You asked for it!

And you've got it: The first of what we hope will be the annual "Cream of the Crop" car shopping lists.

I've fielded many calls, e-mails and letters asking for advice on which of the many cars and trucks on the market deserve a look-see when you head out to buy your next set of wheels.

So, to save you time, gray hairs and maybe even a penny or two, I made up a shopping list of cars and trucks that I believe rank at the very top. These models should be taken seriously -- and checked out -- no matter what other cars and trucks you get around to considering.

My choices are listed in no particular order. And they are limited to products I've actually driven.

One more thing. If your favorite didn't make my list, don't fret. It doesn't mean that your choices are bad products. As I've said before, just about any car or truck you buy these days is a decent product, given big improvements in quality control, safety and performance across the board.

Here's my shopping list:

Minivans

If you're looking around in this category, the three lines you should not miss are the Mazda MPV ($23,260 to $28,230), Toyota Sienna ($22,955 to $36,930) and the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country twins.

The Mazda MPV is for those of you who like lots of style, a convenient size, and plenty of sizzle. The interior of this one is a knockout, and it has cool features such as a sliding second seat, drop into the floor third-row seat and other amenities.

The Toyota Sienna is for the luxury lovers among you. The fit and finish on this minivan are outstanding, more Lexus than Toyota. Materials and finishes are above reproach, and it is one of the best equipped minivans in the business.

If flexibility is your game, Dodge and Chrysler have few peers. The 2005 models' "Stow n Go" system allows you to fold even the second-row seats into the floor. No more tugging, pulling and knuckle scraping as you try to make room for cargo. And Dodge and Chrysler continue to be the quietest, most car-like minivans on the market.

Entry-level subcompacts

The Toyota Scion xB ($13,680 to $14,480) and the Chevrolet Aveo ($9,455 to $12,045), are tops in this category.

The xB is a box-like set of wheels that has plenty of interior room. And with its almost bewildering list of options, you can personalize the way you want. And you get Toyota quality to boot.

Chevy's Aveo is very comfortable for such a small car, and is reasonably well equipped. And Chevy just raised the powertrain warranty to five years or 60,000 miles. In addition, the Aveo has been given a five-star frontal crash rating, the highest available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also has a reasonably flexible interior, too.

Premium-level subcompacts

Honda Civic ($12,810 to $20,650), Toyota Corolla ($13,570 to $15,580) and Ford Focus ($12,795 to $19,160)

The Honda Civic may be an economy car, but it's quite a street racer in some versions. I call it "the Handler." If you don't want to let go of your love of sporty driving while still saving money and getting high quality in the bargain, your first stop should be a Honda dealer.

The Toyota Corolla? It's the little Lexus. Smooth, quiet, capable, and brimming with unexpected luxury features, the Corolla has been a favorite for years and for good reason.

Ford's Focus has a lot of everything. For handling and performance, it ranks at the top of its class, and its styling is pure, forward-thinking American compact.

Small family sedans

Take a look at the Suzuki Forenza ($12,499 to $15,999), Chrysler PT Cruiser ($17,395 to about $29,000 for limited production versions) and the Mazda3 ($13,680 to $16,895).

The Suzuki Forenza is a high-style, high-content, new, front-wheel-drive sedan that features peppy performance and a killer warranty -- a transferrable, seven-year, 70,000-mile powertrain pact. You'll find plenty of room in the Forenza, and the fit and finish will surprise you, too.

Several years after its introduction, the PT Cruiser is still tops. You want interior flexibility? It can't be beat. Its seats can be configured into numerous arrangements. There's a built-in picnic table/parcel shelf in the back. There's lots of room, thanks to theater-style seating. It's nimble and fun to drive. And owners almost uniformly applaud it. What more do you need?

The new entry here is the Mazda3, a replacement for the Protege. This is a tough-looking, brutish little compact that is a real eye catcher. It has top quality materials and finishes, with an interior that matches more expensive German brands such as Volkswagen. Performance and handling are top-notch, too. It's got a firm, sporty suspension, and you can get a navigation system on it -- a rarity in this class.

Intermediate-sized family sedans

This is a tough, crowded category. But my winners are the Honda Accord ($15,900 to $28,500), Chevy Malibu ($18,370 to $24,100) and Toyota Prius ($19,995).

The Honda Accord is a revelation. It can be anything to anyone, with enough luxury to be considered a showy set of wheels, enough performance and handling to be considered a sporty sedan, and enough practicality to tote your family, too. The interior of this car is better than many luxury brands that come to mind, with elegant finishes, lots of room and absolute silent running.

I was surprised by how well the Accord V-6 handles, with quite aggressive cornering and strong brakes.

The Chevy Malibu is so much improved over the old model that the two shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath. Quality of materials, fit and finish are far better than any other Chevy I've seen recently. And it's the first product from a U.S. carmaker that is competitive with the Japanese big boys in the field -- Accord and the Toyota Camry. Even Consumer Reports ranks it at the top of its class. It's roomy, with remarkable handling, thanks to a strong platform, and the equipment level for the price exceeds what you will find for the same money in many of its competitors.

If you're concerned about gas mileage, high on the latest technology, and if you don't want to scrimp on creature comfort, check out the Prius. It's now considered to be an intermediate with this latest transformation.

Its space-age styling and out-of-this-world interior makes it a winner. The problem is buying one. The waiting list is quite lengthy, ranging up to a year in some locales. The hybrid system in the Prius is much better than the first generation Prius, and acceleration is strong enough to keep you out of trouble on the highway.

Large family sedans

Pontiac's Bonneville ($26,845 to $35,270), Chevy's Impala ($21,485 to $27,335) and Volkswagen's Passat ($21,780 to $41,160) are my choices here.

You won't find anything even remotely like the Bonneville in any other showroom. This is good old-fashioned American performance and style served up with a good dash of luxurious accoutrements and a road burning character that's hard to beat. If you do a lot of road traveling, you've got to see this one. The interior is nothing short of sumptuous, especially on the top-of-the-line EXP, with leather and suede fittings. That instrument panel, with its curves, bright orange lights and comprehensiveness, will make you think you're piloting a jet fighter. Fuel economy at 20/29 is better than most cars of this size. The engine is a marvel: a 275-horsepower version of the Cadillac Northstar V-8.

The Impala has been a family favorite for years and no wonder. It's a perfect size for most families, which means it's easy to drive, park and maneuver in traffic. It's got a commodious interior that can hold the whole gang and their gear. And believe it or not, it handles. This is no floppy-suspensioned car that wallows.

The luxury end of the family market is ably cornered by the Passat, a gilded carriage if ever there were one. The interior appearance and fit and finish rival Mercedes, and there's plenty of refinement here in more ways than one. Unlike its competitors, Passat also offers all-wheel-drive models, and the standard equipment list is quite prodigious. But be prepared to pay for all of this -- it's at the top of the class in price, too.

Sports/luxury sedans

Acura TL ($32,650 to $34,850) Jaguar S-Type, ($43,230 to $62,455) and BMW 5-Series, ($39,800 to $58,300).

Remember when Acura TLs were pleasant, unobtrusive cars that were long on value and short on charisma?

Forget about it. This is a new day, and a new car to go with it -- the 2004 Acura TL. With a hunkered down profile, striking looks, aggressive grille and space age interior, this car is nobody's wallflower. And wait until you hear that sound system that divides all the pieces of the orchestra for a performance you won't believe. It's an extremely athletic car, too, with a new 3.2-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 with dealer installed performance boosters available. And as you see, the prices still undercut competitors!

BMW's 5 Series is an all new design this year, and, yes, I know it's controversial. But if you can get around that styling issue, you will get to enjoy a truly bravura road going sporty sedan that has few peers. The already sterling handling qualities of the previous generation have been refined even more, with Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization. Also, there's new technology, including a simplified iDrive system and headlights that turn as you corner.

Here it is -- the true lap of luxury in this class -- the Jaguar S-Type. You will never be coddled and cosseted more than you will with this one. It's snug, cozy, compact and filled with old-world elegance and comfort. There's rich, highly polished wood, intricate stitching and bright chrome accents everywhere. It has character and uniqueness unlike anything else in its class. Handling? It's a Jaguar. I rest my case.

High-end luxury sedans

Mercedes E Class ($47,450 to $77,650) and Jaguar XJ series, ($59,330 to $74,330)

There's nothing, but nothing like the Mercedes E Class. Versatile, with countless versions and permutations to suit your every whim, this car defines comfort in this class. Somehow, it manages to combine that indefinable something in its character that says "Mercedes" while being completely up-to date in every sense. The Distronic cruise control, which helps you maintain distance on the highway as well as control your speed, makes this a perfect traveling companion.

The Jaguar XJ has been completely transformed -- and greatly enhanced --by its latest generation. This unapolagetically British luxury model has old-World elegance, terrific driving ease, and sparkling performance as its calling cards. Few cars ride as smoothly as this one. Bumps and road bruises are soaked up with nary a thought. It feels much, much lighter than it actually is, and faster, too -- so watch that speed. This cat flies!

Super luxury sedans

Audi A8L ($68,500), Volkswagen Phaeton ($64,600 to $79,900) and Mercedes S Class ($73,600 to $126,000)

I've been singing the praises of the Audi A8L for some time now. It's biggest calling card, in my mind, is the interior -- lusciously appointed, comfortable, with a huge rear seat that feels more like a small drawing room than a car. There's lots of interesting technology, too, such as an aluminum body, an air suspension system with four settings, quattro all-wheel-drive. Safety equipment is lavish, too with ABS, anti-skid control, and side curtain and knee air bags. There are even front seat massagers. Quite a car.

Audi is owned by Volkswagen, which has fielded its own competitor, the all-new Phaeton. The Phaeton, which comes in eight- and 12-cylinder versions, is all grey flannel suit and corporate boardroom in ambiance, quite different from the more flamboyant, in-your-face Audi A8L.

There's tons of room in the Phaeton, including space for footrests in the rear. And if you get your Phaeton with the four-seater package that provides rear screen for climate control adjustments, full-length rear center console and other niceties, you'll swear you were in a Rolls-Royce.

The Phaeton cuts quite an impressive profile, with its huge tires, hunkered down, massive flanks and lengthy overall body.

The Mercedes Benz S-Class, the company's flagship comes in an almost bewildering number of iterations, and it can be a super luxury sedan, a posh barnstormer that will blow the doors off just about anything on the road, or a bonafide street racer for five--at a six figure price!

It has such new technology as a seven-speed automatic transmission and distronic cruise control that helps you maintain your distance from other cars on the highway and active body control to minimize body lean.

Inside, your every need is attended to quickly -- even to rear seats that recline and massage/pulse features for rear seat passengers.

Engine choices range from 275 to 493 horsepower.

Crossovers

Chrysler Pacifica ($28,845 to $32,300), Nissan Murano ($28,200 to $30,750) and Mitsubishi Endeavor ($25,597 to $33,197)

Do you like the different, the avant-garde? Your ride just arrived: the Nissan Murano. This one has styling guaranteed to turn heads, even if it's a bit too edgy for some tastes. I like the combination of high style, all-wheel-drive and a continuously variable transmission which has an infinite number of internal adjustments it can make as you drive.

It's built on the Nissan Altima platform and shares that car's sparkling performance.

It's a bit tough to characterize the Pacifica in terms of where it fits in the market. But it's easy to see why it's tops. The interior layout is spacious, with theater-style seating, there's a navigation system directly in front of the driver for convenience and safety, and the interior appointments and design are second to none. And it's not too shabby outside either: Elegant, Euro-style and first class all the way.

Another case of "could be this, could be that" is Mitsubishi's Endeavor. It looks like a station wagon -- a very edgy-looking one, maybe, is built on a passenger car platform, but it's equipped like the typical sport utility vehicle. But never mind all that. It's a strong product regardless. It's super-quiet, has a spacious interior and offers a passenger car ride that's among the best in this class. And if you like the contemporary and edgy in interior design and styling, next to the Nissan Murano, this might be your car of choice.

Small SUVs

Chevy Equinox (new 2005 model) ($21,560 to $24,900) and Ford Escape ($19,265 to $26,365)

The big comer in this field is the Chevy Equinox, a car-based sport utility vehicle that is contemporary, roomy, flexible in space and seating arrangements, and just plain fun to drive.

The styling on this one goes straight to the head of the class, and with features such as a second seat that can be moved back and forth 7 inches, a rear cargo panel system that can be used as a picnic table, and higher quality build and materials, it's a winner.

While Chevy's Equinox clearly takes the contemporary, high-tech approach to this field, the Ford Escape is the traditionally styled, conventionally appointed of the two cars.

That's not bad -- in fact, the Escape has been upgraded and updated to make it quite a formidable product in the market. It's simply that it may well appeal to a different segment than the Equinox because of its more subdued tone.

One advantage that the Escape soon will have over the Equinox is a hybrid model, coming out soon. That's not a small thing, given the gas situation, and I think it will sell quite well. Overall, the Escape is rugged, rides well, and is especially stable on the road -- which cannot be said about some of its competition.

High-performance SUVs

Infiniti FX35 and FX45 ($34,350 to $44,375) and Cadillac SRX ($37,995 to $46,595)

The Infiniti FX45 is one "rad" ride. You'll probably have a hard time getting past the edgy looks at first -- until you sit behind the wheel. Lusty sounds emanate from the engine, performance is exhilarating, and its cornering capabilities are second to none in this category. It's nicknamed the "bionic cat" and with good reason, both stylistically and in terms of performance.

When it comes to groundbreaking designs for Cadillac, this is the one. In quality, performance, edgy looks and content, it is more than a match for the European and Japanese competition. And if you are wise enough to hold options to a minimum and get the V-6 version, you'll have Cadillac prestige and cachet at a cost not much more than a fully equipped Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe or Suburban.

Full-size SUVs

Acura MDX ($36,400 to $42,700) and Honda Pilot ($27,100 to $32,870)

The Acura MDX, exudes class, and its chiseled, contemporary profile has held up quite well over the last few years since it was introduced. It has such a roomy, almost cavernous interior that it may well take you a while to adjust to because of its width.

But don't get fooled. This SUV works hard. When it comes to winter driving, it's hard to beat, with an all-wheel-drive system design that is among the best in the business. The MDX is absolutely bull-headed about getting out of the snow and ice, and goes no matter what's out there.

The Honda Pilot has a huge interior that is strong on useful, practical features without a lot of useless frills. It's enormously comfortable, easy to drive without having to read a 400-page owner's manual, and, given its Honda reliability, built like a tank.

A consumer tip: It's cheaper than the Acura MDX with which it shares platforms and equipment. But because it is a bit taller and wider, you can easily seat eight in the Pilot vs. seven in the MDX.

Luxury SUVs

Chevy Suburban, ($37,050 to $41,550), Lincoln Aviator ($39,860 to $45,275) and Cadillac Escalade ESV ($57,280 to $68,880)

When it comes to the Chevy Suburban, I really can't think of too many other SUVs I would rather have on a long road trip. Lavishly and luxuriously appointed, surprisingly maneuverable and competent handling given its size, and with strong resale value, the Suburban is awfully hard to beat. Equipped with the optional DVD entertainment system, it's a living room on wheels.

Hushed, light on its feet and easily manageable on the road, the Lincoln Aviator is graced with one of the most beautiful interiors you'll see anywhere. The brushed aluminum, wood and trim will take you back to the glory days of Lincoln design in the 1960s. It is one of the easiest SUVs out there to drive on the road, and also one of the best handling as well.

As for the Cadillac Escalade ESV, take what I said about the Suburban, add a generous helping of almost over the top elegance and interior luxury, and stir in that Cadillac cachet, and you have the Escalade ESV.

Pickup trucks

Chevrolet Silverado ($19,240 to $39,600) and Nissan Titan ($22,400 to $34,200)

Trucks may come and trucks may go, but Silverado goes on forever it seems. In my view, Silverados are the most comfortable, luxuriously appointed pickups on the market. They're also quite strong performers on the open road. They are more maneuverable than most of the competition, and a long list of models and options means you can probably get exactly what you want.

The Nissan Titan is the newcomer in the pickup truck field, and a hulking newcomer it is. With a 305-horsepower V-8, it's more powerful than much of the competition, and roomier too.

But I admit it may not be to your taste. The Titan is considerably more risk taking and edgier inside and out than competitors, too. Everything about it has this heavy, high-tech, industrial architecture feel about it.

Among its more interesting features are innovations such as a locking storage compartment in one of the rear fenders, an overhead sliding console and a rear obstacle detection system along with a navigation system.