Category: New Model Introductions

Unlike AutoPacific's (http://www.autopacific.com) annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award winner is selected by editors. AutoPacific's awards are generated based on responses from owners of new cars and light trucks to a national mail survey.

GMs new big SUVs lack fold flat 3rd row seat. This is a major disadvantage compared with Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

The first full month of sales for the Ford Fusion was October, 2005. Fusion, right out of the blocks, looks like a surprise winner.

VehicleVoice measures styling of new vehicles using its Internet panel.

Hyundai Azera tackles the best Japanese mainstream sedans with an excellent product and surprising value.

Honda Civic has abandoned bland styling for a hybrid look-alike.

Honda Civic has abandoned bland styling for a hybrid look-alike.

If you are used to reading critiques of new vehicles in USAToday, Jim Healey can often become a curmudgeon over nitpicky details.

While these 2006MY changes result in a terrific new Explorer, its segment is competitive enough that it may not result in signficantly increased Explorer sales. There are eighteen entries in the Premium Mid-Size SUV segment available for 2006MY, according to AutoPacific's segment definitions, allowing entries to go after the buyers in a more focused manner.