By David Finkelstein

I can't help but reflect on when I drove the Ford Explorer for the first time many years ago. I was hosting a radio show on CBS back then and trying to explain to my audience the highlighted details on precisely what an Explorer was all about! Based on feedback, I clearly felt that my listeners were captivated on what I had to say about this all new product.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The approach over the past few decades — especially in such large segments as the mid-sized family sedan — has been to build a car with a five-year cycle, endowing it with a smattering of new technology and some exterior and interior styling tweaks in the third or fourth year of the cycle to keep buyers interested. But it seems the times are changing. Mid-cycle refreshening has been ratcheted up a notch.

By David Finkelstein

The expressive 2016 Audi TT Coupe as well as its sister Roadster Convertible clearly equate to a no compromise sports car in every way. From its design to it's signature passing power and performance, TT drives and handles with welcomed precision. No doohickey gimmickry here — just a well crafted automobile loaded with pleasurable creature comforts.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The newly named Lincoln Motor Car Company came stumbling out of the blocks in 2013 with an all-new MKZ mid-sized sedan that missed the mark. Lincoln got it right a year later with its second all-new product, the MKC compact crossover. Although based on the Ford Escape, we felt Lincoln had "escaped" the rebadged feeling with a solid upscale vehicle. The MKC delivers the goods in styling, interior comfort and driving dynamics.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The iconic xB box and a no-haggle "pure price" mono-spec trim shopping experience defined the Scion brand when it entered the U.S. automotive scene in 2003 aimed at younger buyers — a brand within a brand at Toyota stores. It seemed the Japanese company was on to something as Scion enjoyed initial success.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Kia Optima was the object of an extreme makeover for the 2011 model year under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer evolving from a nondescript ugly duckling mid-sized sedan devoid of emotional attachment into a head-turning automobile, a standout among its large cadre of rivals. The restyling — both inside and out — turned the Optima into a mid-sized segment rock star, one of the most dramatic turnarounds in industry history.

By David Finkelstein

With remarkable sales growth for a number of years in a row, Nissan Motors is offering the 2016 four door Altima to consumers after an extensive mid-cycle product freshening.This includes a number of changes with the sedans exterior “new look/design language” that helps support the vehicle's position as clearly being in the Nissan product mix.