Is now a good time to buy a new vehicle?

By John Pearley Huffman For a broad swath of American consumers, Honda is the maker of unpretentious good stuff at accessible prices. Usually without flashy or distinctive styling, Honda’s products can be said to define the leading edge of ordinary. The company was the brainchild of Soichiro Honda, the eldest son of a Japanese blacksmith.

You're looking at one of the hottest small SUVs on the market, the 2009 Toyota RAV4. Nationally, Toyota dealers have a 20-day supply; 60 days is considered normal. You may wonder why. The RAV4 certainly doesn't win on its looks. But beauty is more than skin deep, and that's why the RAV4 shines. But before we get to that, a bit of housekeeping.

Unless you drive one of its tractors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. is an unfamiliar name. That should change as the company enters the U.S. truck market by year’s end. Two Hampton Roads automobile dealers have bought territories: Beach Ford Lincoln Mercury for Suffolk and Cavalier Auto Group for Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Traffic is stopped on the interstate. Ahead lays a construction zone with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. Nearby, a meter that reads the speed of passing motorists reads, "Your speed" followed by... nothing. It's shut off. We aren't moving anywhere. What a tease.

I've been driving a lot of new gas-electric hybrid cars lately. Inside today's Drive, you'll find my take on the 2010 Toyota Prius. It came after a week piloting a new Honda Insight hybrid. Then, along came the chance to sample the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, although it was only a brief drive. Still, I think I have enough perspective to give those considering hybrids some food for thought.

Father's Day is Sunday. Don't have a gift yet? Well, does dad golf? Is he a Dale Jr. fan? Maybe, he's more of a beach bum - or an executive with a sense of humor. Regardless, your neighborhood auto dealer can set him up with something affordable, useful and unique. There's plenty to choose from. Here's some of what we found:   For the executive

The first Kia I drove, about 11 years ago, was so miserable that I advised buyers to consider a used car instead. Owning a Kia then would have been like trading in an Armani suit for a flour sack. Back then, Kia was an inexpensive car that never let you forget how little you paid for it. Sure, you might flip burgers for a living, but you don't want to be constantly reminded of the fact.

The redesigned RX 350 is not dramatically different in looks from the previous year's model but wears crisp lines that add tension and strength to its demeanor. With a larger chrome grille, the RX has more presence and blends in nicely with its sportier siblings.

Being prepared for a road trip that could make the difference between a vacation you’ll always remember and one you’ll want to forget. So before you hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, here are a few things to consider. YOUR VEHICLE

-Have all systems checked, including tires, belts, brakes, air conditioning, battery, wipers and cooling system.