Drew Dowdell

How long will your last statement be true? If you believe CERA, OPEC and the cornucopians there are at least 1,350 billion barrels of conventional oil in known reserves. But those are made up numbers. One famous example is Kuwait, which has only 48 billion barrels of proven (95% sure) and probable reserves (50/50 chance of being there) but continues to claim 102 billion barrels of proven reserves. Once you take out the lies, worldwide the figure is closer to 850 billion barrels, or quite possibly as little as 600 billion. The world uses over 30 billion barrels a year.

Note that the 4100lbs Lacrosse is the CXS with AWD, but I agree with you on the feel of the Lacrosse, I just think it's pushed the weight a bit too far. The 3400lbs original CTS felt very solid and is very agile... and is only 200lbs more than a Sonata.

Lightweight steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, and composite construction have all come a long way since 1988. These should have been added to cars in tandem with the other new technologies to keep vehicle weights relatively stable.

What's the problem with "added lightness"? cars are super porkers these days. All this talk about the Hyundai Sonata's low weight at 3199lbs? Well Yippie... it's down to the weight of a 1989 Lesabre! The Lacrosse, as much as I like it, is often cited as an example of being too heavy because it can weigh as much as B-Body station wagon!

the PPV was there. Did you just miss it?

If you're looking for new product, the NY auto show was a bust for almost any brand.

Go with a higher mileage Avalanche to adjust the cost down.

edited the title forward 10 years.

I've seen booths at Carlisle with less parts....

nope. it was on 360

I'm on vacation this week.... and of course as soon as I get 3 miles off shore a hacker turns C&G into a phishing site.

creepy?

New one isn't on the lots yet and old one's inventories were low to begin with

Auto Show Quick View: 2010 Toyota Venza First in this series of auto show quick views; the 2010 Toyota Venza. I decided to do a writeup for the Venza because... well... it was there and it looked lonely. Seriously, most of the Toyota exhibit was abandoned since Toyota wasn't unveiling anything at the show. I picked the Venza because it's a relatively new vehicle that most people are unfamiliar with, at least close up. Exterior: One of the first things that strikes me about the Venza is it's attractive stance from the rear. From the rear you notice the Volvo tail lamps that Toyota successfully melded into their own car. It has a lot more style and character than anything else I can think of in the Toyota brand. Unfortunately, the good looks don't circle around to the front there a huge bull dog grill awaits, grinning at you menacingly. <a href='http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?app=gallery&module=images&img=418'><img src='http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1269887413/gallery_51_31_606511.png' alt='2010 Toyota Venza Front' /></a> Interior: The interior is a mixed bag of premium and not so premium feeling stuff. Working forward from the cargo area, you'll find a large standard trunk area with a sturdy load floor. The load floor however didn't appear to have any sort of latch or velcro to hold it down and could easily come loose on very rough pavement. The rear seats fold down using levers just inside the hatch. The load floor is even but at a slightly upward angle rear to front. Overall cargo room is good, however it is compromised by large strut towers and a rear roof lip that intrude into the space. Moving to the rear seat, there is plenty of head and leg room. The rear seats recline but not far enough to be much use.... still the option is nice. The front is where things really get inconsistent. The gauges are large and easy to read. HVAC and stereo simple enough to work once you hunt down the button you're looking for. Driving position is good with decent visibility. Styling isn't very inspiring, but it's inoffensive. The sliding center console with MP3 player holder is innovative in concept but clunky in operation. There are dash punchouts that one would think would get filled with buttons if you move to a loaded model, however out of 3 available punchouts, only one gets a button on upper models. The base model fabric feels awful. The leather of course is better feeling and has an interesting grain, but somehow manages to feel more like vinyl than leather. The mini-glove box on the driver's left is positioned just right to hit your knee when it falls open with a thud.... and it's only a matter of time before that happens due to the extremely cheap latch mechanism. Of course, I didn't get to drive the Venza so I can't give a review of that. The Venza seems to be aimed at the more car like CUVs like Ford's new Edge and Chevrolet Equinox. I haven't driven an Edge yet, but I know from my earlier review of a 2010 Equinox that it's interior isn't the mixed bag the Toyota Venza's is. Photo gallery: 2010 Toyota Venza

The SRX is as much a Vue as the new 9-5 is a 2004 Malibu....

Last call before I leave. I have pics and notes on: Cruze RS Cruse ECO Saab 9-5 Nissan Juke Nissan Leaf Hyundai Sonata Limited and Hybrid MKX Scion iQ Scion TC Toyota Venza Toyota Avalon Plus pics and/or videos of: CTS-VW Lincoln MKT rear seat operations MB E-350 Estate MB Gullwing Infiniti QX GMC Granite