MotorMouths

On mountain roads, the new Dodge Journey feels like a sedan. On open highways, it still feels like a sedan. Few big seven-passenger crossovers feel this small on the road

It’s the function of the CR-V that will drive customers to show rooms and this compact crossover provides plenty of that. It’s a practical vehicle for a practical time. Yawn.

Loaded up with accessories, this a Mopared-out 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T is two earrings and a nice leather black belt away from a fashion shoot in Cosmo.

Beautifully executed, nicely loaded and excellent prices should put the Hyundai Elantra at the top of many consumers’ lists.

No, this sedan is no Prius. And making the HS 250h look so normal is not going to help this Lexus stand out, and that may be it biggest attraction for some and detriment for others.

The CR-Z is a sharp-edged hybrid racer that will fail to connect to Americans in literally every way. But they should: The CR-Z is fun to drive. My manual transmission model felt quick and solid on the road.

Inside and out, this car shows how serious Chevy has become with its compact. The Volt may be Mr. Right for the future, but the Cruze is Mr. Right Now.

The Sonic is more fun to drive than the outgoing Aveo. It also looks pretty good. It’s nicely loaded, comfortable and performs OK on the road.

The 2011 Quest has embraced its “minivan-ness” and focuses on the occupants to the point of pampering. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly worth considering if you’re shopping for a premium minivan.

From MyFord Touch, simply the best infotainment-voice-activated-driver-friendly system around, to a reworked interior and exterior, the new 2011 Ford Edge has finally found its magic.

The Kia Forte is a mover, not a shaker. It’s the utility of the hatchback that makes it special. That big open space in the back means it can carry loads of stuff. It also means the ride will be noisier and it may not perform as well as its sedan brother.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI may be the best way to get Americans into diesels. It combines a big SUV with good fuel economy like few other vehicles, while maintaining its European sophistication.