[RH77]

I'm just shocked that the "Biggest Loser" was the Chevy Impala. I would have bet the F-150 would have had a larger drop.

It's a large car, but the Impala 3.5L variant is fairly efficient. Aside from some build-quality issues, I actually kinda like the car -- if you need to haul 4-6 adults with lots of trunk space, it's great. Most of them are in fleet service, so I've rented every combination. Maybe it's nostalgia talking with the number of miles logged...

But would I buy one? No. These days I even look for somthing like the Malibu 4-cyl to rent, to save fuel on family rental trips. I wonder if they would consider (or if it's possible) to put a 4-banger in the Imp? Maybe the "Vortec 2900" -- DOHC 2.9L @ 185 hp / 195 lb-ft torque would fit. It's the base engine in the Colorado/Canyon/Isuzu pickups. I thought about the 2.4L direct injected turbo, but likely too complicated. Otherwise the EcoTec would fall on its face with that kind of weight.

As we've noticed, all but Honda have relied on the large vehicle premise -- plus they kept up the build quality. I'm on my 3rd Honda/Acura, and I don't have any reason to buy otherwise. As the article mentioned, the Fit is popular -- so the other brands need to catch up with subcompacts -- simple as that.

In the meantime, trucks and large cars are going to pile up.

I think Hyundai and Kia have a chance to really capitalize on this opportunity. Of their small cars that I've driven, no complaints.

RH77