If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

With each successive model, Hyundai has shown that it can compete in the mid-size class right alongside more established players including the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. in terms of appearance, performance, content and price. The Sonata’s fashionable exterior attracted plenty of approving stares, while the interior with an abundance of stretch-out room for five passengers and plenty of premium touches also ranked high. The available turbo four-cylinder engine was powerful enough that few buyers missed the previous V6 option.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Honda’s sub-compact hatchback was launched for 2001 in Japan, but didn’t make it to North America until the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model. The car was significantly revamped and enlarged for the 2009 model year, resulting in more cabin and stowage space. Early and later versions were equipped with different 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines that produced 109 and 117 horsepower, respectively.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Yukons could carry and tow just about anything imaginable. Inside, there was room for up to nine passengers as well as their personal effects. A gymnasium-sized cargo hold opened up with the middle and rear seats removed. The range of V8 engines was significantly more powerful than the previous powerplants and they achieved slightly better fuel economy (the hybrid being the best of the group).

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The Charger was one of the few success stories to emerge from Chrysler’s brief connection with Mercedes-Benz. The big four-door’s better-than-average drivability and impressive V8 power made it popular as a family hauler, with performance seekers and even police forces. Interior fit and finish was also much improved, compared to first-generation Chargers. Cars with the “Hemi” V8, especially the 470-horsepower 6.4-liter SRT model, delivered pants-kicking thrust that made them a blast to drive.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Acura’s entry-level TSX joined the larger TL sedan for the 2004 model year. The four-door TSX was actually based on the European version of the Honda Accord, which was slightly smaller than the one styled and built in North America. Following five successful seasons, a completely redrawn TSX entered service for the 2009 model year.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The Cobalt provided inexpensive transportation for buyers of all ages and was also embraced by the rental-car industry and other fleets. Sedans provided plenty of front- and rear-passenger legroom and headroom plus a decent amount of trunk space that could be extended by dropping the split-folding rear seat.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

With each new model, the Eclipse slowly but steadily became a more refined car and this version was at the top, especially in the areas of passenger comfort and ride quality. A 2009 model-year styling refresh made an attractive car look sharper around the edges.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The Altima’s inherent goodness made it a popular choice for sedan and coupe seekers and certainly made its competitors sit up and take notice. Good looks and superior performance helped popularize these Nissans and set the tone for many of the automaker’s trend-setting models to follow.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

The 2007-’12 RDX was one of the more satisfying near-luxury wagons to drive and one of the more sure-footed on snow- and ice-covered highways. It was also one of the roomiest in its class, both in passenger and stowage space. Updates for the 2010 model year significantly improved the car’s looks. A number of automakers actually upgraded the level of luxury in their competing models to match the RDX.

 Please contact us to order this feature.

If you are not a member of the media, but still wish to check out some of our stories online, visit www.theoctanelounge.com, which is owned by Wheelbase Media.

Although it competed with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV and Ford Escape on price, the Liberty was a real off-roader. Its two optional four-wheel-drive setups with their low ranges proved superior for crawling over boulders or up steep hills. An extra-cost off-road package added protective skid plates, tow hooks and more aggressive rubber. The extra-tall cabin provided plenty of headroom and equally impressive visibility.

 Please contact us to order this feature.