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I was invited down to San Antonio, Texas recently to get my first experience with this new compact vehicle from Chevrolet that is replacing the Cobalt model. The new vehicle, set to arrive in dealerships in September, is called Cruze. Hmm.

One of my first questions during a marketing presentation was “What is the origin of the name Cruze?”

Seems I stumped the panel. No one could give me an answer.

Here in front of my computer I search the interwebs and discover that Cruze has been used by GM since 2001 and this “all-new” vehicle is actually the second-generation of the nameplate, originally a five-door hatchback built by Suzuki.

In 2008 the five-door models were replaced with a four-door sedan and offered globally as the new Cruze under both Chevy and Holden divisions.

The 2011 model we tested in this week are derived from the European Opel Astra architecture. You may remember that Astra was one of the last vehicles introduced in the U.S. as a Saturn shortly before that division was deep-sixed.

We tested LT and LTZ trim Cruze models, most with the new turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four banger. The other engine of choice for American Cruze is a 1.8-liter producing the same horsepower (138) and both are backed by six speed manual or automatic transmissions. Our units all had automatic gearboxes connected to front drive underpinnings and we found the turbo 1.4 quite satisfactory in rural and urban driving conditions with minimal noise, vibration or harshness transferred to the passenger compartment.

And despite being called a compact, EPA sizing standards actually put Cruze just over the line into the midsize sedan category. I even remarked to my factory-provided navigator how the Cruze cabin space reminded me more of Fusion than Focus.

The 2011 Cruze from Chevrolet is targeted at the compact segment, specifically dominators Civic and Corolla. GM provided us with a competitor vehicle from each of these other automakers and the Cruze handily stood up to the challenge. I found Cruze to be quieter and smoother with slightly better acceleration and more satisfactory steering and braking.

Cruze will initially arrive in base LS, LT and LTZ trim levels with an Eco model arriving by winter. The new Eco is slated to offer 40 mpg highway fuel economy, something that will certainly aid Chevy in its drive towards tougher CAFE standards coming from big brother.

Cruze styling, inside and out, could perhaps be best summed up with “Honey, I shrunk the Malibu.” The new Cruze shares distinct styling elements of the larger stablemate which is a good thing for the new Chevrolet.

Safety takes no backseat in the Cruze either as not only does StabiliTrak stability control, traction control and ABS braking come standard across the line, so does no less than 10, count ‘em, 10 airbags, making this one of the safest vehicles in this segment – and beyond.

Pricing for the new Cruze begins at $16,995 for a base LS with the 1.8L engine and manual gearbox. LT models with the 1.4 turbo kick off at $18,895 with the loaded LTZ starting at $22,695. An RS appearance package is also being offered at launch and since GM folks would neither confirm nor deny any SS model in the future, go ahead and expect one.

When a Cruze arrives in the test fleet in the near future we will give it a complete shakedown but after the first drive of the new little Chevy we are impressed. The car is easy and, more importantly, enjoyable to drive. It replaces a vehicle in the automaker’s lineup so sales should be brisk right from the get-go and hopefully will continue for quite some time.

But I still never got the origin of the name.

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If I were told today that I would have to choose only one vehicle that I would drive for the rest of my life, not knowing what the rest of my life would entail, that vehicle might very well be a Subaru. And tempted as I would be to pick something like the WRX, in the end my decision would probably be the Outback.

Billed as the “world’s  first sport utility wagon,” the Subaru Outback offers a range of features that would cover most driving situations I might be faced with in the future. Perhaps my being an Eagle Scout tilts my decision towards one of “being prepared” or maybe my age is telling me to weigh all possibilities and trust instincts based partly on experience.

Either way, I think I would prefer the Subaru Outback, a sort of “Swiss Army knife on wheels.”

I recently spent time with the new fourth-generation model complete with 3.6-liter six-cylinder horizontally opposed “boxer” engine backed by a smooth five-speed automatic gearbox with (unnecessary) steering wheel paddle shifters. And being a Subaru, of course there is the symmetrical all-wheel drive that I love so dearly.

Seems every time I receive a Subaru model from the press fleet squadron I go out of my way to find driving conditions that would trip up most daily drivers but Subies always manage to shine like a new penny.

Getting back to the recent 2011 Outback tester, we enjoyed all the amenities afforded by the Limited package it arrived in. That includes leather seating, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, power moonroof and the outstanding harman/kardon 440-watt nine-speaker audio system.

Outback models still have only two rows of seating but five adults will ride in comfort in this vehicle.  This is the roomiest Outback ever and arrived on an all-new platform with longer wheelbase and increased width.

The 256 horsepower delivered from the boxer six propel the vehicle in modest form. Road manners are always minded and the new Outback provides one of the most comfortable driving experiences of any utility-something on the road today.

The new Subaru Outback builds on a strong tradition of safety from the automaker and is adding to its collection of honors as well. This IIHS 2010 Top Safety Pick also took home the trophy as Motor Trend’s 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year.

Pricing for a base Outback (with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine) starts at $23,195. Our 3.6R Limited model kicks off at $31,495 with our 2011 tester coming in at a decent $33,724. Fuel economy figures for the six are rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

If the Subaru Outback was the last car I would ever drive I would not be disappointed, not one bit.

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Big news for Texas and Toyota recently. OK, the news actually came out a while back that the automaker would shift midsize pickup production to their full-size truck plant in San Antonio but it was both barrels blazing Friday as Governor Rick Perry helped kick off the official celebration.

From Toyota:

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (August 6, 2010) – Production of the Tacoma pickup truck began last month but was marked today with a ceremony at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX).  The $100 million investment boosts total investment to $1.4 billion. 

Texas Governor Rick Perry joined San Antonio community leaders, team members, suppliers as well as Toyota officials including Toyota Motor Corporation Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi.

Tacoma’s production move to TMMTX was announced a year ago and adds 1,000 jobs. Today, over 2,800 team members are employed at TMMTX and the plant is fully positioned to ramp up Toyota’s pickup truck production for the American market. 

“The San Antonio plant has shown a great deal of resilience during the recession and is fully prepared to ramp-up Tacoma production,” said Chris Nielsen, TMMTX president.  “By building Tacoma in Texas, we are able to consolidate pickup truck production in the United States under one roof, allowing us to fully utilize the plant’s capacity.”

During the economic downturn, TMMTX was one of several Toyota plants impacted by poor sales.  However, TMMTX retained its workforce instead of laying off, in order to strengthen team members’ skills and improve plant processes.  

And recently we spent a little time in one of the last models to be sent off the previous assembly far, far away. Ours was a 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab in 4x2 running gear.

When automakers went the little bit bigger route for their latest entry pickup lines, Toyota knew not only would Tacoma have to achieve segment success but also pave the way for the fullsize Tundra as well.

What Toyota came up with is a Tacoma truck platform that is "right-sized" for North American consumers and is as comfortable onroad as it is capable offroad.

The Tacoma offers an extensive variety of body-and-bed configurations with more than ample passenger room, cargo volume and towing capacity for the segment. There is a choice underneath the hood as well. Customers choose between a base 159hp, 2.7-liter VVT-i four-cylinder or gutsier 236hp, 4.0-liter VVT-i V-6. Each features electronic throttle control with intelligence for improved performance and fuel economy.

The six is backed by either six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic while the four offers five-speed manual or four-speed automatic choice. Our tester had the automatic that offered 17 mpg city fuel economy and 21 mpg on the highway.

Designers have matured the styling of this latest Tacoma giving it a big, bold grill and headlamps up front with broad shouldered fenders in PreRunner and 4x4 models. Interior amenities and materials are much more refined and modern while offering greater "spread" room for occupants.

In addition to a smoother onroad feel, the new Tacoma offers a much quieter ride over previous models thanks to added sound absorption material wrapping the cabin and exterior design improvements to reduce wind noise.

Double Cab models are still the only cab design that will comfortably accommodate rear passengers.

Out back, Toyota engineers have given Tacoma a composite inner bed that features sheet-molded compound deck and walls that are lighter than steel yet tougher and more durable. An integrated deck rail utility system enhances cargo carrying options and an available 115-volt power outlet at the rear of the bed adds to the work capability of the Tacoma. There is also a roof rack system available on the Double Cab models.

Four wheel ABS is standard on all Tacomas complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Enhanced ride quality is thanks to Toyota adopting the design concept of moving rear shocks outside of the frame rails as Ford first did on its recent F-150s.

All new Tacoma models offer Vehicle Stability Control as well as TRAC traction control and 4x4 models can be outfitted with Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control, greatly enhancing off-roading capabilities. Tacoma 4x4 models are equipped with the 4WDemand electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case activated by a turn of a dash mounted knob.

Pricing for our test model Tacoma began at $23,500. Fully loaded, this PreRunner 4x2 Double Cab came to $28,335.

Standard safety items include front, side impact and side curtain airbags along with driver and front passenger active headrests, and the tire pressure monitoring system is thrown in as well. Add ons included a spicier TRD Sport package (further dressing things up outside), JBL audio system and a heavier tow package.

I am glad to see the Tacoma calling Texas home now and look forward to a nice Lone Star package in the future.