(Some of) The Year That Was

Taking a drive down 2016’s memory lane

It’s been a good year. That’s what we all want to say. Before we completely roll the calendar fulltime to 2017 model vehicles, let’s close the books on the 2016s. Here are quick snippets of recently tested autos. Some were a first drive and others — Dodge Durango, Fiat, I’m looking at you — were given a second glance.

Chrysler Town & Country

Base price: $33,695. As tested: $39,220

What we liked: Honestly? We have always liked a lot about the Town & Country. Three rows of seats, Stow ’n Go seating for extra cargo capacity and the likelihood that there is a video system included, as there was with the S version that we tested, because that’s what the kids will demand. Town & Countrys have a beginning price of less than $30K, which is why they are popular family haulers. But hearts shouldn’t get too aflutter. This is the final version of the Town & Country as it had gotten a little stale over time. Chrysler has replaced it with a fresher face, the Pacifica. RIP Town & Country.

Dodge Durango

Base price: $43,895. As tested: $52,760

What we liked: Few vehicles have evolved like the Durango. Once the most affordable of large SUVS but with limited soft touches, this three-row passenger hauler now is as rider-friendly as it is functional. Beginning prices are $30,495. This year we drove two different Citadel models, which come decked out with upgraded Nappa leather upholstery, navigation and sunroof, among other items. The latest that we drove came with the Anodized Platinum package that put the Midas, er, Platinum touch on everything from the front and rear fascias to the fog lamp bezels and mirror caps and added a satin carbon finish to the 20-inch wheels. We sampled the base 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine but there is also a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8.

Fiat 500

Base price: $22,575. As tested: $27,245

What we liked: Fiat 500s are small, they’re cute and they’re becoming more common on the road, which takes away some of its uniqueness. In its most basic form, this nameplate can be purchased for about $17,000 but comes with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces only 101 horsepower. Fiat spices the motor up with a turbo version that turns out 135 horsepower and that’s OK. But we also got to drive the 500 Abarth that has a 160-horsepower turbo engine. Now we’re talking. Big things do come in small packages.

Mazda CX-3

Base price: $26,240. As tested: $29,260

What we liked: It’s brand-new. Putting a label on the CX-3 isn’t easy, though. Is it a small sport-utility vehicle, crossover, wagon and/or hatchback? Doesn’t matter. The CX-3 is a different entry point for the Japanese automaker across many fronts. Priced reasonably in the $20,000s with crisp styling, sharp handling and all-wheel drive capability, the CX-3 strikes many chords. Our test model was the high-trim Grand Touring with AWD, heated leather seating with suede inserts and navigation and an optional Activesense Package that handles everything from the wipers to the headlights to smart brake support and lane departure warning. Check this one out to see how many of your boxes it checks.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Base price: $28,600. As tested: $33,120

What we liked: Mazda had me at Miata. Crossing over a quarter century on the roadways, the MX-5 offers open-air fun. Miatas come in three trims that start at $24,915. We drove the mid-point Club, which adds a sport suspension, upgraded shocks and high-performance tires. I guess Mazda really wants you to put it to use. OK, then. Even with a 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Miata is quick due to its 2,300-pound weight. Handling is precise and the easy shifting manual transmission adds to the experience. Even in cold weather it will be tempting to drop the soft top.

Nissan Murano

Base price: $40,700. As tested: $44,070

What we liked: There is a wide range of Muranos offered, from the entry-level S with front-wheel drive for $29,660 to the top-of-the-line Platinum with all-wheel drive for $40,700. We drove the latter and found it to be loaded with amenities such as heated and cooled front seats and heated and power-folding rear seats. A midsize crossover, I can appreciate the looks, with a profile that gently rises to just past the midpoint before gently tailing off. The Murano offers plenty of quality seating. A 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission proves to be a winning combination. The Murano performs well on any terrain or environment.

David Mikesell is a freelance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis.

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