The year's most memorable test drives: These 10 new cars really sto...

Photo by Kevin McCauley

We did a lot of driving in 2011. We put cars and trucks to the test – in the unforgiving Texas heat and across our unique brand of metropolitan sprawl. In no particular order, here are the cars and trucks that really stood out (along with links to our original reviews).

The Cadillac CTS-V offers a thrill ride for everyday travel

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

What more can be said about the CTS-V Wagon? It's a 556-horsepower wagon that's refined enough for your daily commute. Absolutely stunning.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

A sporty new Range Rover that's big on style: CultureMap previews the new Evoque

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

We got a peek at the stunning Evoque at the Houston Auto Show last February, previewed a trio of them during the summer and finally drove one in October. The sleek crossover lived up to our lofty expectations, and is sure to be a hit in 2012.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

Test drive: The new 2012 Ford Focus is worth the wait

Ford Focus

We drove the 2012 Focus when it hit the market in the spring, and now, having seen a ton of them out on the road, it still looks just as striking. The Focus brings bold design, lots of features and engaging performance to a segment that, not too long ago, was devoid of all of those things.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

What's the best truck in Texas? Grueling tests at Truck Rodeo reveal the toughest in the land

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

The Raptor is an experience unlike any other: Powerful, responsive and able to drive over almost anything at a top speed. Our favorite part was the tight steering and thick-bolstered bucket seats, which keep you planted when you're letting all 411 horsepower do their thing.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

Edgier new Mercedes-Benz SLK350 takes aim at BMW and Porsche

Mercedes-Benz SLK350

The Mercedes-Benz SLK350 offered a beautiful interior that struck the perfect balance of sporty and luxury. Look closer and you'll notice real aluminum trim and quality, eye-pleasing lighting. It's also one of the most uncompromised convertibles you can buy.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

The comeback kid: Chrysler experiences a renaissance with the 200 and 300

Chrysler Pentastar V6 (shown in Chrysler 300)

Chrysler's new Pentastar engine was one of the pleasent surprises of 2011. We liked it in the 300 and 200 sedans, and later we drove it in the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The 3.6 liter engine transformed each vehicle it was fitted in, improving the fuel economy while adding a lot more power (as much as 290hp).

Photo by Kevin McCauley

Test Drive: Nissan and eVgo are charged up about the future with the all-electric Leaf

Nissan Leaf

2011 was a big year for electric cars. The Nissan Leaf we drove was an eye-opener and it showed us that fun-to-drive, quirky cars are going places – even if our gas won't be, eventually.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

Putting the Jaguar XJ to the ultimate test: Houston's roads & sexy Trios

Jaguar XJ Supercharged

Jaguar's XJ is a daring step into the future from a company deeply rooted in the past. The exterior is sensational, and the nautical-inspired interior is even better. The XJ is the modern, refined, full-size luxury car that everyone hoped Jaguar would build.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

Test drive: Lotus Evora turns heads

Lotus Evora

The lightweight Lotus Evora won our hearts with its uncompromised driving dynamics and exotic proportions. It isn't the fastest sports car available, but what it offers can't be described in a chart.

Photo by Kevin McCauley

A car with character: The small, stylish has a personality big enough for Texas

Fiat 500c

The Fiat 500 was one of our most memorable drives because it makes every drive a little more fun, which is one of the best, most underrated features any car can have. The plucky handling and vibrant interior give even the most boring trips a sense of occasion.

The year's most memorable test drives: These 10 new cars really stood out