Big Trucks at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

Unlike many auto shows, the Chicago Auto Show puts a spotlight on big commercial trucks and custom trucks. So while your average car buyer may not be interested in, say, a fire engine with a joystick-operated water cannon, there is no mistaking that big, awesome trucks are still fun to look at. In this video, PickupTrucks.com’s Mike Levine checks out some of the biggest, baddest and craziest trucks at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen Video

Hybrids aren’t the only vehicle option for fuel-conscious car buyers. Clean diesel cars also offer a lot of mileage gains. With this in mind, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley spotlights the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Hanley highlights the SportWagen’s fuel economy ratings but also points out why it makes for a comfortable daily driver.

2010 Infiniti G37 Video

The 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan just goes to show that small changes can make a big difference in keeping a vehicle fresh. At least, that’s Joe Wiesenfelder’s take as he goes over the G37 at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Check out this video for more on the G37’s styling changes, refinements to its navigation system and interior design updates.

2010 Chicago Auto Show: Winners and Losers

This year's Chicago Auto Show doesn't have a long list of major debuts, but it does feature some important models that consumers are interested in. Here's how we scored the new production and concept cars that will be on display for the next two weeks at McCormick Place.

Honda Odyssey Concept
David Thomas: Winner
For such a radical redesign, it sure doesn’t look radical. In fact, I don’t think it’s any more advanced than the current model, which I like a lot. The highlight for me — from a design standpoint because we don’t know what the interior will be like — were the rear taillights, which reminded me of an Audi. I was shocked that Honda would drop a mileage figure of 19/28 mpg city/highway, which will likely do more to sway buyers than the van’s looks.

2011 Volvo C70 Video

With the 2011 C70, Volvo will offer much more for your money, according to Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley. The retractable hardtop convertible gets a new exterior look, upgraded interior and more standard features, all for a lower price. Check out this video of Hanley with the C70 at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

2011 Toyota Avalon Video

The 2011 Toyota Avalon gets a number of design updates both inside and out, many of which are a vast improvement, according to Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays. He took time at this year’s Chicago Auto Show to go over the Avalon’s changes. Now the question remains: Does an updated Avalon draw that much attention?

Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Chicago Auto Show Edition

Joe Wiesenfelder, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley get comfortable inside a conversion van on the floor of McCormick Place to discuss what impressed them about the new models that were introduced. Learn how well the 2011 Ford Edge’s swanky, high-tech interior holds up.

Download the podcast via iTunes here.

You'll Never Guess Which GM Vehicle Has the Youngest Buyers

The Chevrolet Suburban is the longest-running production nameplate in the auto industry, and one thing about their buyers is rather unusual, according to Mark Clawson, Chevrolet division marketing manager for Tahoe/Suburban/Avalanche/Traverse.

"Out of every segment that GM has vehicles in — from small cars to luxury cars — full-size utility buyers are GM's youngest on average," Clawson said.

The average age of Suburban buyers is 48; for full-size utility vehicle buyers, the overall industry average is 53 years old, he said.

"We have Gen X and Gen Y buyers that have young families and they are buying the Suburban because they like the space and utility it offers," Clawson said. "A smaller vehicle won't work for them." Nor it seems will a minivan.

Suburban buyers are also among GM's most affluent customers outside of the luxury segment. Their average income is $120,000 per year.

Earlier this week at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, GM debuted the 75th anniversary edition of the Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV (shown above). You can find out more about it here.

What to Do at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

If you’re heading to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, you’ll find much more than just the new production and concept cars we’ve covered here at KickingTires. Because McCormick Place is ginormous in every regard — the show floor takes up 1.2 million square feet — automakers, local businesses and dealerships have room to bring out all sorts of unique cars and exhibits that cater to kids and anyone else who tires of ... kicking tires.

The Chicago show is always a big family attraction. This year, a miniature track at the Dodge display has electric-powered sidewalk cruisers for kids to drive. The pint-sized hot rods take the form of a Dodge Viper, Dodge Charger police cruiser and Jeep Wrangler. How cool is that? You can also let gravity provide fun for the kids with two huge inflatable slides at another display.

Honda Odyssey Concept: Up Close

Typical of Honda concepts, the 2011 Odyssey concept is a good indication of what the production model will be when it goes on sale this fall. Sort of.

The problem is that there's no interior — just some backrest silhouettes emerging from a floor that's just inches below window level. Once the cabin is finished, Honda says, it will have increased headroom and legroom in the third-row seat despite the sloping design, and its second row will be wider, capable of accommodating three child seats across.