Quick Review: 2009 Chevrolet Impala Rental

I needed a rental car for a couple of days, and the only car available at my local Enterprise store was a red 2008 or 2009 Impala.The Chevrolet Impala is a perfect example of why GM nearly went under, and how the Chevrolet brand was adrift without a clear identity. It is a mediocre car, with some very annoying details. It doesn't inspire passion, it isn't a car I would choose to buy. It is a rental fleet queen.Good Points:Quiet, smooth, 3.5L V6...

Chevy Mocks Volvo, I Mock Chevy

In a new ad campaign, GM's Chevrolet division points out the passion that some of their classic cars inspire.  Link: http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/08/chevy-hates-on-imports-and-hollywood-with-recent-ad-campaign.html#more.  One of the banners says "They Don't Make Songs About Volvos". As a former Volvo 850 owner, I am a little hurt by Chevrolet's blow, implying that Volvo's don't inspire passion.  I'd like to point out...

GM Debadges Itself, Finally

Finally, GM has come to its senses and is removing (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125115331402254991.html) that stupid little square GM badge that they started sticking on every car.  It was a silly idea (and I blogged so), because they were promoting a brand that wasn't really much of a brand, while annoying their high end customers.  If you bought a $50k Cadillac, or a Saab, or a Corvette, did you really want to be reminded that your...

Bill Frist Trades Down

Bill Frist said in a Larry King Live interview that he Cash-For-Clunkered a Chevrolet Suburban to get a Toyota Prius.   He didn't have to choose Toyota, there are other excellent options.  As an employee of an American based automotive related company, I would like to send Mr. Frist a hearty "go to hell". For the first time ever, I find myself appreciating something about Howard Dean, who on the same program said that he was going...

Fiat 500 to Mexico?

According to the WSJ (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125046466790535335.html), Fiat will bring assembly of it's b-car 500 (aka Cinquecento) to the Toluca, Mexico plant where PT Cruiser is built. This looks bad for Obama, and there is going to be a lot of heat.  A lot of people are going to reasonably ask, "why are we spending government money to prop up assembly jobs in Mexico?".   I expect Congress will have hearings, where...

The Woodward Pre-Cruise: Friday Night

Friday night in Birmingham. Lots of people, lots of interesting cars.Sign of the times.Weird Harley powered thingTwo yellow sleds.Monster truckGreen ThingMonkees CarBiggest truck of the nightWoody!No jo...

The Woodward Pre-Cruise

On Thursday evening I went over to Birmingham and shot some photos of the pre-cruise cruising. It was very busy. I apologize that the photos aren't all sharp, I am still getting the hang of how to use my camera in relatively low light.Work-in-progressZimmer?Old school jeepThis guy had lots of lights on his motorycleWacky Red Wings themed limoBlurry but coolThis is the guy who put a jet engine in...