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.

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.

"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 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.

A new-for-2010 BMW X3 xDrive28i gives Canadians a lower-cost entry into the brand. It handles superbly and it’s comfy, but there are compromises, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh: you get fewer features, less power and no break on fuel economy.

Subaru has added its greenhouse-gas-limiting technology to the 2010 Forester, helping it to run "90 per cent cleaner than the average new vehicle," reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But that doesn’t change its performance or fuel economy, he notes.

Cadillac's recently redone CTS wants to play in the Euro sport sedan big-leagues, and indeed, it has the goods to get the attention of those looking at BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, says reviewer Peter Bleakney.

For its $41,100 price, the redesigned 2011 Avalon is "a good deal for the level of refinement, comfort and standard features," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, but it’s not a very "engaging" car, he reports.

The all-new Suzuki Kizashi could be a great car if not for its transmission, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh; it offers European-style handling, nice interior and numerous features, but its rubber-band CVT moans and groans and spoils it all.

During the week that reviewer Russell Purcell drove his Ford Transit Connect test vehicle, he solicited the opinions of various business owners and recreational users to get their impressions of Ford’s innovative high-roof commercial van.

Though the restyled, fifth generation 2010 4Runner no longer offers a V8 engine, its more powerful V6 has more horsepower and the same towing capacity, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. However, its off-road attributes create some on-road compromises, he notes.

With the standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Malibu LT is surprisingly "quiet and powerful" and fuel economy is "commendable" for a mid-size sedan, says Senior Editor, Paul Williams. The Platinum Edition adds a number of feature upgrades.

"A week behind the wheel of a 2010 Infiniti G37x Coupe reminded me of how this Japanese automaker is pretty serious about playing in the Teutonic sandbox, and more specifically, decoding the benchmark BMW 3 Series," says reviewer, Peter Bleakney.

"My week with the Tacoma proved it's decent at hauling both people and stuff, but that it would be easy to exceed the Tacoma's limitations when compared to some of its competitors and larger trucks," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

Luxurious, practical, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, the new diesel-powered Audi A3 TDI is in "a field of one at the moment," says reviewer Gerry Frechette. But he wishes it was available with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.

When it comes to small cars with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza 2.5i hatchback is arguably the best choice in the under $25,000 category, opines Editor-in-chief Greg Wilson. "It offers a proven all-wheel drive system, comfortable cabin, and excellent driveability."

Six models wear the S-Class badge, but the S550 is the "best buy," as odd as that sounds at $123,500, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh; it's a good blend of performance, unabashed luxury and better fuel consumption than expected.

The 2010 GTI has "lightning-quick reflexes, eager acceleration, and ample room for four people and their stuff," says reviewer Haney Louka. Though he prefers manual transmissions, Haney says the GTI's Direct Shift Gearbox has a terrific "fun factor."

The bad boy of the Camaro line-up, the SS with the Rally Sport package "can be brutal or civilized in its performance but its uncompromising exterior design creates some sacrifices in practicality and comfort," says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.

For a trip to the Kentucky Derby, Assistant Editor, Jil McIntosh had an unusual request: she asked Toyota for a press vehicle affected by the accelerator recall. The vehicle, and the race, turned out to be a good bet.