Chevrolet

Chevy Impala LT – basic with lots of added-value

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We seldom get a car to evaluate in base trim level and with no options. Manufacturers usually send us an example of their top-level vehicle or at least a loaded-up version of a mid-level car.

They like to show off the top of the line — put their best foot forward — for all the obvious reasons. They always want to please the person evaluating and then writing about the car.

Corvette Z06 will knock your socks off – WOW!

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It was like Christmas or Hanukkah all over again, but this gift was wrapped in black.

It made the festivities of just a few months ago seem more complete. The ultimate gift landed in our driveway late for the holidays but in time for joy never-the-less. And it didn’t get here intermixed in a sack full of toys, but a toy it is.

Chevy HHR proves viable in a narrow segment

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

General Motors Vice Chairman Robert Lutz was not happy during the Los Angeles Auto Show last January because some writers had called the Chevrolet HHR a Chrysler PT Cruiser clone.

That’s akin to waving a red cape in front of a raging bull.

Chevy Tahoe finds favor in difficult truck market

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The timing of the January launch of an all-new Chevrolet Tahoe couldn’t be worse said industry analysts in September 2005 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina had just ravished a wide area of the Gulf Coast and the impact on gas prices highlighted a worst-case scenario for Detroit’s largest automaker: As gasoline prices rise, the product mix shifts away from big SUVs and profits evaporate.

Chevy Suburban, historical excellence prevails

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

1936 was an insignificant year for most of us who weren’t there to witness it first hand and aren’t history buffs or avid watchers of the History Channel. But 1936 was notable for many things including the re-election of President Franklin Roosevelt and the first full year of Social Security.

Chevrolet’s 2008 Malibu lives up to GM’s expectations and then some

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

No car in our memory has been pitched to the American public like the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. We can’t fathom a man, woman or child who reads a newspaper or magazine, watches television or surfs the Web that hasn’t seen at least one if not a 100 commercial spots for the newest Chevy. Rumors have it that the budget for Malibu is between $100 and $150-million dollars. That’s lots of scratch.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid — spend on technology save at the pump

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We think improving fuel economy — even just a mile per gallon — is a good thing. So we were intrigued when we first got word that General Motors was developing a full hybrid system for its large truck-based sport utility vehicles that delivers in the neighborhood of 25 percent better fuel economy. Then in the fall of 2007 we got to drive a prototype Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid for a few miles and we were impressed.

Chevy Silverado Crew Cab — still has a shine vs. new competition

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Lost in the hoopla over the all-new award-winning 2009 Ford F-150 and the very likable next-generation 2009 Dodge Ram is the Chevrolet Silverado.

The Ford and the Dodge are both exemplary renditions of a modern full- sized pickup truck. We like them both. And they both deserve the awards they have racked up including North American Truck of the Year for the F-150.

Chevrolet Aveo5 2LT – the high end of entry level

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

In these challenging economic times many people are seeking the least expensive cars to own and operate, at least for their daily commute.

If driving cheap brings too many compromises - a total lack of amenities, a dangerous lack of performance, a reputation for shoddy build quality - then people may lean toward driving a bit more expensive.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS – a well behaved pocket rocket

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We drove the future of affordable automotive entertainment a few weeks ago.

The future we think is a small four-door sedan with the ability to comfortably transport four adults and cargo with an out-the-door price of under 25 grand rated at 30 miles to the gallon (on the highway with accelerator in a normal position), capable of neck- snapping adrenaline-elevating 0-to-60 time under six seconds and the necessary suspension setup to carve up winding blacktops.