Category: New Model Introductions

The Suzuki SX4, a new small Post-Modern SUV (or crossover, or sport wagon), joins Suzuki's North American lineup after an introduction at the 2006 New York show in April, 2006. Sales are scheduled for late Summer 2006 in the States, and the U.S. and European spec versions will carry similar styling.

Second generation Hyundai Santa Fe will be unveiled at 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January.

The latest iteration of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder will be unveiled at the 2006 Detroit auto show this January. Sales will start in spring 2006, in time for summertime top-down motoring. While unveiling a convertible in the Midwest in January may seem an unlikely venue, Mitsubishi has a history of launching Eclipse production and concept models in Detroit.

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.

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