BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — Five years may not seem like much in the overall span of time. However, in the case of the Buick Enclave it’s been the length of an evolution. First debuted as a 2008 model in May 2007, the Enclave is a prime example of a vehicle whose instant success more than doubled Buick's annual sales volume.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Buick Verano sedan is a very good small Buick, based on the Chevrolet Cruze/Chevrolet Volt platform taking the well-executed Cruze to a new level of refinement. The Verano fits right into the new Buick mold of smaller, firmer cars with European design and flare, and with more interior refinement than Buicks of the preceding two or three decades.

SAN FRANCISCO — If ever I’ve driven a vehicle that was the poster child for shedding a few “grams” and getting back into shape it’s the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS. The EPA lists this as a subcompact and it is on the small side. However small though it is the Sonic RS casts a large footprint of excitement — particularly for those behind the wheel.

BEAVER CREEK, Col. — My, how the family has grown! The Audi A4 family has been Audi’s best-selling product line for the past four decades and if history means anything the new 2013 version, the eighth-generation A4, will proudly carry on the family tradition. Often referred to as the “entry-level Audi,” as if such a moniker would apply, the new A4 brings a lot to the table in the way of performance, luxury, comfort and just plain driving fun.

SAN FRANCISCO — For too many years the midsize sedan segment has been populated by a group of plain-Jane’s that were adequate for the job, but quite honestly a little underwhelming when it came to styling and performance. If complacency was the disease then Chevrolet has found the cure.

SAN FRANCISCO — Chevy sure hit the nail on the head when it named its first mini car for the U.S. and Canadian markets the Spark. That’s just what it is — a spark plug of energy and driving experience. It’s a sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch and it is the perfect vehicle for city dwellers and first-time buyers.

LOS ANGELES — When we got our first look at the 2013 Ford Fusion at the Detroit auto show last January we were astounded. What a great-looking mid-sized sedan. Since than it has received rave reviews from the automotive press.This is the bold styling that has been lacking at Toyota and Honda. But, we thought, will this turn out to be just a fancy new wrapper for the same old contents?

YPSILANTI, Mich. — The common belief is “the third time’s the charm.” If that’s the case imagine how charming the 2013 Honda Accord must be, being the ninth generation of this venerable nameplate. Accord is the single most important car in the Honda lineup so getting it right isn’t just a goal; it’s an imperative. Furthermore, Honda is celebrating the 30th anniversary of building Accords in Ohio.

LOS ANGELES — Ford invited comparison to the larger Prius V during an evaluation of its all-new-to-the- U.S. 2013 C-Max Hybrid, a station-wagon-like vehicle about the size of a Ford Focus. The C-Max is popular in Europe where it lives in the fuel-efficient and cargo-friendly multi-purpose vehicle segment. Ford thinks Americans are ready for such a vehicle, especially one that is EPA-rated at 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg city and (of course) 47 mpg combined.

PARK CITY, Utah — Suppose you were Hyundai Motor America and you wanted to hold a media ride and drive to show off your all-new, third-generation Santa Fe family CUV. Where would be the most logical place to hold it? That’s’ right, Park City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Olympics are all about activity and so is the new Santa Fe. And just like the Olympics have two versions (winter and summer), so, too, does the 2013 Santa Fe.