The Ford Transit is a neat idea. At the NY Auto Show, Ford has it decked out in taxicab yellow; I think it looks like a cross between a Ford Fusion, Taurus X, and previous Land Rover Discovery. Senior Director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Division David Champion likens it to a big Honda Element. Also, says Champion, it seemingly "could take the place of an SUV or pickup truck for companies that do deliveries and other light-duty trade work." Plus, he adds, it's very likely that this new Dodge Sprinter-like model could make a tradesperson rethink whether or not they really need the weight (and poor fuel economy) of a full-sized van.

And if Ford uses the diesel engine offered in Europe, it could further boost fuel economy gains, not to mention the urban potential for a hybrid system.

—Mike Quincy

See the 2008 New York auto show coverage.