While Forbes is best known for bashing the Mahoning Valley, it has some good things to say about the Chevy Cruze to be built at Lordstown.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/06/cars-save-detroit-business-autos-cars.html
American car makers have always had the world-class talent
and creativity to make top-notch cars and trucks. Maybe the
current crisis is just the incentive that is needed to force the
American carmakers to come up with designs that are not only
fuel-efficient, but durable, safe and aesthetically {sp?}
pleasing.
The Ford Explorer used to be the best selling mid-sized S.U.V.
in the country, and with some re-desiging and better fuel
economy it could re-take a substantial share of the market
for light trucks and SUV's. When I bought my first Explorer back
in 1995, I actually had to wait three weeks for delivery, as they
were back ordered at that time. Mine had a 4.0 litre V-6 engine+
with a 5-speed manual transmission, and routinely got over 21 miles
per gallon on the freeway - even with the older, traditional style
engine. I loved the four wheel drive, because I tow trailers, go
camping, etc.