Mini Takes

GMC Arcadia ($32,400)

Likes: Stylish, very roomy third row seat, priced very well to its size, V6 offers plenty of power to push this heavy SUV along.

Dislikes: No standard all-wheel-drive, some features you may want will push price up past $40,000.

Mazda3 ($16,045)

Likes: Stylish, upscale interior, great driving position, punchy four-cylinder engine, great fun for little money.

Dislikes: Doesn't have that same cutness as previous generation.

Porsche Panamera ($90,750)

Likes: First ever Porsce that competes with luxury sedans, very fast especially with turbo form, very upscale interior and driving experience words can't describe.

Dislikes: 'Say what?' base sticker price, love/hate it styling, kind of makes you wonder if it really has a place in Porsche's line-up.

Kia Forte ($14,400)

Likes: Stylish, affordable alternative to the Honda Civic, coupe form looks very promising.

Dislikes: Looks like a Honda Civic at front, questionable resale value.

Volkswagen Golf ($19,190)

Likes: Much needed improvements over the MK5, interior quality exceeds competition, available with a diesel engine.

Dislikes: Styling seems rather bland, no more Rabbit nameplate.

Pontiac Torrent ($25,340)

Likes: Roomy second row seats, large trunk, very stylish, plenty of power under the hood.

Dislikes: Pontiac is being discontinued after 2010.

Audi A5 ($44,750)

Likes: Very stylish, upscale interior like all Audi vehicles, loads of options to choose from.

Dislikes: Can get expensive, very hard to find due to high demand.

BMW 135i ($40,40

Likes: Baby 3 Series styling, performs like a BMW, upscale interior decor.

Dislikes: Priced like a BMW, only available with six-cylinder engines.

Mercedes GLK ($34,600)

Likes: Baby GL styling, affordable crossover with Mercedes quality, peppy six-cylinder.

Dislikes: Prices can jump to $40,000 and higher quickly.