Picking up our 2017 Volvo XC90 loaner at Los Angeles International Airport was a challenge; so I thought, until I transitioned into the busiest traffic patterns in North America. 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription effectively conquered the streets of Los Angeles.

I recently used a 2016 Cadillac Escalade Platinum in place of my half ton pickup to get my wife and her horses to a horse show, and after three days of being worked like a farm truck including pulling the trailer to and from the show – the Escalade proved to be every bit as capable as a pickup.

Undoubtedly, 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback is Honda’s greatest compact car manifested to date. It’s surprisingly refined and comfortable. I just took one out for romp and am just a bit blown away by how good this Civic truly is.

The changes made to the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ seem minimal on paper, but the few changes to the exterior and the drivetrain both account for significant improvements – leading to a truck that looks a little better and performs a little better.

While driving most 7-passenger SUVs usually means that you can’t have a much fun while behind the wheel, the 2016 Dodge Durango R/T is proof that a big SUV with three rows of seating can be fun - and you can have that combination of passenger space and driving excitement for under $50k.

2017 marks the second model year for the reinvented Mazda CX-3. This is the “driver’s’” car of the still hot subcompact crossover segment, with Honda HR-V leading the pack with superior interior volume and relative quiet. Which compact crossover is best for you?

I recently spent a week driving the 2016 Toyota Yaris 5-door LE and during that time, I was impressed by the amount of interior space, the creature comforts and the incredible number of compliments I got on the car in that week – and it costs less than $19,000.

The 2016 Lincoln Navigator L Reserve has all of the credentials to compete for the title of the best large luxury SUV in the US market, but where the competitors will run you close to six figures, the top of the line Navigator offers lots of power, lots of interior space and lots of luxury for less than the starting price of most competitors.

I recently spent a week driving the beautiful 2016 Lexus RC200T F Sport shown here and in that time I learned that if you are interested in the sporty luxury coupe for the plush interior, the aggressive exterior and the awesome handling performance – the RC200T is the package for you.

We spend a week on the road with 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup. Does it measure up to Honda’s claims of “best in class?”

The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the oldest nameplates in the US market, dating back to the mid-1930s, and after spending a week driving the 2016 Suburban LTZ, there was little question why this full sized body-on-frame SUV has lasted all of these years – with more passenger space, more cargo space and more working abilities than any SUV sold in the USA.

The Hyundai Sonata has come a long way over the past few years in terms of interior amenities and exterior styling, but if you enjoy driving and you are shopping the modern Sonata family, the 2.0T package is the trimline for you – with a 245hp turbocharged engine, a sport tuned suspension, a drive mode program and a unique steering rack that makes this Hyundai far more fun to drive than past iterations.

Did the death of the American icon “station wagon” come about with the advent of the SUV and the all too familiar crossover, Or did automakers simply abandon them?

I recently made an 800 mile trip with the new Toyota Prius to catch the Pittsburgh stop of the Guns N Roses “Not in This Lifetime” tour and in addition to keeping my gas costs under $30, the Prius proved to be a great road trip vehicle and a great vehicle to take to the show.