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The Caliber’s main claims to fame were its affordable base price plus its cargo-swallowing abilities, especially with the rear seat folded flat. Rear-seat space was decent, although more than two passengers in back made for a tight squeeze. Subjectively, the Caliber was considered a good-looking piece, especially from the front. Fuel economy was about average.

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The traditionally super-square Jeep styling was pleasing (the Liberty eventually took this route, too) and decent attention was paid to the interior to give the Commander more of a premium feel. Third-row seating was standard, but folded flat beneath the load floor when not needed for maximum cargo toting ability, albeit only slightly more than the five-passenger Grand Cherokee. The cache of safety content includes stability control to help prevent skids and spins, anti-lock brakes and a backup sensor.

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The Legacy has been part of Subaru’s product mix since the late 1980s. For the 2000 model year, both the sedan and wagon models received new styling along with a torquier 165-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2002, the Legacy could be had with an optional 212-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder.

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As a way of extending its rugged off-roader brand, General Motors’ Hummer division introduced its entry-level mid-size H3 for the 2006 model year. The styling was similar to the larger H1 and H2 models, but was constructed using GM’s small-truck Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon platform. The H3’s 220-horsepower inline five-cylinder engine (upgraded to 239 horsepower for the 2007 model year) was also derived from both trucks.

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The E-class has been the traditional backbone of the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car lineup, generating nearly one-fifth of the brand’s worldwide sales. The sedans and wagons were renewed and enlarged for the 2003 model year and provided with aluminum hoods and front fenders plus updated powertrains. The E-class has been in a state of constant evolution for many years as it fends off challenges from BMW and Audi plus other foreign- and domestic-based luxury-car competitors.

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The basis for the first 4Runner sport utility vehicle was Toyota’s compact pickup truck. The model retained its basic design from 1984 until the 1989 model year when a four-door body style was introduced. The third-generation 1995-’02 4Runner was followed by a larger version for 2003 that offered a third-row seat as well as an optional 236-horsepower V8, which was nine horses shy of the base 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V6.

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The G6 was an attractive mid-size vehicle that, after a slow start, seemed to catch on with buyers. Styling was top notch, and both the four-cylinder and V6 powerplants provided excellent service. For the first three model years you could equip your G6 with a six-speed manual gearbox, but all 2007-’09 vehicles were equipped with either four- or six-speed automatics, depending on the engine.

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The Prius was all about delivering excellent fuel economy in a practical and relatively affordable package, and it did so with flying colors. There was was probably no better vehicle for drivers who spent a great deal of time on gridlocked roads as the electric motor alone allowed you to creep along without wasting gas, at least as long as the battery pack remained charged.

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The 2005-’09 Outback was a roomy and sure-footed machine that was praised for its ability to slog through most road and weather conditions. The spacious, well-appointed cabin could comfortably seat five. With the wagon’s rear seat folded flat, the Outback displayed impressive cargo room.

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One of the most popular automobiles of all time made its debut at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, and the 2005 model was the first real modern attempt by Ford to recapture the mystique of the original. Ford really nailed the 2005 Mustang’s retro-influenced design, which displayed just the right amount of nostalgia that both aging baby boomers as well as more youthful buyers seemed to like.

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