Back in the early 80s, I recall my grandparents had a diesel Buick. It seemed to ride really well and was a nice car. But something happened to it, I never was clear what, and it sat parked in their driveways for years. Seems like I’ve read the early 80s diesel engines were problematic. Maybe that was it.
The Oldsmobile gasoline to diesel conversion was one of GM’s grand solutions to give the public the appearance of a luxury personal automobile that offered the economy(?) of a diesel. Needless to say it was a flop. The best that could be done with one of those cars was to swap the heads and intake, add a distributor and VIOLA, there would appear a gasoline guzzling but reliable personal luxury car for determined DIYer for the price of scrap iron.
I cannot speak to what actual differences in engines, suspension, etc. there have been between the various GM brands but I can regarding my experiences driving them.
When doing lots of extended comparitive test driving for new cars in 1987, 2006, and 2014 I noticed some distinct differences between Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, and Buicks that were basically the same car. Chevy and Pontiac were noisier so presumably had the least soundproofing against engine and road noise while Buicks were the quietest. Pontiacs had a nasty habit of the front end dipping and bouncing when braking and brakes that seemed weaker than even Chevy and definitely weaker than Olds and Buick. Olds and Buick had better feeling suspension all around. Buick had best quality of interior finish while Chevy was decidedly cheap, poorly detailed interior. Buick and Olds had better visibility for the driver in the 1987 models, Chevy better in the 2007 models. The 2014 Chevy and Buick models had very limited driver visibility out the back window which was one of several reasons I ended up with a Camry instead.
So, overall, I truly noticed some differences in handling, ride, noise, braking, and finish quality between the GM brands. ( And I still loved the low end torque and quick acceleration response of the 3.8L engine. 
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Not sure the Malibu was the same platform or engine at the time. I guess the Lesabre shared the Impala chassis, maybe? I dunno. My in-laws had an 07 Impala and I liked it less than my 05 Lesabre for various reasons. I’m not sure what all the two shared.
All I’m saying is I will miss the brand because of the cars they used to produce that I’ve had experience with. There may be other GM cars that were basically the same vehicle. There most likely were. But some of the sedans under the “Buick” badge were pretty decent. So I kinda hate to see the brand stop producing any sedans.
I noticed you conveniently ignored the most insightful part my my response, so I’ll repeat the question:
How about considering a Cadillac ATS instead of a Buick LaCrosse? I’ve ridden in some smooth Caddies, so I don’t see why getting rid of the Buick brand is a big deal if they still have the Cadillac version.
Your quote of my post was edited to leave out several important points, which I think is dishonest. Please do not quote me out of context.
OK, don’t want to leave out any of your “important” points. We would never have a Caddie or Lincoln or otherwise “showey” vehicle. We just don’t care to project that kind of image. Plus I don’t like them and most are too big. Purchase decisions are a complicated thing and not just one factor is involved. We had a 73 Lincoln that our neighbor labeled a pimpmobile so who needs it? Can we move on now?
So you want a Buick for its smooth suspension, but you reject a Cadillac because you’re worried about what other people might think?
I had no idea you were so sensitive to peer pressure. Imagine a world where people have the confidence to buy what they like.
The important point to consider here is that GM has realized catering to such a fickle segment of their customer base is not profitable.
I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry buys his father a new Caddy and his father is removed as president of his condo association on suspicion of embezzlement.
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My boss always had to drive a Caddy and I thought how sad to have to make yourself feel important that way. I did own a Corvair once but that was the only Chevy I ever had and never owned a Ford.
I always drove an upper medium priced car like a Chrysler New Yorker or an Oldsmobile 98 so my clients would see me as successful but not wasteful of the fees they paid me.
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I don’t see a problem with someone preferring a Buick over a Cadillac even though they’re both GM products.
GM may be misguided. I imagine they sold way more Buick’s than Caddie’s 
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But, to your point, my mom’s actually looking at a used 2010 Cadillac to replace her Lesabre lol. Me? I’d probably advise her to move on to another brand. Maybe get a Camry or something. I’m leery of Cadillac due to some of their past designs (Northstar V8). Still GM, I know. But GM made some good stuff and they made some crap.
Having worked for GM’s Delco division for many years, I can assure you that each division’s cars had significantly different parts in them. The un-loved J car platform from the 80’s was shared by all 5 Amearican and 3 foreign divisions and all had different springs, stabilizer bars, shocks and struts, engine mounts, carpet, sound insulation, stereo speakers (yes, speakers!) and more, even body structure. They still do it today to lessor degree.
The brand specialists wanted specific characteristics in their version of the car, and the parts suppliers would accomodate. The “best” J was the Caddy Cimmarron, the worst was the Chevy Cavelier. The sportiest was the Opel Astra but the best stereo was in the Pontiac Sunfire… in my opinion… best bass!
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I don’t see a problem with it either. A preference is a preference, but when you shop for a car, your chance of finding a car you like 100% is pretty low, so settling for a Caddy or Chevy you only like 90% might be the next best thing.
I vaguely recall a marketing study from long ago that divided the car market into various segments based on income, profession, social status, etc and it seems that the high status cars were often bought by those who wanted to project an image of success, often beyond their means while the more sedate models were often bought by those who could easily afford anything they wanted but wished to keep a low profile. But that study was pre 1970 so it’s virtually useless today I guess.
And I just saw a report that Peloton is sinking while the lower priced competition is growing. Of course none of the stationary bike companies has jumped to connect to a political party connection like pillow and chicken peddlers. I’ll be watching for such a move.
Those findings are also supported by the research done in the 1990s for the book The Millionaire Next Door.
What you describe is referred to as “aspirational marketing.” By marking to rich people who might buy your product in particular ways, you also reach people who aspire to be rich, and might buy your product just because they are status conscious. It’s interesting how it works. You might be surprised how thorough the data science is when targeting particular demographics for advertising. These days of internet tracking and smart phone tracking, marketing companies might know how to manipulate you better than your spouse does, just based on your zip code, your date of birth, the type of car you drive, and your education level.
True dat, homey.
I doubt if anyone thinks marketing to me is worth their time @Whitey. My preferences in most things, and especially automobiles, is off the charts. A good Rat-Rod comes closer to my tastes than all that I see advertised on television. If I could find a mechanically solid VW 181 I might consider checking my funds. But spending half my life turning wrenches leaves me with a dislike for glitz and a great appreciation for simple, practical, economical, reliable transportation and there seems to be very little profit in that market. No one will build a “Wonderful One Horse Shea” with an engine.
I don’t know what newer Buicks are like…I understand that the Lucerne is (was?) pretty good, but I remember a few friends and relatives Buicks from the 1990s and 2000s, and I thought they were horrid cars to drive. I’m admittedly about 15 years younger than what Buick’s target market is, but a couple LeSabres and a Century station wagon I drove handled like pigs on stilts. I couldn’t live with that.
I don’t know about that. Your description makes me think of this wonderful machine: https://powersports.honda.com/street/cruiser/shadow-phantom
The last bike I owned was a 305 scrambler and I was in Japan at the time. I might jump on one for a short ride if I had the chance but Wannabe Harleys don’t appeal to me.