MotorMouths

The newest big-dog Challenger SRT8 392 feels like a rocket sled. And we’d like to tip our hats to Dodge for keeping her naturally aspirated, proving once again that there’s no replacement for displacement.

The 2012 Beetle is one of those cars that was not simply built to move people, but rather because some people love cars. It will never command its own chapter in the big book of automotive history. But it’s not a bad footnote.

While not our first choice in performance machines, the 2010 Hyundai Tucson might in fact be our first choice if we needed a small crossover.

While the mechanical work is all well and good, if there’s any place the old Durango needed polishing, it was inside the cabin. That’s why the 2011 been completely redesigned with higher-quality materials, tighter panel gaps, and fewer seams.

The Dodge Charger still represents great value for the money. However the 2011 model is largely free from compromise. It’s one that’s a decent transmission away from entering the pantheon of automotive greats.

Overall, the 2012 Audi A6 is an excellent machine. Comfortable, smooth, very advanced, and safe, with good-enough performance for most. I imagine owners will be smitten with their choice of mid-size luxury transportation. But…I’m not satisfied.

If the Mazdaspeed3 existed in a bubble where its only competition was the Mini Cooper S and the Volkswagen GTI, the Speed3 would be the king of the winding road. But back to monkey wrench hurling reality, the Subaru WRX is a more capable, more enjoyable corner carver.

The Maxima SV Sport is a roomy, nearly-luxurious, semi-athletic steed. If we woke up tomorrow and discovered we owned a copy, we’d be happy. But would we pay $38,000 for one? Short answer: No. There’s nothing really wrong with the car, save for its sticker.

The IS 350C F-Sport has that all important X-factor. Valets went gaga over it, while our friends’ wives loved it even more. As for us, we just couldn’t get past the dated interior, the lousy transmission and the money.

Slow, clumsy, pricey, thirstier than we would have thought, and a packaging disaster, the new Ford Explorer EcoBoost is not a Motor Trend favorite. We’re not sure we even like the styling anymore.

While passable as a rental car (but what isn’t?), the 200 Convertible isn’t passable as a Chrysler. It’s ungreat, and therefore does the Chrysler brand no favors.

The Chrysler 200 wants to compete against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata, something the old Sebring simply could not accomplish. But the new 200, while better looking, just isn’t good enough to play with the big boys.