The Occasional Observer

1) The Fusion wins MotorTrend's 2010 car of the year, and they say it has "a sensational lineup of quality powertrains (for which Ford deserves huge applause), smartly tuned chassis, functional and attractive cabins, and outstanding value."

2) Check out U.S. News' ratings of "affordable mid size sedans." They have the Ford Fusion (and the related Merc Milan and hybrids) as the best available vehicles in class, with Chevy Malibu close behind. Both are ahead of Camry, Accord, and Altima.

3) In entry level luxury, Edmunds did a comparison of the totally revamped 2010 Buick LaCrosse and the Lexus ES (which the LaCrosse was apprarently built to compete with). The result? LaCrosse apparently smokes the Lexus in every conceivable way.

4) The LA Times echoes Edmunds findings here, with the article subtitle reading: "GM's first new car since it emerged from bankruptcy is as good as or better than the ES350 in every way..."

5) And don't look now, but the 2011 Buick Regal will be coming out in the next 6 to 8 months, and looks sweet:

I could easily see a Fusion sport, Regal or LaCrosse in my future.