MotorMouths

If the test S4, in bright red paint and mostly black interior, was any indication, buyers will get a car that has personality galore. It was spirited, right out of the garage and down the driveway. A little nudge of the accelerator while I was in first gear pushed my head back into the head restraint.

Buyers of the 2010 BMW 335d get sporty performance and the best fuel mileage of any mainstream BMW vehicle.

For a starting retail price of just $22,995, buyers get more than 300 horsepower, a six-speed transmission and the unmistakable sporty looks of one of America’s favorite icons. The Ford Mustang also has the best fuel economy rating ever in the car’s 47-year history.

The newest Sorento is upscale in its exterior appearance, handles well and has the best ride of any Sorento ever.

The Nissan Frontier Crew Cab can make even car lovers appreciate a pickup truck.

The Volkswagen Golf’s real claim to fame — its decades-long reputation as a fun, sporty, little hatchback — remains.

The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is a fun-to-drive, youthful, five-passenger hatchback. Buyers just have to get over its new front styling that looks like someone grinning with an orange peel in his mouth.

Among luxury cars with retractable hardtops, the Lexus IS convertibles might be considered affordable, if a price of $40,000 or so can be defined that way.

The Honda Ridgeline is a four-door, five-passenger, four-wheel drive, mid-size truck that’s agile for everyday driving and comfortable for outdoor getaways on less-aggressive off-road terrain.

Compared with the early Insight’s lightweight, flimsy feel, rough ride, odd, bug-like exterior styling and thin, uncomfortable seats, the new Honda CR-Z is a significant upgrade.

Fuel-thrifty, smaller cars aren’t always plain, utilitarian and boring. Audi’s entry-level car, the A3, proves it. I couldn’t believe the fuel mileage display as I tested the A3. I was not driving at all for fuel economy. Yet, the car registered just over 36 mpg.

As a new, third-generation van with arguably its best exterior styling ever, upgraded interior and a new engine, the 2011 Sienna is noteworthy.