If you like variety, the new 2007 cars and trucks will make deciding what to buy tougher than ever.

But take a deep breath. We're here to help!

PG On Wheels has come up with a shopping list of cars and trucks in several categories that, after weeks of testing, proved especially noteworthy.

In addition, watch for what we call "bonus selections" -- cars and trucks that were not tested but, based on research, buzz from other car writers and other factors, are the vehicles that show promise.

COMPACT SEDANS / ENTRY LEVEL

Toyota Yaris, base price $11,350, 1.5 liter, 106 horsepower, 4 cylinders. Rated 34 miles per gallon city/40 highway.

The Yaris rates a slot on our list because of its high fun-to-drive quotient, terrific Toyota quality and the airiness and creativity of its interior. It's got decent room, a nice-sized trunk and will remind people of what the Toyota Corolla used to be. A definite must-see in this category.

Hyundai Accent, about $12,000, 1.6 liter, 110 hp., 4 cylinders, 32/35 mpg.

The all-new 2006 Accent is a no-brainer, with its beautiful two-tone interior, solid 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, peppy four-cylinder engine, and a standard safety feature list that exceeds just about everybody else's. It also has a lot more room inside, with more than an inch and a half of extra stretch space back there.

Bonus Picks

Honda Fit, base price $13,850, 1.5 liter, 109 hp., 4 cylinders, 31/38 mpg with automatic.

Man, is this thing a blast to drive! Roomy, sporty, a strong handler, Honda's Fit has something for everyone. So ask yourself: Do you put a high priority on handling and acceleration? Does a wealth of standard technology excite you ? Let me introduce you to Honda's new baby, the Fit. It scores on all those counts and more.

Nissan Versa, base price about $12,000; 120 hp., 1.8 liter 4 cylinders. 38 mpg combined.

This is the upscale member of the entry level compact category because of the relative luxury of its interior, prodigious passenger room and higher horsepower rating of its engine. From what I've heard and seen so far, this one's going to be a winner for Nissan.

PREMIUM LEVEL COMPACTS

Chevy Cobalt, $14,190 to $21,995, 2.2 liter, 148 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/34 mpg; 2.4 liter, 173 hp., 4 cylinders, 24/33 mpg. 2.0 liter, 205 horsepower four.

Here's another car that's holding up nicely in spite of growing competition. Chevy's little car has successfully eradicated the memory of the mediocre Cavalier. The Cobalt is light years better than that car, with a more upscale, durable and attractive interior, a Euro-style dash, peppy handling and a decent price. This car is, in fact, one of the best compacts ever introduced by an American firm -- Ford's Focus is another.

Honda Civic, $14,560 to around $21,110, 1.8 liter, 140 hp., 4 cylinders, 30/38 mpg; 1.3 liter, 4 cylinders with electric hybrid system, 110 hp., 50/50 mpg.

The Honda Civic is the top banana in this field. It has futuristic styling; it's strong on safety, particularly because of a newly designed frontal system that provides extra protection; it has just about every safety item you need as standard equipment; and its interior is easily the most luxurious among premium compact cars. If you really want to go "into the future" and save gas too, check out the hybrid. As for deals, it's not likely on this one. Demand is too strong.

Mazda3, $14,340 to $19,345, 2.0 liter 150 hp., 4 cylinders, 28/35 mpg; 2.3 liter, 160 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/32 mpg.

Like to drive but need nothing larger than a compact? Here's your baby! The Mazda3 is the sports car lover's compact, with aggressive handling, butch styling and a BMW-like interior with a finish far beyond anything else in this class. They're selling with hot cakes, and Mazda can't make enough of them, so expect to pay sticker for this one.

Bonus Picks

Dodge Caliber, $13,985, 148 hp., 1.8 liter, 4 cylinders, 28/32 mpg; 2.0 liter, 172 hp., 4 cylinders, 26/30 mpg; 2.4 liter, 172 hp., 4 cylinders, 23/26 mpg.

Here's the class bully. The Dodge Caliber is brutish looking, with an in-your-face, ready to rumble appearance -- it's darned practical, too.

The Caliber has some cool features, such as a refrigerated glove compartment for drinks, a special compartment for your i-Pod and a host of standard safety equipment. Side curtain air bags -- a must for truly safe driving -- are standard. Unfortunately, with Calibers being on the sales lot no more than six days before being snapped up, sales staff won't have much wiggle room on haggling.

INTERMEDIATE FAMILY SEDANS

Hyundai Sonata, $18,495 to $23,495, 2.4 liter, 162 hp., 4 cylinders, 24/34 mpg; 3.3 liter, 235 hp., V-6, 20/30 mpg.

Here's the sleeper of this class.

While Honda's Accord, Toyota's Camry and now, Saturn's Aura get all the applause, Hyundai's Sonata quietly gains converts and improves itself to the point that it now matches or beats the class leaders in a number of areas.

To be blunt, the newest Sonata is also the best one. It handles well on the road and is solidly built. It's quiet, spacious, chock full of equipment for a lower price than its competitors -- and has a 10-year power train warranty to boot. It also has standard traction control, stability control, side curtain air bags, and tons more. It's a buy.

Honda Accord, $18,625 to around $31,000, 2.4 liter, 166 hp., 4 cylinders, 26/34 mpg; 3.0 liter, 244 hp., V-6 and 3.0 liter and 253 hp., V-6 with electric hybrid system, 29/37 mpg.

It says something when, competitors come and go, and you still sit on top of the mountain. That's the Honda Accord for you. More of a driver's car than the Toyota Camry and constructed better than Nissan's Altima, the Accord is so versatile and easy to live with that it's almost a member of the family.

Its interior is rivaled only by Ford's Fusion and Mercury's Milan in this segment. For some reason, the hybrid doesn't sell well, so this may be one of the few times you can get a deal on an Accord. Otherwise, expect close to sticker on this one.

Saturn Aura, 20,595 to 24,595, 3.5 liter, 224 hp. V-6; 3.6 liter 252 hp. V-6, 20/28 for the XR and 20/29 for XE

This one oozes class and savoir faire. It's a beautiful, well-made, value-laden and good-handling sedan that is sure to lend an aura of good will toward the rest of the Saturn line. Consider: An independent company that sets residuals (the value of a car after three-year leases have ended) places the Aura within a whisper -- one or two points -- of the vaunted Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. That's how good this sedan is.

Much quieter and better constructed than its predecessor, the old L Series, the Saturn Aura is full of European luxury touches and looks much more expensive than it really is. It comes in two trim models, XE and XR

Ford Fusion / Mercury Milan, $17,995 to $22,360 (Fusion) and $18,995 to $23,495 (Milan), 2.3 liter, 160 hp., 4 cylinders, 23/31 mpg; 3.0 liter, 221 hp., V-6, 19/26 mpg.

With apologies to lovers of Ford Mustang and Ford's F-150, these two cars are without a doubt the best that Ford has to offer. Only Honda's Accord Saturn's Aura, and Hyundai's Sonata rival this pair in this category. Fusions and Milans are great to ride in, with terrific handling and cornering. The interior is among the best in the family car industry with interesting themes like two toning on the Milan and piano black on the Fusion. And in the Milan's case, you get a particularly gorgeous sedan with a decidedly upscale look. The Fusion's a bit plainer, but still good looking. Don't miss these two.

FULL-SIZED FAMILY SEDANS

Buick Lucerne, $26,990 to $35,990, 3.8 liter, 197 hp., V-6, 20/29 mpg; 4.6 liter, 275 hp., V-8, 17/26 mpg.

Buick's back in a big way, with an elegant, well-mannered but surprisingly sporty handling sedan that is one of the few on which you can still get a bench seat. Build quality is particularly strong, as it has been on Buicks for years. Side curtain air bags and traction control are standard, and stability control also is standard on the top-of-the-line CXS.

Chevy Impala, $21,990 to $27,790, 3.5 liter, 211 hp., V-6, 21/31 mpg; 3.9 liter, 242 hp., V-6, 19/27 mpg, (18/28 mpg for a V-8).

This may not be the two-door Impala hardtop or convertible you remember, but Chevy's biggest -- a front-wheel drive four-door sedan -- is still a fine car. This one is so quiet you can't hear the engine running, and handling in the top-of-the-line SS model is superb -- and not bad at all in the other models. It has new, faster engines and more standard safety equipment, including front and side curtain air bags. The interior is much nicer and classier than what you may remember from GM products of old.

Chrysler 300, $23,700 to $39,920, 2.7 liter, 190 hp., V-6 or 3.5 liter, 250 hp., V-6, 19/27 mpg; 5.7 liter, 340 hp., V-8, 17/25 mpg; 6.1 liter, 425 hp., V-8.

You know you've got it "going on" when you still look terrific after your competitors have introduced new models. That's why it's hard to say too much about this car. It's a watershed for the American auto industry because it marks the return of the Great American Sedan. If you want all-American luxury, performance and good looks, you won't do better than Chrysler's 300. Brutishly elegant and well-built with gorgeous interiors and plenty of model choices and options, the 300 has been a hit from day one -- and will remain so for some time.

ENTRY LEVEL LUXURY SEDANS
($30,000 to $40,000)

Acura TL, about $34,000 to $39,000, 3.2 liter, 258 hp., V-6, 20/30 mpg.

This sinister-looking sedan -- I call it Acura's "wild child"-- has an arresting design, the best audio system in the business, strong handling, tons of advanced technology and decent performance. Its main drawback is a V-6 engine, which handicaps it a market where V-8s rule. Only BMW can get by without a bigger engine in this category, thanks to its cachet and heritage, which Acura lacks right now.

On the other hand, if you've ever driven Acura's latest for 2007, the TL Type-S, you may wonder why on earth anybody would even need a V-8.

Full of lusty, heart stopping acceleration, the TL Type-S is powered by a 286 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 that hits all the right notes at the right time. It feels darned good when cornering and handling, too. Try the paddle-shift automatic. It shifts quickly and seamlessly to add to the fun.

Lexus IS, $31,160 to $35,440, 2.5 liter, 204 hp., V-6, 26/30 mpg; 3.5 liter, 306 hp., V-6, 22/26 mpg.

Precision. Clarity. Elegance. Those are the words I'd use to describe the new IS. The IS's ace in the hole is that it has a more comfortable, luxurious interior than BMW's more hard-edged, Teutonic variety. Altogether, I suspect the IS is, with this model change, much better positioned to compete in this class, though the first IS will always have a place in my heart.

You will have dramatically different experiences with this car depending on drivetrain . The 205 horsepower version has adequate performance, but a softer, more reassuring feel to it, while the stronger engine is quite spirited and lacks only more responsive steering to put it almost on a par with the BMW 3 Series.

BMW 3 Series, $35,995 to $41,295, 3.0 liter, 230 hp., I-6, mileage figures unavailable; 3.0 liter, 300 horsepower turbocharged I-6, estimated mileage 19/29

This is still the one to beat in the entry level luxury category. Driving this car is an incomparable feeling -- and you'd have to spend many thousands more to beat it.

Why? Arresting, lusty performance. Steering and handling that's flawless and without peer. An image to die for. And owner loyalty that most car companies would kill for.

Case in point: the stunning new 335i Coupe. Aside from the fact that it's gorgeous, the performance is so awesome that it equals BMW M3 models of only a couple of years ago. We're talking zero to 60 in less than five seconds. Brakes, handling, steering are all superb, of course. Don't buy a two-door coupe until you've driven this one.

Drawbacks? Not much interior room, especially in back. If you need it, you'll want to look elsewhere.

MID-LEVEL LUXURY SEDANS
($41,000 to $50,000)

Cadillac STS, $41,740 to $70,000; 3.6 liter, 254 hp., V-6, 18/27 mpg; 4.6 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 17/26 mpg; 4.4 liter, 469 hp. V-8.

Cadillac is once more a force to be reckoned in the luxury field, and this car provides ample evidence why that's true. From the carefully engineered sounds made by the exhaust to the meticulous fit and finish to the low-key, Mercedes-like elegance inside, Cadillac's STS is a superb automobile and fully capable of shaking up the competition.

Handling and performance is terrific. But it's darned near awesome if you get the incredible STS-V, which, with tighter steering, tougher ride and 469 hp., will hit 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

Infiniti M35/M45, $41,450 to $50,550, 3.5 liter, 275 hp., V-6, 18/25 mpg; 4.5 liter, 325 hp., V-8, 17/23 mpg.

With lane departure warning system, sport-tuned suspension, active rear suspension, unusual dashboard and 19-inch wheels, the M series of sedans makes quite an impression for Infiniti. Consumer Reports calls it the best car in its class, based on extraordinary handling and acceleration, workmanship and other factors.

I'm driving one now and when it comes to performance, this one's tough to beat. It practically leaps forward as soon as you hit the pedal, and its stopping power is a wonder. The ride is nice and firm, though I admit that for many people, it may be just a tad too rough.

Issues? The lane changing feature can be annoying, but it can be shut off if it gets on your nerves as it did mine.

Mercedes E Class, $51,825 to $84,625, 3.0 liter, 210 horsepower turbodiesel, 27/37; 3.5 liter, 268 hp., V-6, 19/26 mpg; 5.5 liter, 382 hp., V-8, mileage figure unavailable; 6.2 liter supercharged, 507 hp., V-8, mileage figure unavailable.

This one's the stalwart of the class, offering traditional-flavored luxury, with a comforting, reassuring undertone. It has versions running from mild, the E350, to wild, the AMG powered E63 AMG.

Styling is beautifully classic, and Mercedes wisely refrained from changing it too much for 2007. It gets a new front bumper, grille, lower air dam, headlights and taillights, but that's it.

A full complement of safety equipment is standard, including traction and stability control systems, side curtain air bags, and electronic brakes.

This year, the E350 sedan and wagon are heavily updated, though styling wise you won't know it. You have a choice of luxury or sport themes at no extra charge, and both are equally compelling -- and unique from each other.

Meanwhile, the E500 is now the E550 with a 5.5 liter, 382 horsepower V-8 that can really send this baby sailing down the road as you sit swathed in some of the most luxurious interior surroundings around.

PREMIUM LUXURY SEDANS
($51,000+)

Jaguar XJ, $64,250 to $92,000, 4.2 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 18/27 mpg; 4.2 liter supercharged, 400 hp., V-8, 17/24 mpg.

Resolutely traditionalist with no technology for technology's sake, the Jag XJ is old-school elegant, comforting as a cup of tea and sexy as all get-out with classic lines, rich interiors and an almost magical ambiance. It has an aluminum chassis and body, four wheel air suspension, a full set of safety equipment such as stability and traction control, side curtain air bags and oodles of prestige.

Mercedes CLS, $66,675 to $88,675, 5.5 liter, 382 hp., V-8, mileage figures unavailable; 6.2 liter supercharged, 507 hp., V-8, mileage figures unavailable.

It's not often that you get a chance to drive a work of art, but here's one . The stunning, fastback four-door coupe CLS-Class is sure to be a sales success. And with copies coming from several other manufacturers, it's a trendsetter, too. It has all the usual Mercedes luxuries, including a full complement of air bags, an air suspension, its own classic looking dashboard, adaptive cruise control and other niceties. And did I mention it's terrific to drive?

Lexus GS, $43,150 to $54,900, 3.0 liter, 245 hp., V-6, 22/30 mpg; 4.3 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 18/25 mpg (hybrid information follows).

You might be surprised that this one has moved up to the premium category, but these have gotten quite pricey, equipped as most people would want. But it's worth every penny. Superb performance, top-drawer appointments and new dramatic styling make it quite desirable. But the hybrid Lexus GS450h model -- $54,900, with 0-60 times of 5.2 seconds, 27/28 mpg and arguably the first high-performance hybrid car -- is even better and faster. It absolutely takes your breath away as you silently speed away from stop lights and swoosh down the highway with nary a sound. And on top of all that, the GS just happens to be one of the most beautiful sedans in the world. Bar none.

Bonus Pick

Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L, Base price range: $61,000 to $71,000, 380 horsepower, 4.6 Liter V-8, 19/27 mpg.

Where does Lexus sit in a room full of big luxury sedans? Anywhere it darn well pleases . These all new luxury sedans completely obliterate what it means to be a luxury sedan in 2007. They are astonishingly quick, hitting 60 in about 5.4 seconds, and almost insanely luxurious with heated rear seats and heated steering wheels, an optional rear seat entertainment system and a recliner in the back that performs massages, too.

And they offer an "Advanced Parking Guidance System" which, once positioned correctly, can allow the car to park itself!

MINIVANS

Mazda5, $17,635 to $21,300, 2 liter, 157 hp., I-4, 22/27 mpg.

With minivan prices hitting the stratosphere these days and young families who need minivans not being able to afford them, Mazda has a perfect solution -- an "un-minivan" with a sporty feel, racy styling and a low price tag: the Mazda5. Based on the highly acclaimed Mazda3, the Mazda5 has advantages, such as ease of entry and exit, six seats that can be flexibly and easily deployed, plenty of standard safety equipment and options that include a DVD entertainment system. The fun-to-drive quotient is high, too, with lots of maneuverability, plenty of cornering prowess and a sporty dashboard and interior.

Honda Odyssey, $25,645 to $39,095, 3.5 liter, 244 hp., V-6, 19/25 mpg.

This is the minivan choice for those who like to drive. Thanks to a nice, car-like driving position, strong acceleration and supple suspension, it's the first choice for sporty drivers who have to have a minivan for family reasons. A roomy second row, sporty and luxurious interior and standard stability control and side curtain air bags along with cylinder deactivation to save on gasoline are among its key features. It's better looking than the competition, too.

Toyota Sienna, pricing not yet announced, 3.5 liter, 266 hp., V-6, fuel mileage figures unavailable.

This is what a Lexus minivan would be like. Luxurious, meticulously built with a plenitude of family-friendly equipment, the Sienna remains one of the top brands in this competitive category. You can get a memory seat, second row seats that slide together, a split third row bench that can fold into the floor as well as the host of safety equipment such as traction and stability control, side curtain air bags and other items.

For 2007, the Sienna gets a much needed power boost with a new 266 horsepower 3.5 liter V-6, and you'll also be able to get an all-wheel drive system if you want it.

Bonus pick

Hyundai Entourage, $22,995 to $25,595, 3.8 liter, 244-hp. V-6, 17/25

Hyundai's new to the minivan category, but you'd never know it. They have introduced a minivan that beats just about everybody with convenience features, ergonomic niceties, lots of space and plenty of style to boot. And there's that 10 year,100,000 mile warranty, too. And glory be-- the power doors work well on hills, too.

SPORT COUPES

Ford Mustang: $19,250 to $31,000, 4.0 liter, 210 hp., V-6, 19/25 mpg; 4.6 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 20/30 mpg.

This one's a smash hit, and with good reason. Strong heritage, all-American handling and driving experience, beautiful classic styling, decent mileage, and a host of options make a car that will be classic and collectible some day. What more do you want?

Mini Cooper, $17,450 to $30,600 (2006 prices; 2007 won't be out until early 2007); 1.6 liter, 115 hp., 4 cylinders, 28/36 mpg or 26/33 with CVT; 1.6 liter, 168 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/32 mpg.

Hey, what's not to like about "Da Coop?" Handling's out of this world. It has classic styling, strong fuel economy and a bus load of available personalization items. The back seat's tiny though, and if you get the S, you'll find a rough ride as well.

Honda Civic Coupe, $14,810 to $21,260 (prices not yet set for Civic Si) 1.8 liter, 140 hp., 4 cylinders, 30/39 mpg; 2 liter, 197 hp., 4 cylinders, 22/31 mpg.

The all-new Civic Coupe is awesome looking, corners and brakes like a champ, and has levels of technology and feature content far beyond anything in the compact class. And you Honda quality, too. Of course, the Si is the ticket here, with its strong engine, ferocious handling and sexy looks. Any more questions?

SMALL CROSSOVERS / SPORT UTILITIES

Suzuki Grand Vitara, $19,594 to $23,094, 2.7 liter, 185 hp., 4 cylinders, 18/23 mpg.

What a honey this one is. It's beautiful, first of all, representing a sea change for a Suzuki SUV. It has a stable, predictable ride and is decently priced with strong off-road ability, a host of safety features and a high content quotient. And you feel good driving it, too.

Honda CR-V, $20,900 to about $26,000, 2.4 liter, 166 hp., 4 cylinders, 23/30 for 2 wheel drive, 22/28 for all wheel drive.

Uh-oh. Here comes the all-new CR-V. All you other small SUVs, run for cover!

I expect a battle royal to break out in this segment because of all the new models, but CR-V sure comes armed to the teeth . The styling looks much more upscale, with a roofline that will remind many of Mercedes' R-Class crossover. The new CR-V looks more elegant and at home on the town than it ever did before.

There's a new body and chassis, including an innovative front cage that spreads impact in an accident for better safety. The engine has 10 more horsepower, and there's navigation and a dual deck cargo shelf available too. Traction and stability control are standard, along with side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes and other features.

Two potential problems for CR-V: No third row seat is available, and the only engine offered is a four cylinder one, while competitors often offer V-6 engines.

Toyota RAV4, $20, 850 to $26,420, liter, 166 hp., 4 cylinders, 19/25 mpg; 3.5 liter, 268 hp., V-6, 22/29 for two wheel drive and 21/28 for all wheel drive.

Toyota's new RAV4 is larger, quieter, safer and better equipped than ever before. And if you get the V-6, it's faster too. A Toyota RAV4 on the high performance list? You bet! Wait till you test the optional 268 hp., 3.5 liter V-6. It really flies, and it's got strong handling to boot. The all-new design brings more style and room, with an available third row seat for the first time.

Bonus pick

Hyundai Santa Fe, $20,945 to $27,945, 2.7 liter V-6, 21/26 2WD, 20,25 all wheel drive; 19/25 with 4 speed automatic; 19/224 with 3.3 liter V-6.

Hyundai's Santa Fe, like so many of its competitors, is all-new this year. The Santa Fe looks smoother, more flowing, without so many odd character lines inside and out as the previous model had. Perhaps most importantly, it can be had with a third row seat, an increasingly important feature consumers are looking for. There's the full gamut of safety equipment, including stability and traction control systems. It has more engine choices than several of its more important competitors, and that all-important "leg up"-- the 10 year/100,000 mile limited power train warranty.

We haven't driven one yet, so we should find out soon just where the Santa Fe ranks in the total scheme of things in this class.

MID-SIZED WAGONS, CROSSOVERS AND SPORT UTILITIES

Mazda CX-7, $24,310, 244 hp., 2.3 liter 4 cylinders, 19/24 mpg two-wheel drive, 18/24 mpg four-wheel drive.

Sleek, muscled, with huge blisters over each tire, the CX-7 is being touted as having a sports car soul, and indeed, after driving it, I'd have to agree. It makes all the right sounds of a sports model, corners aggressively, and has strong, solid acceleration, too.

Dodge Magnum, $22,870 to $37,545, 2.7 liter, 190 hp., V-6; 3.5 liter, 250 hp., V-6, 21/28 mpg; 5.7 liter, 340 hp., V-8, 15/25 mpg; 6.1 liter, 425 hp., V-8.

Some say it looks like a hearse with its sloping roof, slit-like windows and low profile, but many others say it's one of the sexiest things on wheels, especially if you need a station wagon. It feels substantial, is well-built, well equipped and has one of the better interiors ever done by Chrysler.

Audi A4, $31,310 to $32,540, 2.0 liter, 200 hp., 4 cylinders, 22/31 mpg; 3.2 liter, 255 hp., V-6, 19/26 mpg; 4.2 liter, 340 hp., V-8.

This is one of the sportiest of wagons, and it sure drives like it's on rails. A solid suspension, strong acceleration, and luxurious finishings make this a no-brainer for those who want room for the kids and all the trimmings.

LARGE CROSSOVERS, WAGONS AND SPORT UTILITIES

Chrysler Pacifica, $24,160 to $35,475, 3.8 liter, 200 hp., V-6, 18/25 mpg front-wheel drive and 4.0 liter, 253 hp, V-6, 16/24 mpg all-wheel drive.

A nicely done, Euro-inspired vehicle with one of the best interiors ever done by Chrysler. The Pacifica can be had with theater style seating, rear parking sensor, power liftgate and the whole nine yards.

Infiniti FX series, (2006 prices used, 2007 figures not yet available)_$35,800 to around $47,000; 3.5 liters, 280 hp., V-6, 17/23 mpg; 4.5 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 15/19 mpg.

Absolutely breathtaking styling and breathless performance to go along with it. The FX has an exhaust sound unlike anything else on the road -- it'll send chills up your spine when you hear it. It isn't everybody's cup of tea -- not much room, not much off-road usefulness, and styling that some see as too much -- but it sure is mine.

Chevrolet Tahoe, $33.990, 4.8 liter, 290 hp., V-8; 5.3 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 16/22 mpg for two-wheel drive, 16/21 mpg four-wheel drive.

The new Tahoe is a dramatic improvement over the old model. An all-new interior features much classier, substantial materials, meticulously tight finishes and a set of power fold and tumble second row seats. A system that shuts down cylinders when not needed for performance saves on gasoline, and a new frame and suspension make for much better ride and handling. And the looks? Contemporary, up to date and a big boost over the old model.

PREMIUM WAGONS, CROSSOVERS AND SPORT UTILITIES

Cadillac Escalade, $54,725, 403 hp., 6.2 liter V-8, 13/17 mpg.

This one put "bling" in the dictionary, and the all-new version is even "blingier." It has a beautiful, tailored design and a vastly improved and comfortable interior that includes a power-fold and tumble set of second-row seats. There's also strong acceleration and class-leading design and content. The Escalade is the one if you want to make the scene and shine doing it.

Lexus LX 470, $67,395, 4.7 liter, 275 hp., V-8, 13/17 mpg.

Not merely a classy product, but "classy" with an upturned nose if you know what I mean. Peerless interior design, plenty of room and versatility, classy materials and flawless quality and design are hallmarks of the LS 470.

Mercedes GL-Class, $55,675, 335 hp., 4.6 liter V-8, 13/18 mpg.

You want a Mercedes-Benz with surprisingly strong, car-like handling? This is the one for you. It's also Mercedes' first, three row seat SUV. A well-tailored interior with useful wells in the third row area for more legroom make this a smart purchase.

TRUCKS

This year is a bit unusual because two of the big players in this category, Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra, will undergo dramatic changes, and I have not driven either one nor had a chance to examine one for more than a few minutes. Thus, I only will be making one recommendation in the truck category until I get a close look at the newcomers.

Honda Ridgeline, $27,800 to $34,940, 3.5 liter, 255 hp., V-6, 16/21 mpg.

And now for something different. The Honda Ridgeline has unibody construction, which means a quieter, squeak-free ride, even with no loads in the back. It has a comfortable, car-like interior, a two-way tailgate that opens down and to the side, and a neat underbed, lockable trunk to stow stuff out of sight. It's a darn good product, and one worth considering if you're looking for a pickup.