MotorMouths

Hyundai’s Sonata is better looking, bigger inside, more fuel efficient and better to drive than its competitors, and it also retains its value just as well. If the Sonata sounds almost too good to be true, I can assure you that it is both very good and very true.

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe’s shape has the chiseled beauty normally reserved for European cathedrals. The engine produces the sort of fury they write about in the Bible. The docility with which it handles is nothing short of a miracle, and the price is not so much a bargain as a gift to all mankind.

After two solid days of driving the 2011 Lotus Evora S, I’m not sure if I should write a review about it or erect a temple and pray to it.

The Volkswagen GTI is a fantastic car inside and out. It’s great to drive, easy to live with, and a tremendous value. Would I spend my own money on one? You bet your back bumper I would.

Overall, the A6 is a truly excellent car, blending soft, quiet luxury, Germanic road manners, and even a badge on the nose that your neighbors will recognize — all at a very reasonable price.

For performance enthusiasts, the Audi S4 is the deal of the century. It is too good — it feels like it was bred for corners, rather than merely adapted to deal with them.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is yet another excellent performance car from General Motors. It’s very fast, very loud, very, very thrilling, and — unbelievably for a 580 hp car — you can actually use it as a daily driver.

The FR-S is a pure sports car, one that delights us with its suspension dynamics rather than trying to impress us with raw horsepower. Casual drivers may not appreciate this car’s sublime subtleties, but I have no doubt enthusiasts will line up for blocks to buy one.

I’ve always seen BMWs as one-trick ponys, but the 550i is the first Bimmer that really can do it all. It’s one of the most impressive luxury cars I’ve driven. If I rated cars with thumbs, I’d grow an extra so I could give it three thumbs up.

The XJ does everything a Jaguar should do. It’s beautiful inside and out. Its road manners are smooth, serene, and competent. And most importantly, it envelops its occupants in a cocoon of opulence of which even Her Majesty the Queen would surely approve.

I’m still a fan of the 528i. I’m impressed that BMW has given us a fuel economy improvement of around 8% while improving performance and without altering the basic character of the car. If this is the future of fuel economy, bring it on!

As far as I’m concerned, the C has been fixed — thanks to its vastly improved interior, new coupe body style and 1.8 liter turbocharged engine. With all the improvements, it’s finally worth the money.