2017

2017 Ford Fusion



LOS ANGELES — I’m not surprised to read that Ford says the mid-size Fusion four-door sedan is its second best selling vehicle — behind only the F-150 truck. What’s more surprising, in an age when it seems everyone wants an SUV, it outsells the Ford Explorer. Every time I see one on the freeway I am struck by how handsome it looks. Car buffs say it captures “Aston Martin” styling.

Hyundai Elantra — A stylish compact

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

This is the best of times for compact car shoppers. Never have there been so many good products with technology and features that were only available for cars far above this class just a few short years ago. And this may be the worst of times for compact car shoppers because manufacturers are charging — big time — for these desirable options sending the price of a small family sedan soaring toward 30 grand territory.

2017 Cadillac XT5



PHOENIX — The reinvention of Cadillac into a contemporary luxury brand continues with the latest introduction to the lineup with the first ever XT5 an all-new replacement for the outgoing mid-size SRX crossover vehicle. The SRX was first introduced for the 2004 model year and has been the sales leader for Cadillac.

2017 Nissan Armada



CARMEL, Calif. — The first generation Nissan Armada soldiered on for 12 years, limping into its final model year in 2015 with rumors that it would be terminated. But Nissan had other plans, perhaps driven by the resurgent SUV market including the big truck end of the spectrum. It now looks like a brilliant idea — revive the Armada in the image of its popular Infiniti QX80 cousin.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder



CARMEL, Calif. — For 2017, Nissan has refreshed the Pathfinder, its mid-sized three-row crossover utility vehicle. In fact, Nissan calls it a major redesign of the fourth generation model, introduced in 2013. The new design moves away from a rugged off-road look to a softer family-friendly style. Most noticeable is the new “V Motion” grille that, oddly, has more of a “U” shape, but is consistent with other newly restyled and released Nissan products.

Honda Ridgeline — A new kind of mid-sized truck

By David Finkelstein

To sum up the all new 2017 Honda Ridgeline mid-size pickup truck in one word, it's simply “amazing!” Recently launched through Honda's 1,000 or so nationwide independent dealership network, Ridgeline delivers a welcomed higher level of versatility, capability and underlining comfort, when compared to other trucks in this specialty class.

Ford Escape — Three engines, new technologies

By David Finkelstein

The Ford Escape has been a solid contender in the midsize crossover utility market, which is being strongly considered by shoppers in ever increasing numbers from coast-to-coast. I recently had the opportunity to test drive the flagship 2017 Titanium, top-of-the line version carrying a price of $34,875 including destination charges.

2017 Jaguar F-PACE



ASPEN, Col. — There’s an old saying that when you’re the last one to arrive at the party, you better be wearing the prettiest dress. As one of the last automakers without an SUV in its lineup, Jaguar called on design director Ian Callum to deliver on this task. And so, the legendary British marque adds the all-new F-PACE to its portfolio.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider



SAN DIEGO — This summer, nearly 50 years after the original Pininfarina-styled Fiat 124 Spider roadster launched in Turin, Italy, Fiat revives the legendary nameplate. The original Fiat 124 Spider came to the United States in 1968, and 170,000 were sold when it was discontinued in 1983. There are 8,000 still registered in the U.S. today and 40 percent of those are owned by millennials and Gen Xers.

Audi A4 — Getting it right

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

To get the full benefit of the subtle styling changes of the all-new Audi A4 you will have to park the 2017 next to the 2016 version. It's still conservatively handsome in an Audi sort of way, but under the skin the differences are many — the new model is more powerful with improved fuel economy, has been endowed with a very attractive reworked interior, features spacious quarters for second-row passengers, and sports an array of new safety and technology components.