A few weeks ago, I got an email informing me I was on the “Chevy Influencer list.”

After I investigated and made sure this wasn’t the Chevy Under-the-Influence or Easily Influenced list, I was told that if I was interested I would have the opportunity to drive a Chevrolet car for a week. There was no other instruction; no press release to regurgitate, no PR firm in which to report to with site traffic numbers. No cash exchanged hands.

A week ago, a couple of gentlemen drop off a 2010 Chevy Suburban in Black Granite my driveway with a full tank of gas. I resisted the urge to kiss them both full on the mouth. They took my driver’s license number and passed me the keys and told me they’d see me next week.

I give you this full disclosure up front so now I can proceed with our story.

Tuesday:

The kids jump in and start exploring. Even they can tell this is a way cooler car than the minivan sitting next to it. It’s like Fonzie sitting at a booth with Richie Cunningham at in Arnold’s and wondering who the chicks are going to sit next to. Yeah, sorry minivan.

This officially seats seven--two up front, two captain’s chairs in the middle and a bench for three in the way back. But if the state of Rhode Island doesn’t need a seat belt, than it can fit in the cargo area.

Wednesday:

Sean claims he couldn’t find his keys to his car, so he drives the ride to work.

Likely story.

But later that night we went out to dinner and took some friends with us. We discovered a pretty cool option I didn’t even knew existed: seat coolers. That’s right, coolers. Those black leather seats don’t get too hot in the Florida summer with a little gentle air hockey game under your derriere. Heav.En.

We also used the Onstar system to get directions to the restaurant. You hit the button and a real, live person answers and you tell them your destination which then they automatically send to the GPS system. How helpful would this have been on my last roadtrip?

Thursday:

Grocery shopping was a nice experience today. Huge amount of cargo space so I had lots o’ room for our typical weekly shopping trip, and I love the automatic lift gate.

I’ve noticed the brakes are better on this car than the swagger wagon. Which means this has a superior system or I need to take my car in for new pads.

As I unload, my minivan looks even sadder...

Friday:

Another feature of Onstar that is lacking on my GPS system is the live traffic updates. Even if you haven’t entered a destination, the navigation system announces traffic congestion coming up and lets you know how long it lasts.

Nice.

Since it is Friday, I figure I should probably take a glance at the listed feature sheet. There are some specs on the size of the engine, horsepower and torque, but I have no idea what those numbers refer to, so I look to the more interesting items like fuel economy (15/21), Onstar with Bluetooth connectivity, Bose stereo, USB port, rear camera display, and sunroof.

Saturday:

The minivan is looking downright angry as I pull out to take the Suburban out for a night on the town. But seriously, who would you choose?

This car sits a lot higher from the road than what I’ve been used to for the last year. It’s got the running boards, so I don’t have any issues getting in and out, but I do like that feeling of riding just a little bit higher on the road.

And I don’t think it’s because I’m sitting a little straighter either...

Sunday:

This is the first day I bring myself to put in the car seat. The kids miss their tv, but a little Radio Disney on the satellite radio seems to appease.

Monday:

Our last full day with the car. I think I’m holding the steering wheel just a little tighter than what’s healthy. I don’t know what time they are coming to get it tomorrow, but it will be too soon and I’m thinking of stowing away...

Tuesday:

For our last few hours together, I decided to do something that I wouldn’t do or would be at least more difficult with my car. Since I didn’t think I could make a roadtrip to the Keys and back, I went to Costco instead.

It was awesome.

****

The repo guys have come and gone and I’m thinking of the time we spent together.

If it were really mine to keep, I think I’d have to figure out how the mirrors work and get the audio/video package that included the t.v. for the kids, but those are my only two criticisms. Gas mileage? Probably could be better, but for the week I only used 3/4 of a tank so I didn’t really notice much of a difference between our other cars.

But this was one smooth ride, inside and out. I loved the spacious interior, and it wasn’t at all difficult to maneuver despite its size. The navigation system was the best I’ve used personally, and all of the bells and whistles rung and whistled beautifully.

It was indeed a beautiful ride.