MotorMouths

The 2012 Mazda5 is fun, functional and most people who buy it probably go sky-diving. It may not handle exactly like a car or offer the room of a bigger minivan, but it doesn’t have to.

Introducing an all-new vehicle, something that has never been tried or sold before, takes money and gumption. Chevrolet has shown both. The Volt is world-beater. Mother Nature might be the first to buy two.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT is simply the best model in the company’s luxury lineup. It’s a practical vehicle that might give the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 a run for the money.

The Hyundai Tucson is surprisingly comfortable, offers a quiet, smooth ride and still has import good looks. It drives like a car, hauls like a crossover and costs less than some compacts.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat sheds its discretion and moves into the cars-for-the-masses lane, offering a great ride at an affordable price.

Minivans are the ultimate utility players and, for many people, what they need is still more important than what they want. The new 2011 Town & Country simply provides all the utility and just a touch more class along the way.

the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited manages to add two doors and still keep all of its iconic looks without sacrificing its abilities.

The 2012 Hyundai Accent moves to the front of the wee pack with a stylish exterior, gutsy performance and enough space to carry a Toyota Yaris. This car feels downright luxurious at points.

The 2012 Fiat 500 is downright fun to drive. It has a low starting price and it’s cuter than most newborn babies. Customers will like the customization level of the 500 — there’s nearly half a million ways to configure them.

There is a void in the old person automotive continuum. Some other company will have to create a big lumbering car to cruise down Florida’s roads seeking out Early Bird Specials. Well, that old Buick has arrived — it’s the 2011 Toyota Avalon.

The Hyundai Veloster is a sporty compact car that defies logic and description. It provides a mixed bag on the performance side, but iIt has a very distinctive look, like nothing else on the market.

Off the road, the Jeep Wrangler will chew up almost any terrain in front of it. It relishes every opportunity to get dirty. On the road, it feels like a nice SUV with a smooth ride.