I agree wholeheartedly. I only lasted about ten episodes in my last time around, but I remember being pretty much unsympathetic towards any of the main characters. I did however very much enjoyed many of the extras, the various locales, the vehicle design, etc.CB, in my opinion, also spends more capital on an elaborate world surrounding the characters. I think that's one reason it's lasted - the storyworld is pretty rich.
In hindsight, this was my original line of thought. I only finished the series to finish it and return the borrowed DVD set. Ultimately, the characters themselves weren't outstanding, but all that surrounded them did. I found myself raving at my music geek of a brother of why he'll love each and every episode: describing the art, soundtrack for fight scenes, hell, even chase scenes. I remember being pretty much unsympathetic towards any of the main characters.