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DriVer · 01-11-2011, 11:41 AM

The North American Car of the Year apparently at the DES is the GM Chevrolet Volt and the NA Truck of the Year is the Ford Explorer.

I believe that 2 US built and engineered vehicles that have captured both spots is a step in the right direction. Good job Detroit!

The Volt has also garnered "Car of the Year" credentials from Motor Trend, Car & Driver and Automobile Magazine and other main stream publications. There remains criticism from folks at Edmunds but over all it doesn't seem to be that bad of a car. I'm sure that the price at $40K will keep a lot of folks in the sidelines but the appetite for this vehicle has a long waiting list according to the local paper perhaps as many as 5,000 people want one.

I saw a Prius run one time and the thing didn't make any noise at all. Cars like the Volt might be a nuisance and are going to need some kind of built in noise maker so that pedestrians can hear them coming!

Lindsay Richards · 01-11-2011, 12:53 PM

Its seems having a car that goes only 35 or so miles on a charge and then having to charge it at least 6 hours to replenish. Might be good for a city dweller who has a second car for regular trips. The gasoline only version of the same style sells for $19,000 and has a larger gasoline engine. As an RV'er, I would think campground owners would frown on having one as a toad and charging it on their dime. The new design (German) diesels are said to be cheaper to run unless you live in town and don't go over 35 miles at a clip. I have heard that most of the Volts will bought by government and companies rather than individuals. GE has said they will buy 25,000 of them. I have thought that cities and counties should convert their regular vehicles and new purchasers to natural gas. They usually fill up at a garage anyway.

a k · 01-11-2011, 01:13 PM

I'll just keep my $12,800 Smart car with 44 MPG. My grandkids said I was a Clown, might as well have a car to match.

OH, I just bought the wife a 2010 Explorer for $40,000 that will only be worth maybe $5000 three years from now. The new 2011 Explorer's don't have a frame anymore. Unibody. New car is the biggest waste of money .

And you notice I didn't mention MOTORHOME.