Shown below is the spreadsheet (thank you Excel 2010!) that I used to kind of narrow down my choices. I have some vehicles thrown in for fun: Lucerne, Sable, Taurus, Terraza, Enclave. You can tell I have a Buick fascination, because otherwise why is the Terraza or Enclave included? (Terraza is way too short to be considered, and Enclave is way too expensive – even though it would be the perfect vehicle for me)

Sadly, to me, it looks like the Outback wins. It has everything I need, even if I would like a little more rear seat room. Buick’s Rainier, and Mercury’s Mountaineer were my frontrunners until I did this spreadsheet – the Rainier is too unsafe, even though it meets all of my other criteria. Mountaineer is almost perfect – except for its fuel mileage.

The Lambda (Traverse, Outlook, Enclave) group is good, even though they have less rear room than the Equinox/Terrain. Just so you know, I chose vehicles that are loaded – CXL, Limited, LTZ, SLT, RTL, etc. trims. I also chose AWD/4WD when available.

Here’s what I need:

Quiet – I want a quiet vehicle. I like smooth, quiet cars and I want another vehicle that matches that description. So, of course, I have been hunting down reviews for vehicles that are quiet, smooth, and reliable. Of course, most newer vehicles have focused on quiet as a source of customer satisfaction (Ford has found that customers associate quiet with reliability, and have since put resources and money into making their vehicles quieter). So, I have looked at Mercury Mountaineers (I don’t really want a Ford Explorer), Buick Rainiers (very quiet, but not the best for safety), etc.

Ground Clearance – I want a vehicle that is going to be able to make it over most situations I will encounter – washboard surfaces, big holes, etc. without crashing into the ground the way my LeSabre does. Of course, a truck is the best for this, but I don’t know that I am ready to pay through the nose to fuel my vehicle. So, once again, I have been looking at body-on-frame SUVs, and crossovers with AWD and a fair amount of ground clearance.

Fuel Economy – of course, this is high on my list. Who wants to keep burning their money needlessly? I want decent fuel economy…mainly anything above 14/20.

Horsepower – I am a large man. I carry a lot of people. I want to get out of my own way on the highway when needed – any vehicle with more than 250 horsepower will do.

Rear legroom – Like I just said, I carry people. I want them to be comfortable. I have my seat all the way back when I drive, and I want the people behind me to not feel squished.

Safety – 5 stars all around? Yes, please. This is very important to me. I don’t want anyone to get hurt should there be an accident.

I have made an Excel spreadsheet that pits all of my considerations against each other. I used http://autos.msn.com to compare the specifications of each vehicle, and then colored the columns green for those vehicles that are the best (in my opinion), yellow for neutral, and red for bad.

So, who won? You’ll have to see the spreadsheet – if I can figure out how to link it…

However, just take a look at the 2010 Buick Lacrosse/Ford Taurus. Now, before I get into my rant, I really like both cars. In fact, the Lacrosse actually looks so good, I don’t know why more people aren’t buying them. Material quality, build quality, sound levels – all got an upgrade in both of these cars. However, one thing got detracted: size.

The Ford Five Hundred was introduced in 2005, at a time when Ford’s Taurus was in a free-fall – sold mostly to rental companies, it was no longer a vehicle that people wanted to buy. Ford decided to split the Taurus line into two successors, the Fusion (smaller) and the Five Hundred (larger). The Five Hundred was huge – smaller footprint than a Crown Victoria, but much roomier (and with a slightly larger trunk even). It was woefully underpowered, but was otherwise a decent car.

In 2008, one of Ford’s higher-ups (Alan Mullally) said Ford had made a mistake in throwing away name equity – that Taurus was worth millions. So, when Ford redesigned the Ford Five Hundred (oddly, making “over 500 changes”), they renamed it the Taurus. Mercury had a Montego, and it was renamed Sable (which my wife drives). The car got a new engine, but otherwise just got better, and kept its same dimensions…which means huge.

Then in 2010, Ford redesigns the Taurus again – the same platform, but new sheet metal and a new interior. Front seat room was plentiful, fuel tank size was commendable, truck size was huge…the rear seat got ripped. Now, it’s barely better than a Fusion for comfort. Whereas the backseat was so commodious before, now it shrank so much that it would fit in a midsize car. Really, I’m happy about the improvements that were made, but would have liked to see the rear seat room stay the way it was.

(For future reference: I am 6’1”…and I have my seat all the way back in any car I drive. I want as much room as possible for the rear seat passengers – to the point that I don’t have to move my seat. In my wife’s Sable, I don’t have to move my seat at all…there is plenty of room for the backseat passengers)

The 2009 Buick Lacrosse had a huge trunk, but a tiny rear seat. This wasn’t it’s fault – the platform it was built on (dating from 1988) was designed with a certain size rear seat in mind. It was fine during the late 80’s, early 90’s…but even in the 1997 Regal redesign, the backseat wasn’t huge. That was left for the Park Avenue…but Buick got rid of that car in 2005. The Regal was replaced with the Lacrosse – also in 2005.

The Lucerne replaced the Park Avenue and the LeSabre, and it definitely provided enough rear legroom. Why even bring up Lucerne? Because for 2011, Buick is replacing the Lucerne with the Lacrosse. There may be an actual full size car in Buick’s future (based on the next-gen Zeta platform), but for now, Buick is starting to rely on Lacrosse as their large car. When Buick redesigned the Lacrosse, they gave it a huge rear seat – almost as big as the Lucerne’s. And that’s great – more rear legroom is always welcome. But, and this may not matter to many, but it’s odd to me. Buick shrunk the trunk from 18 cubic feet…to 12. Not only that, they have these hinges that hang down into the trunk, smashing anything in their way as you close the trunk lid. Smart? Not very.

The whole point to this blog is this: why redesign a car, and make it better in almost every way, but ruin a good thing? Oh yeah, Buick, you fixed almost every single thing that was wrong with the old Lacrosse…but got rid of a good point of the old one.

Same way, Ford: you redesigned a good car, and made it great. But, did you really need to shrink the backseat so much?

The profile is almost an exact copy of the Civic’s – the rakish windshield, the silhouette of the windows, the rear – all are very similar to the Civic. Now, the Civic is a very nice car. And many people think of it as upscale compared to other small cars in the market. But, (and the Koup looks to be a nice car) I feel like Kia should have done a little more to differentiate itself from other compact cars. I know its previous small car was decent, and didn’t stand out, and the Forte looks to be a huge leap over the Spectra, but I just wish they would have done something a little different to keep a brand new vehicle from looking like something from 2006. (Having said that, maybe Honda was just too forward thinking in ‘06, and the design of the Forte is a tribute to how good a design Honda has.)

The Forte, and last year’s Optima, have the new Kia styling, which looks very tasteful, yet sporty. The new Sorento, and the next Amanti, take this look even further, and I think Kia will have a winning lineup in the next year or so.

To see the profile of the Kia Forte Koup and Honda Civic Coupe side by side, go here.

Windows 95 – introduced a vastly improved user interface (UI), with a Start button that encompassed the majority of the operating system’s functionality. Just by clicking Start, the user could access settings, programs, and their documents. Versus Windows 3.1, where the File Manager and DOS stood hand-in-hand, this introduced a much slimmer, more reliable interface.

Windows 98/Me – This was a polishing of Windows 95, but added some new features – the Quick Launch toolbar and integrated Internet Explorer. The integration of IE not only sounded the death knoll for Netscape’s Navigator browser, but allowed web information to be displayed more easily on the user’s desktop.

Windows 2000 – Introduced with Windows Me, this was the ‘business’ version of Windows. Leaving the home user alone, this was a release that focused on security and reliability, especially since it was based on Windows NT.

Windows XP – the dinosaur of operating systems. Starting with a new (to me, almost a toy) interface, it kept the familiarity of Windows Me, with the reliability of Windows 2000. In fact, it was almost exactly the same underneath as Windows 2000. Three Service Packs later, and this OS still refuses to die. People have become so used to XP, any change frightens them. Couple XP being out at a time when computer use took off, and tons of peripherals released during its time, and you can see why people may have not wanted to move on.

OS X – not  a Microsoft OS, of course, but one that needs mentioning. OS X introduced (for its Mac users) a brand new interface, with a forward-looking Dock, and new features that made it a must have upgrade. Multiple versions (really Service Packs that cost money) later, OS X has become very mature, but still has some problems (cough, Snow Leopard, cough).

Windows Vista – The OS that never really had a chance. (But without it, we would never had the right environment for Windows 7) Bad drivers, annoying notifications, and slow except on top-of-the-line machines, it earned a reputation that I think hit Microsoft pretty hard. It didn’t help that Apple’s “Mac vs. PC” ads hit all the right (wrong?) notes, and helped Apple’s market share tremendously.

Windows 7 – The OS that will finally kill XP. Faster, smaller, and more user-friendly than its predecessor (a first for Microsoft), this OS is awesome. Taking a cue from OS X, we have a dock-like taskbar, which is immediately familiar to users. This OS will carry Microsoft far, and in my opinion, is superior to OS X.

So, having done a very short history of regular operating systems, I get to move onto an opinion piece on Google’s preview of their Chrome OS.

So, an OS that can interface with your devices, but doesn’t actually store anything on the computer. An OS that doesn’t store hardly anything on the computer. At all. Everything goes up “in the cloud.” All your documents, pictures, videos, everything goes up in this space that you can access with a user name and a password. So, anyone, anywhere who is able to crack your password will have access to your entire online life.

Now, you say, “But they could do this anyway, if they got your laptop.” Sure they could, but they would have to have physical access to my laptop. As long as I can help it, that won’t happen. But there’s not anything I can do about someone who cracks my password, and gets my documents, now is there? I can’t see the person, I don’t know anything about them.

Besides the inherent security issues, which I am sure Google has already thought about and hopefully is ready to deal with, I don’t see the need for everything to be “in the cloud.” I go to a few places (and getting fewer every day) that don’t have Internet access, or have slow Internet access, and what do I do then? What if I am needing to work on a document, or show off my pictures, or something that I can do with my current PC when it’s not connected to the Internet.

I just don’t see the need for this…yet. I know all of us are going to have everything in the cloud someday, and that will be standard. I also see that Google will have a head start with this. They are very, very smart. So is Microsoft, and I don’t know if they are just going to roll over and take it. I hope they don’t. I know they have their Azure platform, which developers can use, and will probably be invisible to consumers. Microsoft: don’t become IBM. Don’t get too jaded by your success with Windows 7, and remember to always, always, always keep an eye on Google.

I was blessed recently to be able to spend a weekend with my grandparents, and my aunt. They live in the same house – a house that I visited when I was younger and hasn’t changed that much. I love the house, love my family, but hate the Internet there.

I thought I hated the dial-up service my aunt subscribed to – she lives further out in an ATT exchange, and must be on some pair-gain equipment, because her dial-up speeds were terrible no matter who her ISP was.

However, she has since signed up with a satellite Internet provider (not telling who, although there are very limited options in the area) and it is good as long as you don’t look at any website that has graphics, video, or any other type of multimedia. So, basically, this Internet connection would have been wonderful ten years ago. It isn’t able to keep up with my web surfing habits, however. And I don’t mean those types of surfing habits…no, I mean CNN, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Facebook, Autoblog, etc.

Visited those websites lately on a “high-speed” connection? See what I mean? They aren’t bad – they do have a lot of multimedia though, and it just killed my aunt’s connection.

Now, to be fair, you should expect this from a satellite connection – they do their best to make sure you understand that you have a daily cap, a monthly cap, and extra charges everywhere.

I understand that if it’s all you can get, it may be better than dial-up most of the time. I hope it is…I really do. It’s sad to think that I will be looking first and foremost at what type of Internet connections are available where I want to live in the future, instead of things like: does it have a big backyard? how many bedrooms? what are the taxes like?

“Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen sit atop the U.S. insurance industry’s annual list of the safest new vehicles, according to a closely watched assessment used by car companies to lure safety-conscious consumers to showrooms.”

Well, Ford just seems to be on a streak – winning Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for their Fusion yesterday, and now getting recognition for safer cars from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Subaru also did well in the tests – almost every vehicle they have is a Top Pick. Volkswagen did well too.

GM was represented by the new Buick Lacrosse (yes!) and the Chevrolet Malibu. Chrysler had the Sebring/Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, and Jeep Patriot with thorax airbags. Honda had the four-door Civic with optional ESC, and their Element.

The Nissan Cube, Kia Soul, and Mercedes C-Class complete the list.

Now, Ford’s Taurus and the Lincoln MKS and Volvo models were on the list – of course they were! The Ford Taurus/Lincoln MKS are built on Volvo’s platforms. (I am not being derogatory here – I liked the platform so much I completely supported my wife getting a 2008 Mercury Sable Premier). But I also know that Volvo has built their reputation on safety, so if Ford uses those platforms they are going to reap those same benefits.

I am very impressed that Subaru did so well – side crash tests, front crashes, rear crashes, even roof strength- these don’t do well in small cars, which is what Subaru is known for.

What was strange about this round of safety tests was the absence of an entire company – Toyota. I want cars to be safe, and I want everyone who buys a new car to be as safe as possible – whether having enough safety technology to be able to avoid a crash in the first place, or having enough to survive a crash you can’t avoid. But, I have to say – I am happy Toyota is no longer getting a free ride. No longer do they get listed, or get awards for just being Toyota. They are actually going to have to work for it – and prove themselves.

Another thing that I am not sure about – that some cars get on the list, provided they have certain options. Is the customer going to actually know that a Honda Civic got the award – or that a Honda Civic four door with optional electronic stability control was the one that got the award? A Jeep Patriot with optional thorax airbags? I think it’s wonderful that more automakers are putting an emphasis on safety, and including more airbags. Less than 5 years ago, it was hard to find a car that had more than the required two airbags – now some cars have nine or ten airbags, and almost all have 6 (front, side front, side head). It’s nice to know that a vehicle that has certain options is the one that got the pick, but shouldn’t those features be standard?

Buick, in their 2005 Lacrosse, only got a mention for safety if the vehicle was the CXS trim level, or a lower level CX or CXL equipped with the side head curtain airbags. Buick changed the Lacrosse in ’06 to include those airbags on every trim level. (It probably helped that the Impala, which shares its platform with the Lacrosse got 6 standard airbags). I’m not saying everyone should follow an example set by Buick, I am only saying that Buick did the right thing in equipping their vehicles with the needed safety technology. I would like to see more automakers doing this – if your vehicle needs certain options to be considered a Top Safety Pick, equip every model with those options. Cost more? Yes – but vehicles usually go up in price every year anyway.

Again, I am very happy that cars are getting safer – and that the IIHS is testing more ways to prove that the cars are safe.

“…The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford’s redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.
In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs.”

Congratulations Ford!

I am a Buick man, and of course the new Lacrosse was in the running, but I am so happy that a domestic make for the calipers! I really thought the redesigned Subary Legacy would get CoTY. The Subaru Forester got SUV of the Year last year, the Subaru Outback got it this year, and since the Legacy is the Outback in sedan form, I really thought Motor Trend would select it.

Remember when domestic sedans ruled the sales roost? I think it was because there were so many variants of them – one for everybody. Sedans, coupes, wagons, convertibles…small, midsize, large, larger…and now the Fusion carries that torch on – there are a lot of variations in the style, engines, and options. One for almost everybody.

Good job Ford, and I am so happy you were rewarded for all your hard work!

“When people think of Black Friday shopping, they usually think of things like flat screen TVs, toys and sweaters. Now you can add cars, trucks and SUVs.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the best day to buy a car, according to car pricing researchers at the Web site Truecar.com.”

This ties in with GM’s announcement that all of its vehicles are to go on sale this week. I am betting that we will see almost all manufacturers going to greater lengths to get more sales. There have been multiple programs already this year that were supposed to spur sales, and maybe did for a little while. Sales have been on the upswing recently, and that is a good sign – for the economy, for the automakers, even for our government (since it has a major stake in GM).

What steps have been taken so far to spur sales?

• “Assurance” programs – I took the title from Hyundai’s program, but it seems that almost every automaker came out with something like it. If you lost your job during a specified amount of time, you could return the car. Very good sales pitch during this time of uncertainty.
• “May the best car win” – GM’s recent move to not only try to change perception, but spur sales, is kind of successful. However, most customers (everyone but one) chose to take the $500 instead of being able to return the car. Only one person returned the car: someone who had bought a manual Corvette, and brought it back for an automatic.
• Warranty extensions – it is amazing the warranty you can get on new cars. Hyundai/Kia kicked this off as well, with their 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Now, every automaker has a longer warranty it seems.

I hope sales continue to climb, and that people continue to get good deals on their new cars. A little haggling can go a long way – and these Black Friday sales, Red Tag Sales, etc. are going to help a lot (I hope!).