Auto Talk

When the Honda Ridgeline pickup debuted in 2006 I didn't see it as fitting the role of a real pickup truck. Although its looks mimicked those bigger pickups, Honda clearly saw a use for their new truck others didn't.

Completely redone for 2017, the Pacifica is now Chrysler's minivan. The Limited version at $51,000 plus represents the high end of the model line. The entry level Pacifica starts at $36,495.

By now you may know the 2017 F-350 Super Duty won the Truck of the Year award. Motor Trend magazine began presenting its Car of the Year award in 1949. The effort and attention to detail in determining a worthy recipient is exhaustive.

Toyota has freshened up the current generation RAV4 crossover. The little CUV is larger than when it debuted to the public in the mid-1990s, yet remains practical, comfortable and more than capable in different types of driving conditions.

It's good to know there are automakers like Volkswagen who still believe there is a market for wagons.

For a long time German sport sedans have been the ultimate in handling and performance for those drivers who yearn for such in a four or five passenger car.

I've finally been able to get my hands on a Mustang convertible; a 2016 model GT loaded with options and powered by a 5.0 litre, 435 horsepower V8.

It seems the three-seat SUV or crossover is the must-have vehicle for family hauling these days. Mini-vans continue to fall out of favour with many families, soccer moms excluded.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 Now in its third generation the Toyota Tacoma is one of only three mid-size trucks selling in North America. It's a big seller.

The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Energi have become dedicated hybrids – meaning they have no gasoline-only versions. This makes the C-Max compact hatchback a direct competitor to the Toyota Prius liftback and Prius V wagon.