By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

When the Crosstrek was introduced as a 2013 model we wondered if there was room in the Subaru lineup for another crossover practically the same size as the award-winning Forester, which had been on the market since 1998. We asked, how could Subaru support two nearly identically sized compact crossovers?

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

For years small-car hatchbacks were out of favor in the U.S., but things have changed in recent times due in part to the need for the extra cargo space inherent in the so-called five-door vehicles and perhaps even more, because of the modern, stylish designs that in many cases have made the hatchback more pleasing to gaze upon than its sedan counterpart.

By David Finkelstein

Premium features will likely be one of the major driving forces to attract subcompact crossover SUV buyers to the 2018 Mazda CX-3. It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers. The CX-3 shares the same quality and award winning attributes of other Mazda vehicles in their product mix.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

As sales of crossover SUVs exploded, Volkswagen continued to fall behind with just two entries, the slow-selling compact Tiguan and the larger and expensive Touraeg. The two European-style crossovers are highly regarded as well-made vehicles, but have not resonated with the car-buying public. Enter the spacious mid-sized Atlas that gives the German company its first eight-passenger SUV in the U.S.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It's been nearly eight years since Lexus pulled the plug on the aging SC 430 hardtop convertible coupe. Now Lexus is back in the high-end mid-sized coupe business stronger than ever with a head-turning and heart-pounding entry — the 2018 LC 500. It combines luxury craftsmanship with outstanding performance and ultra-modern styling.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Over the years the Kia Rio has conjured up images of a very entry-level car that relates to first-time buyers, struggling college students, families seeking basic transportation in a second run-around-town car, and the budget side of rental fleets. This perception — while not completely on target — pretty much nailed the little subcompact.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Infiniti set out years ago to be the styling leader as well as the performance champion in the luxury crossover segment with the 2003 FX. Today, in the rapidly growing small luxury crossover segment, Infiniti adds the 2018 QX30 to the styling/performance mix.