MotorMouths

The 2013 Escape delivers a vastly improved driving experience, more fuel-efficient engines, plenty of technology and some amazing new features. It’s even able to maintain many truck-like features while delivering more passenger and cargo room.

With class-leading fuel economy, incredible innovations, and a textbook worth of smart new features, it’s hard not to love the Odyssey for its brains.

With efficient packaging that’s luxurious and high-tech, plus fuel economy that’s beyond best-in-class, about the only complaint one can have about the CT200h is lack of power. It’s a testament to how good a car it is that we’d love to have 200-hp on command.

If you truly need a minivan, the Mazda5 will not do. If you’re looking for most of what a minivan offers, including sliding side doors, but don’t need extensive seating, cargo room, or the increasingly high price, then it is an impressive package.

A well-rounded car, the ILX offers luxury for less and is certain to also deliver brand qualities like reliability and durability. What is lacking, however, is a more engaging driving experience, once a hallmark of Acura vehicles.

Improving on its strengths, MINI has made the 2011 Cooper S an even more attractive package, with technology that’s sure to please urbanite Mac geeks, more fuel economy to appease your inner Al Gore and an excessive amount of metrosexual style.

While competing in a small segment, the wide variety of options available for the S60, plus its solid luxury drive, powerful engine and handsome styling, make worth a serious look to a far wider group of customers.

The best part about the all new Toyota Prius isn’t the optional tech goodies or the lower price for 2010; it’s not even the superior fuel economy; it’s driving a car that doubles as a real world video game.

The Countryman is the first MINI with room for four people, grocery bags and is something you might actually want to own. Scratch that, the Countryman is something you’ll definitely want to own, once you drive it.

The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan has a better quality interior, a much improved ride quality and a solid powertrain. With this family hauler, price is the main factor in getting customers in dealerships.

In a segment defined by compromises, Mazda bills the CX-5 as a no compromise vehicle. That’s never true of any car, but with this compact crossover it’s certainly less of a stretch.

While a decent enough car, the Equus lacks the attention to detail and originality to pull a Lexus on Lexus. Good enough doesn’t cut it at this level.