bobo

With Chrysler vehicles lately, it has almost been like they tried hard not to make them very nice so that Benzes would have a marked improvement in perceived quality. Lutz has said that putting more money in the interiors means lower incentives. It's so self-evident. The interiors of the newest compact and mid-size Chryslers and Dodges have been lacking a quality feel, and some are downright awful.

slick

rapids

I've driven all these cars except for the Volvo, though the Altima I drove had a 4. If an American car is to your tastes, obviously only the Grand Prix fits the bill. However, I did not find the GTP to be a fun drive due to the understeer, and marginal interior space does not justify the big, overstyled exterior. I drove a 2000 Maxima SE. It got the larger engine in MY 2002. It was ok, but not remarkable nor particularly memorable. I just couldn't get over the styling in the rear. The Altima I drove was a base version, and again it wasn't particularly memorable other than I preferred the Honda Accord. If it were my choice, I'd go for an Altima after the mid-season facelift because of the much improved interior. However, if I could find a Maxima at the right price, I'd certainly consider that.

tool

aroused

I'd like to see a modern amphicar, maybe with a sail. Wind power = no emissions.

After I looked at and sat in an Avenger, I walked away convinced that the Accord still sets the gold standard in family sedans. I will grant the Avenger that it is a decent looking vehicle, other than the messy B-pillar and rear doors. The mini-Charger styling works for the most part. I just don't see much demand for this car or the Sebring when there are betters cars around.

lathe

I have those T/A's (V rated) on my Honda now. It's a decent tire that is a good value for the money. As expected, they're not as sticky as previous Z-rated tires (T/A's and Pilots) I had on it.

Occasionally for work only, mainly for receiving calls, making calls only when urgent. I very rarely text. California has a hands-free law that will go into effect next year. I have a bluetooth earpiece but havent used it yet.

Ted Haggard

carrot

Forrest Gump

I haven't had a car payment in two years, and I'm not inclined to start having one again anytime soon. I have about 10 years left on my mortgage. I could probably pay it off in five years, but with an interest rate of only 4.75%, it's hardly worth it, though I don't like being in debt.

1979 Ford Mustang. Back in 1978 when I was 10 years old, I had a great awakening when my dad went truck shopping and bought a Ford F150. I had never paid attention to cars before. The new Mustang seemed incredibly modern at that time.

water closet

The Volt makes me happy, though I'd be surprised if it gets out to market by 2010. GM's candor on the project is refreshing, though I can't help but think that promotion of the project is due to "Who Killed the Electric Car?" and Toyota's lead in production hybrids.

record

I think my only MC experience was riding in the back seat of a new '78 MC. It was a light brown, and I was impressed at how luxurious it was.

Nice. The W124 may have been the best Benz ever. Benz is now just a shadow of its former self in this post-Lexus era.

Full Monty

It doesn't mention anything about a waiting area. I'm assuming there will be cushy chairs, a large-screen flat panel TV, and wi-fi? I recently took my Silverado to the local Chevy dealer for service, and the waiting area couldn't be any more bare bones. They had chairs around a coffee table, and that's about it. Coffee was available out in the shop area. Maybe I've been spoiled by the Lexus dealer.

SWEEEEEET! It's not a perfect specimen, with the cream over brown not my favorite color combination (that would be black over silver), and that odd upholstery, but overall, much classier than today's so-called luxury cars. It just oozes neo-classical elegance. Definitely worth a closer look, if only I were in Tennessee. It could use a little attention (new steering wheel cover, new windshield?), but those are just minor quibbles when you can have the faux burled walnut trim, 8-track tape player, side mounted spares, and Cadillac style in spades. What's not to like?

The LaCrosse has the entire fender covered, but there are no protrusions to indicate ventiports.