I do have some reasons, however, for still not seriously considering the purchase of a domestic make car.  I do not like little nitpicky oversights or problems that can, over time, eat away at one's heart, soul and wallet.  For example, the sun visors on the Intrigue have the extra pull-out slides for full frontal protection from the sun (that was a good touch to see); unfortunately, the pull-out slides, when extended, cover the rearview mirror rendering it useless -- that's dangerous.  Hence, I would not advise using the pull-out slides.  (I was unable to get the pull-out slides to go properly behind the rearview mirror.)  Another example: the convenience lights in the rear interior of the car had a mind of their own.  I could not figure out how to shut them off.  Mostly, they stayed on even after I pushed the button located next to them (that was presumably for toggling them on and off).  They stayed on most of the time, even when the car was off.  Sometimes they were off; sometimes I could turn them off and on by depressing the buttons (and I don't know why -- remember Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?).  This was annoying and potentially dangerous when I was driving one time during the evening -- interior lights distract me during night time driving.  In addition, the gas cap did not give me enough confidence that it could do the job adequately -- I'd be shocked if that were the case; still, if you handled this all plastic gas cap without any screw down locking mechanism (my words and perception), you would understand what I mean.  These oversights are trustbusters for me and indicate not enough careful attention to consumer behavior and customer satisfaction.

Nevertheless, General Motors has made huge leaps and I am closer to considering a domestic manufacturer automobile.  This is frightening to report; I like the look of the new Cadillac Deville DTS and I don't know why.  Does this mean I am getting old?  A few months ago, I took an online test to see which vehicle was right for me (I don't recall whether I reported on this in my online diary);  the test recommended the Cadillac Deville -- oooooooooeeeeeeeeeeooooooooohhhhh.  At the time, I was looking for a large sedan that would spare us the joie de vivre of purchasing a minivan  Not to fear though, if I were to spend 40+ large, it would be on a used Lexus or perhaps a new BMW Z3 2.8.

I also like some of the initial photos of the Buick Rendezvous, a small SUV that looks similar to the Lexus RX300.  I believe that it will have a third row seat -- important to a family with three children who may not want to own a minivan (I guess I have not given in yet).  While we are on the topic of RX300 fighters, rumor has it that the new Acura MDX might have a third row "magic" seat (I'm not sure how Honda will do this and have four wheel drive).  Maybe I should not make any vehicle purchase until September?

I might as well go a step farther.  I like the new Ford Focus a lot, though it is not for me.  I can see that it is going to be a small car homerun.  It is cute and reasonably spacious for a small low priced car.  Check out the wagon; it almost looks like a cross between a Volkswagen Passat and a Volvo S40.  The Focus's larger sibling, the newly designed Ford Taurus has an interesting backside.  Compare it to the new Jaguar S-type's backside and you may need to look closely to tell the difference.  Even thought General Motors has some fine vehicles coming to the launch pad soon, I predict that Ford will overtake General Motors in United States market share by 2002.

I love the new PT Cruiser by DaimlerChrysler.  It's cool and breaks new ground in vehicle definition.  I wish it had a third row seat; wow, would that be a fun looking vehicle in which to haul the kids around.