By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Built in Germany, Buick designers have completely rethought the Regal GS for 2018. Sedans have been replaced with a sleeker, coupe-like hatchback that Buick calls Sportback to mimic — we suppose — such German stalwarts as the Audi A5 Sportback. Despite the loss of a trunk, the GS remains every bit the driver's car.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Nissan has redesigned its all-electric Leaf for 2018, the first total remake since its introduction in the fall of 2010 as a 2011 model. Electric vehicles in general and the Leaf in particular have come a long way in those seven years. For instance, the new Leaf has a noticeable change in styling, considerably more horsepower, more range, a bigger battery, more technology and more cargo space than the 2011 model — and it doesn't cost any more.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Cadillac offers a compelling reason to buy American if you are looking for a mid-sized luxury sedan — meet the crisply styled CTS that offers an excellent combination of performance, handling, passenger comfort and technology to take on the German and Japanese brands. But — and this is a big but — you have to purchase the correct model to get the full complement of these competitive attributes.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Infiniti QX80 does a lot of things well when compared to other big SUVs in the body-on-frame luxury segment and for that reason its sales numbers have remained relatively constant over the years despite only modest incremental changes and its rather hulk-like appearance.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Not long ago the mid-sized sedan was the largest segment outside of full-sized pickup trucks. But with the exploding popularity of the crossover SUV, the typical family sedan has become an also-ran. Because sales have dramatically dropped over the past couple of years automakers are re-thinking new models. For example, Fiat Chrysler and Ford have announced the termination of many of their car-type vehicles over the next several years.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Earlier this year Genesis was named the top ranked luxury automaker in Consumer Reports 2018 brand ratings. Genesis also finished second behind Porsche — and ahead of such vaunted nameplates as Audi and Lexus — in the latest J.D. Power APEAL study, which measures customer satisfaction with a brand. These and other accolades are astounding considering Genesis was spun off of parent Hyundai Motor Company less than three years ago, and currently has only two models.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Last summer Volvo announced that every vehicle it launches from 2019 will have an electric motor putting electrification at the core of its future business. Virtually every car maker is embracing electrification, and Volvo said it wants to be out front offering a wide range of electrified vehicles from fully electric cars, plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids.

By David Finkelstein

With a number of upgrades and changes for the 2018 model year, Volkswagen is making its Passat mid-sized sedan available in six trim levels including the base S version, R-Line, SE, SE with Technology, GT, and SEL Premium. Replacing the 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, Passat's new base powertrain features the most advanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine it has ever offered.