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Dodge Journey R/T
Function

Despite its ergonomic foibles, utunes controlled the great many entertainment options found on our fully stocked R/T Journey — it lacked only a navigation system. Our vehicle had satellite radio, a hard drive for digital music storage, DVD video capabilities and direct control for the iPod. The latter works well, with quick processing time and logical enough menus. However, with only four playlists, songs, etc. shown at any given time, it can take awhile to find what you're looking for (which makes the stereo location all the more problematic). Bluetooth was easy to program, but its controls are located on the head unit, not the steering wheel.

Ford Edge Limited
Function

The 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold to reveal 70 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. With the seatbacks up, the 2009 Ford Edge can carry 32 cubes, which meant there was plenty of space for our standard suitcase and golf bag. The Limited's front passenger seat can also be folded to help with longer items. We had no issues mounting our child safety seat in the Edge's rear quarters, though outboard passengers may feel a bit claustrophobic if the seat is mounted in the center position.

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Toyota Camry Hybrid Function

Toyota has had a lot of practice at ergonomics over the years, and it shows — everything the driver needs in the Camry falls readily to hand. The hybrid features a fuel economy meter in place of the standard Camry's tachometer; like the rest of the gauges and readouts, it's clear and easily read at a glance. Stereo and climate controls are a model of simplicity. The standard six-speaker sound system is distortion-free but just adequate in terms of sound quality.

Lotus Elise SC:Function

Removing and replacing the fabric roof is relatively easy, although somewhat labor-intensive. It rolls up and fits, along with two plastic support pieces, into a nylon bag that can be stored in the trunk. Putting the roof back on can sometimes be difficult, as the pins on the roof that fit into the guides on each side of the car sometimes don't sit flush when pulling the fabric tight to click things into place.

2008 Aston Martin DBS

In any other car, any other brand, the ECU could be shaken off as an annoying frivolity inferior to increasingly popular keyless ignition/entry systems that allow you to leave the key fob in your pocket or purse. But that's rational practicality talking, and there's little room for that when discussing the Aston Martin DBS. Buying one of these stunning, visceral performance cars is an emotional affair. If you're not taken in by its DB9-on-steroids styling, legendary British brand appeal (including its Bond connection) and that knee-weakening engine, forget it. Buy a regular DB9 or a Ferrari or a Lamborghini or whatever personal watercraft costs $260 large.

Profile Ryan Binkley Saturn Astra XR Coupe: Performance

On the track, our 2009 Saturn Astra Coupe didn't break any records. It made it from zero to 60 mph in an underwhelming 8.9 seconds and reached the quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds at 83.9 mph. Through the slalom, the Astra's average speed was 66.4 mph. We felt quite a bit of body roll, but the car was still fairly confident and easy to drive. Brakes were average; our three-door stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet.

Toyota Corolla XLE Performance

Around town, though, the Corolla's power was certainly adequate, and it's hard to imagine why you'd opt for the bigger engine's 26-hp boost when it comes with a subsequent 5 mpg drop in fuel economy. As such, the Corolla XLE returns an impressive EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.

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