In The Garage ... 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee

These things are ridiculously popular.

There's no fewer than 5 in the parking lot where I live.

So what's to love about these things?

At first sight, it's a little cramped for an SUV. Half of it seems a utilitarian, the other half is distinctly Chrysler.

Things rattle and come apart a little too easily. It feels a little unstable, and I don't think that I'd want this car in my garage for very long.

But still, these things are really popular and I think I know why: I just like it.

It's a little fun to drive, it's big, and it seems like a car that you can run and run and run. I see more early 90s Grand Cherokees on the road than anything else.

First Impressions: Big, yet small ... Engine seems pretty decent ... Sucks fuel down ... Comfy seats (good work Chrysler) ... SatNav works half the time ... I'm glad Chrysler included an iPod interface, but it doesn't seem to work very well ... Looks good ... Rear end feels like it can come out.

What the girlfriend says: Hasn't said anything yet, but considering she owns a Jeep, I would imagine it'll be favorable.

On The iPod: 9th Wonder — Dream Merchant Vol. 2 

9th Wonder needs a new album, this was too good to let us hanging

Analysis: Fine by me, but make it for real.

A day after the Fiat-Chrysler deal was announced, I'm left with one lingering thought:

When?

Will the merger be more solid after Feds give Chrysler another loan?

Will this vanish like the merger between GM and Chrysler only a few short months ago?

What's the production schedule?

Granted, Fiat doesn't have the most reliable record in the business, but then again neither does Chrysler. So here's hoping the sum is greater than the parts.

The first casualty of this merger will no doubt be the Viper. So long American supercar. 

With Maserati, Ferrari and a slew of reasons not to make any more gas-guzzling, money-sucking Viper, Fiat/Chrysler won't keep the Viper alive for much longer.

The deal is good for both companies.

Fiat gets a base network of Chrysler dealerships to sell Fiats, a la, Mini for BMW, and a cheap American workforce to ramp up production of increasingly popular Fiats.

Chrysler gets help from someone other than the government and could market small Jeeps and Dodges overseas.

The only hurdle could be half-assed attempts to rebrand a Dodge Neon as a Fiat and vice versa without either company embracing each other.

Make this one for real: Chrysler needs to learn how to incorporate European engineering into their sometimes shoddy cars, and Fiat needs to bring jobs to American shores to do that.

Chrysler comes too ...

I'm trying to think of a bad reason for Fiat to buy this stake in Chrysler.

The big winners in this really are the American people. 

The Fiat 500 is a phenomenal car, and if this means that Alfa's return to U.S. shores is quicker.

More to come, after the inauguration of course.

Not your Grandpa's car anymore

On first glance, this looks like an XF with two doors.

On second glance, this IS an XF with two doors, and so much, much, much more.

The 2010 Jaguar XFR, slated to hit showroom floors in March, looks exactly what Jag needed to do: get younger, faster.

And this thing hauls ass.

At 510 horsepower, Jag says this thing moves to 60 mph around 4.5 seconds which puts it in direct competition with the über M6. 

But given Jag's propensity to break down, and its somewhat Grandpa-like history, will it usurp the Bavarian giant as the "it" coupe for the young set.

Probably not.

But I like where Jag's head is at.

Hello Polo

Volkswagen announced today that they'll be bringing the Polo stateside sometime soon.

The announcement comes as a shock to no one, considering most of America can't afford a ham sandwich on credit, let alone a new SUV — we're in the market for smaller cars from here on out folks.

It's a smart move by Volkswagen, meaning now the Rabbit, Jetta and Golf and Polo will all be subcompacts with a serious Euro pedigree.

(Even though it'll probably be built in Mexico.)

Now I'm waiting for the Volkswagen Lawn Bowling or Volkswagen Tennis to complete Volkswagen's country club line. 

Going, going, gone

Mr. Barrett Jackson is warming up his pipes for his first auction in 2009.

Although, it stands to wonder who can actually afford 750 horsepower in a recession?

At least gas is cheap, I guess.

The auction actually started a few days ago, but this weekend stands to include some rare and not so rare cars on the auction block.

Worth mentioning:

Saleen S7 (Pictured)

De Tomaso Pantera

Dodge Viper Hurst Edition

and a ton of Pontiac muscle cars — maybe the company should focus on making retro and just start selling Vauxhall's in the U.S. instead? Just a thought GM.

No doubt, this will be on heavy rotation on Speed Channel for the next three months.

In the garage ... 2009 Lexus IS 250

Well, if it's good enough for my uncle, it's gotta be good enough for me right? 

I mean, my uncle, probably the most calculating, patient person I've ever known waited for like a year so Lexus could make the car he wanted EXACTLY.

So it stands to reason that a man that drove a Mazda for six presidential administrations would know what he's talking about.

And if its bigger brother, the ES350 — damn near a perfect car, is any indication then this can't suck.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Maybe a little underpowered for my taste. It gets up and go, but it feels like a little four-banger in there. I haven't checked the specs yet, but it might suffer from a bit of the "slows," the 350 could solve this problem ... Trying to figure out what the sport shift really does. Doesn't add the punch I hoped it would ...  The paddle shifters are worthwhile ... Good ergonomics ... Haven't cornered much of anything more difficult than an exit ramp, but it feels tighter than a drum ... Rear visibility isn't much to write home about ... Why haven't I bought a Toyota yet? These cars feel like they'll run to the ends of the earth ... Attractive lines, small package, not unlike a supermodel ... 

WHAT THE GIRLFRIEND SAYS: "It smells like a new car ... "

ON THE IPOD: Kay & Nicolay "Time: Line" Smooth hip hop from the Dutch master. Check it out, Nicolay doesn't get near enough play.