Overpriced junk

[mattkime]

The test isn't valid unless it involves my three hour daily commute through desert and tundra.

Also, I need six cup holders and four televisions.

[vision63]

Uncle Wig wrote:
[quote=vision63]
[quote=Uncle Wig]
Once again Consumer Reports and mini14 are completely full of shit.

"Consumer Reports drove the Volt at its test track in Connecticut under the coldest temperatures this winter, and Champion acknowledged that car may perform better in temperate climates and in more city-like conditions."

And still it performed within the nominal range given by GM. Your gasoline powered car gets worse mileage on the coldest days too. CR, try driving the car in the urban environment for which it was designed, not doing laps on your test track. And account for factors such as cold temperatures in your testing methodology, duh!

I think the test was valid. The car was designed to be used in the USA. Connecticut is in the USA. A car shouldn't be that finicky. The story doesn't mention the Volt's overall gas mileage though. So you can't really compare.
It's valid to the extent that it reflects the car's performance on a very cold day on a test track. That would likely resemble some usage by some consumers on some days. But to present a fair and representative test of the car's performance, they should have driven in different (e.g. urban) environments in different weather conditions. As I understand it, CR purchases all the vehicles they test rather than accept freebies from the carmakers. So how come they couldn't have given it a more thorough test?
I suppose they can only test to the extent of their capacity. Unless they have nationwide test centers. I don't think CR has an ax to grind against the vehicle. I hope it succeeds.

[Rolando]

billb wrote:
c'mon now, it got The Presidential Seal of Approval.

I hope I look that goofy when I am having fun with my daughter!

[cbelt3]

Plug in hybrids are a specific focused response. All electrics are even more focused. They are not 'all purpose vehicles'. The only way to rate these vehicles is against others of their class.

Pretending otherwise is intellectually dishonest at best.

If it doesn't fit your needs, don't buy it.

[Lux Interior]

mini14 wrote: As a capitalistic society, we should have learned a long time ago that you cannot force-feed a market.

You are exactly right! We should end subsidies & tax breaks to oil companies and allow the price of gas to rise to >$10/gal.

Then electric cars will be in demand!

[OWC Jamie]

Rolando wrote:
[quote=billb]
c'mon now, it got The Presidential Seal of Approval.

I hope I look that goofy when I am having fun with my daughter!
I hope everyone has a chance to .
...and grandkids as well.

[Rick-o]

Hey billb, that's the best pic you've ever posted here! It's great! Thanks!! (tu)

[$tevie]

Lux Interior wrote:
[quote=mini14]As a capitalistic society, we should have learned a long time ago that you cannot force-feed a market.

You are exactly right! We should end subsidies & tax breaks to oil companies and allow the price of gas to rise to >$10/gal.

Then electric cars will be in demand! :driving:

[August West]

cbelt3 wrote:
Plug in hybrids are a specific focused response. All electrics are even more focused. They are not 'all purpose vehicles'. The only way to rate these vehicles is against others of their class.

Pretending otherwise is intellectually dishonest at best.

If it doesn't fit your needs, don't buy it.

Cogent analysis, thank you.

[Mac1337]

Lux Interior wrote:
[quote=mini14]As a capitalistic society, we should have learned a long time ago that you cannot force-feed a market.

You are exactly right! We should end subsidies & tax breaks to oil companies and allow the price of gas to rise to >$10/gal.

Then electric cars will be in demand!
What subsidies? Name them. Government milks them every step of the way.