Haha great story and review. I absolutely agree about the EcoTec... every single one I've driven or been a passenger in has been utterly horrible. Totally underpowered and horribly noisy... I wince everytime I see a Chevy or a Saturn featuring an EcoTec.
BTW, love seeing how JW manages to make the world a little smaller... very cool that you were able to meet up with some fellow JW-ers in Houston