PHOENIX — I’ve always thought the Subaru Outback to be the Centaur of vehicles. It didn’t start out that way when it was first introduced back in 1995 and marketed as a Legacy Grand Wagon in Japan. That was long before the crossover utility vehicle craze came on the automotive scene. Through the years Outback has morphed larger, away from a station wagon and in the direction of a crossover utility vehicle.

PHOENIX — With just five percent of the automotive market share, two-door coupe models are considered objects of desire rather than a vehicle that fills a mainstream transportation need. People buy them because they want one not because they are necessarily a practical choice. And visually, the new Infiniti Q60 is not only an object of desire it’s also absolutely gorgeous inside and out.

HOUSTON — In our modern driving society, crossovers are the station wagons of the seventies. Fortunately for us, shape, power, and fuel efficiency have all improved since then, and you don’t get the two kids making awkward faces at you from their rear-facing back seat. I only make the station wagon comparison to say, they’re everywhere. People with or without kids, men and women of all ages and demographics, are driving crossovers.

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — For years Nissan has claimed the "four-door sports sedan" moniker for its flagship Maxima. And the all-new-for-2016 Maxima is designed for those buyers who are luxury intenders, but looking for a vehicle that is more sporting in both appearance and road manners. The Maxima delivers with more than just an alluring design — it also features a healthy 3.5-liter V-6 making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque.

LAKE OCONEE, Ga. — Following three straight years of sales growth since the introduction of the completely redesigned second-generation Nissan Rogue for the 2014 model year, it has been given a mid-cycle refreshing for 2017 to stay competitive in the booming compact crossover market.

OJAI, California — When it comes to pioneering vehicles that get exceptional fuel economy no one would argue that Toyota is the world’s leader with over 25 years of alternative fuel vehicles under its belt. Offered products include gas-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in a few select markets.

LAKE OCONEE, Ga. — An engine doesn’t necessarily make a car, but it can certainly give it swagger.  Take the Nissan Sentra for example.  Earlier this summer, I tested the Sentra and liked it very much.  But, when Nissan mentioned shoving the Juke’s turbocharged engine under the hood, stiffening the suspension, quickening the steering, and sporting out its exterior, I was ready for a drive.  At the recent Rogue and Rogue Hybrid preview in Georgia, I had my chance.

SEATTLE — It may or may not come as a surprise to you but the popularity of the traditional family sedan is dying with demand at a five-year low. That’s even as we are in the midst of one of the U.S. auto industry’s best sales years ever following up on last year’s record pace. Vehicles in this segment include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and others.

PHOENIX — The original Audi Q7 SUV has been around since 2007, when it was introduced to compete with Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. But sales never approached those of the Mercedes or BMW offerings.  For 2017 Audi has completely redesigned the Q7. In the process, it shed some 474 pounds, an unusually huge amount for any vehicle.

INDIANAPOLIS — My buddy and I were walking to my car for lunch while I was telling him about this really cool Volkswagen I was driving.  He saw it from the door and said, “Big deal, it’s just a Golf!”  Well, he’s half right.  It is a four-door Golf in all the familiar styling and practicality that implies.  But, it’s not just a Golf.  It’s a Golf R that kicks pants and stops hearts.