By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The original Cadillac SRX mid-sized sport utility vehicle introduced in 2004, based on the rear-drive CTS platform, could be outfitted with a V-8 engine and a third-row seat. It remains a very useable, drivable crossover.

We took it over ice-covered roads — more like a skating rink — several years ago after one of eastern North Carolina’s infamous ice storms. The SRX, equipped with all-wheel drive, walked the walk and talked the talk. Using a load of caution in the driver’s seat, the Caddy handled the icy conditions without mishap.

But to us its styling was ungainly, not doing a good job of carrying Cadillac’s edgy design theme.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Sometimes less is more. Take Mazda’s 2010 CX-7 for example.

The compact CX-7 crossover has been on the market since 2007, a stylish entry that fits nicely into the company’s decade-old Zoom-Zoom theme. Since its inception four years ago, the CX-7 has had only one engine option, a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 244 horsepower and an impressive 258 pound-feet of torque.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

South Korean automaker Hyundai has accomplished much over the past couple of years including the creation of the new mid-sized Sonata sedan that has become a benchmark for its segment.

Another rabbit-out-of-the-hat trick is the creation of a small crossover that has taken center stage in the extremely competitive segment. The all-new 2010 Tucson can unapologetically stand toe-to-toe with such industry stalwarts as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

In the human experience there’s nothing quite like the first time, for anything. And so it is with launching for the first time the 500-horsepower 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo outfitted with the lightning-fast dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. It’s an experience that it is not soon forgotten. Call it g-force giddiness, akin to hitting the first big drop on a roller coaster.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Europeans have held a monopoly on mid-sized luxury wagons in the U.S. for the past decade. There’s certainly little to criticize in the European offerings such as the BMW 5-Series Touring and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon. They offer first-class luxury transportation.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Of all the new driving aids now available, and it seems the MDX has all of them, we came to the conclusion while hurdling down a congested section of Interstate 95 in South Carolina in a 2010 Acura MDX that adaptive cruise control is the most useful.

As with most new technology it quickly evolves. In its first iteration more than a decade ago, we disliked the long distance between cars adaptive cruise forced on the driver.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We usually advocate ignoring the top trim level of any vehicle, opting for a mid-level trim with the proper engine and transmission and then adding options as desires and budget dictate. This usually means a modicum of savings because you are not saddled with a plethora of stuff in the manufacturer’s inventory attached to the top trim no matter how delicious, but irrelevant, they may be.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Most vehicles reaching the fifth year of their life cycle are in need of replacement. Even with continual upgrades they are outpaced by newer and more up-to-date competing models and appear a bit long in the tooth. That’s why most vehicles these days are mostly on a five-year cycle, replaced by an all-new model in the sixth year.

 By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We were just getting back into our 2010 Mazda Speed3 at a rest stop on Interstate 40 when someone approached us. “Hold on, hold on, I want to ask you something,” came the voice.

Not good. Our first inclination in such circumstances is to quickly fall into the seat, shut and lock the door and carefully but forcefully back out of the parking space not wanting to hear the usual hustle. But, for some reason, we got out of the car and met the man who then asked, “Is that the new Speed3, I just have to take a look if you don’t mind.”