pow

I actually like the white. It's pure and refreshing next to a sea of dull silver and grey Acadias and Outlooks.

I'd still choose a particular minivan - one that's roomier inside and more fuel efficient - but I suppose this crossover is cooler, regardless if "the van is back" or not. It should be interesting to see how Traverse compares with Flex (or in Michiganian, "Flecks").

Yep. Apparently the Cobalt and Corolla are in different "classes". Hertz gave me the choice between a Mazda6 and Corolla for my "midsize" rental car.

And a 4Runner "can get" 22 mpg, too. Anecdotal fuel economy stories can indicate the range of possible MPGs, but they shouldn't be used to compare vehicles. The 21 mpg (EPA) 4Runner in question has better fuel economy than any non-hybrid Tahoe. However, the Tahoe has better fuel economy than the Sequoia.

It reminds me of the NG LaCrosse sketches...

Yes, the Malibu LTZ (six-speed) four-cylinder gets 22/32 mpg, which is one better than the Camry's 21/31. Certain versions of the Colorado (3.7 2WD), Silverado (4.8 2WD, 4.8 4WD), and Tahoe (4.8 2WD, 4.8 4WD) also get better fuel economy than the equivalent Toyota.

I like the 800.

I remember that! There was a black CL63 parked across the street, in front of a bar with a Pilsner flag, or was it canopy... I had a really good lunch at a restaurant like one block away - had Prague fried duck or something. The day after I had a really crappy lunch at the restaurant next to it. They gave me an omelet instead of a salad. Yeah... Great pics! They bring back memories. I think I checked C&G with one of Karlovy Lazne's trippy computers...

Hah! Ever watched Bend It Like Beckham?

Another possibility with nighttime charging... on days you don't drive, you could sell your electricity back to utility companies during peak hours.

Once the new TV arrives, we'll be switching to cable phone. Cox has these bundles -- something like $100/mo for digital TV, telephone line, and 7 Mbps internet, which is less than what we pay for analog cable, internet, and no phone. According to Cox, they sign you up for E-911, and there's a backup power unit for the phone.

I was about to suggest Versa... but if she needs a manual, just about every Versa review bashes the gearbox. The Civic I tried felt pretty "snick-snick"; I've heard the Fit's is even better. VW's and Ford's are usually pretty good, too.

You could throw in a 2.0 liter four-cylinder, add some turbos, and have a lightweight Camaro "sports compact"..?

+1 The G8 has gotten universally good reviews from the enthusiast press, but unfortunately the enthusiast market is still only a fraction of overall car sales. Mainstream car buyers, who are facing $90 fill ups, care about things like fuel economy, and the current base engine's 17/25 mpg isn't cutting it. I think we're all in favor of broadening Pontiac's appeal if that keeps performance cars alive.

Speaking about Ford, how about a Fusion? Those are about as reliable as they come. And since it's a domestic, you can find a gently used one for half the MSRP. Ford has a CPO program, too.

Ford Escape Hybrid lifeguard vehicle... it actually looked really good with custom graphics, surfboard, lights, and all. At first I thought the quietness of electric drive would be a safety concern, but then I realized that with the crashing waves in the background, even a normal ICE wouldn't be loud enough.

I love the 159 and Brera... this Mi.To thing, not so much.

If you're looking at the Malibu, definitely try out the new Accord. That thing is huge inside! VW usually has great 3/36 leases. "Sign Then Drive" ($0 down) has officially ended, but the rates are similar. Get a base Rabbit for $229/mo (0 down, 3 yr, 36K mi) or a Passat Turbo 6A for $299/mo (also 0 down, 3 yr, 36K mi). Check out Mazda, too. A relative got a CX-7 Sport for $249/mo, $0 "down" (+ first month payment and fees, total of $600), 27 mo, 10.5K mi/yr.

Jetta TDI pricing has been officially announced - starting at $21,990, or nearly $4K less than a Camry Hybrid. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/volkswa...di-from-21-990/

I believe it's the camshaft position sensor, not the camshaft itself. Edit: maybe not... http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116472 http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113454 http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118185 http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115532 http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=3494 http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=3217

Oh, by the way... will it blend? http://www.willitblend.com

The only item I rarely use would be the carrot/apple/pear/whatever juicer, which is noisier than the woodchipper on which it's (probably) based. Everything else seems to get a lot of use -- J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star II chef's knife (holy s***, this MFer's sharp), All-Clad stainless steel 6-qt deep saute pot ($74.99 from Williams Sonoma; apart from the handle, identical to their 6 qt stockpot that costs 3x more), and Microplane (great for cheese or zest). Crate&Barrel has these surprisingly high-quality, restaurant-style pasta bowls for only $8/each. I love 'em... http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?...mp;SearchPage=1

ABS is not available with the manual transmission.

I wonder if Canadians do the same in the US... perhaps as revenge for Americans who cross the border for healthcare.