Kick Off '05 Early New Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle, Honda Odyssey and the Mini Convertible; Then See What Future Models Mini Has Coming, Along With Spy Shots of '06 VW Jetta and Smart formore

DETROIT, Sept. 7 -- Get a head start on the 2005 models as TheCarConnection.com (http://www.thecarconnection.com/ ) takes some of the year's most important new products for their first test drives. Start off with the slick new Mini Convertible, with its unique, 2-mode retractable roof. Then see what other models are in the pipeline from the hip British brand.

Jeep is back with the third-generation Grand Cherokee, and TCC tests its mettle, on-road and off.

Ford's declaring this "the year of the car." Does the spacious new Five Hundred live up to expectations? TheCarConnection has the verdict. You'll also get the inside story on the new Ford Freestyle crossover vehicle.

And see why the '05 Honda Odyssey will pose a serious challenge to the other minivans on the road.

Then get a look at some of tomorrow's hot products as TheCarConnection's spies capture shots of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta and the first product from the new Smart brand, the pint-sized formore SUV.

With Labor Day behind us, the auto industry is getting back to work and there's lots of industry news this week. See why GM's Rick Wagoner thinks healthcare should be the first priority for the next four years. Find out why Wagoner and Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche are telling their suppliers that indeed, the world has changed. Learn how BMW's Chairman, Helmut Panke, is planning for more growth -- and how quality problems could trip up the German automaker.

And with the 2004 presidential campaign in full swing, TheCarConnection.com looks at the platforms of the major-party candidates to see which agenda looks good for Detroit and the rest of the auto industry.

Let OnSite Mechanic solve your service problems. Find Kelley Blue Book pricing and more -- on the Web's Automotive Authority, TheCarConnection.com.

Sign up for TCC's free newsletters, including the award-winning Daily Edition. And check out TheCarConnection's new RSS feed. It's also free -- and easy.

Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site http://www.prnewswire.com/ .