MotorMouths

You get macho good looks and plenty of power for thousands less in a Camaro, Challenger, or Mustang GT. But if you want the best car in the class, you have to pay up for the Shelby GT500, at least until the Camaro Z28 finally makes its appearance.

I have very fond memories of driving the E350 Cabriolet. Money being no object, I’d love to own one. Mercedes really got this car right, but at a price.

The 535i lingers fondly in my memory. It’s a very sweet car—and a bargain, at least by BMW standards. The 528i costs five grand less, gets 3 mpg better mileage, and is quick enough. However, I just love the extra speed that the 535i offers.

The new X3 is quicker, handles better, and rides more smoothly than the outgoing model. It’s also bigger, better looking, and more fuel-efficient. Add it all up and the X3 is now as good as — and, arguably, better than — any of its main rivals.

The new S400 Hybrid is not only Mercedes’ least expensive S-Class sedan, it is also its most fuel-efficient. The S400 is well worth considering, even if you aren’t necessarily shopping for a hybrid.

It’s a beauty, with a sturdy, well-tailored top and surprisingly good handling for a convertible. If you’re looking for a fun car to wheel out on sunny weekends and warm summer evenings, the new Chevrolet Camaro may be the model for you.

The 2012 BMW 135i convertible is like a sawed-off version of the 3 Series convertible. Speed, agility and handling are all similar. But I’d have a hard time paying a premium price for a tiny car with such a remedial rear seat.

Infiniti’s new M56 offers luxury with a healthy dose of horsepower. It’s a nice car, but not quite the BMW-killer Infiniti hoped for.

Which is the best family vehicle on the market today, keeping in mind that “best” doesn’t necessarily mean sexiest? My vote goes to Toyota’s new Sienna minivan.

There’s nothing with the Miata’s 24-grand base price that can compete with its sportiness. It zips around like a hyperactive water bug. This is a great little second or third car for shoppers on a tight budget.

The bottom line is that the new Audi A8 is a wonderful car, but it doesn’t really stand out from its many equally wonderful competitors.

If you need a heavy-duty hauling capability, the Silverado 2500 HD offers excellent bang for the buck. You might as well opt for the most powerful truck in the segment.