Devoted to the auto industry – builders to enthusiasts

Jim Mateja has been writing about cars for the Chicago Tribune since 1970. The first car he reviewed for the newspaper was a 1971 Ford Pinto.

Mateja's reviews are syndicated now in newspapers around the country and he's joined the internet video age with auto commentaries.

Mateja's review of the Best Buys of the Year was just published. Here's his list of 12 models from 2007. He also included the 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The 2007 list is in alphabetical order and with a snippet of each review:

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra — " . . . These outstanding trucks have a smooth, sedan-like ride . . ."

Chevy Tahoe Suburban — " . . .  The ride is pleasant without floating. . . "

Honda CR-V — " . . . Comfort and convenience amenities are plentiful inside the cabin, which is comfortably large . . ."

Hyundai Veracruz — " . . . The ride is smooth and steady, without wobble . . . "

Lincoln MKX — " . . . Say hello to a sensibly sized crossover with carlike ride and handling and two rows of seats . . . "

Mazda CX-7 — " . . . Here's a crossover with room and zoom . . . "

Nissan Versa — " . . . The Versa features most-nimble handling, great road manners and a spacious, roomy, comfortable cabin . . . "

Saturn Aura/Green Line Hybrid — " . . . The replacement for the aged Saturn L-Series is really more than that. It's a quantum leap . . . "

Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia — " . . . The ride is smooth, handling is respectable and parking is an easy chore . . ."

Saturn Sky — " . . . Here's a heavenly roadster serving notice that Rip Van Winkle no longer runs General Motors' styling
studios . . . "

Volvo S80 — " . . . This is a bargain in the luxury sedan segment . . . "

Toyota Camry Hybrid — " . . . Consider it a larger alternative to the popular Toyota Prius . . . "

Mateja has forgotten more than I'll ever know about cars . And after driving eight of the cars of his list, he's spot on with his selections.

Two vehicles I've driven this year that also seem worthy of Best Buy mention are the 2007 Honda Fit and the 2007 Suzuki SX4. Both are entry level vehicles with a lot to offer at about $15,000.