When I first started IT Consulting in August 1999 I encouraged clients to keep dynamic content on websites so they can provide ongoing value to visitors. I tried to set a good example by writing daily journal entries, which I did without missing until 2002. Nowadays, my "blog" consists of thoughts from work, (as an SAP Business Intelligence Consultant) travel (as a transportation enthusiast) and technology.
Chevrolet Impala
Good For: Blowing the doors off other sedans. For 2012, GM gives all the Impalas the new 303hp LFX V6, which is quite fun even in the old W platform. The powertrain is new, but the good old stuff hasn't been ruined yet. The Impala is the only 6-seater sedan left in production. The LT trim in my rental also has the flip-fold-flat rear seat to expand the already gigantic trunk. GM does a good job with electronics too, with standard Onstar, remote start, XM radio, Bluetooth, and the driver information computer in the cluster that even displays the phone number of calls over Bluetooth.
Compromises: The W-body was always a mid-sized platform. The mid-size heritage shows up in the narrower body and lack of space rear seat space, which GM cannot fix just by marketing it as a full-sized sedan. I love the beefy motor, but as expected in a front-wheel-drive car there is noticeable torque steer.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: GM seems to always build a good motor, and as a standard motor in a $25k car it is very accessible. The seating configuration options are interesting, but it's not even close to accomodating 6 like a real full-size sedan or truck always has. But as a mid-sized sedan this blows away everything else in the segment, especially for the starting price, and the nicely equipped LT only pushes it up to $28k.
Friday, 20th of January, 2012
Mazda 6
Good For: Bad math - 5 > 3 > 6. I like the Mazda 3, and I really like the 5, but there is not much to like about the 6. Honestly, I grabbed the Mazda 6 this week because I peeked inside and noticed it had a real handbrake. Everyone else observe - it is not hard to get 2 cupholders next to the handbrake.
Compromises: The 16" Michelins Energys that come on the base "Sport" trim aren't very sporty. Mazda has always been good about manual transmission options, but it is now only offered in this "Sport" trim. Therefore, choosing to zoom around in a manual now means you have to give up all sorts of things - no alloy wheels, power seats, bluetooth, climate control, leather - basically anything remotely nice.
Overall reaction - None: The Mazda 6 has lost unique wagon and 5-door configurations, and appears to be phasing out the manual transmission too. It starts at barely over $20k, but even at that price point there are plenty of nicer cars that don't demand such a serious penalty for sticking with stick shifting, including vehicles in their own lineup.
Sunday, 18th of December, 2011
Good For: Distinctly nicer than Chevrolet, cheaper than Cadillac. Now that GM is down to 4 brands, Buick's new role seems more obvious. The new Epsilon platform handles well, and the new 303 hp LFX V6 is quite fun to unleash. GM seems to always build a good motor, and more importantly, they are accessible to everyone. This fun 300+ hp motor is a no-cost option and can be found as base motors in more plebeian cars like the Impala and the $23k Camaro. Unlike the Camaro though, it's on a front-wheel-drive platform so there's a bit of steering-wheel-ripping torque steer when you're having fun. The Lacrosse is also distinctly larger than a Chevrolet sedan - it is so spacious that one wonders how GM ever got away with calling the Impala a "full-size". The "Premium 1" package I drove had everything a nice car should have these days - leather, dual climate control, heated and power seats, remote start, rear A/C, bluetooth, USB, and excessive courtesy lighting. These features are enhanced by GM's excellence in electronics, with nice color computer displays and customizable options. Higher trims offer Cadillac-type comforts such as ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Compromises: I complain about the lack of a hand brake on cars these days, but Buick has implemented the worst one yet - a switch that operates an electronic parking brake - disgusting! This is a problem that even the manual transmission Regal GS turbo has - gah! Even my wife, who never uses her parking brake, named this "feature" as the first reason she would not buy a Buick.
Overall reaction - None: The Lacrosse was a nice way to roll for the weekend but I could never live with an electronic parking brake either. There are other full-size cars in the price range - I should have gone back to the Hertz counter and asked for the Charger parked next to it...
Monday, 5th of December, 2011
Tuesday, 15th of November, 2011
The next morning, I gave up, put all the settings back, accepting that all 10 speakers had been balanced as good as it possibly can be from the factory. I was then surprised to find that it sounded significantly better than the day before. I even played a track I listened to the previous day and amazingly I could hear the bass pizzicato and timpani rolls with satisfactory clarity. I guess the fancy polyethylene speakers needed a little break-in.
Friday, 11th of November, 2011
Thursday, 10th of November, 2011
Picture - I picked the perfect day to take vacation and watch everyone else work in downtown Houston.
Tuesday, 8th of November, 2011
Tuesday, 1st of November, 2011
Saturday, 2nd of September, 2011
Subaru Tribeca
Good For: The best Crossover, 2.0. Subaru launched the "Crossover" trend in the 90s, way before the term was even coined, with the all-wheel-drive Outback. In 2005, Subaru played the lifted-wagon move again, using the BL/BP Legacy platform to create the next generation 7-seat crossover. The higher-end Subaru performance technology is all here - a 3.6L flat-6 motor, VTD with a 45/55 split, VDC, etc. Handling is really good - it's a performance sedan platform underneath and the beefy 255/55 tires handle 4000 pounds well.
Compromises: There is no manual transmission option, but I don't mind the 5-speed automatic with the performance-oriented VTD system found in high-end Legacies. It's really the only Subaru automatic that I will actually buy. The emergency brake is a foot pedal, but at least it's not electronic like the new Legacy/Outback, which I don't know if I can live with. The 3rd row of seats is just a bonus - it's not as roomy as a minivan. But for being a tricked out Legacy wagon, 7 seats is a wonderful upgrade, plus the 2nd row slides and reclines all the way back for maximum comfort when you're not using the 3rd.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: Subaru is no longer bringing us the Legacy wagon, but this 7-seater is better. They paid attention to details, with everything standard - dual zone climate control, rear A/C controls, wiper deicers, big heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, power outlets everywhere, and a friendly trip computer that even says "Welcome to Subaru" on startup. At $30,495, that is a lot of value. The Limited trim is the one to get though - another $2000 provides essentials such as leather, garage door opener, bluetooth, and the Harman Kardon stereo. The Touring model I drove even had adjustments for the HID headlights. I still like the STi and EVO, but when it comes to everything else, this is the best car.
Thursday, 25th of August, 2011
Monday, 15th of August, 2011
Ford Mustang
Good For: The best performance V8 RWD sedan - for only $30k. This is what makes America great - you can buy the new Mustang GT, complete with the new 5.0L 412 hp DOHC V8, for a very average $30k. What's even better is that you can also rent it through Hertz, which is what I did. The GT is the sports car of the current muscle car selection - the others might have more tire-ripping displacement, but they are also seriously overweight. The new Coyote V8 delivers pleasant performance and feedback no matter what you're doing. It will rumble at low rpms around town, sipping gas efficiently, and moderate downshifts to the 3k rpm range do not go unnoticed. Open the throttle all the way and you will be planted to the back of the seat without a fuss. It's also relatively comfortable for being a sports car. While it does not hide any road irregularities, the Mustang is spacious and comfortable enough for 2 people to take a road trip. Even the Microsoft Sync system hooked up to my iPhone intuitively and worked better than other systems I've tried.
Compromises: The rear window louvers are garbage, pushing visibility into the M4 Sherman tank territory. Believe it or not that little window still comes in handy while making turns - fortunately it is optional. The tank-like design of the windows in general creates a sensation that you're driving a much bigger vehicle, but in the end it just made me more cautious maneuvering this baby around town.
Overall reaction - Two thumbs Up: Ford got it right with this muscle car, and it dares to be a track car too. You can take the whole family out to track day in the Boss 302.
Thursday, 4th of August, 2011
Mazda 3
Good For: Mainstream zoom-zoom. The Mazda 3 has been a great performer since its introduction, especially in the handling department. The second generation design is more of an update, retaining the platform and handling underneath. I'm also glad to see they fixed the goofy speedometer that encourages speeding. Mazda also added a startup sequence - the entertainment display greets you with "Hello" and plays 2 chords when you turn the ignition on.
Compromises: What's mainstream and not good is an increase in weight - about 200 pounds across the board. The increase in displacement to 2.5 might compensate for that in the "s" model though.
Overall reaction - Thumb up: The Mazda 3 is still a good performer and updated details keep things interesting. What's more interesting are the other configurations, which Mazda has and the Civic does not. There is still the 5-door, along with the 263-hp Mazdaspeed version for cheap hot rodding in a practical wagon. The 6-seater Mazda 5 also rides on the platform, with manual transmission configurations available all around.