Your Father's Oldsmobile

So, Dad's retired and looking for a tooling-around vehicle. He might drive down to see his grandkids, but really he's only cruising the strip looking for a bag of Werther's Originals and perhaps some female companionship for the weekly bingo game. A cushier ride is highly desired by this crowd, since it places the least strain on arthritic joints.

Alas, vehicles such as the Buick Lucerne ($29,730) and Cadillac DTS ($46,680) ended production in 2011 (leftovers will be available for a few more months). Also ending production soon is the Lincoln Town Car ($47,225), which can still be had upon special order.

Not ending production this year are two modern interpretations of the full-sized American sedan: the 2012 Ford Taurus ($26,350) and 2011 Toyota Avalon ($32,595).

Sam Says: When your adventurous cohorts simply won't fit in the back of a Civic, go with the 2012 Ford Taurus. The availability of all-wheel drive along with the efficient and powerful EcoBoost V6 makes this large sedan a modern interpretation of the big cars of days gone by. It is imposing and roomy and uniquely American.

Mild-Mannered Commuter/Steve McQueen's Weekend Machine

There's a point between the teenage years and parenthood where immaturity and maturity clash. And some of us car guys hold onto that spirit of responsible irresponsibility for years after we've reached into the mature stage of our life--ever torn between the desire for a fun car to toss around the track on Sunday and the need for something appropriate to drive to work come Monday.

Mitsubishi offers the killer Ralliart edition ($27,695) of its 2011 Lancer, blending the docile nature of the base-model Lancer for everyday use and the turbo kick of the legendary Evolution when prodded. Expect this category to get crowded shortly, as Subaru is launching an all-new Impreza for 2012 ($18,245) and following it up with a rear-wheel-drive coupe next year.

Sam Says: Perhaps not enough room for an extended road trip... but who's up for a day trip to the track?! Getting The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart mates the utility of the Sportback five-door hatchback with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, allowing this Mitsubishi to rise above. Subaru won't stand still, though.