2009 Ford F-150 Platinum Lariat 4x4

Chocolate is apparently the new black in car interiors, if you go by this GIANT black F-150's gorgeous brown leather-trimmed cabin and by the slightly more upmarket brown leather in last night's Aston Martin DB9 convertible test car. (And it was a long way up from that low-slung Aston to the treehouse-high cab of the F-150.) Black over brown is a surprising combination at first, but it's a perfect, warming complement to the brushed aluminum cabin trim. Getting inside is a real exercise, helped by the retractable running board that offers the necessary leg-up. Don't forget to check the option box for the tailgate step and the mid-bed step if you ever want to visit your cargo again. Jean Jennings, President & Editor-in-Chief