Sometimes you’ve got to start over, especially if what’s been hanging around for a while is getting outdated.

Such is the case with the Volkswagen Jetta, which gets a much-needed redesign for the 2019 model year that steps up its presence in the compact car segment. I recently spent some time in a 2019 Jetta, and I’m back with a full report on the improvements and how the updated model measures up.

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The Jetta remains a compact car, so don’t expect massive amounts of room. But things are improved in terms of driver and passenger comfort from previous models, and both front and rear passengers will feel comfortable in terms of legroom and headroom. That’s because the 2019 Jetta is longer, wider and taller than the previous version.

The leatherette seating materials in the sporty R Line version of the Jetta I tested were quite comfortable (leather is offered on top trim level), but some of the interior featured hard plastics generally associated with vehicles in this price range. Attractive two-tone seating is also offered.

As Buick continues its efforts to grow more popular in the luxury realm, they have to get creative to compete. And for 2018, they definitely did that with the Regal, offering it in several different flavors, from the new TourX (a raised wagon, like the Outback), the speedy Regal GS, and the sharp-looking 2018 Regal Sportback, which I recently had the chance to test.

I’m back with a full report on this luxury sedan and how it competes with the rest of the segment.

With a large (and growing) number of competitors in the compact SUV category, the Rogue has done something unexpected. It’s battling for the top spot, running neck-and-neck with the Toyota RAV4 in 2017 -- with more than 400,000 of both vehicles being sold.

That alone is an impressive feat; but Nissan is also pushing things in another area -- technology.

While truly automated vehicles are still down the road a bit, Nissan is starting to offer strong tech features in mass-produced vehicles that go beyond the normal safety equipment we are used to seeing offered, including ProPilot Assist, which I was able to sample on the Rogue vehicle I tested.

Discussions of exciting rides in the sedan segment generally don’t involve vehicles like the Volkswagen Passat, which tend to be more safe and family-friendly choices.

But hold on a second, because a new version of the Passat (the 2018 Passat GT) is looking to change that perception.

I recently tested a 2018 Passat GT, and I’m back with a full report on how it spices up a normally tame segment.

Compact cars do not dominate auto sales, but there is still a market for them. And for many of the folks who do crave a smaller ride, one key element they are focused on is strong fuel mileage/eco-friendly features.

Beyond hybrids and electric vehicles, most automakers offer some sort of standard gas-powered vehicle that would appeal to this crowd.

One vehicle that qualifies in this segment is Hyundai’s 2018 Elantra sedan, specifically the Eco trim level with highway fuel mileage of 40 mpg.

I recently tested the 2018 Elantra Eco, and I’m back with a full report on what it has to offer.

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In the grand scheme of the small car segment, the Elantra’s outside looks are among the best in the segment. You get an eye-catching design, with unique headlamps and grille.

The Elantra Eco comes with 15 inch tires, plus LED daytime running lights.

Some cars just scream out their identity. You look at it, and you know what you’re going to get when you sit behind the wheel.

That’s very much the case with the Lexus GS F, a performance sedan with massive power numbers and a fully engaging ride that aims to tackle the biggest names in the exclusive luxury performance sedan segment.

I recently spent some time driving a 2018 Lexus GS F, and I’m back with a full report.

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Looking like it would be very much at home racing around a track competitively, the 2018 GS F features a very large, intense spider-web design up front on the grille, which works well on the F sport

a considering its character. It’s also low to the ground and features some great curves in its exterior design.

The minivan, once a shining beacon of the automotive future when they first gained prominence in the 80s, has seen better days. The SUV craze has taken over the auto world, and poor old minivan has generally gotten the cold shoulder.

But wait, that’s not quite true. Some manufacturers remain committed to the segment, and one company that never really left the segment and still represents it strongly is FCA. To follow up on their longtime minivan successes the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the company a couple years back introduced the Chrysler Pacifica, and have seen strong success in the category since then.
I recently spent time in a 2018 Pacifica, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares in the segment, for those who still love the sliding doors and a perfect setup for half the baseball team.