MotorMouths

Driving the X6 M changed the way I looked at this vehicle. It still may only seat four people, but my advice is to just not be the fifth person invited to ride in it. This BMW earns its M badge by what it can do, not by how it looks.

Inside and out, the CTS Coupe draws a fresh direction for future CTS cars to follow as Cadillac continues to show its distinctive American luxury sports car design. It’s fun to drive, affordable and even provides respectable gas mileage, hitting 27 mpg on the highway.

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.

The 2011 Ford Super Duty is a powerful tool, and for many customers, the most expensive tool in box — hitting $40,000 easily. These pickups won’t shy away from any work, they relish it.

One way Ford may convince truck buyers to jump into these new F-150 trucks with an EcoBoost V-6 is the same way it is convincing me: Let them drive it. The near-instantaneous torque on this truck approaches unreal.

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.