By David Finkelstein

It seems that with every new version of the Dodge Challenge we're seeing an undeniable pattern of sought-after performance cars being cultivated. A great example would be the new 2017 Challenger T/A Sports Coupe. The version I had “seat time” with was equipped with their standard 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 375-horsepower. It came with Dodge's all-new electronically controlled active performance "throaty" exhaust system.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Flying under the radar, the 2017 Kia Cadenza may be the best full-sized entry-level luxury sedan sold in the U.S. that's largely unknown by most shoppers in the segment. That's unfortunate because we found the all-new second-generation Cadenza one of the most pleasing sedans we've driven in recent times — regardless of size.

By David Finkelstein

For the 2017 model year, Toyota is offering its Highlander mid-size crossover in an SE trim grade, which brings a premium, sporty personality to the product mix. It's also sold in the LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum versions, and all models are available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The current-generation Honda Civic is stylish inside and out, offers a refined driving experience, and it's loaded with passenger and cargo space for a family of four. For 2017 Honda offers even one better — the Civic Hatchback that provides the same experience, but with the utility of a small crossover.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The very fetching Italian Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the new king of compact sports sedans moving ahead of the Germans consisting of traditional "driver's car" sedans from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Sacrilege to the BMW 3-Series fanatics, to be sure, but we came away after two weeks behind the wheel thinking we had found a car that dethroned the Ultimate Driving Machine.

By David Finkelstein

It was back in 1957 when Toyota first offered its flagship SUV Land Cruiser to consumers in the United States. Since that introduction six decades ago, Land Cruiser has evolved into one of the most luxurious full-capability SUVs on the market.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The first generation Nissan Armada soldiered on for 12 years, limping into its final model year in 2015 with rumors that it would be terminated. But Nissan had other plans, perhaps driven by the resurgent SUV market including the big truck end of the spectrum. It now looks like a brilliant idea — revive the Armada in the image of its popular Infiniti QX80 cousin.