“They just don’t make ‘em like they used to.” No one can deny that. I have no expectation of my 2006 Saturn Vue outlasting my friends 1931 Lincoln, let alone being a collector vehicle or worth restoration. I truly don’t expect it to last the 25 years to be called a “classic” (but that’s a completely different blog!).

 That being said, there’s also nothing quite like a brand new car. The unblemished paint, uncrushed carpet, spotless interior and, of course, learning all the new gadgets. As part of my automobile education, I took my first trip to the Cleveland Auto Show this week.  It was interesting to see what the manufacturers are coming up with to draw attention to their cars. Being able to sit in all the cars  gave me insight on what I really like.

 I had been eyeing the ads for the new Lincoln MKZ and was disappointed to find nothing about the car wowed me as I expected and sitting in the driver’s seat just didn’t feel right. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. There are features you look for in a car but if it doesn’t feel right when you sit in the driver’s seat all the bells and whistles will not make up for that.  Several years ago when Ford came out with the retro look Mustang I was sure I wanted one. I took one for a test drive only to discover nothing was in my reach.  Of course, I had to check out the beautiful Shelbys at the IX Center, but alas, the chemistry didn’t happen.

 All in all, it was a nice show. Having never been there before I don’t have a perspective on “the good old days”. Help me out…have you made the trip? How does this year compare? Was there anything you had to have?

The media has been deluging us over the past couple weeks with news of various Toyota recalls and the shutdown of manufacturing and sales due to known defects. This type of action is without precedent but the fact that it is happening to Toyota, long regarded as the quality leader in mass production automobiles, is nothing short of astonishing.

 Other manufacturers have been quick to jump in and try to steal sales while Toyota dealers have taken extraordinary measures in an attempt to maintain their customer base. Many have opened their service departments twenty four hours a day to address recall repairs and many are offering full meal service all day long to service clients.

 With all of this going on, I'd like to hear your Toyota story, whether it involves a recalled car or not. I must admit, I've only owned one Toyota in my life and it was just an entry level model my wife and I purchased when we were first married. From an ownership standpoint, it was one of the most reliable and cost efficient cars I have ever owned. When I totaled it (my fault) at 184,000 miles, it also proved to be a very safe vehicle. What's your Toyota story?

One of the best ways for car buffs to get through another brutal northeast Ohio winter is to visit the annual Cleveland Auto Show.  This year’s show will be held for eight days—February 27 through March 7 at the I-X Center.  In addition to the true stars of the show—the 2010 automobiles, trucks and motorcycles—the 2010 auto show will feature several “theme nights,” including NASCAR night and Ohio State University night.  The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers will have a major presence throughout the show; several players and Coach Mike Brown will make appearances.  The Cleveland Institute of Art will hold its 8^th annual Automotive Design Symposium (on Friday, March 5).  The 18^th annual Automotive Technology Competition will also be held. More than 40 manufacturers will be displaying automobiles—both domestic and imports—as well as concept cars, converters, motorcycles, RV’s, alternative fuel vehicles and a special display of “classic cars.”  The Cleveland Auto Show claims “the most interactive auto show in the U. S.” with indoor and outdoor ride and drive exhibits.  Adult admission is $12, seniors and pre-teens are $10 and kids six and under are free.  $2 off coupons are available from more than 250 northeast Ohio automobile dealerships, although supplies are limited.  If you want to get an early look at the show, support Cleveland area charities and mingle with the swells you can attend the special VIP “Night of Lights” gala preview on Friday evening, February 26.  For more details visit the auto show web site at: www.ClevelandAutoShow.com

The all important December car sales numbers are in and Ford is the big winner. Unit sales increased more than 30% over December, 2008. All in all, this capped off a banner year for Ford sales relative to the rest of the industry. Toyota, Honda and Nissan all showed double digit increases over last December's sales but the other two major U.S. manufacturers registered sales declines. General Motors sales were down nearly 6% and Chrysler showed a 4% decrease.

 As you may recall, Ford was the only major U.S. auto company to refuse the government's bailout money. They obviously had a plan and it's working. Unfortunately, we the people are effectively the proud owners of GM and Chrysler through the federal bailouts. Seeing as how these companies were in trouble to begin with and our government has never been known as a model of efficiency ($600 screwdrivers anyone?), I don't have a very optimistic outlook for these companies as quasi-government entities. What do you think about the future prospects for GM and Chrysler's?

OK, now that I've narrowed down my wish for an old car, it's time to move on to a different category. Let's go with a new car wish today.

While most people know what their new dream car is, it is very difficult for me.  Although I love the technology of new cars, I'm more of an old car buff. Playing the cat and mouse game with some new car dealers is also something I don't love. As a result, buying a new car has always been a bit of a chore for me. But, we're just wishing here, so let's put the worries aside.

The stipulations I've made for today's wish is that the car must be in current production and must be available through an authorized dealer in the United States. That quickly eliminated a lot of the cool European and Japanese stuff that we don't see over here. Effectively, that eliminates any small sports car that would interest me. Although trucks are our national vehicle, the only truck I would ever drive would be an honest beater of a work truck. In my book, the only convertibles to drive would be at least forty years old so you can truly enjoy a hint of uncatalyzed exhaust. Finally, even though I love our Suburban (and our daughter keeps asking for a G-Wagen), no SUV should ever be anyone's dream car.

That leaves me with wishing for a (gasp)sedan. If you think of it, today's sedans have probably seen the greatest level of improvement of any market segment in the auto industry. Imagine the BMW M Type, Cadillac V, S Class AMG Mercedes and Audi A8. Even the Ford Taurus and Chevy Malibu are head and shoulders over what they were just ten years ago. But, to me, one sedan stands out among the crowd; the Porsche Panamera Turbo. A true ultra luxury four door sedan with 500 horsepower, a top speed of 188 mph and a sub-four second 0-60 time. I don't know if I've been good enough this year for Santa to spring for the nearly $133,000 price tag but, again, that's what Christmas is for! What new car are you wishing for this holiday?

It was just announced by Toyota that they would be marketing a plug-in electric automobile in 2010, that is, a car that can be plugged into an electrical outlet for re-charging when not in use.  Great idea—but it was done more than 100 years ago!  At the turn of the century there were three types of horseless carriages—cars powered by steam, electricity and the internal combustion engine.   Steam was the proven power source.  Electricity was all the rage, thanks, in part, to Thomas Edison.  And while the internal combustion engine was getting better it was still smelly, erratic, noisy and hard to start.  The electric car proved to be popular with women drivers in cities.  They could drive the cars from their homes to downtown department stores or clubs, where charging stations had been installed; their cars’  batteries could be charged while they did their business.  Women loved electrics because they were easy to start, quiet and easy to operate.  The last electric car was built in the U.  S. in the early 1930’s.  Steam had proved to be too complicated.  And the internal combustion engine jumped to number one with the invention of the self-starter.  Several electric cars were manufactured in Cleveland for many years, including the Baker and the Rauch & Lang.

Unsurprisingly, GM (I don't know if it was the new GM or the old GM) announced the other day that Saturn was being closed down immediately and permanently. It was originally reported several months ago that Roger Penske was buying all of Saturn, except for the Spring Hill Tennessee manufacturing facility, to fold into his vast automotive empire. Apparently, he recently came to his senses and killed the deal.<

GM had a huge opportunity in the creation of this brand to make themselves, and the U.S. a world leader in the small car market. Unfortunately, due to the corporate arrogance and lack of attention to detail which ultimately brought the entire company to its knees, they failed miserably. The eagerly awaited initial Saturn models were poorly engineered, horribly constructed and plagued with several fatal flaws. Things eventually got better, but the die was cast in the buying public's eyes. The very last Saturns were actually good cars, but most were imports from GM divisions overseas, which is totally counter to Saturn's original vision of a world-class, American made small car.

Despite this, there are a lot of Saturns out there. Heck, I'm almost ashamed to admit that my sister and her husband are proud(?) owners of his and hers Saturns. A big question remains about parts and service for all Saturns on the road. Will you or anyone you know miss Saturn?

If you were even remotely interested in anything automotive, the Glennmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles was the place to be this past weekend. Collectors and enthusiasts from around the country converged upon the manicured grounds of Glenmoor Country Club in Jackson Township to celebrate their passion and revel in history.

Perfect weather made for the largest crowds ever. Organizers are estimating that nearly 25% more spectators attended the concours on Sunday than last year. Unlike other major automotive events that I have attended this year, a large part of the crowd was made up of families. Features such as Chef Brendan Meeker's cooking demonstrations, the scale model display and kids' "build and take" corner and the Summit Racing sponsored Glenmoor Garage were filled with active participants both young and old, male and female all day long.

Despite all of this activity, the focus on displaying the world's greatest cars was not lost. The collection of 1934 Ford hotrods curated by legendary author and automotive expert Ken Gross was absolutely stunning in its depth and history. The "French Front" class of elegant turn-of-the-century was a once in a lifetime sight. Three of the world's most important original, unrestored cars; the 1911 Olds Limited, Edsel Ford's Brunn Bodied 1922 Hispano Suiza and an historic 1964 Porsche 904 were all together in one place for the very first time. For enthusiasts of modern engineering, the World Class Performance Cars provided a great sampling of Lamborghinis and Ferraris while Jeff's Motor Cars special display included Spykers, Vectors and Alfa Romeo 8C and the ultimate exotic, a Bugatti Veyron.

I could go on, but I think you get the picture; it was an event not to be missed. Next year's Gathering is slated for September 17-19. Features already announce are Cleveland built automobiles and beautiful Bizzarinis. What other cars would you like to see featured?

A popular new addition to last year's Glenmoor Gathering was the World Class Performance Cars class. This group consisted of contemporary supercars from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Saleen and others.

Due to the great interest shown in these cars, it has been announced that the World Class Performance Cars will again be a class at this year's event, which will be held on Sunday, Spetember 20.

To complement this year's group, Jeff's Motorcars will have a feature tent of modern exotics. In addition to models from Marques listed above, the enterpiece is sure to be the Bugatti Veyron, $1.4 million, sixteen cylinder, 1001 horsepower sports car considered to be the fastest and most exotic passenger car in the world today.

OK, it's official, the controversial "cash for clunkers" program has been passed and implemented. It didn't take long for the auto manufacturers, both foreign and domestic, to inundate us with commercials and roll out special promotions around this.

 Effectively, the government will pay you $4,500 in trade towards the purchase of a new car that fits their definition of a "clunker". The catch is that it can't be anything that you can "push, pull or drag" into the dealership. It has to be a currently registered vehicle manufactured after a certain date and it has to get a certain percentage worse gas mileage than the new vehicle you are purchasing.

This has been done in other countries for many years, primarily to reduce emissions from older vehicles. The major purpose of the program just introduced in our country is to spur car sales and help stimulate the economy. My question to you is, will this law stimulate you to buy a new car?