This is not my usual style. I prefer my vehicles a bit smaller and certainly more nimble. But when Chevrolet dropped off this 2008 Suburban at my office yesterday I have to say I was smitten. While the eco-nazis, do-gooders and ninnies out there would have all Suburban-sized vehicles outlawed, we as auto enthusiasts know that they are valuable tools. Try pulling your enclosed race car trailer with a Prius and see how that goes. Try to take a family of six or your kids and their little league buddies to the field in a Mini. Obviously, there's a place in the world for a workhorse like the Suburban.

Even with regular gas averaging over $3 a gallon, the public's appetite for full-size SUVs remains high. After one day I'm smitten. I couldn't deal with 14 mpg on a daily basis, but the ride, acceleration, comfort and utility cannot be denied. Project Homewrecker, my '72 Corvette, will need a ride for its heart transplant later this week and I can't wait to see how this latest Suburban tows. That's what this truck does best. To be continued ...