With an increasing production of vehicles that bridge the gap between powerful, gas-hungry SUVs and compact, limiting coupes, perhaps more can enjoy diverse road adventures without sacrificing pocket lining or space.
Frank Kersul, general manager of Hanson Motors - Subaru, Volkswagen, KIA, spoke of the popularity of the 2010 Subaru Outback, which was rated Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year for a rare second year in a row.
"Subaru's new, fourth-generation Outback scored a decisive 10-1 victory in the final voting," Arthur St. Antoine wrote on the Motor Trend Web site.
In another category, held almost perpetually by Honda, Subaru of America surpassed all other manufacturers to claim the 2010 Mainstream Brand Residual Value Award. When taken off the lot, Subaru will retain much of its resale value. Also, KIA's new to the market Soul is "a crossover ... you get the utility out of it, but you still get really good mileage," Kersul said.
Another vehicle especially valuable in an economically pinched society, the new Volkswagen Golf - a rotating name as it was previously called Rabbit, which was previously called Golf previously called Rabbit - will drive at an average 67.9 mpg according to a recent test. Volkswagen Jetta TDI, perhaps overlooked with all of the hybrids, won rating as Green Car of the Year in 2009.
An Army retiree, Kersul gladly offers $500 off the factory price for military service members along with free shuttle service to and from Fort Lewis.
Capital City Honda's Jeff Cereghino touts the SUV that simultaneously gifts versatility, decent gas mileage and low emissions as exemplified in his CR-X or Pilot, both of which made Consumer Reports' list for best fuel economy in the respective categories of small SUV and mid-sized SUV. The Honda Ridgeline, too, is sought after in the truck category, he said. With wagon-like vehicles making a comeback, Honda answered at the end of November releasing the Crosstour, very much like an Accord on the inside but with more room, hatchback, and all-wheel-drive.
New in muscle cars, the Chevrolet Camaro sports throwback houndstooth upholstery, and with 5.1 seconds to 60 mph, it ranks among the fastest cars available. Pricey but highly sought after, the Nissan GT-R, known around the world previous to its U.S. debut as the Nissan Skyline, earned Automobile Magazine's car of the year 2009. The 2010 Tesla Roadster may speed through your pocketbook, but hey, it gets you to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.