Reply #99: The Computer Age

[flvegan]

GM made great cars in the 50's and 60's. Then came the gawdawful 70's. People wanted economical cars that got good mileage. Along came the influx of Japanese cars. They were economical and reliable. In 1981 or 82, GM started "computerizing" everything on the car. Fuel injection, sensors this and that, meters...all of which went to crap quickly and expensively. I think 5 years of absolute shit really tainted folks on their product. Ford had the same problem, though I don't think they jumped on the computer bandwagon until 1986 and they had 3 years of garbage. Didn't take an IQ over 20 to realize that your LeSabre wasn't running again but your neighbor's Accord never broke down.

People get in a mindset and it's hard to change it. For me, that's what hurt GM in my mind at the time.

All that said, I think all of the automakers have the computer parts pretty much down pat, and we're better for it. The advances in technology are incredible.

Thinking about it, the 80's were great to a couple car companies and tragic to others. The Cadillac Cimarron? The "Maserati" TC? Are you kidding me?!