MotorMouths

The Toyota 4Runner is a capable, well-sized unit that manages to do everything from working as a mobile office to the hauler of a rash of rugrats. And it does double duty as a tailgate party base camp.

In a crowded segment, Suzuki needs to do something more to get above the fray. With the Grand Vitara, they have done that in spades by offering value-added content, for not a lot of moolah. For a value conscious consumer, the Limited should definitely be one to look at.

Subaru has managed to balance its unique flavor with mainstream attributes, creating a model that appeals to nearly everyone interested in this type of vehicle. Sales are breaking records and Subaru’s Indiana plant can barely keep up with demand. We understand why.

We’re always on the lookout for a value-loaded vehicle, and the 2011 Kia Sorento easily fills the bill. Kia continues to impress us with features and build quality that heretofore were reserved for cars that came from Japan.

Toyota has set out to build the best minivan possible, and by and large they have succeeded. The huge range of offerings means there’s a flavor for every buyer;the Sienna just might lead this market.

Our brief drives revealed that Hyundai has reached a new milestone. After years of playing catch up, and then a brief period of being equal to its foes, the Sonata is now the one to beat for mainstream refinement in the family sedan class.

It seems these days, that at Ford, good enough really isn’t. They have offered up a round of improvements on their already well-received line of Super Duty trucks that makes them a necessary piece of equipment.

Infiniti finally sits shoulder-to-shoulder with the best techno-sleds of Europe and Asia. By focusing on craftsmanship, but not forgetting the smaller G37’s fun-to-drive attitude, Infiniti has finally given the M the credibility to stand on its own.

BMW’s refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in the luxury crossover/SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrain improvements that continue to keep the Sport Activity Vehicle, or whatever they want to call it, relevant in an extremely competitive segment.

With great tracking over quickly changing switchbacks and off-camber turns, it is clear that Ford is really on to something here. The Fiesta appears to be a genuinely fun, practical and premium-feeling car that can be had without breaking the bank.

Smooth and capable, this isn’t the Jaguar of yore. The XJ builds on the XF to give Jaguar a fully revamped product line that is bound to resonate with younger, hipper buyers ready for a little more rock and roll in their luxury sedan.

Mercedes-Benz has massaged its already-impressive E-Class coupe into a perfect all-season cabriolet by ripping the roof off the sucka. Not as dynamically satisfying as a BMW 335i despite its stout handling and excellent road manners, the E-Class nonetheless offers a more premium overall experience.