A twin to the Ford Ranger, the compact Mazda B-Series pickup has changed little in the past 12 years. The two-wheel drive (RWD) model with a manual transmission is the most statistically reliable, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

An all-new model for 2010, the GMC Terrain is mostly unchanged for 2011, except that its optional 3.0-litre V6 engine can now be operated with E85 ethanol fuel if desired. The Terrain is a sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Equinox.

The $160 Scan Gauge II not only allows vehicle owners to identify the causes of "check engine" warnings, it provides vehicle information such as average fuel economy, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and vehicle speed, reports product reviewer Frank Rizzuti.

The MX-5's available power retractable hardtop raises or retracts in just twelve seconds, reduces road noise and provides extra security, reports Senior Editor, Paul Williams. But it "adds cost" and "some people find its appearance ungainly," he notes.

For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class has been redesigned with a completely new front end, better fuel efficiency for the optional diesel engine, and an improved seven-speed automatic transmission.

The F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 with standard 4.6-litre 3-valve V8 and starting price of $39,299 "plies the upper-middle ground of the F-Series’s myriad configurations," reports Peter Bleakney. It's a great truck, but options can boost its price significantly, he says.

A completely new model, the sporty CR-Z hatchback is a hybrid that uses the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and Integrated Motor Assist system used in the Insight. MSRPs are $23,490 with the six-speed manual and $24,290 with the CVT.

The majority of drivers on the road today feel that they are good drivers despite the fact that they haven’t had adequate driver training, opines contributor Russell Purcell. Lessons from the professionals can really make a difference, he says.

Aside from its more attractive styling and roomier cabin, the most impressive thing about the new Porsche Cayenne is its ability to perform as well on a racetrack as on a rocky, muddy trail, reports Social Media editor, James Bergeron.

New for 2011, the Cruze is Chevrolet’s "global" compact sedan that’s already available in Europe and Asia. It’s available with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. 2011 MSRPs are LS $14,995, LT $19,495, and LTZ $24,780.

Though not many Porsche owners actually drive their Porsches on the racetrack, all production Porsches can be driven on the track with no modifications whatsoever, says James Bergeron who heads to Mosport International Raceway to sample Porsche’s latest offerings.

"It’s clear that the Journey is designed for families... and with pricing that is more affordable than most competitors," says Editor, Greg Wilson. The top R/T V6 AWD model is "comfortable and quiet" but "thirsty," and "could use some interior updating."

For 2011, Buick Lucerne models feature standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, which was previously optional on the CX and CXL trim lines. As well, five-passenger models add a standard USB port and the top-line Super adds a standard navigation system.

The Marmon Sixteen was a "fabulous car," says auto historian, Bill Vance. Its 8-litre (491 cu in.) overhead valve, aluminum, 45-degree, V16 developed 200 horsepower, "but it had arrived at the worst possible economic time - the depth of the Depression."

The Subaru Forester’s reliability has been spotty, the most serious problem being head gasket troubles with the non-turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase. Foresters were also available with a turbocharged engine which offers perkier performance, he says.

Author Andrew McCredie has put together a compelling and well crafted history of Intermeccanica and Hungarian-born Frank Reisner and the cars he created – from the Apollo to the Porsche Speedster and Kubelwagen replicas, says reviewer Russell Purcell.

For 2010, Mini celebrates the brand’s 50th anniversary with a special 50 Mayfair edition, named for an upscale London neighbourhood. It’s a pricey addition, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, but it’s for enthusiasts who won’t settle for anything less.