Yeah, I wish it had voice command like my Samsung Glide did, too; push one button on the Bluetooth, the phone would ask who you wanted to call. You'd say who and it would dial pretty dependably. Having to look at the phone while driving is dangerous.
I found "easy reminder" at the Market, seems to work OK for voicemail notification so far. Also found "Bluplug," automatically turns on Bluetooth when you plug in the power adaptor in the lighter socket-works well.
"Smart Call Widget" shows your favorite contacts on the front screen at least, just touch to dial. I just got "Fast Call," we'll see how that works.
Seems that as a phone, the Ally is mediocre.