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

The 2018 BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is a new 5-door hatchback, effectively the next generation 5 Series Gran Turismo. BMW in its zeal to add niche products to the lineup designed the Gran Turismo as a swoopy car-like crossover, but in fact it doesn't have the versatility of a crossover. It's more a sedan with a hatch. And, by the way, it's much better looking than the outgoing 5 Series.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Recently Ford CEO Jim Hackett released a plan that would overhaul three-quarters of its North American lineup by 2020 focusing primarily on sport utility vehicles of all sizes and pickup trucks including the new mid-sized Ranger. It seems to us that Ford's upcoming transformation into primarily a truck brand got off the ground with the all-new full-sized 2018 Expedition.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Most new-car shoppers know the best time to get the best price is near the end of a model year when dealers are clearing their lots in anticipation of the changeover. Clearance sales yield savings, and that's especially true when it comes to high-priced pickup trucks where it's not unusual to get new wheels for 10 grand or more off sticker price. And the bargains might even be greater when a new iteration of the pickup is on the way.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Mazda has developed a knack for building stylish fun-to-drive small cars such as the compact Mazda3 sedan and hatchback that can pamper its owner with an upmarket feel belying its price that undercuts many mainstream vehicles. The fact that it is outsold by much of the competition is a head-scratcher, making the Mazda3 one of the best kept secrets in the industry.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Not many years ago buying a sub-compact car meant sacrificing some of the things that make driving more enjoyable such as heated seats, automatic headlights, keyless start, an upgraded audio system and the newest safety features. If you wanted a small car with stellar mileage, you sacrificed.