MotorMouths

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 is a fast, competent, well-sorted performance car that delivers M3-level performance at half the price.

Not everybody expects athletic behavior, light weight, maximum fuel efficiency, and a sporting demeanor from their CUV. Buyers who do expect those qualities won’t have to look any further than the Mazda CX-5, and they won’t suffer much of a practicality penalty for doing so.

The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is a unique combination of massive pace and pleasant on-track demeanor, wrapped up in a gorgeous package.

My overall experience with the IS-F was pleasant. It’s more than fast enough on the track, and if the transmission doesn’t work very well at least the rest of the running gear is up to snuff. But at $65K, its appeal will be limited to only the most hardcore of Lexus fanatics, assuming any exist.

It will never compete head-on with the Evolutions and STIs of the world, so keep the options light and enjoy the car for what it is: a solid value, a delight to drive, and a GLI which absolutely earns the right to wear the letters.

If anybody buys this new Focus, it won’t be because it’s a cheap car. Rather, they’ll buy because it’s good. Is it good? Yes. Right now, it’s the best compact car you can buy here, no matter which model you choose.

Once again, Chrysler has delivered a vehicle that competes on both tangible and intangible qualities. It’s simply a real SUV, priced realistically, that happens to be real(ly) good.

The Town & Country is a more than acceptably fast van, with a driver-focused interior and an upscale appearance. Behold: the thirty-seven-thousand-dollar minivan.

Inside and out, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is trimmed and assembled like a decent German entry-luxury car. It’s quiet and fast on the freeway. The Fit used to set the standard in this market but it’s not even close to the Fiesta.

The Rio is the best small car money can buy for almost nearly everyone. However, drivers who need slightly more space and/or a little extra utility will have to look elsewhere.

This is the car the New Beetle should have been years ago. It’s competent, enjoyable, pleasant, cute. It hits all the targets.

Dynamically, the Soul is a real pleasure. It’s swift and sure to operate. If you can live without cruise control, the manual-transmission Soul is an entertaining, useful vehicle.