SAN DIEGO — What a difference a grille makes! No, that’s not a parody of a Dinah Washington song…it’s an initial reaction to the changes made to the 2011 Chrysler 300 Luxury Sedan.

LOS ANGELES  — Rube Goldberg would have loved the Chevy Volt. Two electric motors, a gasoline engine that powers a generator that powers the electric motors via a giant lithium ion battery, 32 computer modules, all fed by a fist full of wires that somehow plug into everything that turns the wheels and makes it go.

SAN FRANCISCO — If you are a fan of the entry-level luxury Acura TSX sedan — and there will be about 30,000 new owners this year — then we think you will be a fan of the new TSX Sport Wagon. It has the same sporty nature as the sedan.

DEL MAR, Calif. — Historically, Quest has almost been like the industry’s minivan after-thought. But after driving the all-new 2011 product there’s no doubt it came to play. Considering the renewed interest and products in the import minivan segment catering to the active family has been the battle cry. 

SAN DIEGO — The Korean onslaught continues with the introduction of the all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra. It’s only been four years and four months since the launch of the last generation Elantra but appearance-wise it might as well have been a decade.

NAVATO, Calif. — To bastardize a famous title, for this Dodge it has been a long day’s journey into light. Not long ago we spent 1,500 miles behind the wheel of a 2010 Journey. It was spacious enough for our stuff, it averaged about 21 mpg, and it was relatively comfortable. But there was a problem.

SAN FRANCISCO -— Proving you “can go home again,” the 2011 version of the new-generation Dodge Charger enhances its position as the flagship of the Dodge brand. Although only available as a four-door sedan it has all the proportions of a fastback coupe.

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. --- The Sebring sedan replacement made its world debut in L.A., but we found ourselves behind the wheel of the new 200 a couple of weeks prior to its public premier. Although Chrysler refers to the 200 as a mid-cycle refresh virtually every system in the sedan is new or upgraded.

SAN FRANCISCO — In 1983, Chrysler Corporation unveiled the minivan to the world. Soccer moms were created, the mobile family was born and “bringing your stuff with you” was the order of the day. Through various incarnations, Chrysler’s heralded minivans are still the best-selling vehicles in the segment.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Volkswagen is known as the diesel engine carmaker. Hybrids up to now had been left to the rest of the industry. Now VW has also taken the hybrid route with its all-new-for-2011 Touareg crossover vehicle.