After showing a swoopy concept in Detroit in January, Lincoln rolled out the production version of its "entry-level" MKZ sedan at the New York International Auto Show.

Over the last two years, we've had abundant criticism for Ford's MyFord Touch (and the similar MyLincoln Touch) dashboard control design. But Ford deserves credit and compliments for this system's recent comprehensive update.

As gasoline prices continue to climb, the cliché "pain at the pump" is being thrown around with great frequency. But, how much pain is it really? Inspired by anecdotal complaints of drivers boasting of wallet-denting fill-ups, we crunched the data to see what the most expensive tanks are to fill, and we found more than 20 vehicles go beyond the $100 mark.

Each year, the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue featuring the latest ratings, rankings and expert insights garners significant attention. The focus invariable turns to Top Picks and the automaker report cards. Both special reports given a quick snapshot of how makes and models compare, informing car buyers, as well as auto industry trivia enthusiasts. While everyone loves a winner, what about those brands that just never made the Top Pick cut?

Our Annual Autos Issue presents a dizzying array of facts and figures, all aimed at helping car shoppers choose the right model for their needs and budget. While we rate the automakers and present numerous best and worst lists, we haven’t offered a simple guide to the best and worst models by brand. Until now.

Ford announced today that an upgraded version of its MyFord Touch infotainment system will both appear in freshened 2013 models and will be available as an upgrade for current owners. It aims to improve both interface and reliability issues—areas we have noted as critical weaknesses.

Ford Motor Company is recalling a small number of 2012 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Both large sport utility vehicles have rear seat head restraints that fail to meet federal safety standards for protecting passengers during a collision.

The Lincoln MKZ has been a practical and reliable choice for an entry-level luxury sedan. But the exterior styling, interior quality, and driving dynamics didn’t really deviate much from its Ford Fusion family sedan platform-mate. If buyers wanted a luxury car that felt special, the MKZ just didn’t really deliver. But Ford is trying (again) to breathe life into Lincoln. A big part of that is a new MKZ. (See the new Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ in our Detroit auto show coverage.)

Among the central themes at this year’s Detroit auto show was the rise of the mainstream plug-in hybrid. My colleagues who attended the show point to another key theme: the resurgence of American automakers in their hometown, with Detroit brands making the biggest splash with mainstream models. Either way, call it an American sunrise.

As I made my last tour of the Cobo Center show floor in Detroit, it struck me how few new models stood out to me this year. I love that most unveilings were practical, or at least skewed toward the practical, from traditional mainstream models edging upscale to prestige brands reaching down toward mainstream budgets. The cars that etch themselves into my memory are distinctive in appearance, function, and/or mission, leaving so many others anonymous in an army of clones.

Lincoln’s performance during today’s press conference (see “2012 Detroit auto show: Will a new MKZ be enough to revive Lincoln?”) clearly showed that company knows it has a problem and seems to be committed to righting the listing ship.

The last 20 years saw the rise of luxury brands, including Lexus, Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Even Cadillac, once near death, was revived by edgy styling, improved driving dynamics and a rocking Led Zeppelin ad campaign.

While the stores are promoting door-busting discounts for Black Friday, it can also make a great time for getting deals on a new car. We've found some attractive discounts on good models. And being the end of the month, dealers may be a bit more willing to negotiate to meet their quotas.

Ford’s high-tech touch-screen dashboard interface, MyFord Touch, has proven to be a lighting rod for criticism. To address this, Ford today announced interface and performance upgrades for the system. These changes launch with the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape and updated 2013 Flex and Taurus. They will also be available as a free upgrade for current owners of MyFord (and MyLincoln) Touch-equipped vehicles.

Consumer Reports recently unveiled the results of its latest reliability survey, showing that Asian brands continue to occupy the top-tier, claiming nine of the top 10 spots in our rankings. However, the findings among the domestic brands are noteworthy, and there’s plenty of good news within each segment.