MotorMouths

The Cadillac XTS is a beautiful car that moves much faster than the most liberal speed law allows. It handles quite well, presents some of the most advanced automotive technology, and does it all while delivering 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is what a sport-utility truck ought to be — a truck with an emphasis on utility . . . and versatility.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is the first small Chevy in 20 years designed to be better than the competition. It has better fuel economy than its rivals, better utility than most of them, and it is put together as well as all of them.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco is much better than “good enough”. It is arguably better-looking and feels tighter and lighter than its Camry counterpart, ans its interior beats the Camry’s in overall feel.

The Duramax turbo-diesel costs $7,195 more than the standard gasoline-fueled 6-liter V-8 engine that comes with the new Silverado 2500 crew-cab pickup. But as a work truck the Duramax turbo-diesel makes a better partner on the job.

The overall improved design, engineering and build quality of the new Sonic justifies every penny of its higher cost over the Aveo. But the Sonic gains little in value-for-dollar bragging rights.

Drivers get what they want — especially power, handling and safety — in the all-new, front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Sonic.

The Spark can scoot through the most congested traffic, quickly occupying spaces ignored by or unusable for larger vehicles. It is fast enough to get out of its own way and avoid other calamities in an urban setting. But it is a virtual noise box at 70 mph.

The Chrysler 200 will attract buyers who would not have considered its Sebring predecessor. It has a sleeker, sportier, richer look, and interior materials are among the best in the class.

Little is more pleasing than the guilty pleasure of driving a car as rambunctiously powerful, fast and wasteful as the Charger SRT8. It is too big, powerful, fast and mean-looking for most American motorists. It costs substantially more than cheap or “affordable.”

I love the Fiat 500 Sport. It is a commuter designed for playing hooky, a sparkling bean of a car seemingly more toy than passenger conveyance, yet one serious in all respects of an automobile.

The Abarth scoots. It’s addictive. It moves so fast and well, you want to drive it the longest way home. I loved driving it so much, especially in congested urban traffic, I didn’t mind accepting the risks suggested by NHTSA’s so-so crash-test results.