vLane Blog

Recent Articles

• Video: Chevrolet Lumina APV sales training

  From Banovsky on November 30, 2009

  Basically: Chevrolet was convinced their "dust buster" minivan would sell like hotcakes. It sure did look capable in this video. But as we all know, hindsight is 20/20 — which makes this training video all the more hilarious.

  

  Count the number of times they say, "futuristic"…Without further adieu, click through for the video!

  Read full article | Comments (1) | Filed under Video, Chevrolet, LOL, Silly old commercial

• Community Review: 2003 Lexus RX350

  From Banovsky on November 30, 2009

  Especially with car buyers trying to save every last penny, our vehicle reviews are an invaluable resource. Every now and then, we'd like to highlight some of the great reviews our community members write at vLane. This time, it's a Lexus RX350.

  Reviewer susie786 loves how well she can see out of her Lexus RX350:

  I have driven current RX models and I don't like them nearly as much as my 2003 model. A problem I have noticed with the newer models is a "blind spot" that the driver experiences due to the design of the back cargo area. My observation has been confirmed by my local Lexus dealer, who has expressed to me that many customers feel as I do. The visibility of the 2003 RX is exceptionally good, and drivers have an excellent view from all angles.

  What's missing? Fuel economy:

  The gas mileage could be better, but given all of the many attributes of the car, that is a small price to pay for safety, comfort, and reliability.

  But still, it comes recommended:

  I would recommend this car to anyone seeking a reliable, comfortable vehicle that looks great and can also carry a large amount of cargo.

  Click over to read the whole review, and don't forget to submit your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Lexus, vLane, Community review

• Upcoming: #carchat 38; November 25 @ 8PM EST

  From Banovsky on November 25, 2009

  This week: Saab, Toyota's continuing recall woes, car dealer supersales, the Lotus Evora, and the lack of styling on advanced vehicles.

  If you'd like to participate, check out the #carchat How-To. Anyone can join us at 8 PM EST November 25, but you'll need a Twitter account to ask questions.

  However, if you'd like to follow things live, go here at 8 PM EST.

  And if you'd like to suggest topics and questions for the discussion, please leave a comment below, tag articles on Delicious.com with "carchat," or email me at michael [at] banovsky.com.

  Topics:

  • Discussion: Saab…is it dead? Options? Would you buy one?
  • Discussion: Toyota to "reshape pedals" — recall madness or real hazard?
  • Discussion: Are "super" dealership sales days good for the industry?
  • Discussion: Lotus Evora: Is it the future of supercars?
  • Discussion: Future talk: should advanced propulsion vehicles look advanced?

  So click through and read a few links, and see our quote and video of the week.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under This week, Discussion, Social Media, carchat, Twitter, vLane

• Community Review: 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

  From Banovsky on November 25, 2009

  Especially with car buyers trying to save every last penny, our vehicle reviews are an invaluable resource. Every now and then, we'd like to highlight some of the great reviews our community members write at vLane. This time, it's a Pontiac Sunfire. A Sunfire? Why? Well, I never liked 'em…

  Reviewer wazzrong is at least honest about her Pontiac Sunfire:

  I hate this car so much.

  Ok…Explain yourself, ma'am!

  Unfortunately, some of the bad things with the car is that after the first year or so, it will start to go downhill quickly. By the end of the second year you will be having to fix something almost every few weeks to a month.

  But it's not all bad. Promise.

  Some of the most memorable moments I've had with it are all the road trips I've taken with my friends and my husband. I've gone (from Indiana) to southern Georgia, to Tennessee twice, and to Wisconsin twice, all for different reasons. It was amazing for all of them and I had so much fun.

  Click over to read the whole review, and don't forget to submit your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under vLane, Community review

• Poll: What's the best American crossover?

  From Banovsky on November 24, 2009

  Does the crown go to Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge?

  Powered by vLane.com See more | Create your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Discussion, vLane, Poll

• Recap: #carchat 37; November 18 @ 8PM EST

  From Banovsky on November 24, 2009

  Social media is such a cool thing that we're constantly evolving how we communicate. Take #carchat: the first few originated out of a spirited conversation.

  
  Anyone can join us each week at 8PM EST on Twitter. And if you'd like to suggest topics, please tag articles on Delicious.com with "carchat."
  
  
  
  
  

  We had:

  • Discussion: Motor Trend Car/Truck of the Year winners
  • Discussion: Improving the American Le Mans Series coverage through social media; ideas?
  • Discussion: Mahindra's proposed dealer network. Are you excited?
  • Discussion: Worst car promo ever…anything worse than a chocolate-covered Porsche 911? Oh wait, the Volvo/New Moon promo…
  • Discussion: What's the toughest street-legal car in the world?
  • Discussion: What's the toughest test of man and machine?

  So? What are you waiting for? Click through to the recap.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under This week, Discussion, carchat, vLane

• Poll: Is the GMC Sierra a unique enough truck?

  From Banovsky on November 21, 2009

  If the Sierra didn't exist, wouldn't you just buy a Silverado? Or something else entirely?

  Powered by vLane.com See more | Create your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under vLane, Poll, GMC

• Poll: The 500 horsepower club

  From Banovsky on November 18, 2009

  So you want a 500 horsepower sports car…and you want to buy American.

  Powered by vLane.com See more | Create your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under vLane, Poll

• Community Review: 2007 Toyota Corolla

  From Banovsky on November 18, 2009

  Especially with car buyers trying to save every last penny, our vehicle reviews are an invaluable resource. Every now and then, we'd like to highlight some of the great reviews our community members write at vLane.

  Reviewer sunil garg loves how comfortable his Toyota Corolla is:

  I love how comfortable it is to sit in while driving, or even to sit in at the back. The seats are firm but not hard.

  Still, he feels the interior materials could be improved:

  The Corolla's dashboard plastic has nice-looking graining, and the controls are logically arranged. The cloth seats and cloth door-panel inserts look and feel dated when compared to newer competitors.

  …and then he goes and says this:

  A "Win Win" deal in every respect, best car your money can buy. Given a choice between a Merc and a Corolla, I would go for the Corolla, why pay in the high 5 when you can get the same quality and comfort in the lower 5.

  Click over to read the whole review, and don't forget to submit your own!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Toyota, vLane, Community review

See more…