"Lather, Rinse, Repeat" just sounds better than "squirt and hose"?
Never used the stuff. I had at least one mechanic swear by just using the car wash. It was a modern car, so pretty good sealed connections; he said one cycle with soap, one cycle on hot water, and call it done. Don't go to town, as one could force water where it shouldn't go--but with a bit of care, it'd be fine. I've done it a few times, but I've been kinda leery about doing it much--but reality is, this is what any dealership is going to do before they flip a car. It's fast and easy.
Only problem is, finding a coin op where this is allowed. Keeps all the grease out of my driveway.