Auto News 5

"I think once the novelty of having a Fiat wears off, this car will rapidly stop accumulating miles," predicted senior web editor Phil Floraday twelve months ago, just days after the Fiat 500 showed up at our old office.

If the looming European financial crisis has an upside for Americans, it may be that we'll get to drive models the Europeans used to keep all to themselves. A case in point is the subject of this first drive, the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Since 2009, Porsche had a brisk business selling it to diesel-happy customers on the Continent. Now with dark financial clouds gathering over potential Draconian purse-tightening measures in many European countries, Porsche has decided to diversify its portfolio and share the joy with its U.S. customers.

The 2013 Honda Accord has some tough competition, going up against completely redesigned models such as the Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, and the upcoming Ford Fusion in the midsize sedan segment. Naturally, you'd think the Accord would take a revolutionary leap for the ninth generation like its competitors, but instead of following the pack, Honda opted for a more evolutionary approach, keeping the essence of the Accord while making it more contemporary.