MotorMouths

LaCrosse buyers will chose between two models at one price– the eAssist hybrid or the conventional V6. It’s a great proposition with a mild hybrid system that’s so streamlined and nicely integrated – not to mention one that carries a 37-mpg highway economy rating.

The 2011 GT500 Convertible is better than what we drove in 2010, but it still isn’t where it should be – the body is still too flexible and we would never consider anything but the coupe if we were tasked with driving a Shelby along a California canyon road or out on a track.

We don’t find many faults with the 2011 BMW X3, but if we’re honest, there isn’t a lot to get excited about, either. The end result is a vehicle that reeks of anonymity. But anonymity isn’t all that bad, particularly when you have 300 hp on tap.

No one needs a 503-horsepower SUV capable of 155 miles per hour. In the real world, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG makes no sense whatsoever. But you want one all the same. We understand.

The 2011 X3 is a vehicle that reeks of anonymity. Still, anonymity isn’t all that bad, particularly when you have 300 hp on tap.

We found the Hyundai Tucson to be a stylish, useful workhorse for everyday tasks that doesn’t sacrifice too much in the way of driving enjoyment. What’s more, with a sticker starting at $19,995, it’s quite a bargain.

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 inspires us to get out on the open road, and though we know there are cars that, for an enthusiast, are light years better to drive on involving roads, it has enough moxie to make any petrolhead wear a silly grin on his face.

Your $20-23K may be better spent on a base Mini Cooper, Ford Fiesta or Honda Fit – three cars are just as good if not better to drive as the CR-Z, and their similar fuel economy and far more practical shapes far outweigh our desire to break the mold of the traditional subcompact set.