Just came back from the New York Auto Show. Here are some thoughts I had about many of the newer models:

HITS:
- Cadillac Escalade: I’m not a SUV fan at all, but I’ll go out on a limb and say this is the best executed US model in my lifetime. If there’s a better recent example of a US maker knowing itself, its models, and its customers and fashioning an exemplary product to serve them, I don’t know it (well, maybe the Mustang). For its customers, from top to bottom, it’s nearly perfect.

- Audi TT: Still looks like a FWD car, but oh what a FWD car it is. This is one of the few cars at the show people just stopped and stared at, slack jawed…

- Saturn Outlook: A surprise hit. It looks to have all the makings of a success, from exterior design to interior execution. We couldn’t sit in it, so the “feel” will make or break it.

- Lincoln MKS concept: Surprisingly bland in photos, it looks quite sharp in person. More than stylish enough to take on the TL and other competitors. Lincoln needs this NOW, not in ‘08.

- Infiniti G35: I have to take back my previously negative comment on this site earlier in the week. Looking earlier to me like a little changed, puffier version of its predecesor, this shines in person. Filled with interesting character lines, unexpected voluptuous buldges, and mature detailing (maybe a bit too much of all of the above) that are all near invisible in photos but stunning in person. If its an improved driver, it’ll be interesting. The new Altima was a winner for much the same reason, but not quite as impressive.

- Saab Aero-X concept: Looked great in photos, unbelievable in real life. If Saab can get a fraction of the energy of this car in future models, it has a chance.

- Saturn Sky Red Line: All the usual Sky goodness, faster. Was swarmed at the show.

- The entire Mazda line: While I still think their exterior and interior designs are somehow just a bit “off” for me, they have an amazing lineup of sharp haulers now. The Mazda 3, 5 micro van, CX7, and new CX9. Hopefully the public notices…

- BMW M Coupe: An appearance like little else before it or, likely, after it…

NEUTRAL:
- Saturn Aura: I really, really wanted this one to impress me… Alas, it’s average. Despite its Opel roots, it has a surprisingly PontiacG6-eque profile about it. The interior design and materials, while a revelation for GM, are average for the class. I thought the seats were terrible, with the usual GM teddy bear pelt cloth that screamed “rental car.” At least one person who sat in the car complained of how far to the right the gas pedal was. In short, there’s little to draw people away from already established competitors. Will end up going up against the Fusion, Sonata, Milan, Galant, Altima, etc for second pickings behind the Camry/Accord duopoly.

- Dodge Caliber: Decently priced and attractive. Despite decent quality plastics, the interior manages to feel sparce and hard due to its design more than its materials. The Caliber at the show suffered from being next to a PT Cruiser which, despite its older profile, trounces the Caliber in character and in interior packaging. The PT is still the choice in the Mini-hauler class in my opinion, being classy, swift, perfectly packaged, and well priced.

- Jaguar XK: Another one I really, really wanted to blow me away. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great looking, and in the metal it doesn’t look at all like an Aston Martin like it does in photos. And the interior does look great. But inside and out it doesn’t feel any more special than any of its outstanding competitors (SL, XLR, etc). Special is Jaguar’s reason to exist, and if they can’t do it, they’re in trouble.

- Mitsubishi Outlander: Asks, more than answers, the question, “So, why does Mitsubishi need to exist?”

MISSES: (very few)
- Chrysler Aspen: A mistake for so many reasons…

- Jeep Compass: Given the nearby and much more compelling Jeep Patriot, I wonder why Jeep bothered with this at all?

- Toyota Camry: “What?!?” you’re saying? Yup, it’s a miss in my mind. Sure, it’s built like a tank and will likely sell a zillion copies. But see, I remember the first few Camry generations that were nimble, smart, effcient and had fantastic packaging. I kept thinking of the word “losenge” when looking at the new one today. Slightly smaller than an Avalon and bristling with features its owners will never use, it looked huge and water retaining compared to the nearby Fusions and Accords, themselves no lightweights. If this is America’s most popular car, have we really gotten this bloated and decadent?