I didn't think GM "overbilled" the Silverado hybrid. They made no bones about the vehicle being a start/stop system combined with a mobile generator for power tools. I don't call it a piece of junk. It's just not what *I* need a hybrid for.

From what I've read, BAS is a legitimate, entry-level mild-hybrid system. It's not as powerful as an IMA, but it's not as expensive either. The key to the success of BAS is whether the system is RELIABLE.

Unfortunately, GM is no stranger to quality control problems. Consumer Reports said it best: a 3-year-old GM has the same reliability as a 7-year-old Honda and an 8-year-old Toyota.

But, to be optimistic, the Saturn VUE could collectively save a lot of gasoline if sold in mass quantities. At the stated price point, it's affordable for a lot of buyers. If GM gets a big installed base of BAS users, they will be less likely to be skeptical/hesitant when more advanced technologies become available.

It all boils down to whether GM builds this SUV and the related hybrid system with longevity in mind. If it's dead by 70,000 miles like most other GM hulks, there will be hell to pay!