MotorMouths

While we were already big fans of the Buick LaCrosse, the addition of eAssist has made us even more so. It offers help where most of us need it most… in our wallets, by providing additional fuel economy without a lot of additional cost.

The new 2012 Mazda5 is better. We’re sure that one drive is all it will take for you to call it one of the coolest little family cars around.

While every manufacturer is now shooting for 40 miles-per-gallon in the compact car segment, Mazda’s whole vehicle approach, which includes not sacrificing driving enjoyment, makes the new Mazda3 a hit with us.

While we don’t think it garners the gold, the Altima is still a very solid effort, and one that easily out-handles and is more fun to drive than its main rivals. That makes it a very appealing family four-door to us.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is impressive. No matter if you call it an electric car or a hybrid, it combines the best gas-saving, plug-in technologies yet available for an uncompromising driving experience.

Last year, the Ford Mustang got a facelift. For 2011, it gets heart. Now the latest incarnation of the original pony car is complete with a more vigorous V6, and the return of the 5-liter V8. So watch out Camaro, it’s war

We think hybrid technology has a bright future in sport utilities and we think VW’s Touareg Hybrid is definitely a step in the right direction. But, price will certainly be an obstacle to its popularity.

While the Jeep Wrangler may not be our first choice for commuting, it would be our first choice for a weekend of off-road adventures. There’s still no other vehicle that offers this much capability at this price point.

Combining Acura’s typically high levels of features, technology, comfort, and sporty performance, with crossover level cargo flexibility, the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon is impressive.

The Honda CR-V has reigned as America’s top compact crossover for most of its 15 years. We think CR-V fans will be very pleased with the 2012 edition. It’s more of what they bought their CR-V for in the first place. And, that’s all good.

The new Sonic is a very good subcompact. It’s youthfully styled, reasonably spirited, comfortable, well equipped, efficient, and appears very well made in the good old U.S. of A.

More power is always a welcomed addition to the 2012 Kia Soul, especially since it’s joined by better fuel economy. We think Kia has done a fine job of making a good vehicle better without messing anything up in the process.