Auto News 5

Not so long ago, General Motors was able to justify having at least one brand for every day of the week. In postwar America, Oldsmobile lay comfortably in the middle of GM's brand hierarchy as the maker of cars for middle-class folks who enjoyed the latest features but wanted something more reserved than a Cadillac or a Buick. Oldsmobile's dignified customers still appreciated horsepower, as evinced by the famous overhead-valve Rocket V-8 of 1949, but the division's performance image was in decline by the early 1960s. In April 1964, though, just six months after the historic release of the Pontiac GTO, Olds boosted its reputation with its own big-engine package -- the 442 -- for its newly redesigned F-85 series, which shared its platform with the GTO as well as the Chevrolet Chevelle and the Buick Skylark.

I'm amused that a cargo net is a $59 extra. Really, Lexus, you can't throw in a $59 cargo net as part of the $45,700 base price?

The Mercury Mountaineer, now in its second generation, is the only SUV in Mercury's catalog large enough to seat 7 people. While it uses a truck like body on frame chassis, it remains highly regarded in this category, much like its corporate cousin, the Ford Explorer. As with all Mercury models, if you want one, you need to act soon, as the entire brand is going to under the axe in the near future. The Mercury has sold well due to its more pleasant ride, the use of All-Wheel Drive as opposed to standard four wheel drive, and a host of standard feature upgrades. The class has become more competitive however, and the Mountaineer is starting to slip under pressure from other auto makers.

In 2004 Mitsubishi launched the Endeavor, which was a surprise win in an Edmunds comparison test of the day. However, despite continued improvements to the model, it has started to slip under heavy pressure from other car makers in this highly competitive category. After the Montero left the lineup in 2006, the Endeavor was left as the largest SUV in Mitsubishi's fleet. To compete in this class, a third seat has become almost a price of entry and the Endeavor lacks one.

What is a Mini when it's no mini? It's a Mini Countryman. This is what BWM refers to as a Mini crossover. While still a small car, being about the size of a Honda Fit, it is somewhat larger than the standard Mini and is able to add four doors to the mix, making life much easier for those who spend time in the rear seats.

Originally destined to replace the G series, the GL is too civilized to replace the aging G series when it comes to off road prowess. The GL joins the ranks of Mercedes produces that are built in the USA. Specifically, the Alabama plant that also produces the M and R classes. The mass produced, unibody for the GL is shared with those other two models, though on the road, the vehicles have a distinctively different feel which keeps the models separate at least for the person behind the wheel.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse doesn't have the same competition it used to. In its long production cycle it battled head to head with the likes of the Toyota Celica, Acura RSX, and the Honda Prelude. Those have all gone the way of the dinosaur, with the eclipse left hanging on as the last of the inexpensive, high performance sport coupes. While the current generation's style can be seen as somewhat over the top, it helps them to stand out among other cars on the road. It remains a statement of style on the road to this day. However, it's performance hasn't kept up with the times as well as its looks.

The Mercury Milan was redesigned in 2010. It is the mechanical twin of the Ford Fusion. The Fusion was rated Car of the year by Motor Trend for 2010 and since the two are identical except for their appearance, the award applies to most of what makes up the Milan as well. The main difference between the two is the Milan's more upscale appearance and more standard features. You won't be likely to see a clone of your car at many stoplights due to the small production run for the current Milan's. This is further ensured by the fact that the entire Mercury line is not long for the production world.

The Mercury Mariner is the mechanical twin of Ford's Escape and the Mazda Tribute. These small SUV's make the most of the compromises made during their design. They afford the high seating position that many people crave. They offer a commanding view of the road ahead and can be filled with children or groceries, even in the winter months, when in climate weather would slow down most cars. The mariner has its share of modern amenities and technological features, although it's overall design is starting to show its age compared with class leaders such as those from Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai.

Cars that get good gas mileage are always dull behind the wheel, right? Not so, says the Mini Cooper. Born from BMW in 2001, the Mini has been hugely successful since its introduction. Growing into a second generation in 2007 the Mini continues to evolve and delight owners with its' cute good look, razor sharp handling, not at all unimpressive performance, and its respectable fuel economy. Add to that the Mini is the most customizable car in its class and you have the recipe for a vehicle which will continue to sell well for years to come. Most options that come in packages can also be ordered individually, so the possibilities for personalization abound. The mini is available as either a hatchback or a convertible, and three trim levels.