The first round of 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year votes are in...

Car Finalists:

   1. Cadillac CTS                   2. Chevrolet Malibu                3. Honda Accord

Truck Finalists:

     1. Buick Enclave             2. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid          3. Mazda CX-9

The final winnners will be announced the morning of January 13th as part of the kickoff for the 2008 North American International Auto Show (also known as the Detroit Auto Show). I just sent my second-round ballot in, so my part in voting for the car and truck winners is over. I won't know the results before that January 13th announcement, though obviously I know who I voted for.

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Well, maybe not obsolete, but these Lambda platform vehicles (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook) are making all those SUV buyers, who don't really need SUVs, look foolish. Yes, if you really need to tow or you really go off-road regularly a Tahoe/Expedition/Armada/Aspen is better. But ask yourself how often you really do those things, and then ask yourself how often your SUV-owning friends really do those things. Most of you would probably benefit from the Lamda's improved steering feel, refined power delivery, advanced suspension tuning and (marginally) better fuel mileage.

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Buick Enclave concept: I finally got a close look at it, and ironically the only thing I DON'T like are the overly contrived portholes on the hood. The Enclave's basic proportions and body lines are attractive. As the first model off that platform it also has the benefit of not looking like a rebadged anything else. Hopefully the other GM models coming on this platform will be able to make the same claim...