Looking to distance itself from the unpopular Freestyle, Ford decided to make a clean break, opting for a new name, new look and significant improvements. Although a practical seven-passenger vehicle, the car-based Freestyle never attracted much attention from car shoppers. It slid anonymously out of the Ford lineup after three years, replaced by the versatile 2008 Taurus X, another crossover wagon.

Taking another step from its uninspired, stodgy past, Volvo decided to pursue the makeover route for the XC70. Typically, there’s certainly nothing wrong with redesigns, they're sometimes long overdue. Not that the XC70 falls into that category, but it did emerge in 2008 as a more appealing vehicle. The remodeled vehicle is four inches longer overall and two longer in the wheelbase. It origin is Volvo’s premium sedan (S80), not the scaled down S60. The XC70 also has revised interior and exterior design.

If you’re shopping for a steroid-induced, compact hatchback, call off the search. Although not all aspects of the 2008 Volkswagen R32 are appealing, it will definitely satisfy your need for speed.

The “R” doesn’t stand for rich, but it could considering the price. At nearly $33,000, this is a fairly expensive hatchback. The “R” doesn’t stand for racy, either. But again, it could. For the record, the R32 gets its name from a 3.2-liter, V6 engine that cranks out  250 horsepower.

When regularly faced with full-sized chores, a full-size pickup is the way to go. Small trucks later came along for those who still enjoyed the versatility provided by a pickup, yet preferred a vehicle that wasn’t a headache to maneuver and park.

What has changed gradually is the emergence of mid-size trucks. And in the mid-1980s, Dodge was the first to design — a a new brand of pickup — the Dakota. It was introduced to admirably fill the gap between big and small. It could still carry a decent-size load, while also providing more refined ride than its heftier, older relative, the Dodge Ram.

Although hardcore truck owners feel they need a big, beefy V-8 vehicle for hauling anything from a load of dirt to large plywood planks, that same requirement is rarely needed among the masses.

Recognizing the need for a truck that can provide both comfort and versatility, Honda unveiled the Ridgeline several years ago to a mostly U.S. market with the idea that this crew cab pickup would be a wonderful cross between a sports utility vehicle and a truck. But the 2007 Ridgeline is beefed up and will even make big-truck buyers happy.

With its 2008 models, Subaru begins its second decade of offering only all-wheel drive as a standard feature throughout its line — Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca.

Subaru is the only manufacturer that offers AWD in every car, and that guarantees one quality. All Subarus corner and maneuver under any circumstance like no other vehicle. The ride is steady and sure and drivers have few concerns in inclement weather, during sharp cornering or on rough roads.

Economy class automobiles are like economy class airplane tickets. Sometimes the value outweighs the shortcomings and sometimes it doesn't.

The latter holds true for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza wagon. The largest of the Korean manufacturer's compact cars offers an inviting price, a spacious interior and a solid list of standard features.

But the Forenza falls short in too many key areas, most notably craftsmanship and performance. As such, it isn't a prudent choice in the economical wagon category.

With popular offerings like the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, the compact pickup truck market is highly competitive. Ford is in the mix, too, of course, with the Explorer Sport Trac.

As such, major manufacturers in the class are constantly looking for an edge, which is all good for consumers. And which is also the reason the Explorer Sport Trac has been redesigned for 2007.

The compact crew cab has new safety features, a new an optional V8 engine and a new independent rear suspension. Like the Ridgeline, the independent rear suspension was added to provide a more carlike ride than other trucks equipped with a solid rear axle. It all works.

A friend recently moved into a new law office and what better vehicle to have available than a Honda Ridgeline to help him move?

A book case and shelves fit in the bed. And, sure, that's an easy load for any pickup truck. But what was surprising was the available back seat space. With the pull of a lever on each side of the 60/40 configuration, the seats up-folded flush and a cavernous space appeared.

Lawyers have plenty of files, and we fit four rows, three boxes high, into the area. And after two trips, we'd begun to make good progress in my friend's massive task.

The ability to move large quantities of boxes doesn't warrant the outright purchase of a truck. But it does provide one good example of how Honda has again crafted another innovative vehicle.

In January, 2004, the automotive industry arrived at another unique plateau. For the first time, the average price of a new car in the United States surpassed $30,000. Ironically, it was also only a few years ago, the same amount designated the minimum amount of a luxury car.

It's also likely a safe assumption that many car buyers still can't afford a $30,000 vehicle. Suppose, for example, a new car buyer has only $15,000 to spend. What's available? And what's a prudent purchase in the price range? One good choice is the 2006 Suzuki Aerio SX.