AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Indianapolis Auto Show Impressions

Last week I went to the Indianapolis Auto Show. I didnt' get to see as much as I would have like, sheparding 3 kids but here are some general impressions, especally relevant to those of us whose living is tied directly or indirectly to the "Big 3" automakers.

1. The Chevrolet Cobalt is much improved over the Chevrolet Cavalier. The interior was head and shoulders above the Cavalier. It is also head & shoulders better than the Saturn Ion, whith which it shares the same platform. Whether it is good enough to take on the Civic and Corolla, only time will tell.

2. The Chrysler 300 is the real deal. I don't see how Lincoln Mercury can charge 10k more for the otherwise fine Lincoln LS in V-6 and V-8 trim.

3. The GM minivans, Chevrolet Uplander, Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza, have an improved feeling to their interior, but they also appear to have gained weight and become bloated with their quasi-SUV styling. Toyota, Honda, and Daimler Chrysler are all still well-ahead, and most of the sales of the GM vans will go to GM employees & die-hards plus rental fleets. In other words, expect high rebates and low resale values.

4. The 2005 Ford Mustang - is nice looking inside and out. Below is a review of the convertible:

The Car Connection [ The Web's Automotive Authority ]

5. The Buick LaCrosse: I haven't made my mind up about this car. I'll have to drive it.

6. Custom Vans are primed for a comeback. The kids fell all over the Explorer custom vans. First class seats, 20 inch LCD television with DVD and Surround Sound. For the price and fuel economy of a full-sized SUV like the Ford Expedition, you get much more luxury in all seating positions.