2013 Malibu Eco test drive and review. California, here we come!

Prologue: California Dreamin’

About 1,600 miles away from Kansas City is the beachfront city of Malibu, Calif. The affluent, picturesque community draws people in with its rugged bluffs, gnarly surfing, and tranquil drives along the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

Obviously, the topography and beauty of Kansas City is a bit different. But even though we can’t fall to sleep with the sounds of ocean waves cascading on the sandy beaches, car aficionados know that good ol’ KC plays a major part in the Malibu legacy.

Why people should feel bad about feeling good. Old cars, and the evil within



Photo: GM Media Archives

 Is it the end of the road for the traditional auto enthusiast?

Being around car people my whole life, I’ve learned to appreciate cars with all five senses. There’s no room for technology for technology’s sake, but if someone comes up with something that runs better, or looks better, or drives better, or sounds better, or smells better, or feels better, that’s progress you can believe in.

Take that last one—feels better. I’ve always thought that driving a low, wide, fast, loud Corvette, for example, feels good. And driving a tinny, gutless, cheap Chevette, well, doesn’t.

Anymore, though, our society seems to be conspiring to make what feels good feel bad. People should feel guilty for lusting after anything that might be considered fun, lest it make an impact on Mother Earth. Last year at this time we were crushing any old truck that didn't get 19-mpg so people could get a few bucks off a Kia. There’s talk about limiting speeds in cars electronically, decreasing speed limits, and government monitoring and regulating of our fuel consumption through GPS or other monitoring devices.