So you can see why, when it came time to redesign the CR-V in 2012, that it was critical for the engineers and stylists at Honda to get it right. For the most part, they did.

A week spent test driving the surprising subcompact from Toyota

Fast forward to 2012 and we now have the all-new 2013 Acura RDX.

there is much to like and a couple of things that I didn't particularly care for when it comes to the hatchback GT version.

Here at LotPro opportunities to get behind the wheel of an all-new Cadillac are few and far between, so when the situation presents itself we generally take advantage. Such was the case at last month's Midwest Automotive Media Association fall rally held in suburban Chicago.

This time around, we got the chance to drive something at the opposite end of the spectrum - a top-shelf SE AWC with all the bells and whistles that bottom-lined at over $9,000 more than the ES.

I had a chance to evaluate a top-of-the-line 2012 Civic EX back in August of last year and, quite frankly, found it to be a major disappointment. Although fit and finish was generally impressive, the materials used in the interior were hard and plasticky, the dashboard looked clunky and the rear suspension had a penchant to move laterally when it encountered washboard road surfaces. Fortunately, as the saying goes: that was then and this is now.

The Honda Pilot mid-size crossover SUV was first introduced in the summer of 2002 as a 2003 model. At the time it was, and it continues to remain, Honda's largest SUV.

Back in March of this year, Toyota unveiled the third generation of its Highlander midsize SUV at the New York Auto Show. Since we've never had the chance to review the second-gen version and 2013 marks this model's last hurrah (the 2014 Highlander will be available early next year), we though it high time we check it out.

But none of these small changes on paper can prepare you for how much the stylists have managed to completely transform the Avalon. The new look is both sleek and sophisticated and, unlike its predecessor, it won't get lost in a parking lot full of cookie cutter midsize sedans.