Columbus, OH Auto Show - some observations

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 11:11 am

Spent a couple three hours there tonight - all my legs and feet can stand. I like to maintain a "short list" in case I suddenly need to buy a car. The auto show seems to keep getting smaller every year - I think that the auto companies and dealers are cutting back in part because they are not convinced it is a worthwhile expenditure. Among others, BMW did not participate. I was hoping to see the new larger "mini-Cooper". Also, just a few years ago the show ran 10 days - now it is four. The Toyota area did not include even one Matrix. None of the $45,000 and up models with pathetic mpg ratings appeal to me even if I were in the mood to spend that kind of money. In terms of "value" for the money. I was impressed with the Acura TSX Sport Wagon at $31,800. I would have to test drive it to see if it really was worth that but I suspect it is. The Nissan Juke also was interesting at the lower end. In the $25,000 range I would have to consider the Mazda 7 along with the Honda CRV, Subaru Forrester, and Toyota Rav 4. At the lower end, there are many options, Scion xD, Scion xB, Nissan Versa hatchback, Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Mazda 5, Matrix, Kia Rondo, Elantra Touring, Nissan Rogue etc. I have probably overlooked a few other options. Main point being that except for the fire sale prices that some of us were able to take advantage of there are no major tears to be shed over the demise of the Pontiac Vibe. That said I hope that I can drive my '09 Vibe for many more years.

KITT222 · Post by **KITT222** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 12:38 pm

I went to the Minneapolis one, and even though Smart was the only one missing from last year, we had more companies there, like Suzuki, Jaguar and Mitsubishi. But it wasn't wall to wall, like it was in previous years. There was a fabric wall blocking off a good chunk of the floor. GM at one time had a good I think 3/8 of the entire floor, now it is 3/4 the original size, and Nissan LOVES their former space. BMW was there, as usual. The new Mini CUV thing is actually pretty much the same size as the Vibe on the inside (more headroom but not as wide though), but it has smaller exterior dimensions. The Vibtrix hybrid gets the same MPG as the Insight, and is a bit shorter in height than the first gen. Vibe, while the Insight is actually a little roomier than the Vibe. I didn't see the Matrix there, which is surprising. I saw the new Corolla though, and I liked it. Not enough hatch though, and it was smaller than the Chevy Cruze. I checked out every hatchback I could find, and not many were anything like the Vibe as far as size (my sister's Aveo is bigger than a Caliber). I did like the Hyundai Elantra Touring, and Kia Fotre5. The Leaf as far as size is decent. Yet in every car I looked at, the loading floor was not as low as the Vibe. The Cruze is a great car, for a sedan, with more space than the Malibu. The Volt LOOKS like it could be roomier than the Vibe. I saw the new Sonic sedan on a pedestal. It was stylish, looked high quality, but of course smaller. The Volvo V40 is much bigger, while the Patriot is pretty much the same exact size as our Vibes, if not smaller. My observations from Minneapolis. Hopefully they help!

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:07 am

My observation is that neither of you hit ENTER when you type...

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:42 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»My observation is that neither of you hit ENTER when you type... You want paragraphs?

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:59 am

I don't remember seeing the Sonic, Jeep Patriot, Kia Forte 5 HB or any Matrix Hybrid. Isn't the Jeep Patriot just the Jeep version of the Caliber? 2011 is the last year for the Caliber - don't know if the Patriot is also being axed. I suspect it is. I got some free Auto Show tickets for taking a test drive in the Jeep Compass when I had my T&C in for service last week - with AT can be brought for under $20,000. The CVT transmission was smooth and provides a little better city mpg. But somehow the reliability reputation would cause me to shy away from that.

KITT222 · Post by **KITT222** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 3:14 am

The Matrix hybrid if the Lexus HS2(50?)h. Yes, the Patriot is the Caliber frame. And if they're killing the Caliber, than it'd make sense for the Patriot to go as well. I've read up on the Compass/Patriot. I don't recommend them. They're bad at everything. The only upside is that the Patriot is a good offroader with the offroad package.

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 1:37 pm

The auto show in Portland, OR was pretty good this year - full up! Even had Mitsubishi, which hasn't been in attendance in years.Saw a cute Fiat 500. Was surprised that there is more leg room in the rear seat of a Hyundai Elantra than there is in a Lincoln MKZ or MKS.Really liked the new Cruze. I liked the Nissan Juke but it is barely low end. Getting one of the nicer versions will cost well into the low 20's.

audiovibe · Post by **audiovibe** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 2:02 pm

Did they have the CTS V's with the new black color? Simply beautiful when I saw them at the Chicago auto show!

KITT222 · Post by **KITT222** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 2:12 pm

They had all three! The sedan, coupe, and my favorite, the sport wagon! The coupe was in black, but I don't have a picture of it. The sedan and wagon were both red, but there was a sport wagon there in a nice gray color. It also had a roof rack.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:45 pm

I just can't imagine enjoying a Cadillac Sport Wagon for what they cost to buy and what they cost to fuel - and to think that at age 25 I bought a brand new 1967 gold with black top and interior Cadillac Deville Convertible - msrp $6,700 for $5,700. In those days I thought that was sweeeeet! Banks were more friendly back then - financed it with a personal note. I paid if off within 3 years.

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 3:40 pm

Love the CTS-V wagon. Would perhaps be my DD if money were no (reasonable) object. Didn't see it in black though - I think all three CTS-V models were in red.

RWatters · Post by **RWatters** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:02 am

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid Â»Love the CTS-V wagon. Would perhaps be my DD if money were no (reasonable) object. Didn't see it in black though - I think all three CTS-V models were in red.I'd kill for a CTS-V wagon. Easily my favorite car right now.

KITT222 · Post by **KITT222** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:26 am

Especially the Hennessey tuned one! So much power from a family wagon...

audiovibe · Post by **audiovibe** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:04 pm

The Black (Black Ice) color they had in Chicago had Magnesium and Glass flakes it really popped, and was real deep.

Columbus, OH Auto Show - some observations

Columbus, OH Auto Show - some observations

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