And I notice you commented on the seat/interior colors.....aren't the Hybrid's seats made from a special material or something....maybe that's the reason only tan is available?

Are you sure about the different door releases for the second row? IIRC, they're the same, unless the design has changed since I test drove one.

I'm glad to see the grab handle moved into the armrest. It was very awkward to reach down so low to grab it, and I only test drove the thing. The door release I could get used to, but the low grab handle needed to go.

You're quite welcome.

Why would the wheelbase be shorter?

I understand.....also the longer door could basically eliminate the need for tiny rear access doors, since there's a larger door opening to begin with.

possibly...

Actually, that doesn't look that bad, IMO. Good work, Tim.

Hmmm, interesting.

HAHA, I don't really want them either, LOL. They look ridiculous to me.

Are the G8's on sale yet?

Most of them aren't that bad, but there are a few....

As far as 2nd time with Escalade....by sales, yes, it was much better, but by being different from it's siblings, I still don't think it was there, at least on the inside....but the new one is. The old one featured the same interior as a Chevy or GMC, with some minor changes.

Yes, but the Insignia, on which the Aura is based, was nearing the end of it's product cycle when the Aura was launched, so, now since the Insignia is being replaced, it's only logical that the Aura will be replaced now too. IIRC it's a similar situation with the Astra...., I believe it's almost time for a redesign of it, and if so, we'll see a brand new Astra in a few years.

Many of the cars I described above fit the exact profile you mentioned. 2 cars I was driving next to (a bright green Malibu and a purple Buick, I believe) both had 24 inch wheels and scissor doors. They looked ridiculous.

Glad to hear that you like it so far and sorry about the problems (however minor) you've had already. The headliner issue sounds like a dealer/service/inventory problem (somebody working on it messed it up), not a manufacturing problem. Unfortunately, Ford service isn't the best. I know when our Expedition (04) was in a month or so ago, the service people left some seat foam (the seat motor was broken, so they needed to work on the seat) in the driver's foot well.....there were also a few other minor problems that have slipped my mind. The service problems, while generally (but sometimes, unfortunately) not major, are annoying and can lead to a bad view of Ford in general (I think Ford Service quality could've been a sizable contributor to customers leaving Ford years ago). The service manager did offer us a complimentary detailing (I guess at our convenience, since the car was clean at the time) and didn't charge us for our window tint (there was problems with that too), so it worked out in the end. Sorry for the rant.