2006 North American International Auto Show

"Honda hit a home run with its remake of the 2006 Civic," said freelance auto writer Sue Mead. "What stands out is the breadth of the Civic lineup with models that range from capable to spirited to fuel-saving." Boston Globe auto writer Royal Ford called the Ridgeline "The pickup truck for the non-pickup-truck set. [It] offers the utility of a truck that suburbanites and some country folk want, but provides the quiet ride and handling of a crisp, tight sedan."

From the U.S.A.
Addressing the first and last of these trends is Buick's striking Enclave crossover, a 2006 concept that is essentially the 2008 production model scheduled for arrival early next year. Sharing an all-new platform with Saturn's (sooner-to-come) Outlook CUV and a GMC version called Acadia, it will replace both Buick's Rendezvous CUV and Ranier SUV, will seat up to seven in a gorgeously opulent and quiet interior and will feature GM's 270-hp 3.6-liter DOHC VVT V-6 coupled to a new 6-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive.


Other significant GM introductions included the thoroughly redesigned GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT full-size SUVs, a stunning 400-hp heritage-look Chevy Camaro concept that may reach production by 2009 to take on Ford's popular new Mustang, a 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid CUV (available mid-year) that promises 20 percent better fuel economy than the standard VUE for some $2,000 less than Ford's similar-sized Escape Hybrid, and an innovative 2-mode full-hybrid powertrain (coming for 2008) for Chevy's excellent new Tahoe SUV, which will also be available in Yukon and Escalade.


Ford unveiled its crisply handsome 2007 Ford Edge CUV and a luxurious Lincoln derivative dubbed MKX, both sharing the (Mazda6-derived) Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln Zephyr platform and powered by a new 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 6-speed automatic and optional all-wheel drive. These will arrive this fall to take on Nissan's Murano, Lexus' RX330 and the growing phalanx of import and domestic CUVs. A Lexus-like Lincoln MKS concept powered by a 4.4-liter 315-hp V-8 previewed Lincoln's next luxo-sedan, while a sporty Reflex diesel/electric hybrid concept hinted at future Ford small-car design. Available sooner are Ford's new Explorer Sport Trac and 475-hp Mustang Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible.


Chrysler unveiled a pair of concepts derived from its highly successful Chrysler 300/Dodge Magnum/Dodge Charger rear-drive large sedans and wagons. The first, a beautifully executed modern take on the '60s-'70s Dodge Challenger sporty coupe—another potential Mustang fighter—may reach production circa 2008; the other, a Rolls Royce Phantom-like Imperial ultra-lux sedan, likely will not. Dodge rolled out its all-new 2007 Caliber, an attractive 5-door compact CUV that replaces its long-in-the-tooth Neon small sedan, while Jeep unveiled a ruggedly handsome Compass derivative with optional all-wheel drive that will be the first volume Jeep not "trail rated" for severe off-road duty. Also new are Aspen, a full-size SUV derived from Dodge Durango, and a redesigned and much-improved Jeep Wrangler.