Portland Auto Show

[PolarBear]

So we went to the Auto Show- an annual event for us to look and see what the other guys had to show off. Portland isn't a major show, so we rarely get to see the kewl new stuff that get trotted out at the big shows. But it is well attended, and I like to see what catches the eye of the spectators. It's always interesting to guage Mrs. Bear's reaction too- since she's a teacher, and not in the biz.

 

1. The new Hyundai Azera is a knockout. It's not cheap- a loaded one pushes $30K, but it's got eye appeal, inside and out.

 

2. Land Rover had a really attractive display. The new Range Rover Sport is very good looking- and attracted a lot of attention.

 

3. Mercedes is really doing some aesthetically questionable things with their product line. The new S-Class is not a looker, and that new people-mover thing they've got is...ummmm.... I'll get back to that later. I'm still looking for words.

 

4. Who styles Nissans stuff? Eeew.

 

5. The Zephyr looks good, but the Milan looks better- for the price. Lot's of apparant interest in both.

 

6. Cadillac's got some knockouts too- the new DTS in Black is stunning, and the new Escalade has.... presence. That's the best word I can use. The Escalade and the Range Rover will still be the upscale SUV's of choice, IMO.

 

7. The Bentley was the only mega-dollar car there that actually looked the part. It screams expensive without being tacky. That's harder to do than it sounds.

 

8. Honda's got a potential problem with the new Civic. The young kids loved it, but everyone over 30 (eg, those who can afford to buy one) were shaking there heads. The car finally looks like a hotwheels toy.

 

9. A Ford Super Duty King Ranch Crew still has the interior to beat. For an old design, it still has a substantial "wow" factor.

 

10. The new Explorer and Freestyle were enjoying a lot of interest- and they aren't bad values.

 

11. The Buick Lucerne looks much better in person than in pictures- and the sticker prices were very competitive.

 

12. Saab still has some of the most comfortable seats in automobildom. :D

 

edit: Chevy had a Z06 on the floor, with a long line to sit in the car. Ford had their GT behind ropes, on a pedestal. Ditto Dodge with their Viper. I think Chevy had it right- make the car accessable. It's no surprise how many teenage boys were standing in that line- but I can't count how many dozens of Corvettes I've sold over the years to guys who had their first encounter with a Corvette when they were teens, and never forgot.

Edited January 27, 2006 by PolarBear