The new BMW 3 Series has been one of the most highly-anticipated new cars of the year. And rightly so. As long as it's been around, the 3 Series has been the benchmark for the ideal blend of European performance and style, with a good measure of practicality thrown in. And until BMW recently brought in the 1 Series, it was usually the Bavarian brand’s most affordable entry. We recently tested the 2012 BMW 328i sedan.

With such a solid reputation, it must always be a daunting task for BMW to bring out a new 3 Series; the expectations are so high, and every other automaker has the iconic 3 in their crosshairs. Plus it’s a huge seller for BMW too, so more than pride is at stake.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series is good. Very good. But there are some surprises along the way. More...

Facing intense pressure from competitors in the mid-sized sedan segment, the 2013 Honda Accord has dropped its price and increase its features in order to gain some ground back with customers. Full prices for every Accord model are available below. More...

Honda announced that it will be launching a new system in the 2013 Accord that will permit Internet connectivity through a smartphone. The system is called HondaLink and it will depend on an iPhone or Android smartphone to access the Internet. There is a wide array of content that can be accessed, including audible Facebook and Twitter updates, local restaurants, podcasts, audiobooks, and Internet radio stations.

Other motor companies like Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford have had Internet connectivity enabled in their vehicles for a couple years, but Honda has been holding out, until now. This will surely bring Honda’s in-car experience up to par with its competitors. Honda is initiating this system in the 2013 Accord but will later add the system to the 2013 Crosstour. More...

Missing from Cadillac's arsenal has been a state-of-the-art large sedan to replace both the aging STS and the ancient DTS, both of which ceased production in 2011. But now, say hello to this 2013 Cadillac XTS—easily the best Cadillac sedan ever. Starting at about $44,000, it's priced to compete with "mid-price luxury" imports like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, yet it's big, roomy, dynamically competent and richly-equipped enough to give the much more expensive Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class large luxury sedans some serious trouble.

The 2013 XTS (the "TS" means "Touring Sedan") wears a Cadillac "Art and Science" tuxedo, softer and more formal than the harder-edged CTS suit, yet it's no question a size-larger sibling. The interior cleverly blends traditional simplicity, elegant luxury and high technology with premium materials, and an unprecedented (for Cadillac) level of connectivity. In roominess, Cadillac XTS is comparable to full-size sedans and well better than midsize rivals, especially the rear seat's 40 inches of legroom—and its 18-cu.-ft. trunk trumps even full-size competitors.

Standard on all models is Cadillac-exclusive CUE (Cadillac User Experience), a customizable user interface using an eight-inch touchscreen in the center stack, a faceplate below it, and steering wheel controls. It's first in the auto industry to use capacitive-touch control—the technology that lets you select, slide and expand icons and images on tablets and "smart" phones—with proximity sensing, haptic feedback, natural voice recognition, and gesture recognition that anticipates what you want on-screen even as your finger approaches. More...

We found a group of Alfa mules today, and among the mix was at least one 2014 Chrysler 100—complete with the Chrysler grille bolted on the mule.  

Riding on the same platform as the new Dodge Dart, this new 5-door hatchback Chrysler 100 will compete with the likes of the (recently recalled) Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus.

Economically priced under $20,000—yet with hints of luxury and premium features—the Chrysler 100 will be a bit less sporty, while more refined than its Dodge Dart cousin. And apparently the non-compete clause requires the 2014 Chrysler 100 to be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, with no manual offered.

Photos: Todd Rankin for Brenda Priddy & Company

Chrysler.com - Official Site

Perhaps you know someone like this: Good at everything—but never calls a lot of attention to himself. No drama. They just get the job done, and done well, and are a pleasure to have around.

Well if that person were a car, he’d be the Honda Accord Sedan. Smart and sensible, four-door Accords have been offered here since 1976, and they’ve been built in the U.S. since 1982. And while they’ve grown larger over the years (and who hasn’t?), they still remain one of the best choices for a family sedan.

Which isn’t to say boring. For the 2011 model year, the Accord got a mild exterior update to help it stay contemporary. It’s a handsome car, understated and, in our tester car’s silver finish, looks more expensive than it actually is—which is a nice thing. The 2012 Honda Accord has to deal with some newer competition, though, including the gorgeous Hyundai Sonata, crisp Volkswagen Passat, and archrival Toyota Camry.

Honda fights back with an Accord driving experience that’s been honed and polished for 36 years. Our tester’s V6 proved smooth and responsive (the four-cylinder is also very smooth and quite fuel-frugal), with 271 horsepower and a five-speed automatic. The steering is light and accurate, while the ride and handling are definitely aimed more toward comfort than ultimate handling. If your taste runs toward sporty and you love Honda products, we’d recommend the Acura TSX sedan (hurry, though, as 2012 is the last model year for the TSX). More...