Detroit's 2008 North American International Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show is a site to be seen around the country, but in the Detroit area it is a chance for the millions of local auto workers that live here to see what they may be producing and take pride in their company's name. Every year in January, the Cobo Center hosts the Detroit version of the Auto show and every year well over a half million people make the trip to the venue to take in the glory. This is a show for everyone, even the little ones. This years event took place from January 19 thru January 27th. It was a week of beauty, style, and concept. If you are a people watcher there is something here for you. If you are a car aficionado this is your dream, and if you are just looking for your next vehicle this is the place to start.

Trucks

Now I am a mom and I can appreciate the functionality of a vehicle. If it could give the kids a bath that would be perfect, but one of my favorite things to look at is all the trucks. The New Ford F-150 Platinum Edition was very impressive. With the kick out side steps to the drop step under the bumper right down to the pop up handle for climbing in the bed. The interior is imaginative and very sleek along with being extremely functional. This was a highlight for the Ford Truck series section and drew a large crowd. The New Dodge Ram was quite stunning as well. It was showing some new lockable storage in the bed as well as some very interesting changes to the suspension which may turn the truck world upside down.

SUVS

Hummer put together a very intriguing concept vehicle when it put out the HX. This SUV has a removable roof, can be transformed from a short bed pickup to a convertible and then back to the traditional square Hummer. This vehicle is geared for a younger crowd that wants versatility and I think they accomplished it. Saturn had a winner as well with its compact SUV, the Saturn Vue. This vehicle is a 2-mode hybrid and will be available later this year. It was a show stopper with its fuel economy and is pleasant to look at.

Crossovers

The Dodge Journey definitely gets some high marks for this crossovers efforts. With the third row seating, affordable price tag, and storage built in to the floor it is a win win situation. Please note that the third row seating is not a roomy situation, but would be perfect when there is that occasional child that needs a ride to school or home from practice. Another crossover favorite for me was the Ford Flex. This crossover wagon seats 6-7 adults comfortably, has an awesome cooler between the second row seats, and don't get me started on that sunroof. I think that this is really the perfect family vehicle with its ability to tow 4,000 pounds and its six speed automatic transmission which will save pennies in gas around town. One last crossover that I enjoyed was the Honda Pilot. It reminds you of a truck but still has all the room you need for your growing family. The fact that the rear seats fold flat for hauling and it has the nice V6 for fuel economy was a big winner.

Sedans

I think the most impressive sedan at this years auto show was the Cadillac CTS-V. As I said before, I am a mom, but I still like to know I can get where I need to go FAST. This sedan is making some waves with its 550 horsepower supercharged version of GM's small-block V8. I loved the interior in the vehicle. Everything was exactly where i would want it to be and the new sleek body changes in the front end where well received. The Lincoln MKS also had a nice showing this year. The sleek body and new Sync feature were very nice as well as the lighted keypad in the B panel.

All in all the whole Detroit Auto Show was another great event and was full of things to see, try, and dream about. As long as you go there with the intention of seeing beautiful vehicles and dealing with a bit of a crowd, it is something you should try at least once. Keeping in mind your price range for what you may be able to afford and remembering that concept cars may be out of your reach you are bound to have an enjoyable day.