The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO is powered by the same powerful twin turbo EcoBoost V6 engine as the 2012 and older models but the exterior refresh displayed across the entire 2013 Taurus lineup gives the newest SHO a look that is far more appropriate for a modern high performance sedan.

There was a point in time when getting all of the high end luxury features in the Chrysler 300 meant that you had to order a 300C, which includes the Hemi V8 and the price increases that come with that pricier drivetrain but with the 2012 Chrysler 300 Limited Luxury Series – owners can have all of the luxury amenities available on the 300 with the efficiency and power of the Pentastar V6.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec - a V6 powered sports coupe that presents itself as the best chance yet for the Korean automaker to challenge the American muscle cars even without a V8 engine.

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LTZ is the top of the line trim package for the smallest of the Chevy sport utility vehicles and the level of detail inside allows this compact SUV to offer luxury comforts with a price well below comparably equipped models around the industry.

After spending 8 days behind the wheel of the 2012 Audi A4 2.0, there is little question as to why this is among the bestselling European luxury cars in the America with tons of amenities inside and an efficient drivetrain that maintains a fun to drive attitude – all under $40,000.

I recently had a chance to spend some time in the 2012 Ford F150 XLT 4x4 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and since this was my second time testing the F150 powered by an EcoBoost V6 from the 2012 model year – I took a little different approach to my road test this time around with a long drive on the highway to test the fuel economy figures of the super-efficient engine.

The compact sport utility vehicle segment is packed full of popular models but the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one that shouldn’t be overlooked by prospective shoppers as it carries a low price and a surprising number of amenities even in lower level trimlines.

While the arrival of the new rear wheel drive FR-S may overshadow the front wheel drive Scion tC, those who want a very low priced, front wheel drive sports coupe that offers impressive fuel economy without compromising power should check out the Scion tC.

The biggest complaint with most sport utility vehicles is that many of them offer poor fuel economy and those models that do offer impressive MPGs often do so by skimping elsewhere but with the Ford Edge Limited fitted with the 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder – SUV drivers can have great fuel economy and gobs of modern amenities in a luxurious setting.

The Lexus ES lineup shares a great many components with popular Toyota models but while the early days of the ES sedans were criticized for being too much like the Camry, the newer versions have taken strides to clearly differentiate the two – a point that is very evident with the 2013 Lexus ES350.

The 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid is an attractive option in the hybrid sedan segment, one that is still growing despite several months of relatively stable gasoline prices. With an EPA rating of 40-mpg highway and a base price of $25,700, this vehicle warrants the hybrid buyer's consideration.

There was a point in time where the suggestion of a great looking Korean sport sedan that had the brass to back up the title would have been little more than a joke but Kia is one of the American auto industry’s most improved brands over the past few years – a fact clearly illustrated by the 2012 Kia Optima SX.

Scion has introduced its first-ever sports car: a rear-wheel drive two-door sports performance coupe jointly developed with Subaru called the 2013 Scion FR-S.

The compact sedan class is jam packed full of affordable models boasting about how they offer a blend of fuel economy and spirited driving but few are as efficient as the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring featuring Mazda’s Skyactiv engine technology – offering 40 miles per gallon on the open road.