General Motors (GM)

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Avalanche Personality Well-behaved work truck; in 2004; with luxury features Quirks Door handle, brake release placement Unusual features Effective brakes, fold-down rear seats with removable window glass Above Average: Braking, usability, handling (with Stabilitrak) Needs Work In: Minor touches, gas mileage Gas mileage: 14 city, 18 highway (EPA, 2004) The Chevrolet …

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Suburban Personality Feels like an oversized minivan, pulls like a demon Quirks Some odd control placements, indecisive transmission Unusual features Relatively efficient and reliable Above Average: Power, handling, available gadgets Needs Work In: Gas mileage – though it’s top of class now; some controls   The Chevrolet Suburban was produced long …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: GMC Sierra 1500 HD Automatic 4WD Personality Serious work truck with luxury amenities Quirks Door handle, brake release placement, cruise control Unusual features Interesting options, four wheel steering, power and payload Above Average Braking, capacity, technology – and integration of technology Needs Work In Lighter liftgate, better e-brake controls, door handles   …

Photos courtesy of General Motors Corp. The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. It is highlighted by a bold exterior design, enhanced all-terrain suspension and premium details expected of a GMC – all designed to enable greater access to off-road destinations. The new 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain …

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LT, 5.3 V8 Personality SUV that happens to have a pickup bed and heavy-duty suspension Gas Mileage EPA estimates: 15 city, 18 highway Quirks DVD entertainment system Unusual features DVD entertainment system, OnStar, XM Radio, work and personal logs Notes Passed driveway test easily; written by …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Chevrolet Colorado LS Extended Cab Personality Real truck with carefully hidden advanced technology Quirks GM overloaded stalk, sheer truckness Unusual features Highly efficient engine, OnStar Above Average for Price Acceleration, handling, gas mileage (for power), stereo Needs Work In Cruise control placement, and, for some, comfort Driveway Test Passed easily The Chevrolet …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: GMC Envoy XUV Straight-Six Personality Heavy-duty, very flexible SUV Quirks Somewhat bouncy suspension Unusual features Midgate, convertible, washable cargo bay Above Average for Price Utility Needs Work In Suspension, transmission refinement Notes Passed driveway test; written by David Zatz The GMC Envoy XUV is a logical extension of the revolutionary Chevrolet Avalanche, …

Review By Dr. David A. Zatz Review Notes: Hummer H3 with Adventure Package Personality: Real off-roadable truck Quirks: High floor with low seats Unusual features: Appearance, off-road clearances Above Average: Real off-road capability to go with styling Needs Work In: Gas mileage, power, some controls, price   The Hummer H3 is the smallest of the GM-engineered Hummers; the H1 is …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz  Review Notes: Chevrolet Avalanche Personality Well-behaved work truck Quirks Door handle, brake release placement Unusual features Effective brakes, fold-down rear seats with removable window glass, plastic cladding Above Average: Braking, usability Needs Work In: Minor touches The Chevrolet Avalanche is an unexpected crossover vehicle. Coming on the heels of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac …

Review by Dr. David A. Zatz –   Review Notes: Cadillac Escalade EXT Personality Work truck in genteel wrapper Quirks Door handle, brake release placement; heavy truck under Cadillac coating; cruise control Unusual features Stability system, backup warning system, fold-down rear seats with removable window glass, storage compartments in bed-sides Above Average: Handling, braking, capacity Needs Work In: Gas mileage, …