Outstanding new cars buck auto crisis

Just because the auto industry is in crisis does not mean that appealing new or revised cars and trucks have disappeared. Starting at the small end of the scale but punching well above its weight is the Kia Soul. This Korean newcomer steps into a sub-compact class already populated by several strong contenders, notably the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube.

But in a category where cereal box-styling seems to dominate, the Soul manages to carve its niche with a design that looks practical and sporty at the same time. The Soul is surprisingly roomy, well-equipped for its mid-teens pricing and has one optional feature that's an instant hit with young consumers; illuminated speaker grilles that pulse with the music's beat.

Stepping up market, the new Chevrolet Equinox shows that General Motors has not been spinning its wheels the past few years. As the first new GM vehicle to hit the market as the company emerges from bankruptcy, the Equinox bodes well for Chevy's future. The Equinox enters the popular compact crossover market that attracts 900,000 buyers annually and is ruled by the Honda CR-V.

The good news for Chevy fans is that the new Equinox comes fully equipped for battle against established rivals like the CR-V and Toyota's RAV4. In terms of interior size, the Equinox walks all over the competition, especially with its capacious rear seat. The cabin is nicely trimmed (with cheerful red stitching on the seats, for example) and much quieter due to extensive sound-deadening measures.

With its more economical four-cylinder engine, the Equinox can return as much as 32 miles per gallon on the highway. All in all, this is a vehicle you should consider if you are shopping for a smaller crossover.

Full-size pickup trucks have taken their knocks because of the recession and last year's run-up in fuel prices. But if you have a genuine need for a vehicle that can pull a house (or a horse trailer in my case) and carry cargo and people, there is no substitute for the real thing. The Dodge Ram crew cab can pull 5,000-plus pounds of trailer and horses, five occupants and a cargo bed full of equine paraphernalia easily and comfortably. The Ram is full of clever features, not least being the rear, side storage compartments. Inside the cabin is spacious and equipped with a versatile entertainment system to keep the kids from being bored on a long drive. At the wheel the Ram feels its size but is not quite as cumbersome to maneuver as its primary Detroit competitors.

Sticking with Dodge, I would contend that the Charger SRT8 deserves an honorable mention. It's not exactly the most appropriate vehicle for our stressed economical times, but the 425 horsepower Hemi V-8 makes this Dodge fun to drive. Surprisingly, the Charger SRT8 is not just a straight-line performer; it also handles well and is quite refined when driven at more sedate speeds.

Finally, a word in favor of BMW's new 335 diesel. U.S. consumers now have a chance to try one of the world's best diesel engines in the ever-popular 3 Series and the combination is compelling; silky performance and great fuel economy. It's hard to beat, especially as diesel fuel is now priced on par with regular gasoline.

There are other outstanding cars and trucks out there beyond this short list, so don't let anyone tell you there's nothing worth shopping for.

John McCormick is a columnist for Autos Consumer and can be reached at john.mccormick@detnews.com">john.mccormick@detnews.com