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After a lean year or two, this year’s Utah International Auto Expo (their term, henceforth referred to as “Auto Show,” “The Show,” and “That Thing With Lots of Cars”) is still not as big as it once was, but is still worth the trip—if only for the latest LED bulbs used for the headlights and taillights.All of the major brands are there except for BMW, Mini, and Mercedes. In their absence, there is a strong showing from Bentley, including a slightly-used model that can be had for only $97,900.

Once again, the most-photographed vehicles are the ones with the worst lighting: The Ferraris and Maseratis are roped off with large windows behind them. Ardell Brown brought a roomfull of his classics in. There are only two concept cars this year: the Corvette Stingray that debuted in 2009, and the original BumbleBee Camaro. Both are in the slideshow.

Ford, GM, and Chrysler are giving test rides of certain vehicles in the parking lot outside the venue. That’s good news for drivers who are shopping; not so good for drivers who are looking for a parking spot. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. and had no problem finding a space. When we left, two drivers followed us to our car, hoping to get our vacated spot. We drove off without declaring an heir to our space.

The Auto Show is a great place to see it all under one roof. Salespersons can make contacts, but conduct no sales. The latest models are there, many with factory (not dealer) reps to answer most of your questions. You can stump them, but it’s hard.

The used car section is a little smaller this year. You can tell you’re dealing with pre-owned when the carpet runs out.

Toyota and Hyundai gave out reusable bags, and Scion’s handing out bags, music CDs, and iPod socks. You can also get a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine. We signed up for it years ago, and it keeps on coming. What’s a show without freebies?

The great variety of vehicular fare makes it acceptable for dates; and the hands-on, jump-around, push-all-the-buttons displays make it kid-friendly, if not inviting (no, we don’t get paid by the hyphen).

If you’re debating whether to spend the seven bucks, we say go. The Motor Trend subscription alone is worth it.