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.

BUICK LUCERNE CXS – $34,545
This is Buick’s largest sedan, a 5-passenger car with a muscular V-8 engine, a standard StabilTrack traction control system and enough interior comfort features to delight any executive. The top-of-the-line CXS offers plenty of options, like navigation, turn-by-turn OnStar directions and remote start to warm the cabin in winter or cool it in summer. A Magnetic Ride Control suspension system adjusts the ride to a consistent smoothness, especially at slower speeds. A slightly over-responsive steering wheel feels fidgety with body lean in sharper turns. But those who buy a Lucerne are probably more interested in the luxury than pushing the car to the limits.  Buick has been climbing the J. D. Powers quality charts in recent years, making the Lucerne more attractive.

LIKES: Engine, quietness, ride
DISLIKES: Body lean, rear seat pass through
BOTTOM LINE: Buick can expect a cult of Lucerne lovers to develop.

TOYOTA YARIS 3-DR HATCHBACK - $11,850
After becoming Europe’s most popular Toyota product, the subcompact Yaris has come to the United States, joining Toyota’s Scion as vehicles aimed at first-time passenger car buyers Toyota will eventually move up to bigger, more expensive models. Three Yaris models are offered – two sedans and our test drive hatchback. A 1.5-liter, 106 horsepower engine gets to 60 mph in 10 seconds. Gas mileage averages over 35 mpg. The hatchback holds five passengers, tight for three adults in the rear, and the rear seat does fold flat for extra cargo space. Seats are manually operated and stability control is not an option, despite Toyota’s leadership in this area. The interior is plain, with lots of hard plastic, but put together well. Handling suffers some from a 97-inch wheelbase.  Outside, the Yaris is cute, much like the first VW bug.

LIKES: Price, value, fuel efficiency
DISLIKES: Few safety options, handling
BOTTOM LINE: Tiny Yaris due to make big impact in subcompact market.

BMW X-5 4.8i - $54,500
Called a Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW, the X-5 gets its first major changes in seven years. A premium midsize sports utility vehicle with more than a half-million sales, its the bigger sibling of the X-3’s and X-4’s made in Greer, SC. Longer, wider and taller previous versions, our test-drive had the 4.8-liter, V-8 engine. Drivers will exult in precise handling, stability in turns and absorption power of a new double wishbone multi-link front suspension system. Inside, standard and optional features spell luxury, like a two-door electrically operated glove compartment, fold flat 2nd row seats and automatically adjusting head restraints. Using 93-octane gas, mileage was 17.4 mpg over 800 miles. Safety features remain a strong point but BMW’s I-drive controls most interior car functions and requires experience to use to keep eyes on the road.

LIKES: Power, handling, comfort
DISLIKES: Gas mileage, I-drive controls
BOTTOM: Wonder to drive, resale value high, need deep pockets to buy

CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2WD CREW CAB LT2 - $31,840
The redesigned 2007 Silverado half-ton pickup truck is longer, wider and more powerful and offers more than three-dozen versions with choices among drive trains, cab sizes, truck beds, colors, suspension systems, wheel sizes, tire types and engines. There are also half-a-dozen optional packages and individual options, so everyone can get the exact pickup they want. Our test drive used a powerful 5.3-liter engine and averaged 18 mpg, despite a fuel management system choosing between using 8 or 4 cylinders. A Z85 suspension controlled a quiet, comfortable ride. The interior “pure pickup” design is clean and attractive. The newer, bigger rear-wheel drive pickup, however, exhibited excessive lean in tight turns.

LIKES: Power, inside look/feel, ride, quiet
DISLIKES: Gas mileage, handling
BOTTOM LINE: Silverado should remain GM’s top selling vehicle.