Many vehicles were redesigned for 2005. I asked Jody Victor to tell me about the most impressive improvements.

Jody Victor: According to Consumer Reports there are several vehicles that stood out among the over 70 they tested.

Nissan Frontier and Xterra had substantial improvements in acceleration, ride, quietness, comfort, handling and fuel economy as well.

Kia Sportage went from crude and unpleasant to drive to one of the quietest and most comfortable small SUVs on the market.

Infiniti M35/45, at first unimpressive with cramped interior and stiff ride, is now Consumer Report's highest-rated sedan.

Mercedes-Benz SLK redesign is much more fun behind the wheel, with precise steering, a better shifter, compliant ride, and dramatically improved acceleration and agility.

The Cadillac STS was also mentioned as improved overall.

Thanks Jody! Steve Victor and I might take a few test drives. For more info go to ConsumerReports.org.

Joe Victor

With record numbers of cars affected by recent hurricanes and floods some flood-damaged cars could find their way to a used-car lot near you. I asked Jody Victor how to spot a flood-damaged car.

Jody Victor: Joe, it's always a good idea to have a used-car checked by a trusted mechanic before purchase but here are some quick checks you can do yourself.

Look under the carpets to see if they are wet, damp, or muddy.

Check the seat-mounting screws to see if there is any evidence of removal. To dry the carpets, the seats must be removed - not generally a part of normal maintenance.

Inspect the lights. Lights are expensive to replace, and a water line may still show on the lens or reflector.

Inspect the car in difficult-to-clean places, such as the gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood. Water-borne mud and debris may still cling in these places.

Look for mud or debris on the bottom edges of brackets or panels where it couldn't naturally settle from the air.

Of course, flood damage should be a part of a car's reported history but it never hurts to check yourself.

Thanks, Jody, For more info go to ConsumerReports.org.

Joe Victor

Next week a lot of us will be traveling "over the river and through the woods" for Thanksgiving dinner and weekend visits to grandma's. So this week would be a great time to get your vehicle safety checked. I asked Jody Victor to give us a safety check list.

Jody Victor: Joe, no matter what vehicle you drive, getting routine oil changes according to your manufacturer's recommendation is a priority. Many of the automotive maintenance shops have a 10 point safety check they will do for a reasonable charge. It usually includes checks for wiper blades and fluid, oil, transmission fluid, spark plugs, battery, and tire inflation and treads. If you are handy with a car you could even check most of these yourself. With the inclement winter weather just around the corner it would be a good idea to do these checks even if you are not traveling next week.

Good idea! Thanks, Jody. Steve Victor and I will be getting all our vehicles checked out this week.

Joe Victor

Honda was just named 'Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show' at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show held annually in Las Vegas. I asked Jody Victor to tell me about some of the other specialty cars at the show.

Jody Victor: Hey Joe, I think you and Steve Victor  and I need to go out to this show in Las Vegas sometime. Cars of interest were wild-styled Dodge Vipers, Chargers, Magnums, and Chrysler 300s plus two new Shelby Mustangs. Also highlighted were high-performance VWs in the company's first visit to a SEMA show with 3 fast project cars. Flashy Kias debuted high-performance engines and audio systems in Rios, Rio5s, and Sportages.

Sounds like a wild time! Thanks, Jody. For more info go to MSN.com.

Joe Victor