Kia has found the right formula for its new Sorento crossover sport jutility vehicle based on sales figures through the first three-fourths of 2010. It stands head and shoulders above the previous Sorento, which was smaller and built on a body-on-frame platform.

The all-new 2011 Infiniti M features head-turning styling in addition to neck-snapping performance, world-class road-cariving attributes and cutting-edge technology.

Mercedes-Benz has taken its popular E-Class in yet another direction for the 2011 model year — the cabriolet.

The minivan segment has slumped in recent years. General Motors and Ford left the segment several years ago giving the Japanese and Koreans a bigger piece of a shrinking pie.

But perhaps an upturn in people movers is in sight. At least the Japanese big three are counting on it. Toyota, Honda and Nissan have new vehicles for the 2011 model year.

The pony car wars are heating up again. And for 2011 the Ford Mustang
gets two new serious weapons — a 305-horsepower V-6 and a
412-horsepower V-8.

Honda's small crossover, the CR-V, was redesigned for the 2007 model year and it has proven a huge success outselling everything in the segment.

It has a winning personality with a thrifty can-do 4-cylinder engine, a well-designed quality interior, and excellent driving dynamics. Add to that Honda's vaunted reliability and great resale value and the CR-V carries on as one of the best small family haulers sold in North America.

All indications point to a resurgance in small American cars. And the new-for-2011 Ford Fiesta is postioned to lead the way.

The new Lexus steel top convertible built on the IS sports sedan platform is a delightful compact luxury drop top.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrid hatchback reminds us of the Honda CRX built from the mid-80s to the early '90s. It was a small two-seat hatchback darter that would bring a smile to your face every time you hit the winding open road.