The Chevy HHR SS is a creative package of family function and cruise-night fun.

The Heritage High Roof is a nod to the fat-fendered pickups and panel trucks of the early '50s, but its engine and customized styling are modern. And the SS has some fun show-and-go credentials, such as a no-lift shift, five-speed manual transmission; and a 260-horsepower, turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

“I just love cars – especially race cars! And what I love most is driving them,” said Spears, an eloquent, talkative, exuberant and “let's just say I'm over 40” resident of Del Dios. But it is her love of driving that is her biggest frustration with her pristine 1965 Datsun Fairlady 1500 roadster.

DETROIT – Ford Motor Co. has come a long way from “You can have any color as long as it's black.” The 2009 Ford F-150 pickup can be ordered in nearly 10 million combinations of trim series, colors, engines, body styles and options. It seems a staggering number – but it represents substantial progress.