Q. What were the ten top-selling vehicles in America in calendar 2017? — D.M. (via Internet) 

Q. The Ford F-series pickup truck was No. 1, as it has been for many years. It was followed in this order by the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram pickup, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and, finally, the Honda Accord. Note that there are only four cars on the list—and they’re all foreign. 



Q. When will this “crossover” vehicle mania end? Why don’t people just buy station wagons if they want the extra room that often-awkward-looking crossovers provide?— E.G. (via Internet)

A. More crossovers than cars may be sold in 2018. In 2017, cars outsold crossovers by just 73,000 units. There aren’t many station wagons offered, and crossovers that are more attractive are coming.



Q. What looks to be among the most popular Ford vehicles in 2018? — J.Z. (via Internet)

A. The new Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck. Ford dropped its Ranger mid-size pickup for U.S. buyers in 2011, leaving an opening for General Motors to begin producing its popular Colorado and Canyon mid-size pickups four years ago. Ford is well known for pickups, and its new Ranger looks very competitive. It’s a lifestyle truck primarily aimed at younger, active buyers who don’t want the full-size Ford F-150 pickup. 



Q. What new General Motors vehicle does Ford likely fear? — F.K. (via Internet)

A. The new, significantly redesigned Chevy Silverado full-size pickup truck. 

Q. What would you say are the top, relatively affordable (no Ferraris, please!) performance cars? — J.H. (via Internet)

A. There are a good number of them out there. These performance cars are among the best relatively affordable ones: Cadillac ATS-V, Dodge Challenger, Ford Focus ST, Ford Mustang GT and Subaru WRX.



Q. What do you think of the new Alfa Romeo?  —  F.S. (via Internet)

A. It’s a blast to drive. However, it isn’t inexpensive and falls down in the luxury and refinement areas. That’s typical of Alfa Romeo. I owned a 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia sports car in the mid-1960s and it was fun but mechanically troublesome. Too bad. Alfa was king in the 1920s and 1930s. It designed and built the wildest race cars anybody had seen, and its road cars were the envy of just about everyone. Even Enzo Ferrari ran an Alfa Romeo racing team, years before he started his own Ferrari auto company right after World War II. Those who really want an Alfa and can overlook cheap switchgear and such might want to buy one for the sheer driving fun it provides.



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