By Tom Crosby

These vehicle reviews may help you choose from the more than 200 different 2007 models. Base prices are quoted. For more information, contact AAA Carolinas Car Buying Service at 800-231-0349 or visit aaa.com, click on automotive, new car purchasing and car reviews.

CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 4WD - $35,295
It’s rare, but automakers sometimes improve a vehicle and reduce the price. The 2007 upgraded Chevrolet Avalanche, is $2,000 less than last year and can be called either an SUV or pickup truck. With the midgate up, it comfortably seats five and when down, and rear seats tucked away, the open truck bed grows from 5.3-feet to 8.2 feet.  Using a 5.3-liter V-8 engine, our test drive also used E85 ethanol fuel, which reduced our average mileage to less than 16 mpg. Even active fuel management that seamlessly shifted from 8 to 4 cylinders when extra power wasn’t needed, couldn’t improve MPG. Extra safety features, like overhead air curtains for rollovers, are options included in equipment group purchases. The ride is cathedral quiet with the midgate up. Handling is better than average for a vehicle built on a SUV platform.

LIKES: Versatility, interior spaciousness
DISLIKE: Gas mileage

BOTTOM LINE: You can’t help but love an improved better vehicle for less money.

LEXUS RX350 SUV FWD - $37,400
Since 1998  Lexus  has been the industry leader in the midsize luxury sport utility vehicle market and following several upgrades, the 2007 RX350 boasts a more powerful 270 horsepower V-6 engine that cuts a second off 0-60 mph (now 7.3). A tire-pressure monitor has been added, along with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer, noise dampening and smoother air flow through the front fascia. RX350’s come in all-wheel or front-wheel drive (our tester). Quality ratings have been consistently high for the RX. Built  on the same platform as the RX400h hybrid, options for both vehicles are similar and pricey. (Ours added nearly $8,000). Craftsmanship is top-notch, handling flawless and the ride smooth and quiet. Safety features remain strong with traction control and knee airbags.

LIKES: Handling, luxury touches
DISLIKE: Pricey options

BOTTOM LINE: Refinement continues with more power and solid quality.

HONDA ACCORD COUPE EX-L V-6 NAV - $29,500
One of the most popular cars sold in America, the Honda Accord had its seventh generation makeover last year. Our 2007 test drive cost more than $1,000 less than in 2005 before the 2006 upgrade. Accords have been around for more than 30 years, have won numerous awards, and come with at least 32 different configurations. Ours test drive had a 6-speed manual transmission working a 244 horsepower engine. Standard 17-inch wheels, a taut suspension providing good road feel, excellent grip on curves and ramps and a satisfying engine growl through gear shifts makes the coupe fun to drive.  The coupe design hampers entry to a back seat that is cramped for three adults,  mildly comfortable for two. The profile is sleek, safety features are plentiful (it received the highest or second highest top scores in government crash tests) and the coupe’s popularity is easily seen due to the comfort, design and solid fit and finish.

LIKES: Looks, value, quickness
DISLIKES: Back seat entry