"Badge-engineered" vehicles

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Very interesting:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/eamonnfingleton/2013/07/04/same-car-different-brand-hugely-higher-price-why-pay-an-extra-30000-for-fake-prestige/

which references this list:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_badge_engineered_vehicles

[sketchman]

Proof that we should all be saving our turds for polishing.

[Advancedynamix]

Proof that we should all be saving our turds for polishing.

Doesn't everyone do this anyway?

[Zanzer]

I like to sprinkle glitter on mine, it's less messy and gives a better visual effect

[blkfordsedan]

If you just EAT the glitter first, it will be infused. Then you don't have to go back after the fact and sprinkle it.

[Oren09]

Platform sharing can be beneficial in some ways.
Lowers prices overall the share or slightly modify a platform rather than design an entirely new one. This also makes for more parts interchangeability.

However, badge engineering leads to boring ugly cars (see all Chevys). The Cobalt/G5/Ion/HHR Delta platform was all a bunch of simple ugly little cars. Luckily they were cheap. And the slightly modified Delta II brings us the Cruze. Again nothing special.

However, when automakers take a cheap platform and try to upmarket it, that's when things can go bad. Many will simply add more sound insulation, a bigger engine, maybe firmer or softer suspension, fancier interior, then slap an Acura badge on a Civic.
The most annoying parts is when they don't even change the body panels. If the chassis is a good design that can handle the power, weight, and performance of a 'premium' car, then reuse it, but at least make a new body.

[TorqueEffect]

I like how some stupid person yet again put under "Past Examples" for Ford Fiesta also known as the Mazda 121, no dingus, it is the Festiva, get it right.

I will go ahead and edit that to correct it.

[fastivaca]

However, when automakers take a cheap platform and try to upmarket it, that's when things can go bad. Many will simply add more sound insulation, a bigger engine, maybe firmer or softer suspension, fancier interior, then slap an Acura badge on a Civic.

Prime example... Chev Cavalier - Cadillac Cimarron.

Sent from somewhere west of here via Tapatalk!

[Oren09]

That's gross.
I've been in a Cavvy. Never want to again. Everything about it speaks cheap. Appearance, materials, build quality, ride. Its just a disgusting example of a car.

[blkfordsedan]

What was that Masserati back in the 80's that was basically a Chrysler? Anyone remember those?
My personal favorite was the Lincoln Mark VII...built on the Fox/Thunderbird/Cougar platform. I still own an '86 Mark VII LSC, and it is an incredible car. The features, styling and build quality are well above the basic T-bird.

[Zanzer]

^^ Chrysler TC. A K car disguised with alfredo sauce :mrgreen:

[neanderpaul]

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?6701-cars-that-are-other-cars&highlight=sears+allstate

[lessersivad]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Versailles