Comments on: Car-based pickups: GMC concept in 2 weeks; Pontiac model in 2 months

By: bonnejill

bonnejill — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:32:30 +0000

I dig the old El Caminos. Will have to reserve judgement on this one until I see it in person though. Too bad it won’t be at the Toronto auto show.

By: injunraiv

injunraiv — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:08:16 +0000

No, not “El Caballero”, just “Caballero” which doesn’t translate to spanish, IIRC! They did make an “El Diablo” version with trick hood flames.

By: C6Racer

C6Racer — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:33:06 +0000

Richard, wasn’t there a GMC called the “El Caballero” too?

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:29:07 +0000

There is nothing new or innovative about a car-based pickup truck–or ute. For the 1957 model year, Ford pioneered the category with the Ford Ranchero. GM followed in 1959 model year with the Chevrolet El Camino. The 1950s were a time when pickup trucks were considered to be work vehicles used primarily by farmers. The emerging suburbs created a demand by former city dwellers for hauling capability. However, suburbanites wanted something a little more stylish than a pickup truck. To satisfy this new demand, pickup manufacturers gussied-up their truck-based trucks with the Style Side and Fleetside. The Dodge pickup truck offered a bed with tail fins. The Ranchero and El Camino took this trend to its logical conclusion with car-based trucks.

Eventually, the truck-based trucks lost their stigma and became highly profitable. Ford dropped the Ranchero after the 1979 model year ending a 23-year run. The Chevrolet El Camino hung on for a bit longer. It even spawned its twin GMC Sprint (1978-1984). However, GM dropped the El Camino after the 1987 model year ending a 29-year run.

The assertion that Americans are somehow closed-minded against utes flies in the face of the facts. What next are we closed minded against–hand crank starters and leather transmissions? The ute had its time here, but time has passed it by.

By: Automan

Automan — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:17:43 +0000

You Yanks crack me up! You don’t have a clue how popular the Holden utes and Ford utes are downunder. They handle well and are a lot better ride than those big Chevys and F-150’s. Yes most people think only rednecks drive them but that’s not the case down here we also loved panel vans too or “shaggin wagons” as they are known. But wait you may not even get them over there yet with that damn CAFE fuel B.S. you have over there anyway goodluck you might still get a few i still don’t know why they don’t just call it an El Camino?

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:51:21 +0000

Injunraiv- Because GM and Chevrolet both have compact. mid-size and full-size pick ups. Not only will this fit into Pontiacs styling department with little ease and lower cost, but it’s also viewed as sportier than a regular pick-up… Hence it’s a Pontiac.

By: injunraiv

injunraiv — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:16:06 +0000

Yea, hateful. I agree about the timing. I just don’t understand Pontiac getting the Ute. It seems to me it would sell better as a Chevy or GMC.

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 03:42:00 +0000

I’m curious if LLN got a new writer. This one adds a little bit of humor, without getting everyone upset.

By: Rover3500

Rover3500 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:30:19 +0000

Why are so many Americans so insular and close minded? Don’t you realise that this is one of the top selling vehicles in Australia? They are EVERYWHERE! Its like the Camry of OZ. But waaaaay cooler of course.

Oh and like its sedan sibling its fantastic to drive.

By: SS4LIFE

SS4LIFE — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:26:44 +0000

Yeah Ironhide, say what you want but personally I’d rather have the big powered RWD sedans and Ute’s, and The Holdens and Ford Falcon’s that the Aussies have as opposed to half the crap that we have over here.

Keep bringing their vehicles over here!

Yeah as for the UTE’s I still don’t understand why Pontiac is getting it?

By: gbb

gbb — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:23:32 +0000

Well, if you occasionally need a light truck, this might be OK. I hope it will get much better fuel economy than a fullsize truck. Otherwise, its a waste.

By: CTS DRIVER

CTS DRIVER — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:07:34 +0000

head over to motor trend they have a picture of the 4 door.

By: injunraiv

injunraiv — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:52:54 +0000

Oh great, another import humper making his prescient ideas known to the world. Dude, since when does Europe get better cars than the US? I hope you aren’t speaking of those high quality VWs… And BTW, my personal experience with the Holden brand so far has been a delight. My GTO is an absolute dream to drive. I think you have it backwards – they are isolated so they can make cars the way they want, without listening to pansies like you.

By: cwwilson

cwwilson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:03:42 +0000

It will surprise me if these things sell.

By: droppedgmc02

droppedgmc02 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:45:13 +0000

Do it Do it. proved to be a good seller in Australia. So why not bring it here. I wish we had 1/2 the cars they sell over their.

By: F451

F451 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:34:14 +0000

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

By: 6ix

6ix — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:08:57 +0000

Did they not see the Subaru Brat sales figures???? Maybe they have some strong marketing data, but I just don’t see it being a good idea. Keep the G8 the way it is…a bad-ass car.

By: Madcapp

Madcapp — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:06:07 +0000

Chevellecamino!

By: bolex

bolex — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:02:54 +0000

it maight look cool but i donthink it’ll sell enough to keep it. the magnum was actually practical, but this?

By: injunraiv

injunraiv — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:49:52 +0000

Um, ‘niche’…

By: injunraiv

injunraiv — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:49:21 +0000

LOL, the ‘emergence’ of a new nuche, by going back to what was in the 70s! Nice reporting, LLN!