[Billfred]

The subject of GM product came up (and seems to come up with every discussion of GM's woes). Of note:

-For all the talk about low-mileage trucks and SUVs, there are always going to be people that actually need the capabilities of a truck or SUV. No administration is going to restrict them out of existence. (For those keeping score, GM currently has the lead on full-size truck fuel economy with the Silverado/Sierra Hybrid at 21/22 city/highway. Excluding hybrids, Ford and GM are currently tied for the lead at 15/21 to Dodge's 14/20 and Toyota's 15/19.)

-I've driven plenty of early-decade GM models at work. Their modern counterparts are universally more refined, more powerful, more efficient vehicles--vehicles designed (if not manufactured) before GM started to accept government loans. Keep that in mind.

Last week, I signed the papers to buy a gently-used 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I bought it because it had the features I wanted (huge room, better fuel economy than my CR-V, good feel on the road, decently equipped) at a price I was willing to pay (albeit one assisted by an employee discount). I picked up on the Vibe after driving several at work, along with hundreds of other cars from just about every volume manufacturer. If car buyers did their homework--talking to owners, reading reviews, taking test drives, weighing their options--then I think the issue of GM's support of FIRST would work itself out. It might shrink relative to years past, it might grow. We should know well before Kickoff.