MONTEREY, Calif. — Arguably the benchmark by which all sport sedans are measured, BMW has introduced the sixth generation of its iconic 3-Series sport sedan. If BMW had it right the first time, which seems to be the general consensus, then imagine what the 2012 version — five generations removed from the original — must be like.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Traditionalist SUV buyers, those who prefer their vehicle to look like a box, have found comfort behind the wheel of the mid-size Honda Pilot since its remake in 2009. Not only does it meet their idea of design but like most Honda fans they are looking for traditional Honda reliability and resale value. This appeal was pointed up by 2011 sales figures. More than 116,000 copies of the Pilot were sold, a 14,000 unit gain over 2010.

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — When speaking of the excellent new crop of compact cars already in American showrooms or on the way later this year, seldom is the Subaru Impreza part of the discussion. That may be changing in the coming months with the introduction of an all-new, stylish and more fuel efficient Impreza. The redesigned 2012 Subaru is better looking, has more interior space and is more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

AUSTIN, Texas — The mid-sized sedan segment has probably never been more competitive than it will become during 2012 as a number of all-new models hit the market. Perhaps for that reason Chevrolet decided to get its completely redone 2013 Malibu into the hands of consumers six months ahead of the original schedule. The new Malibu will go on sale in mid-February with just one drivetrain, a mild hybrid system that General Motors calls eAssist.

LAS VEGAS — It’s no secret the mere mention of the word “Lexus” connotes luxury. Lesser known, however, is the fact that some Lexus models, while fraught with the usual upscale amenities its owners have come to expect, are also drivers’/enthusiasts’ cars as well. Case in point is the all-new 2013 GS 350 Sport Sedan. Lexus has thrown all its gee whiz technology into a completely redesigned mid-size GS.

SAN DIEGO — If you liked the previous Honda CR-V crossover you will surely be pleased with the all-new 2012 model. You probably won't detect much difference in performance or appearance — the powertrain is a carryover and the styling evokes the same theme as the third generation — but the 2012 Honda is decidedly more sophisticated with numerous technology upgrades, more standard equipment, a quieter interior and a smoother ride.

DETROIT — The quirky Scion family has just introduced its fourth vehicle and in doing so has created an entirely new segment — Premium Micro-Subcompact. The only other way to describe this 10-foot long vehicle is to call it the "world’s smallest four-seater.” At first glance the iQ looks more like an oversized golf cart. But the size of the vehicle makes it the perfect David Copperfield car because it, too, is an illusionist.

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — We’ve been inundated these days with a host of economic plans designed to get the economy out of its significant rut. Perhaps the most ballyhooed is the 9-9-9 plan. Well Honda has an economic plan of its own. It's called the 44-44-44. Meet the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, designed to allow owners to keep more money in their pocket while driving a mainstream vehicle that does not scream, "Look at me, I am driving green."

NEW YORK — If Buick is as quiet in promoting its 2012 Verano compact luxury car as the vehicle’s interior is then nobody is going to hear about it. Buick pulled out all the stops, and interior noise to create a domestic vehicle that is set to take on the vaunted Lexus IS 250 and Audi A3 sedans. A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used in more than 50 areas of Verano’s body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness.