In the next 12 months, we’ll detail everything about the Mazda 3 from comfort to performance to fuel economy and what it’s like to live with.

The Mazda 3’s calendar is already loaded with summer road trips, video and photo shoots and the inevitable, unavoidable traffic jams.

We look forward to sharing our experiences in the Mazda 3 with you, but as always, are anxious to hear what you want to know. Find us on Twitter and Facebook to throw your questions and challenge suggestions into Mazda 3’s driver’s seat.

We can’t wait to hear from you, and in the meantime, browse shopautoweek.com for monthly updates on what the Mazda 3 has been up to.

Vital Stats:

Vehicle: 2012 Mazda 3 I4-door Touring

Base price: $20,345

As-tested price: $20,345

Engine: Skyactiv 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Drivetrain: FWD, Skyactiv drive six-speed automatic with manual shift mode

EPA mileage (city/highway/combined): 28/40/33 mpg

Curb weight: 2,950 lb

Horsepower: 155 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 148 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

Options: None added

In order to determine averages for these cost increases, Insurance.com analyzed more than 490,000 auto-insurance quotes provided by 14 different insurance carriers. The data was collected over a two-year time period that began in January 2009.

“Of course, you’ll know immediately how much you owe for your ticket, but often you won’t know the impact of the ticket on your car-insurance rate until you get your renewal from your insurer,” explained Michelle Megna, managing editor of Insurance.com.

Reckless driving tops the list as the most expensive infraction, netting an average insurance rate increase of 22 percent. The least hurtful violation was the 3 percent increase you’ll get for driving without a seatbelt.

Here’s the full list from Insurance.com:

1. Reckless driving: 22 percent
2. Driving under the influence, first offense: 19 percent
3. Driving without a license or permit: 18 percent
4. Careless driving: 16 percent
5. Speeding 30 mph over the limit: 15 percent
6. Failure to stop: 15 percent
7. Improper turn: 14 percent
8. Improper passing: 14 percent
9. Following too close/tailgating: 13 percent
10. Speeding 15 to 29 mph over the limit: 12 percent
11. Speeding 1 to 14 mph over the limit: 11 percent
12. Failure to yield: 9 percent
13. Driving without car insurance: 6 percent
14. Seatbelt infractions: 3 percent

According to a press release, Insurance.com also lets visitors specifically tailor their results by including more detail such as their age, state of residence, marital status and the length of time with their current car insurance company.

Review Summary:
Make no mistake: Even in Denali trim, the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD is a work truck through and through.

Review:

The 2012 GMC Sierra HD pickup is available with two engines, including a gas V8 making 360 hp and the excellent Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V8 that produces 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is optional. Two bed sizes and three cab sizes are available.

Towing capability is key for most Sierra 2500HD buyers, and this truck delivers: Ball-hitch towing maxes out at 17,000 pounds, while a fifth-wheel truck can trailer more than 21,000 pounds. A new, stronger suspension enables snowplow installation on all four-wheel-drive models. Safety features are electronic stability control, head-curtain side airbags, available backup camera and hill-start assist.

Key Features:

• Diesel is an expensive option but well worth it
• Even with fancy interior options, ride is very much truck-like
• Wide array of cab and bed sizes to suit multiple customers

Following the example of previous generations of the 3-series wagon, the new model places greater emphasis on styling appeal than load-carrying ability, adopting an extended roof and an angled rear window in the mold of the larger 5-series wagon.

The adoption of new underpinnings has brought about increases in accommodation, with BMW touting greater rear-seat legroom and load-carrying capacity.

Details pertaining to the U.S. version have not yet been made official. But it is likely that the new 3-series Sports Wagon will come with the same gasoline engines used in the latest 3-series sedan, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.

In line with its sedan sibling, the new 3-series wagon has grown in size. Length is up by 3.7 inches at 178.2 inches, while height increases by 0.4 inch to 56.3 inches. The car also rides on a new platform, with a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase at 110.6 inches, while the front and rear track widths are up by 1.5 inches at 60.7 inches and 1.9 inches to 62.3 inches, respectively.

With 17.5 cubic feet beneath its luggage cover behind the rear seats, the new 3-series wagon boasts a nominal 1.2 cubic feet more load space than the fourth-generation model.

Maximum luggage space has increased by 4.1 cubic feet to 53.0 cubic feet, giving it 2.5 cubic feet more than the Audi A4 Avant and the same capacity as the Mercedes-Benz C-class wagon when the rear seats are folded. BMW has retained the handy separately opening rear window, which allows you to put smaller items in the rear without the need to open the tailgate. The height of the loading lip has also been lowered slightly, to 24.4 inches.

No range anxiety, just engine envy for me on this night as I shot out of the garage at One Autoweek Tower in the wake of a V8-powered Chevrolet Corvette, packing four more cylinders and gobs of power. But Chevy didn't launch the Volt to compete with its own supercar, and for what it is -- an efficient, decent-looking sedan -- the car measures up.

I've driven the Volt before. The interior has been an area I like, and it continued to resonate with me. I really enjoy the four-seat layout. It's to accommodate the T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack, but it looks sporty, offers plenty of room and makes for a nice atmosphere. Volt shooting brake, anyone?

I kid, but not entirely. The electronics, especially the touch controls on the instrument panel that work without buttons, are a cool feature, and much easier than MyFord Touch. The screen is clear and informative, and it tells the driver what is happening during braking and acceleration that's different in the Volt than a regular car. Props to Chevy for a sporty, dual-cockpit layout, too.

I am not exactly the Volt's target customer (for a variety of reasons, actually, including my lust of horsepower) but I simply live too far away from our downtown Detroit office to truly make the most of the powertrain. I had a full charge indicated when I set out from work in the evening, and it was cashed before I finished my commute, which is about 27 miles to the suburbs. Obviously, that left nothing for the return trip in, and I had nowhere to charge it at my apartment complex.

Really, that's not a complaint; the car did what it was supposed to, though the mileage didn't quite measure up in brisk expressway driving -- it's just the reality of my life circumstances right now. Conversely, if I could have charged it at home, it would have been nearly spot-on. As it is, it's nice only having to use gasoline some of the time.

Otherwise, the Volt drives fine. It's heavier than the Cruze and the Buick Verano, which share versions of this platform. Having driven both recently, the Volt feels almost like a paperweight. Despite the added girth, it's OK in corners and easily holds expressway lines through curves. Power from the 1.4-liter is decent, and I had little trouble defeating other cars as we jockeyed for lanes. It does help to know your vehicle and plan accordingly.

The big question is, will people pay for this technology? More than $43,000 grand is Cadillac and Corvette territory. Then again, remember how much the first iPods cost?

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN:

This was also the first time I've been in the Volt for an extended period of time. I found it in the parking lot by one of the few outlets. It did give a nice spark when I unplugged it from the wall, but otherwise, easy as pie.

At first glance, the Volt looks almost like every sedan on the road. Only when you get closer can you see that the grille is blocked off, and the shape is one big swoopy line. If you don't mind driving something that's a little quirky looking, you'll have no problem with the Volt.

It had 30 miles of electric range when I got in and the odometer said 2,598.

This car is uneventful to drive, which is a good thing. Besides the lack of noise, and the slower takeoff, it feels exactly like a regular car. But I suppose it helps that we're getting used to different forms of propulsion. I also feel as if I need to baby the hybrids a bit, even though this one warrants no range anxiety.

The interior looks well put together, especially at night when the center controls look black and glow greenish blue. It looks a bit worse during the day with the plain gray color. I do like the touch-sensitive controls though; they feel like those on an Apple iPod. The materials and seats are all upscale-looking, and the size is perfect for a family of four. It looked as if there was plenty of room in the back seat, even for adults.

It's funny that I didn't even notice the screen in place of the gauges. It almost feels natural now. It shows a big number for mph, and then around it is all the hybrid stuff such as how much battery you have left, what fuel economy you're getting, miles until empty, etc.

So I drove it easily more than 30 miles, probably about 37, and I still had juice left in the battery. In my apartment complex, there weren't any plugs accessible, meaning that I couldn't charge it during my stint.

The Volt can really be your only car. No matter the range of all the plug-ins -- if you ever want to go on vacation, or further than 50 miles, you need a gasoline engine. I live about seven miles from work, so 90 percent of the time I wouldn't use a drop of gasoline. But, when the mood strikes, I could head out to the cottage, which is about 75 miles, if I needed to.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT:

I was excited for my first drive in the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Of course, you see more of them on the road now, which is good for Chevy and for the environment. And, one day in the not-too-distant future, most of us likely are going to be driving some type of hybrid vehicle, so we should get used to them. I could easily get used to driving the Volt.

The car looks good from the outside, not as futuristic as the concept but it has nice angles and curves. It sort of blends in with other four-doors yet stands out of the crowd just a bit. Inside, I like the layout of the cabin with the cockpit setup. And while I understand the four-seat setup because of the battery pack, you really wouldn't be able to seat more than two people in the back seat. No squeezing in a third person. So if you're considering buying this car, there's that to add to the list of things to consider. But the overall layout is sporty and looks sharp.

The center stack is clean with the touch-pad buttons. Everything is clearly labeled and easy to use. I also like the digital display of the instrument panel, which shows everything the driver needs to know about what's going on with the car's systems.

I live about 15 miles from the office, so I easily made the commute home and back to work (plugging in inside our garage overnight, of course) without using a drop of gasoline. And I still had a good amount of battery range left over. No, you're not going to blow anyone away from a stoplight in this car, but it has good power. My commute route only allows me to top out at about 50 mph, but the car was solid in passing, and the brakes were strong. The cabin stays quiet throughout the drive. My one nit is the A- and B-pillars, which are quite wide and can obstruct your peripheral vision.

With our work commutes, I could definitely see a Volt being a good vehicle for our household. Yes, it's a bit pricey, certainly more so than a Toyota Prius, but I like the Volt more than the Prius -- the looks and the drive character. And you'd be saving gas money with either car. So the choice is yours. Me, I'd go with the Chevy.

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR TARA THEMM:

This was also my maiden voyage in a Chevy Volt. Considering my 124-mile round trip to work and back, I knew I wouldn't completely benefit from the 30-mile range of the full battery charge. Obviously, the Volt wouldn't be a car fit for me because of the long commute, but it was still fun to bop around in for a weekend, with or without battery power.

If my husband didn't have our garage filled to the brim, I could have charged it. But there she sat for the weekend, without any electric juice to charge her up. While that left me slightly disappointed that I wouldn't experience the full effect of the Volt, that also leads me into one massive benefit, the 1.4-liter "backup" engine, or in my case, the main mode of transportation.

I am never able to take plug-ins home because of my long-distance haul, but the Volt allows a worry-free driving experience; no having a tow-truck service on speed dial if you don't reach an outlet in time. You want to go for a spur-of-the-moment long weekend Up North? No problem. Don't have a place or time for a charge-up? Easy peasy. Just drive the darn thing, and, of course, make stops at the pump now and again.

My fuel economy averaged in the mid-30s when solely running on gasoline, but then it was a smidge above 90 mpg for a while after I ran out of battery power. For someone who doesn't have far to drive on a daily basis, the Volt is definitely a car to look into, if you can swing the $46,000 price tag for this specific build.

On the outside, the Volt carries an individual look that's borderline sporty. The pearlescent paint also gave the bodylines a bit of extra dimension.

The interior was well done, and like most everyone else, I dug the touch-screen center console controls. The one drawback is that while getting accustomed to control locations, I had to take my eyes off the road for some time to find my desired function since there wasn't anything distinct to feel for.

The all-digital dash was quite nice, too, and the designer in me appreciates the calculated font and graphic choices that are easy to read and intuitive to move through. However, I am still not sure about the accel/brake widget of sorts. What is that really telling me? Am I not already aware of what pedal my foot is on? The only time I was in the "leafy green zone" was when I was practically coasting. Duh.

While the Volt isn't for me, I would recommend others to try it on for size.

2012 Chevrolet Volt

Base Price: $39,995

As-Tested Price: $46,165

Drivetrain: 111-kW electric motor, 1.4-liter I4; FWD, two-mode electric drive system

Output: 149-hp, 273-lb-ft electric motor (84 hp @ 4,800 gasoline engine)

Curb Weight: 3,781 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA): 93 mpg-e all electric/37 mpg gasoline only/60 mpg-e combined composite

Options: Audio system with navigation, DVD rom and 30-GB audio hard drive ($1,995); Premium trim package including perforated leather-appointed seating, heated front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel ($1,395); white diamond tricoat ($995); rear camera and park assist ($695); polished aluminum wheels ($595); Bose premium speaker system ($495)

Review Summary:
The Jeep Wrangler remains the brand's icon, and thanks to constant improvement it's better than ever

Review:

Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited models, for 2012 Wrangler finally gets a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is standard. Also new this year is a special Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition complete with Mopar accessories, badges and gamer goodies.

Optional equipment includes heated leather seats, a navigation system and automatic temperature control. Off-road options include Dana front and rear solid axles, next-generation transfer cases and electric axle lockers and an electronic-disconnecting sway bar. The standard soft top provides options for open-air driving. The hard top offers more protection and a different open-air option.

Key Features:

• Unquestioned off-road prowess
• The real-deal Jeep is still the best, especially with new engine/transmission
• Surprisingly good on-road manners too, though fuel economy will never be a strong suit

Review Summary:
The economy numbers, engaging dynamics and low base price make the 2013 Mazda CX-5 a compelling case for young families who need something more utilitarian than a sedan or a hatchback.

Review:

The 2013 CX-5 is an important vehicle for the company as it is the first Mazda designed wholly using the company's Skyactiv efficiency philosophy and the first production car to adopt the company's new styling direction. Skyactiv shines throughout the crossover, which means more space, more utility, better handling, better safety, increased performance and increased fuel economy.

All 2013 CX-5 models are equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which produces 155 hp, and owners can opt for all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The CX-5 Sport is the only trim that offers a six-speed manual transmission option, along with the six-speed automatic available on the Touring and Grand Touring. The FWD manual is unsurprisingly the economy champ, scoring 35 mpg on the highway. The least fuel-efficient vehicle in the lineup, the AWD automatic transmission, still posts a respectable 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city.

We think the base vehicle is actually the sweet deal of the bunch. Coming in at $20,695, it's basic family transportation with a bit of a twist and has all of the important features of the line, including the folding rear bench with remote release.

Key Features:

• The first global vehicle to adopt Mazda’s full Skyactiv technology
• Fuel economy tops out at 35 mpg highway on manual-transmission models with FWD
• The base model is well-appointed with plenty of standard features
  

Here's a list of cars we were sad to see go. Is your favorite missing from the list? Find shopautoweek.com on Twitter and send us your suggestions.

“The secretary and other safety advocates have done a great amount of work to get the states to pass strong laws,” Strickland said.

NHTSA hopes that robust laws and consistent enforcement will curtail accidents caused by distractions and encourage citizens to form more responsible behind-the-wheel behaviors, as the "Click It or Ticket" campaign has done for drivers not wearing seatbelts.

If the initiative is as successful as the agency intends it to be, then distracted driving would become as unsavory for the general public as driving drunk. Strong laws, good outreach and communication campaigns combined with successful law enforcement are the winning formula for Strickland.

Manufacturing guidelines
The NHTSA looks to data, engineering and the human factor to determine its recommendations.

“We want the manufacturers to innovate, but we want them to do it safely,” Strickland added.

But the question remains, how do they do that in an age where people are connected around the clock?

Strickland indicated that the NHTSA and Department of Transportation have worked in tandem with the trade groups that represent auto manufacturers, such as the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers, to create their distracted-driving recommendations.

“Manufacturers definitely acknowledge that we look to their voluntary guidelines as a basis for ours,” Strickland said. “Generally speaking, they think NHTSA is heading in the right direction.”

The agency expected to hear from automakers during 60-day comment period that has now been extended through May 18.

“We recognize that there are some applications and some entertainment and educational components that today’s consumers and drivers want,” he said.

For Strickland, the guidelines NHTSA released in February are the first step: The first of three phases of guidelines targets in-car technology, specifically devices and applications built into vehicles at the point of manufacturing and how the driver interacts with them. Strickland says that the core of the recommendations are to make sure that no in-car application takes more than two seconds for one glance and for a multiple-step process no longer than 12 seconds of looking away.

Myth busting
In all of this, there have been a few misconceptions of what the NHTSA and the Department of Transportation are trying to achieve through these rules of play. The goal is not to revoke all of our fun in the car, but they do want drivers to be smart behind the wheel and for automakers to proactively shape their in-car technologies to make those choices easier.

For example, Strickland agrees that having directions via in-car navigation systems is great, but believes the GPS system should lock out the driver from typing in text when the car is moving.

“We don’t want anyone driving 65 mpg down I-95 typing in an address,” he said.

Social-media applications like Facebook and Twitter are OK, too. But the NHTSA simply does not want drivers to be required to input anything while their eyes should be focused on the road ahead. And for now, the agency thinks that operation by voice is OK, although the data has not yet been finalized. “It’s a better option,” Strickland added.

The agency wants automakers to avoid including moving text, too many characters for drivers to digest in a quick glance and anything else that might draw eyes away from the task at hand.

“Really, when you think about it, the core to [these guidelines] is keeping your ability to keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and off of anything that requires input from the driver,” Strickland said.

Now trending: A digital lifestyle
A new set of challenges come with the proliferation of mobile devices in America and the incessant need to stay connected to work, life and friends. The NHTSA continues to research the cognitive impact of mobile-device use on drivers; that data should be available later this year. Strickland elaborated on how our new digital lifestyle is defining generation gaps in car buying:

Device usage shows that people lead a 24/7, 365-days-a-year digital lifestyle. The trend line is interesting. Generation Y folks are not as much into car purchasing because they like to continue to be connected when on the go. This is causing manufacturers to question how they can provide a vehicle attractive to a teenager while still being safe.

The administrator also explained that Gen Y actually gets a slight dopamine response when they hear that distinctive "ping," indicating they have a new text message or e-mail waiting for them.

“[It’s almost like a] Pavlovian response,” he said. “Someone reached out to me, so I must answer it.”

The bottom line
If a physical reaction can genuinely be associated with the bells and buzzes of our mobile devices, then Strickland says our response must be “more than just saying, ‘Oh yeah, I just won’t answer my phone.’ ”

“A number of our surveys have shown that people will accept that other people driving distracted are incredibly dangerous on the roads,” Strickland added. “But [our attitude is] ‘I’m fine.’ ”

He emphasized that whether it is wearing a seatbelt or assigning a designated driver, he and the NHTSA are focused on one thing and one thing only.

“It all comes down to personal responsibility. That overarches everything we do,” Stickland said.

LaHood and Strickland combat distracted driving in their daily roles.

“At the end of the day, you’re trying to build a cultural change so people make the right decision,” Strickland said. “We want people to be able to do the right thing behind the wheel.”

Melanie Batenchuk is the editor of auto blog Be Car Chic.

Our moms seek power, versatility and fuel economy, all in a head-turning package.

Here are their picks, and if you're a mom, be sure to share your favorite cars on our shopautoweek.com Facebook page.

Review Summary:
Still stylish and capable, the GMC Acadia full-size crossover is an excellent substitute for a minivan or traditional SUV.

Review:

It's been around for a few years now, but the GMC Acadia continues to offer an appealing blend of stylish good looks and actual capability, thanks to its cavernous interior, flexible seating and smooth V6 powertrain. Acadia's fuel economy has lost some of its competitive edge in the wake of newer vehicles, though.

The 2012 GMC Acadia and the GMC Acadia Denali SUVs are available only with a 288-hp, six-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel drive is optional. Standard features are daytime running lights, tire-pressure monitors and a theft-deterrent system.

The GMC Acadia Denali trim line gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts, complementary woodgrain finish on the instrument panel, perforated leather seats with matching leather door-panel trim, heated and cooled driver and passenger seats and enhanced accent lighting in the footwells. The Acadia Denali also has premium acoustics, a sliding front sunroof and a head-up display, where the instrument panel is projected onto the inside of the windshield so the driver can check gauges without taking his or her eyes off the road.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,200 pounds.

Key Features:

• Great on-road manners for a big crossover
• Good looks inside and out
• Gets thirsty, particularly with all-wheel drive

Review Summary:
The segment of affordable rear-wheel drive performance vehicles is back.

Review:

Amen. The prayers of many enthusiasts have been answered by the introduction of this fun yet affordable rear wheel drive sports car. Designed in conjunction with Toyota, which handled the exterior styling while Subaru focused on engineering, the BRZ ‘s 2.0 liter four cylinder engine pumps out 200 hp and is manipulated by a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Great care was taken in keeping the curb weight of the BRZ low in order to maximize the effect of the equipment listed above. BRZ’s slight 2,762 lb are indeed agile and help keep fuel consumption lower as well.

On the road the Subaru BRZ is responsive and as competent whipping around hairpin curves as it is on the straight-away. A comfortable seating position is also an advantage as it lets the driver focus on the road ahead instead of fidgeting and adjusting.

With the base price in the mid-twenties we think the BRZ and its Toyota sister-the Scion FRS-will be true crowd pleasers.

Key Features:

• Five drive modes available including “sport” and “all off” which disengages stability and traction control for the ultimate track-time experience
• Xenon headlights, touch-screen navigation system and satellite radio are all standard features
• Six-speed manual is standard but a six-speed automatic is available

Review Summary:
The 2012 Sonata offers swoopy styling, plenty of power and great gas mileage, all at a price that undercuts most of the competition.

Review:

The Sonata can be credited with putting Hyundai on the map for many buyers, and for 2012 minor refinements add value to one of our favorite mid-size sedans.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata sedan is available with a 198-hp four-cylinder, a 274-hp turbo four-cylinder or a hybrid with a combined power rating of 206 hp. Fuel economy ranges from 38 mpg combined on the hybrid to 26 mpg combined for the four-cylinders. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Sonatas, as are six-speed manual transmissions. A six-speed automatic is optional.

Power door locks are standard, as are keyless entry and alarm, a 12-volt outlet and split-folding rear seats. Standard safety features include front and side airbags, height-adjustable seatbelts, seatbelt pretensioners and anchors for child seats. New this year, the Sonata Limited gets a three-piece panoramic sunroof and Blue Link, a safety and telematics service, as standard equipment.

Key Features:

• Interior and exterior design far exceeding what we've come to expect in this dull class of vehicles
• Turbocharged engine provides excellent power/fuel economy blend
• Hard to beat a 10-year powertrain warranty

Review Summary:
The battle of the pickup trucks continues with the carryover Chevrolet Silverado

Review:

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado takes on all comers in the pickup truck wars, featuring as much capabilty and ruggedness as anything on the road. It is available in five trim lines, each with two- or four-wheel drive. Four engines are offered: a V6 and three V8s. Flex-fuel engines are also available. Six- or four-speed automatic transmissions are standard.

The LS, LT and LTX models get new grilles, bumpers and wheels for 2012. Standard features on the LS model include electronic stability control, CD player, power locks and windows, heated outside mirrors and 17-inch chrome-styled steel wheels. Silverado WT, LS and LT trim levels have larger controls and door handles that are easier to use with gloves. A large-capacity double glovebox is part of the instrument panel. Optional extras include assist steps, a chrome grille, tow hooks and an integrated trailer-brake controller. Chevy also adds StabiliTrak stability control system that now includes electronic sway control and hill-start assist.

Key Features:

• Updated navigation radio available, with 80-gigabite hard drive, time-shift recording capability and available SiriusXM weather service
• Crew Cab maximum towing capacity is 10,600 pounds when properly equipped
• Dozens of configurations possible based on five trim levels, two drivelines, three cab lengths and three bed lengths

Go green: If you're staying local or driving less than 100 miles a day, major car-rental agencies such as Enterprise and Hertz have electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf. These cars not are not only green, but they provide full power the moment you step on the accelerator.

Keep it slow and steady: Use cruise control whenever possible. Maintaining a constant speed is beneficial to fuel economy since every time you accelerate, your engine must fight against friction and inertia. Driving at a more moderate speed such as 70 mph can also save significantly without impacting your drive time. The Department of Energy estimates that for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, it's like paying an additional $0.31 per gallon for gas.
 
Watch your weight: An overweight vehicle means a stressed engine. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every 100 pounds of weight can reduce your miles per gallon by 2 percent. Normally, lightening the load refers to luggage or taking out those bags of salt from the trunk, or simply driving a more economic vehicle. But get this: A 2008 study by Sheldon H. Jacobson, director of the simulation and optimization laboratory in the computer-science department at the University of Illinois, points out that overweight Americans are also leaving behind a hefty carbon footprint. The study suggests that more than 39 million gallons a year of fuel is needed to transport each additional pound of weight gain for American drivers.
 
Plan ahead: Traditionally, when gas prices drop, it's on Wednesday morning, before climbing up again on the weekend. This isn't foolproof, but it's a method that has worked for a lot of frequent drivers. Try to purchase gas in the mornings or evenings, when the weather is at its coolest. That's when gas is more dense, and gas pumps measure volume of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration.
 
Avoid idling: General Motors conducted a test between two identical Chevrolet Cruze LTs (24 mpg city/36 mpg highway) to compare driving habits. Fifteen minutes of idling lost an average of a quarter of a gallon of gas. So if there's a choice between lingering at a drive-through window or shutting off the engine and going inside, choose the latter. That said, a cold engine is not efficient. If you have several stops to make, do it in one trip instead of spreading it out so the engine can remain at operating temperature.
 
Windows or A/C? There's a long-running debate over what's more fuel efficient: driving with your windows down or the A/C on. The real answer is . . . it depends. If you're driving on a highway, keep those windows up. The increased drag will consume more energy than the A/C. But if it's stop-and-go city traffic, turn off the A/C and roll down those windows. When you first enter a hot car, roll down the windows and use the fresh-air setting to expel hot air before turning on the AC, and then, as the vehicle cools down, switch to A/C but remember to use the recirculate feature.
 
And speaking of drag -- skip those commemorative window flags for your favorite sports team, even if it's the NBA finals. Even those small items can increase wind resistance and impact your fuel economy.
 
Follow common-sense rules: You've heard it before, and it's worth repeating. Keep your vehicle tuned up and the tires at optimum pressure. According to government reports, you can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

To find out where to get the cheapest gas near you, check out resources such as GasBuddy.com and FuelEconomy.gov.

Two of the top family sedans on the market are the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. Though Nissan and Honda are both Japanese companies, the Accord and Altima have long been made in America. They both boast long lists of standard features, and both the Accord and Altima can be found in basic, four-cylinder commuter-car form or as V6-powered sports sedans with performance-car levels of horsepower, leather seats and luxury amenities galore.

CHART: Compare Honda Accord and Nissan Altima standard and optional features here

So, how’s a family-car buyer to choose between these two class-leading family sedans? Read on where we look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

Honda Accord sedan pros and cons

Who would have thought, back in the early 1980s when the Honda Accord was first starting to dominate among family sedans, that the little four-door would grow into the car it is today? Once known for its small size, fuel economy and somewhat spartan interior, the Accord is now a big midsize sedan with luxury goodies that were seen only on high-end cars just a few years back.

The Accord remains an always-safe bet in the midsize-sedan class with its only real flaw being that it's a bit boring. The 2012 Honda Accord comes in coupe or sedan form, with the option of a four- or six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder gets 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the V6 returns 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. All Accords are front-wheel drive. Manual transmissions are standard; a five-speed automatic is optional.

On the downside, the Honda Accord is a louder car than some of its competitors, but the tradeoff is better handling than the average family sedan. Likewise, the car has lost some of its endearing charm as it’s grown larger and less distinctive, and any pricing advantages Honda claimed vanished as the brand’s popularity exploded in the 1990s.

Nissan Altima pros and cons

The Nissan Altima is going through an “awkward stage” at the moment. A perennial best seller, this family sedan is still sitting on dealer lots as a 2012 model, yet an all-new 2013 Nissan Altima is going to hit showrooms sometime late this summer. What that means for Altima buyers is that deals should be plentiful on the older 2012 model, but the new 2013 Altima is a much nicer car.

View a photo gallery of the upcoming 2013 Nissan Altima

To help sales, Nissan added a Value package for 2012 including Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto on/off headlights and HomeLink. That's in addition to standard features such as push-button ignition, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter and dual-zone automatic temperature control. Engine choices include a 2.5-liter that delivers 175 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 producing 270 hp.

The 2013 Nissan Altima will get swoopy new styling, but much of the underlying hardware is the same. The four-cylinder engine gets some refinements for improved power and fuel efficiency, and the body weighs less too thanks to greater use of aluminum.

Should I buy an Accord or an Altima?

We have two cars here and three types of new-car buyers. For the bargain hunters right now, the 2012 Nissan Altima will likely have the best cash-back incentives and low-interest financing, but the car will be dated immediately after purchase -- even more so than the average new car. Those who want the newest and the best should wait for mid-summer when the redesigned 2013 Nissan Altima will begin to hit dealer showrooms. But be prepared to pay full price (or close to it) and, as good as quality has gotten, you may end up with an issue or two since the car is new to the factory that’s building it.

Finally, the safe choice: The Honda Accord is likely the better sedan for family-car buyers who don’t want any surprises -- just a good car at a good price. It’s stayed that way for two decades now, and chances are the Accord you buy today will provide comfort, reliability and outstanding resale value when the time comes to trade it in or sell it.

According to Fort Bend County, Texas, chief fire investigator Robert Baker, the Fisker Karma started the fire that spread to the house.

“Yes, the Karma was the origin of the fire, but what exactly caused that we don't know at this time,” he said. The car was a complete loss.

According to Baker, the driver arrived home in the Fisker, pulled into the garage, and less than three minutes later, the car was in flames. It reportedly was not plugged in at the time of the fire, and the Karma's battery remains intact.

Right before the fire, the owner reported a smell of burning rubber.

“The car was brand-new,” said Baker. “He still had paper tags on it, so it was 60 days old at [most].”

According to Baker, the Karma was a postrecall vehicle bought in April.

There was substantial damage to the garage, which then spread to the second floor. No injures were attributed to incident. The house was new, but the owner had already moved in.

Baker estimated damages at roughly $100,000, not including the other two vehicles in the garage, a Mercedes-Benz SUV and an Acura NSX.

“This looks just like golf cart fires we have down here,” said Baker. The suburban Houston area has approximately 50 golf cart fires a year, he said.

“I've worked homicide scenes with less secrecy,” Baker added. “There have to be about 15 engineers down here working on this one.”

While Baker seems certain of his conclusions, the incident is the subject of an ongoing investigation, and an official report is expected in the near future.

When reached for comment, Fisker had this to say:

Last week, Fisker Automotive was made aware of a garage fire involving three vehicles, including a Karma sedan, that were parked at a newly-constructed residence in Sugar Land, Texas. There were no injuries.

There are conflicting reports and uncertainty surrounding this particular incident. The cause of the fire is not yet known and is being investigated.

We have not yet seen any written report form the Fort Bend fire department and believe that their investigation is continuing. As of now, multiple insurance investigators are involved, and we have not ruled out possible fraud or malicious intent. We are aware that fireworks were found in the garage in or around the vehicles. Also, an electrical panel located in the garage next to the vehicles is also being examined by the investigators as well as fire department officials. Based on initial observations and inspections, the Karma's lithium ion battery pack was not being charged at the time and is still intact and does not appear to have been a contributing factor in this incident.

Fisker will continue to participate fully in the investigation but will not be commenting further until all the facts are established.

Like as not, few folks shopping a Lexus will cross the street to check out the shiny wares at their local Lincoln dealership. Neither will many Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz shoppers. The people you will find shuffling among the various MK-monikered vehicles -- of which just more than 85,600 sold in 2011 -- probably have owned Ford-family products in the past or, let's be honest, live in Detroit (or did and now call the greater Tampa area home). It's a reality the powers that be at Lincoln hope to change.

Let's pause for a moment. The fact that powers that be even exist at Lincoln is a change. This time last year, you could count the number of employees dedicated to the brand on two hands. Today their ranks have grown 20-fold, such that Ford's luxury arm now boasts its own product-planning team, PR staff, finance department and, for the first time since the 1970s, a dedicated design studio. While their collective efforts will not come into full fruition for at least another year, the first blooms can be seen in the MKS.

Lincoln paid a good amount of attention to improving the car's ride and handling, with the suspension benefiting from a cross-tunnel brace, wider wheels and the addition of adaptive dampers that adjust among comfort, normal and sport modes.

The comfort setting allows for softer body motions over undulating surfaces, the car absorbing anything approaching a harsh impact, and more roll through the turns. Sport mode tightens things up appreciably, the wheels reacting quickly to bumps and the body holding a flatter aspect when pushed enthusiastically around a winding, hilly road course. Steering firms up, too, and the transmission downshifts more quickly when the throttle asks for it.

Underhood, the refreshed MKS's base engine, the 3.7-liter V6, sees output grow from 274 hp to 304 hp and from 276 lb-ft (on regular-octane fuel) to 279 lb-ft of torque, the addition of dual variable camshaft timing largely to credit for the increase. Lincoln says fuel economy should improve, too, with an estimated EPA combined average of 21 mpg in front-drive models, up at least 1 mpg over the 2012 MKS.

The optional 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 likewise sees a jump in power, to 365 hp from last year's 355 hp, to match the output of the Ford Taurus SHO with which the MKS shares its engine. But the difference is hard to detect; the outgoing car feels as if it pulls off the line with as much authority as the new, which is to say, strongly. And it sounds good while doing so, with a sweetly tuned exhaust note and an active noise-cancellation system that mutes the ugly frequencies and enhances the sportier characteristics.

Perhaps our favorite improvement, however, swaps the previous model's brakes, their mushy feel and long pedal travel for a quicker bite and stronger stopping response. The difference between the cars (12.25-inch vs. 13.86-inch front rotors) is stark; after driving the 2013 car for just a few minutes, stepping on the brakes in the old car feels downright scary.

The MKS also gets lane-departure warning and a lane-keeping assist that will actively pull the car back in line should it drift. Thankfully, you must turn the system on as it defaults to the off position each time the car is started.

Outside, the MKS gets a tasteful facelift that sees everything fore of the A-pillars revised. The hood gets more creases, and the grille's sweeping shape looks as if Lincoln plucked it off the lip of a barbershopper. The rear end looks cleaner than the previous car's, the trunk sporting not only a more pronounced trailing edge but a bigger aperture that allows for larger items like coolers to fit more easily.

Climb behind the wheel, and the cabin feels more luxurious, the chintzy textured aluminum trim replaced with top-stitched leather panels to match those on the dash. The MyLincoln Touch central interface gets cleaned up, too, the migraine-inducing splay of options -- nav, audio, phone and climate controls -- looking far less cluttered. Unfortunately, the finger-slide controls for audio volume and fan speed remain. Never has a more inelegant, space-eating, Rube Goldbergian substitute for the knob ever been conceived. Oh, and it doesn't work very well.

Finger-slide controls aside, the 2013 MKS makes for a decent midcycle refresh, with nicely updated sheet metal and respectable upgrades underhood and underfoot. And with starting stickers of $43,685 for the base MKS and $50,675 for the AWD EcoBoost model, Lincoln is spinning a value story with its big sedan. How many conquests from other luxury marques it achieves, however, is questionable.

2013 Lincoln MKS

ON SALE: Now

BASE PRICE: $43,685

DRIVETRAIN: 3.7-liter, 304-hp, 279-lb-ft V6; FWD, six-speed automatic

CURB WEIGHT: 4,126 lb

0-60 MPH: 7.0 sec (est)

FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 21 mpg

GM is requiring Cadillac dealers to designate two employees as certified CUE specialists -- one in sales, the other in service -- as experts to walk customers through the system known as the Cadillac User Experience or CUE.

GM also plans to hire 25 service representatives that it will scatter across its largest markets to field questions from both dealers and customers. Those experts might even make house calls to Cadillac customers who need help, say, syncing a phone to CUE, says Mark Harland, head of connected customer experience at GM.

GM will provide details of its plans for helping consumers learn about CUE at a wireless conference Wednesday in New Orleans.

Cadillac is rolling out CUE across its lineup, starting next month with the launch of the XTS sedan. It's the industry's first infotainment touch screen that allows drivers to use the sort of swipe-and-spread finger movements commonly used on most smartphones and tablets.

Cadillac also is giving iPads to all buyers of CUE-equipped vehicles. The tablets will come loaded with 14 how-to videos. It's also staffing a call center dedicated to fielding CUE inquiries.

Harland says some of those same tech-support elements eventually could be used at Chevrolet, Buick and GMC, which have rolled out new infotainment systems over the last year.

"When I get a new iPad, I don't learn everything there is to know about it the minute I leave the store. You need time to play with it," Harland told Automotive News.

Harland said new iPad users might call Apple tech support, consult web chat rooms or visit the Genius Bar, Apple's highly rated in-store tech support, where "geniuses" solve customers' hardware and software problems.

"We're trying to set up those same learning tools for people who are buying an XTS or ATS with a CUE system," he said.

GM is conducting a 15-city tour to train dealer personnel on CUE and the XTS.

The automaker is touting CUE as an intuitive interface that will eliminate the cumbersome commands and multiple screens that have led customers to pan some infotainment systems.

GM execs hope that adding the layers of support from the outset will neutralize any frustrations that arise as customers learn the system.

The eight-inch touch screen in the center console features a main menu that has large icons for navigation, audio and climate functions. The screen emits a small pulse when the driver presses a button, which GM says minimizes glance time.

When not in use, those icons fade to reveal a virtually blank screen. The menu is illuminated again when the user's hand approaches.

Other methods GM is using to support CUE users include:

• An app that replicates the CUE interface will allow users to toy with the system from anywhere.
• Equipping dealer sales personnel with iPads and training apps.
• Training OnStar advisors to troubleshoot users' CUE questions.

For another perspective, associate technical editor Brad Constant puts the Veloster to the test with four of his friends in this video review. You can also read his review of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster here.

Review Summary:
Pure luxury, English-style, at a price point that might surprise you.

Review:

For 2012, the Jaguar XJ continues as the company’s flagship sedan. Six model variations include standard- and long-wheelbase versions, the latter adding an additional five inches of rear legroom. Three V8 engines are offered, ranging from 385 hp to 510 hp in the Supersport version.

A 12.3-inch high-definition screen displays “virtual gauges” to provide the functions of traditional instrument dials. The center dial houses a speedometer, flanked on either side by a tachometer, and an information window with fuel and temperature gauges. Trunk space in the Jaguar XJ is up to nearly 20 cubic feet.

The interior of the XJ is truly high class. Leather, wood and chrome adorn the cabin, which is all crafted at a level near or above its German rivals. This Jag may even make the ultra-luxury class take a look in its collective rearview. New for 2012 is a rear-seat comfort-control package with electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage.

Key Features:

• V8 provides ample power; with supercharger, it's extraordinary
• Interior trim and fit-and-finish rival ultra luxury players
• Look for a hybrid version in the not-too-distant future

Honda says this year's Odyssey is the first minivan to earn top safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The IIHS awards top safety pick to cars that best protect occupants in crashes across front, side and rear impact scenarios. Rollover performance and electronic stability control are also taken into account. 

The Odyssey also nabbed the best-possible five-star rating for NHTSA's "overall vehicle score"-a criteria newly introduced as part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program, first applied for 2011 models.

The Odyssey earned the stars for a strong performance in the frontal-crash-safety test and side-crash safety tests. The rollover rating drew four of five stars. 

The 2011 Odyssey was structurally designed to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, thereby reducing forces transferred to the passenger compartment. 

Standard safety equipment includes vehicle stability assist with traction control, antilock brakes, three-row side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. 

The Odyssey is manufactured in Alabama. Improvements for the 2011 model year include a three-mode second-row seat for improved center passenger comfort, and a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 248 hp while delivering improved EPA city/highway/combined fuel ratings of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

Review Summary:
Still the quintessential Jaguar sports car, the XK is in line for a redesign next year.

Review:

A 5.0-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard in the 2011 Jaguar XK. The model is available in coupe and convertible body styles.

The XKR model gets a supercharger and 510 hp. Automatic transmissions are standard across the line, while sportier models have paddle shifter mounted on the steering wheel.

Soft-grain leather seats and contrast stitching for the upper fascia decorate the interior, which can be customized in three color combinations and a choice of five veneers. Keyless entry and keyless start are included, as is touch-screen navigation.

Key Features:

• Gorgeous, classic lines from just about any angle
• Sonorous V8 engine befits the car's image
• XK-RS model is a true supercar

Review Summary:
A standout mid-size sedan from Kia, the 2012 Optima has looks and equipment that far outweigh its modest price.

Review:

The 2012 Kia Optima midsize sedan is available with two conventional engines and one hybrid powerplant. The two gasoline engines are both four-cylinders and produce either 200 hp or 274 hp. Both engines are rated near 26 mpg in mixed driving. The hybrid option returns 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway from its 206-hp battery-assisted four-cylinder; more importantly, it drives like a regular Optima, giving few hints at its hybrid nature. That's a good thing.

The base LX trim has a dual exhaust with chrome tips, solar glass, outside mirror turn-signal indicators and 16-inch steel wheels, with automatic headlights and heated mirrors newly standard for 2012. Upgrading to the EX gets standard fog lights and LED rear lights, while SX models get a unique grille design, a rear spoiler, sculpted side sills, aerowiper blades, black front brake calipers and 18-inch black alloy wheels for a true performance look. Opt for Premium and you'll get Kia's UVO hands-free infotainment system, which is similar to Ford's Sync system.

Key Features:

• Amazing value in a mid-size sedan
• Powertrain options deliver good economy with excellent power
• Hybrid is one of the smoothest we've ever driven

Review Summary:
Revised styling inside and out marks the 2013 Lincoln MKS flagship, as does the arrival of MyLincoln Touch technology.

Review:

Lincoln gives its big MKS sedan a refresh for the 2013 model year, streamlining the front and rear styling and adding the company's MyLincoln Touch technology and telematics system.

This year also sees brake improvements and a new electronically controlled suspension system that's supposed to better control ride and handling.

Though the MKS attempts to go toe-to-toe with luxury contenders like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series, in reality the Lincoln is heavily based upon the Ford Taurus. That's not a bad thing, but it keeps the MKS from really competing on level ground with the best European sedans.

Key Features:

• Advanced Lincoln Drive Control suspension should add to an already smooth and controlled ride
• Optional EcoBoost turbo V6 has great punch
• All-wheel drive available for snowy climates

Review Summary:
Infiniti jumps into the three-row crossover market with the luxurious, high-tech JX35.

Review:

New this year, the 2013 Infiniti JX35 is a three-row luxury crossover that competes with the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. Infiniti claims best-in-class interior volume, which translates to a downright luxurious second row and even a third row adequate for adults. More intriguing for new families, the second-row seat can tip and slide with a child safety seat remaining securely fastened, providing around 14 inches of climb-through space to the back.

The 3.5-liter V6 with 265 hp moves the JX around well enough as long as Eco mode isn’t selected; that setting allows the accelerator pedal to push back on the driver’s foot and slows shifting. Electronics can also bring the JX to a stop, using the traffic in front of it as a guidepost, help guide you back into your lane if you veer, and stop the car if you try to back into cross traffic, depending upon which option package is selected.

Key Features:

• Stylish and roomy luxury crossover with space for seven passengers
  
• Enough electronic safety gadgets to almost drive itself
  
• Second-row seat that folds with car seat attached great for parents
  
  

Review Summary:
Hyundai's Equus aims at European and Japanese high-line competitors. And it comes close to hitting the bulls-eye.

Review:

Until the debut of the Equus full-size sedan as a 2011 model with a base price in the $50,000 range, Hyundai’s Azera and then Genesis were considered top-of-the-line models for the brand. Hyundai does not expect to sell the rear-drive Equus in high volume, but rather plans to use the model to raise the stature of the Hyundai brand to Lexus levels in the marketplace. Offered initially with a 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission, the engine will be upgraded by 2012 to a more powerful direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed transmission. It has all the high-line amenities that you have come to expect from European competitors or Lexus, but at a fraction of the price. Obviously, everyone--including the folks from Cadillac--should take a long, hard look at what this car represents.

Key Features:

• A Lexus-like luxury car without the different branding experience
• Think of high-end luxury car. Now take $30,000 off the sticker
• A wake-up call to all that compete in this segment
• Is it 100 percent there? No, but 90 percent is a good start
• The smart buy for the luxury owner. How much is that "L" or three-pointed star worth?

Review Summary:
The Flex faithful will find much to like in the 2013 model, while those who've considered one previously might find themselves buying.

Review:

The 2013 Ford Flex’s upgrades across the board are sure to keep shoppers coming back to the brand.

The most noticeable change is in the elimination of the Blue Oval on the grille. For 2013, Ford updated the Flex’s styling, opting for an extra-wide “FLEX” spanning the hood.

Inside, the seven-passenger, three-row crossover sees upgraded materials, the updated MyFord Touch infotainment system and rear inflatable seatbelts.

Power has been upped on the two available engines, and fuel economy on the 3.5-liter engine improves slightly to 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive version and remained at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive EcoBoost version. A six-speed automatic is still the only available transmission.

It’s an improvement over the old vehicle inside and out and worth a look when shopping competitors such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander.

Key Features:

• Updated styling includes “FLEX” lettering spanning the hood
• Power is increased without compromising fuel economy
• Safety options include rear inflatable seatbelts

Review Summary:
The redesigned Ford Escape offers the latest technology with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and utility.

Review:

Considering the Ford Escape has been in production in the United States for 12 years now, we think the 2013 redesign was a bit overdue.

All the rugged, boxy exterior styling has been thrown out the window and replaced with sleek, fluid lines and a much more modern look overall. The interior reminds us of the new Ford Focus with all its buttons and technology. Fortunately, systems like MyFord Touch have been improved like the rest of the car, making this convenience feature utilitarian and helpful.

Three powertrains are available including a 2.5-liter iVCT four-cylinder (168 hp), a 1.6-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder (178 hp) and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder (240 hp), and all work in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission and provide a drive feel much improved over the outgoing model.

Four trim levels (S, SE, SEL and Titanium) allow consumers to select the model and option packages that best suit their driving and budget needs.

The 2013 Ford Escape will go on sale in spring of 2012 with a starting price of $23,295 and will compete with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Key Features:

• Completely redesigned from 2012 model year
• Three engine choices, including two fuel-efficient yet powerful EcoBoost options
• Plenty of convenient technology features like hands-free liftgate operation and an improved MyFord Touch system

Review Summary:
The vehicle of choice among hard-working electricians, plumbers and cable guys everywhere

Review:

The full-size Chevrolet Express van is your ubiquitous work vehicle, and for 2012 it carries on largely unchanged. It's available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions, in both two- and all-wheel drive. The light-duty models come with the choice of a V6 or V8 engine. Heavy-duty versions get one of two gasoline V8s or a diesel engine. Automatic transmissions are standard. Cargo capacity ranges from 216 cubic feet to 284 cubic feet, depending on configuration. Electronic stability control is standard on all vans, while satellite radio, Bluetooth and mobile Wi-Fi Internet are optional.

Key Features:

• The Express may be available in several paint colors, but the view from the road is that most folks opt for plain ol' white
• Available in two wheelbases, with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of gasoline or diesel engines
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System comes standard
  

Review Summary:
The 2013 Malibu Eco offers improved fuel economy, refreshed exterior styling and a slightly more assertive drive feel.

Review:

The first mild-hybrid in the Chevrolet lineup uses the same eAssist technology we've seen on the Buick LaCrosse and achieves 25 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Combining the 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 115-volt lithium-ion battery creates 182 hp for this midsize sedan and its six-speed automatic transmission.

While the Malibu Eco uses regenerative braking,  a stop/start function (cuts the gasoline engine while the car is stopped and starts it up again when the gas pedal is pressed) and electric assist to add extra oomph when needed, Chevrolet was careful to ensure these actions all take place as seamlessly as possible without distracting the driver or having a negative impact on drive feel.

Key Features:

• Upscale interior
• Capable of traveling more than 550 highway miles between fill-ups
• Exterior appears slightly more aggressive than outgoing model
  

• Regenerative braking, which takes energy from braking friction and stores it in the battery
• Providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration
• Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with smooth, automatic engine start-stop functionality
• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

All of these details combine to offer consumers a solid 550 miles between fill-ups despite the Eco’s smallish 15.8-gallon gas tank.

While the Malibu Eco is likely to save you some cash at the pump, we'll have to wait for final pricing numbers to be released before we can pass judgment on its value. Stay tuned for updates.

BMW says the move saves money on the solar panels and the cost an electric vehicle adds to the average residential electric bill.

According to the BMW press release, the solar systems will be available for both lease and purchase. Any excess stored energy can be used elsewhere in the household to further reduce costs. But the offer is limited to ActiveE drivers in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.

Real Goods Solar will handle the permitting, application and maintenance of the solar panels. It will offer an online monitoring feature users can access via computer or iPhone to track the performance of their solar-powered systems.

Currently, the ActiveE is a test fleet in the United States. However, a BMW representative told us that of the 700 cars on the road in the United States, the vast majority are being leased for two years by private individuals.

In order to schedule an in-home solar evaluation, current Electronauts can call (855) RGS-EVPV or visit www.realgoodssolar.com/ActiveE.

There is no word yet as to whether the same discount will apply next year when the electric 2013 BMW i3 goes on sale.

Review Summary:
The Mazda MX-5 Miata was created as an homage to another era. As a "retro" car done up new, it has no equal

Review:

It's hard to believe, but Mazda's Miata roadster has been on the market for more than 20 years. As such, it earned the title as the best selling two-seater convertible of all time. Conceived as a small, simple and lightweight car in the pattern of British roadsters of the 1960's, the MX-5 Miata has become a go-to vehicle for weekend drop-top enthusiasts and performance driving fans who race them on weekends at auto crosses or tracks after turning them into full fledge races cars for relatively little money. Spec Miata racing is one of the biggest and competitive racing categories in the Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association. Currently in its third-generation, the MX-5 is available with soft top or power tractable hard top. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 167-hp motivates the car and is offered with a five- or six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. 

Key Features:

• A fun, two-seat sporty car
  
• Built as an homage to British cars of the 1960s, it became more successful than anything they could have ever dreamed of
• It is used by weekend racers as an inexpensive way to get some fun
• There could be no better, reliable two-seat sports car on the market

Buzz has been surrounding the vehicle since Dodge is reviving the 1970s nameplate that was once a budget car. Now, it's a serious competitor in the compact-sedan market and is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be built with Fiat architecture.

Does it live up to all the attention it's been getting? Digital editor Andrew Stoy gives his review while taking it for a ride in the Texas countryside. You can also read his review of the 2013 Dodge Dart here.

A report by Richard Ponziani published recently by SAE International  details how often drivers neglect to use turn signals and what real risk that poses to others on the road.

Ponziani, a 30-year veteran of automotive safety engineering and the president of RLP Engineering, studied 12,000 turning and lane-change maneuvers over a 22-month period. Of those, 48 percent of the drivers failed to use turn signals to signal a lane change, and 25 percent neglected to use the signal when making a turn.

Ponziani concluded these errors in judgment could account for as many as 1 million crashes per year, using a formula based on the number of miles the typical American drives in a year and the crash statistics his research concluded were at least partly based on turn-signal neglect.

His solution? The Smart Turn Signal. Ponziani says there are two main features built into the Smart system: First, the system offers turn-signal assist, which prompts a driver when it notices the turn signals are not being used regularly. Second, the system will have an accurate auto shutoff to prevent the signal from remaining on for extended periods of time.

The Smart Turn Signal system uses a vehicle’s stability control system and other sensor inputs to determine when a car is turning. If the system finds the driver is regularly neglecting to use the turn signal, a visible alert will appear in the digital gauge cluster warning the driver to use the signal. If a driver regularly uses his or her turn signal, he or she will never receive an alert.

Leaving a turn signal on too long can be equally confusing to other drivers. Ponziani worked this into the Smart Turn Signal system so the system knows to shut the signal off if the car goes a certain distance without turning.

Currently, the Smart Turn Signal is not in available in any car on a dealer lot. Ponziani and others with low tolerance for inattentive drivers hope this fact will be changing in the near future.

Review Summary:
The Mustang ranges from efficient cruising in V6 trim to track-day terror in Boss and Shelby models.

Review:

Mustang for 2012 continues to offer a cutting-edge V6 that delivers 305 hp while returning 31 mpg on the highway, or the iconic 5.0-liter V8 that makes 412 hp in the Ford Mustang GT or up to 440 hp in Boss 302 versions. Standard equipment on all models includes electronic stability control, a six-speed manual transmission and LED sequential taillights. All Mustangs are rear-wheel-drive. Optional packages add navigation, leather trim and Ford's Sync system, via which the driver's voice controls radio, navigation and telephone functions. A rearview camera is optional, as are a rear spoiler and a tape stripe down the side of the vehicle.

Key Features:

• Three personalities depending upon engine choice -- all are fun to drive
• Remarkable fuel economy with V6 and not half bad with V8
• Subtle but aggressive good looks

Review Summary:
In its last model year before a planned restyling, the 2012 Kia Sorento still packs a lot of equipment and decent style for the price.

Review:

As with most Kia models, the 2012 Sorento compact utility vehicle appeals to shoppers more concerned about value for the dollar than with brand names. With the possible exception of its somewhat cut-rate interior, the Sorento packs a lot of equipment in a well-priced package.

The Kia Sorento comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission. That combination returns 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Buyers can upgrade to the V6 engine that returns 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The Sorrento is available with two- or four-wheel drive.

Standard convenience features include air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, satellite-radio capability, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth wireless technology and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Key Features:

• Crossover design yields good interior room and decent fuel economy, especially for its size
• Base four-cylinder engine should be skipped if you plan to haul lots of passengers on a regular basis
• Great use of space and a bargain in lower trim levels

Quickly, beverages were offered, and we both graciously accepted, even though I, for one, was terrified of spilling even a single drop in the vicinity of these impeccable machines.

Soon we were introduced to David Archibald, president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, who was kind enough to show us around the Rolls-Royce Phantom. What we learned was not only are these cars expensive (Archibald said: "The Phantom we are in would be $50 shy of $400,000."), but they are awe-inspiring. The craftsmanship that Rolls-Royce employs, the quality of materials sought and the level of customization offered are mind-boggling.

We could see how one not in this market would be predisposed to think a Rolls-Royce was merely an overpriced sedan for the super-rich. After our tour of the Phantom, however, April and I learned a Rolls-Royce isn't a car as much as it is a finely crafted heirloom.

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to actually drive any of the cars. But the video we shot should help explain how a Rolls-Royce Phantom is unique. Take a look at the clips, including the introduction below, and be prepared to rethink your bucket list.

First video: Rolls-Royce interior >

Review Summary:
An affordable SUV, the popular Sorento is expecting a redesign for the 2014 model-year.

Review:

It's no surprise the Sorento is a top seller for Kia. With a low base price and the ability to select three rows of seating and either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine for more power, it meets the needs of many consumers.

Since the Kia Sorento was redesigned for 2011, the 2013 exterior remains the same, but the engine gets an upgrade to a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder that boosts power from 175 horsepower in the previous model to 191 horsepower.

The Kia Sorento offers value, but that base price will rise quickly as options are added so make sure you watch the price tag as you compare trim levels.

Key Features:

• Three rows of seating available
• Option to choose either four-cylinder or V6
• Base trim comes with luxury ammenities like heated side mirrors

This month you can get a choice of cash-back or cut-rate financing on select 2012 models from Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Kia, Mazda and Toyota. Discount auto-financing deals are available on select 2012 models from Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar and Volkswagen.

Here are four of the hottest new-car deals for May:

Toyota

Toyota is offering 0 percent financing for 60 months to qualified buyers of new Avalon, Corolla, Highlander, Rav4, Sienna, Tundra or Venza models. Some of these models also offer cash-back rebates of $500 to $750, while the Tundra has 0 percent financing, plus a $1,000 rebate. All new Toyotas come with free maintenance and roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

2012 Chevrolet Impala

While consumers wait until early 2013 for the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala, the current model is getting some great discounts. Chevrolet is currently offering a $3,500 cash-back rebate or 0 percent financing for 72 months. It also has a 39-month lease for $299 a month with $4,919 due at signing, though only 39,000 miles are included in the deal. That’s slightly lower than the average American driver travels in that time period, so make sure to do the math.

2012 Dodge Journey

Dodge is offering a unique "free third row" option on its 2012 Journey SUV, a $995 value, with 0 percent for 36 months. On the all- and front-wheel-drive versions of its RT, SXT and Crew models as well as its SE, qualified buyers can get $1,500 cash or 0 percent financing for 36 months plus $1,000 cash back.

2012 Kia Sedona

Kia is offering a $2,500 cash rebate on all of its Sedona models, which can be combined with its current offer of 1.9 percent financing for 36 months. In addition, there is a $1,500 bonus for Sedona buyers who currently own a competitive vehicle, which can be combined with the other offer. Kia has a list of 47 models that are considered competitors, including other minivans, SUVs and crossovers. This $4,000 total cash back for Sedona buyers who own a competitive car is one of the cases where it is quite possible to pay less for a brand-new Sedona than a comparably equipped used 2011 model with low mileage, according to pricing data.

All rebates and incentives mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication and were scheduled to be available through at least May 31. Check the manufacturer's website to confirm availability of any rebate or incentive listed here, as manufacturers may change these offers at any time.

Review Summary:
The Acura RDX tries to be a sporty small SUV, but it mainly falls flat both in looks and performance.

Review:

2012 marks the last year for the current-generation Acura RDX, since the small SUV is being refreshed for the 2013 model year. The 2.3-liter turbo engine returns 24 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is optional, and a five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Styling of the RDX emphasizes the sporty intentions of this little SUV, while high-intensity headlights and satin body trim give the car a sleek look. Safety features include multiple airbags and anchors and latches for child seats. The Technology package includes a 10-speaker audio system with CD/DVD/MP3 playback capability. A backup camera is also standard.

Key Features:

• Potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine is history
  
• Good handling for a small SUV
• Frumpy looks inside and out
  

German manufacturers, including Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, were on a tear in April with many reporting double-digit sales increases over April 2011. In other words, the cars are in high demand and selling well with existing incentives, if any. If you’re shopping for an Audi or Volkswagen in particular, dealers seem to be selling every car they can get in their inventory, so you’re not going to have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to purchase price.

At General Motors, maker of Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles, the story is a bit different. Cadillac took a 25 percent sales dive in April versus the same month last year, but it’s not as bad as it seems: Cadillac has two crucial new models about to hit showrooms, the ATS (pictured) and XTS, so many customers are likely waiting to snap them up. But if you’re interested in the company’s CTS sports sedan or SRX crossover, the lack of traffic in Cadillac dealerships should work in your favor when the time comes to negotiate.

Bargain hunters should take note of steep declines at Suzuki and Mitsubishi also, down 17 and 35 percent, respectively. These two Japanese manufacturers have limited vehicle lines that don’t quite compete with the mainstream auto market right now. But both offer small crossovers and sedans with suggested retail prices that should be very negotiable if you find a dealer in the mood to haggle.

Whatever new vehicle you’re looking for, remember that used-car values remain near historical highs. If you plan on trading your existing vehicle and you can’t get the salesman to deal on the price of the new car you want, you should be able to negotiate for a higher trade-in allowance to ease the pain.

< Previous video: The proposal

Back to the introduction >

< Previous video: Rolls-Royce interior

Next video: Delivering the moon and stars >

< Introduction

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The vehicle safety system extends and illuminates the buckle automatically when doors open to assist passengers with locating and utilizing rear-seat buckling.

Once the passenger is buckled in and the door is closed, the buckle retracts to secure the passenger.

Also integrated with the new buckle design is Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE vehicle safety system. When the vehicle senses a collision is imminent, the restraint system retracts further into the upholstery to eliminate slack in the seat-belts, better restraining passengers.

The diesel is the fifth model in the Porsche Cayenne lineup. The others are the base Cayenne, with a 300-hp, 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive; the Cayenne S, with a 400-hp, 4.8-liter V8 and all-wheel drive; the Cayenne S hybrid, with 380 hp total output from a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and two electric motors; and the Cayenne Turbo, with a 500-hp, twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8 and all-wheel drive.

Other changes for the 2013 Cayenne include the addition of power door lock and unlock buttons on the driver's and front-passenger's door handles and an analog clock on the SUV's instrument panel.

You can find more coverage of the New York auto show at autoweek.com.

Regardless of marketing, the efficiency figures are real: The Regal with eAssist gets better gas mileage than the standard version, 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, compared with 19/31 mpg for the non-eAssist car.

The fuel-efficiency figures were impressive enough that Buick discontinued the entry-level four-cylinder engine, making the eAssist engine the new base powertrain for the 2013 model year. The fuel-economy figures are respectable though not eye-popping. But they're enough that you'll feel less pain at the pump, and you probably could argue that the extra $2,000 is justified.

It's a subtle, smart move for consumers, because the driving experience is satisfying. That's the only caveat for green-seeking buyers. The Regal with eAssist looks and drives so much like a standard car that no one is likely to know that you're piloting what could be called a hybrid.

It comes down to this: Are you more worried about your image or your wallet? From the driver's seat, it doesn't matter. The eAssist system aside, the Regal is based on a well-executed chassis that is eager, composed and controlled in corners and at high speeds. The car looks and feels like a taut European sedan.

The Regal with eAssist isn't about attracting curbside stares. It offers better fuel economy and a pleasant drive. It's very logical. Are you?

From May 6 through June 16, OnStar is dropping pricing on FMV units to $99.99 including installation, down from an average of $300 per unit plus about $75 for installation.

In addition to purchasing and installing the unit, consumers must also subscribe to one of two service packages. The premium directions and connections service package carries a price tag of $299 and is associated with the promotional pricing listed above.

In case you're interested in the sales data OnStar released, Toyota owners lead the pack of purchasers and have accounted for 15.6 percent of FMV sales so far. Despite access to the Sync communication system, 12.3 percent of FMV buyers have been Ford owners. What's even more surprising is that Chevrolet buyers came in third place, generating 12.2 percent of FMV's sales. Maybe this last number is not as shocking as Chevrolet buyers are likely to have been offered OnStar with the purchase of their vehicle and maybe passed it up at first only to regret that decision down the road.

We were also surprised to learn that 2011- and 2012-model-year vehicles, rather than older models, make up 22.8 percent of total sales.

If you plan to join the ranks of other buyers used to generate these statistics, OnStar tells us the FMV units are available at Best Buy stores and other major electronics retailers nationwide.

Review Summary:
Performance and style enhancements make this new model-year intriguing.

Review:

This fourth-generation luxury sedan has bumped up performance and added more aggressive exterior styling cues to regain attention in the market. A revised version of the 3.5-liter V6 engine now produces 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, slightly up from the last model, which is good because the V8 engine is no longer offered.

As in past generations, real-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available. For eco-conscious buyers, the hybrid version of the GS, the GS 450h, remains in the lineup.

Lexus also provides consumers with three option packages (premium, luxury and F-Sport) to further upgrade and customize the vehicle. Some of our favorite features include: an available 12.3-inch navigation display, the 835-watt Mark Levinson sound system, the blind-spot monitoring system and the head-up display.

Key Features:

• F-Sport option package, replacing the V8 engine option, offers a refined bouquet of sporting refinements and exterior changes meant to please the enthusiast driver
• Seating has been greatly improved
• Easily doubles as a comfortable and refined daily driver and a performance-driven machine.

Review Summary:
The Ford Mustang is an appealing balance of price, refinement, handling and power.

Review:

The Ford Mustang is redesigned for 2013, with new front and rear fascias, a new grille treatment, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and LED tail lamps, along with a new wheel lineup.

Mustang performance updates for the 2013 model include more power in the GT, now delivering 420 horsepower, and the new GT Track Package, Hill Start Assist on manual cars and optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro racing seats.

The Mustang can also be specified with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, which offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control.

On the Premium-level cars, a little program suite that Ford calls “Track Apps” comes standard, and the app measures g-forces, shows acceleration times in quarter-mile and 0-60 increments, and displays braking times, complete with automatic and countdown starts.

Key Features:

• The entire range of Mustang models offers serious satisfaction per dollar
• The rear's new LED taillights retain the trademark sequential blinkers
• On the Premium-level cars, Ford “Track Apps” performance app comes standard

The Focus ST will come with Ford's EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine that will deliver 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Ford's new Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control is included to help eliminate torque steer on hard acceleration. A six-speed manual is standard.

Upgrading to the sport seats and better radio costs $2,385, while the Recaro full leather seats, topped-out radio and navigation will add about $4,435 to the price.

À la carte options include a moonroof ($895), navigation ($795), Tangerine Scream tricoat paint ($495) and an engine-block heater ($35).

The price and the power line the ST up nicely with the Volkswagen GTI and the Mazda Mazdaspeed 3, which cost $24,765 and $24,795 respectively.

Review Summary:
BMW brings extra space and power while improving fuel efficiency to make it a top contender in the luxury=SUV field.

Review:

BMW has refreshed the 2013 X3 SUV, bringing more power and an upgraded list of standard features.

The base powerplant for the 2013 X3 is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 hp, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the new engine, basic equipment now includes a power tailgate and 18-inch wheels and fuel-saving technologies such as auto start/stop and Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro.

The stop/start system improves fuel economy by 3 percent and can be switched off with a button by the ignition.

Driving Dynamics with Eco Pro mode can be accessed through the center console. The system improves fuel economy by optimizing drivetrain, heating, air conditioning and electrical functions by dialing those functions back. It also displays driving tips on the iDrive and fuel saved as bonus miles added to range.

The X3 has more space than before, and the rear seat folds all the way down to increase storage space.

Key Features:

• A powerful small SUV that focuses on efficiency
• New eight-speed automatic transmission for quieter, fuel-efficient ride
• Luxurious seating for up to five adults

Review Summary:
Upgraded looks, power and space give the 2013 Acura RDX presence among luxury crossovers.

Review:

Redesigned this year, the 2013 Acura RDX is a five-person luxury crossover that competes with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Acura upgraded the RDX’s looks, power and passenger and cargo room, while new sweeping shapes and a generous use of leather give the RDX interior an upscale look and luxury feel. To make hauling easier, the RDX second-row seats fold with one-touch activation.

The 2013 RDX is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the first-ever application of a six-cylinder in the model. It replaces a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and delivers improved fuel economy and 273 hp, a 33 hp increase.

Other fuel-saving measures include Acura’s first application of the brand's Variable Cylinder Management, which allows the V6 engine to run on six, four or three cylinders based on driving conditions.

The RDX is available in four trims: the RDX base, RDX all-wheel drive, the RDX base with Technology package and the top-of-the-line RDX AWD with Technology package.

Key Features:

• Stylish and roomy small SUV with space for five passengers
• Second-row seat folds easily with one-touch activation
• All-wheel drive available

Review Summary:
The Azera offers nearly every luxury feature available, yet remains fairly anonymous among consumers.

Review:

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is a lot of car for the money with a base price just more than $32,000. With only one loaded trim level available, you won’t feel nickel and dimed in order to get the features you want; they’re all there. From heated front and back seats to the panoramic sunroof and leather-upholstered seating, the Azera is eager to make your commute more enjoyable.

With its 3.3-liter V6 engine making 293 hp, the Azera aims to please performance lovers too, delivering quick throttle response when needed while maintaining a quiet, comfortable highway cruising feel.

Intended to appear fluid, the Azera’s exterior is sweeping, sloping and aerodynamic-looking -- at least in the front. The back looks sportier with dual exhaust and a more chiseled appearance. We’d like to see the same sporty application extend to the front end as well to better balance the Azera’s overall appearance.

Key Features:

• One well-equipped trim level
• Capable 293-hp engine
• Luxury for front and back-seat passengers with heated seating for all

Review Summary:
Already a solid value in the luxury crossover market, the 2013 Lincoln MKX gets only minor updates this year.

Review:

For 2013, the Lincoln MKX five-passenger crossover may be the strongest vehicle in the Lincoln lineup. It's a fine alternative to other luxury crossovers like the Lexus RX 350 or the Cadillac SRX and gives up nothing in the way of technology.

Under the hood is a V6 engine that provides plenty of power and gets good gas mileage at a combined 22 mpg. The MKX comes with front-wheel drive standard, but all-wheel-drive is an available option. The interior is comfortable and luxurious. Standard features include Lincoln's voice-activated Sync system, heated and cooled seats, satellite radio and a CD/MP3 player. In terms of safety, dual front airbags, a security alarm and tire-pressure monitors come standard.

As with most Lincolns, the MKX's biggest competition comes from the Ford on which it is based, the Edge. A fully loaded Ford Edge Limited can be bought for about $5,000 less.

Key Features:

• A well-appointed crossover with excellent road manners
• MyLincoln Touch takes some getting used to
• Good interior space for five passengers and their gear

Review Summary:
Lincoln's luxurious MKT crossover gets a mild styling refresh for 2013. It isn't enough.

Review:

Lightly restyled in the same vein as the company's MKS sedan, Lincoln's 2013 MKT crossover continues to offer an EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, which has impressive power--necessary to get this more than 4,500-pound crossover moving with purpose. The standard V6 engine doesn't have the power needed to move it along with any zest. Regardless of the engine, the MKT doesn't get great fuel mileage, but neither do any of the other three-row luxury crossovers on the market.

On the inside the MKT is comfortable and spacious. It comes with wood and leather trim, fold-down second and third-row seating and new for 2013, the MyLincoln Touch telematics system that offers voice control of many features. The exterior isn't eye-catching (at least not in a good way), and the styling creates big blind spots for the driver.

The Lincoln MKT doesn't really stand out or excel at anything. But it does provide a larger alternative to the smaller, better-looking MKX--which has only two rows of seating--especially if you're looking to stay within the brand.

Key Features:

• Roomy, luxurious interior for front and rear seat passengers
• Styling not generally considered attractive by many
• Good power and performance from the optional EcoBoost turbo V6

Review Summary:
For 2013, the Hyundai Elantra continues as one of the top players in the small-car market, but competitors are getting better every day.

Review:

Part of the latest generation of Hyundai designs, the 2013 Elantra is an attractive-looking car displaying a bit of personality compared with less visually interesting competotirs like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevy Cruze.

The door panels and the center stack alone are filled with intricate design details--nothing like the dull, generic economy car interiors you might be accustomed to. Even small details, such as the arrangement of dials set inside other dials, are not only efficient as far as space, but easy on the eyes as well.

Hyundai still has some work to do refining the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which sounds coarse. It is efficient, though, with a 40-mpg rating on the highway. And the overall Hyundai Elantra package, with its stylish looks both inside and out, better build quality and impressive fuel economy is more than enough to enable it to hold its own in the competitive small-car segment.

Key Features:

• Stylish sheetmetal isn't something normally found on subcompacts
  
• Excellent fuel economy, though the engine lacks some refinement
  
• Competes with the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze and soon the Dodge Dart
  

Review Summary:
Still a solid value, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata is getting pressure from updated competitors like the Chevy Malibu and Kia Optima.

Review:

Still fresh looking in its third year on the market, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata sedan is available with a 198-hp four-cylinder, a 274-hp turbo four-cylinder or a hybrid with a combined power rating of 206 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Sonatas, as is a six-speed automatic transmission.

Power door locks are standard, as are keyless entry and alarm, a 12-volt outlet and split-folding rear seats. Standard safety features include front and side airbags, height-adjustable seatbelts, seatbelt pretensioners and anchors for child seats. The Sonata Limited also gets a three-piece panoramic sunroof and Blue Link, a safety and telematics service, as standard equipment.

Key Features:

• We love the power of the turbocharged engine, which still gets excellent fuel economy
• Competitors have caught up to the Sonata, offering equal value in similar-sized packages
• Interior feels roomy, especially when paired with the large moonroof

Review Summary:
This kissin' cousin of the Ford Fiesta offers a similarly fun driving experience with just a bit less interior flair.

Review:

The three-door 2012 Mazda 2 is available only in front-wheel drive with a 1.5-liter, 100-hp engine. Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic is optional.

Cargo volume in the five-passenger hatchback is almost 30 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Standard equipment includes halogen headlights, 15-inch wheels, a CD player with auxiliary input jacks and power mirrors, windows and locks. For safety, it has front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains, dynamic stability control and a traction-control system.

Key Features:

• A lightly powered roller skate that can make commuting fun
• Full complement of safety gear to help you feel safer in a small car
• Good fuel economy, but not quite on par with the 40-mpg plus offerings on the market today

Review Summary:
Redesigned for 2012, the Honda CR-V retains its place as one of the top compact crossovers on the market.

Review:

It's not exciting, but the 2012 Honda CR-V is updated just enough to make fans of the compact crossover feel comfortable while taking the inside up a notch in equipment and design.

Usable cargo room is the CR-V's forte, and the 2012 model continues to offer a good expanse of space in the rear compartment while providing good leg, shoulder and knee room for all occupants. The engine is responsive and has enough power to pull the CR-V around even when loaded, though fuel mileage isn't anything spectactular, especially with all-wheel-drive models.

Folks with small families (and/or big dogs) continue to snap up small crossovers, making this one of the most competitive segments in the new-car market. Honda has another winner on its hands with the 2012 CR-V, but the competition is stiffer than ever thanks to the new Ford Escape and other similar 'utes.

Key Features:

• Smooth, quiet drive with predictable handing and performance
• Good interior space for passengers and cargo
• Not the most exciting small crossover, nor is fuel economy particularly impressive

Review Summary:
One of the last full-size luxury SUVs, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade continues to provide buyers with interior space, towing ability and premium amenities.

Review:

For 2012, the Cadillac Escalade continues to attract buyers who want a true luxury experience, yet have the need (perceived or otherwise) to tow trailers and full loads of people.

All Escalade trim levels get a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 403 hp and returns 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Other standard features on the Cadillac Escalade include a power liftgate, a navigation system that's received some usability enhancements this year, premium headlights, Bluetooth connectivity and three months of satellite radio.

Optional equipment includes a sunroof, heated steering wheel, power-retractable running boards and power fold-and-tumble second-row seats. OnStar is standard, as are fog lamps, traction control, daytime running lights and a security alarm. The Escalade comes with 18-inch chrome wheels; 22-inch multispoke wheels are optional.

Key Features:

• Large V8 is thirsty but gets the job done
• Luxurious, spacious interior big enough for just about anything
• True towing and hauling ability when the need arises

Review Summary:
Redesigned for the 2012 model year, the Kia Rio moves from very basic transportation to a well-equipped economy car contender.

Review:

New from the ground up, the 2012 Kia Rio is yet another styling hit for the company, breaking new ground in the economy car field. Folks shopping for a small commuter vehicle need to take a close look at the Rio before buying, especially those who think the Rio is just bargain-basement transportation.

Kia has given the 2012 Rio a new four-cylinder engine that's powerful for its class, and it can be optioned with either a slick-shifting manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Either way the Rio isn't a fast car, but it has no trouble moving itself around in merging and passing situations. 

Inside, the Rio has added some room--and some soundproofing--and the new car benefits tremendously. Soft-touch materials make it a pleasant place to spend time, and large controls logically laid out help drivers get comfortable quickly. Thanks to the noise reduction efforts, those who think a small car has to sound like the inside of a tin can will be pleasantly surprised by the Rio, even at highway speeds.

You can option the Rio out too: A nice leather-wrapped steering wheel, available navigation with a seven-inch screen, and the UVO hands-free system developed by Microsoft are all available for a few extra bucks. There's also standard stability control with brake assist and hill start assist.

In a Kia Rio? That's what we said too. But from behind the wheel, Kia's new small car raises the bar yet another notch in what's becoming a very competitive market.

Key Features:

• Mileage figures are among the best in the class
• Much more refined inside and out than its humble predecessor
• Good ride quality, steering feel and engine power for its class
• Available navigation and standard stability control

Review Summary:
The Volvo S60 always impresses us with its drive character, but the new styling helps too.

Review:

The 2012 Volvo S60 sedan gets a redesign for the model year and has a choice of two engines, with three different outputs. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine makes 250 hp. The 3.0-liter, inline-six-cylinder engine produces 300 hp or 325 hp depending on if it’s in the all-wheel-drive model or the R-Design trim. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The three trims for the S60 include the T5, T6 AWD and T6 R-design.

Standard features include dual-zone climate control, Volvo’s Infotainment System with seven-inch color display, speed-sensitive steering and a sport leather three-spoke steering wheel. Upgraded models add xenon headlights, sport suspension and a rear spoiler, among other things.

Key Features:

• A good alterative to the sedans everyone drives
• Straddles the line between luxury and common
• Cavernous trunk for luggage and cargo

Review Summary:
We hope Mini is up for this fight-the Fiat 500 is the only car in the same weight class. And, boy, is it cute.

Review:

With as much joy packed into its 90.6-inch wheelbase as possible, the return of the Fiat 500 to American shores is being met with ebullience in equal measure. Though the reborn model doesn’t hold to the original script—the 500 originally featured a rear-mounted air-cooled engine like the more-familiar-to-Americans Volkswagen Beetle—the spirit remains, resonant in the available color combinations and interior styling.

The Mini Cooper poses the most obvious comparison for shoppers, and for good reason. Both cars adhere to a don’t-take-oneself-too-seriously ethic, while delivering a unique driving experience predicated on antihumdrum designs. But the Fiat, with a its anemic 101-hp 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, falls far just short of matching the same lively drive character as the Mini. Still, the 500 does display a dexterous handling ability, and combined with the standard five-speed manual, driving the car is always engaging.

The convertible version only adds to the car’s bubbly appeal, with color choices to match—or clash with—the paint.

Key Features:

• Return of a nostalgic nameplate
• Body-color-matched interior lightens the mood
• 500C models not true convertibles; with canvas tops that open like accordians, the power-opening top performs more like a large sunroof
  

Review Summary:
After a exterior restyling last year, Chrysler adds some new, stylish upgrades to the 300's equipment and trim.

Review:

For 2012, Chrysler adds the 300S to its luxury sedan lineup. The S is powered by either a 3.6-liter V6 making 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. Both come with 20-inch wheels, 12-way power front seats, Chrysler Uconnect and a 10-speaker Beats audio system.

The 300C Luxury Series is also new. It includes a leather interior, climate-control power front seats and platinum chrome finish on exterior elements. Chrysler adds a new eight-speed automatic transmission to all 300 models, making it the first U.S.-built luxury sedan with an eight-speed gearbox. All-wheel drive is now available on models powered by the Pentastar V6.

All models get an upgrade to the Uconnect Touch system including hands-free texting, voice-command navigation, Sirius traffic and increased iPod control. Beats by Dr. Dre technology is now standard on the 300 Limited, 300C and 300C Executive Series models.

Key Features:

• Still the sedan to beat when it comes to style
• Impressive levels of equipment for the dollar
• Chrysler now has a world-class V6 to go with its Hemi V8

Mini, Nissan, Kia and Honda models are purchased by women about 45 percent of the time. Men are overwhelmingly the buyers of vehicles, leading to the sub-50 percent number.

Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati and Porsche vehicles are usually purchased by men. More than 92 percent of Ferrari buyers are men, 83.4 percent for Bentley, 82.8 percent for Maserati and 76.5 percent for Porsche.

“While gender preferences amongst the buyers of various automotive brands still exist, the gap is narrowing,” said Jesse Toprak, vice president of market intelligence at TrueCar.com. “The SUV and truck-heavy mix of the domestic automakers continue to generate a disproportionate number of male customers, while the exotic brands remain to be the best medicine for a midlife crisis.”

Women also seem to prefer imports more than men do, though the pickup truck market skews the numbers. Sixteen of the top 20 brands with the highest percentage of female buyers were foreign, while only 11 of the top 20 were imports on the men's side.

What does this tell us? Well, women are stepping into dealerships far more often than they used to. They're also a bit more prudent with their vehicle purchases than men. The Volkswagen Beetle is no longer the top car for percentage of female buyers; that honor goes to the Volvo S40. Men will have to make due with the Porsche 911.

The full list from TrueCar is below:

Top Female Purchases in 2011

Make & Model % Female

Volvo S40 57.9%

Nissan Rogue 56.9%

Volkswagen Eos 56.4%

Volkswagen Beetle 54.6%

Hyundai Tucson 54.0%

Honda CR-V 53.4%

Toyota RAV4 53.0%

Nissan Juke 52.7%

Jeep Compass 52.7%

Nissan Versa 52.2%

Nissan Sentra 52.0%

Lexus IS 51.8%

Toyota Corolla 51.8%

Mazda CX-7 51.2%

Mitsubishi Eclipse 50.9%

Acura RDX 50.5%

Infiniti EX 50.4%

Toyota Yaris 50.4%

Volkswagen Tiguan 50.3%

Subaru Forester 50.2%

Dodge Caliber 50.1%

Top Male Purchases in 2011

Make & Model % Male

Porsche 911 88.2%

GMC Sierra 87.5%

Ford F-Series 87.0%

Chevrolet Corvette 86.9%

Chevrolet Silverado 86.4%

BMW M3 85.1%

Audi S4 84.7%

Audi A8 84.4%

Cadillac Escalade EXT 84.3%

Maserati GranTurismo 84.3%

Toyota Tundra 84.1%

Ram 1500 84.0%

BMW 550 83.5%

Toyota Tacoma 82.8%

Chevrolet Colorado 82.5%

Chevrolet Avalanche 82.4%

GMC Canyon 82.4%

Ram Dakota 82.0%

Audi A7 81.5%

Porsche Cayman 81.4%

BMW 750 81.3%

Follow these simple truck and SUV fuel-efficiency tips, and you can at least make sure you're getting the most out of every gallon of gasoline you have to put in the tank.

She provided the following items you must check before buying a used car:

• Verify the mileage: Fordin says falsified mileage is still a big fear for used-car buyers. She suggests looking the car over thoroughly, because a car that has been driven 200,000 miles will naturally look different than one that has only covered 50,000 miles. Fordin says to look at the seat covers and floor mats; are they well-worn or just slightly worn? These are important clues for potential buyers.
• Test all the gadgets: Get in the car and check everything -- from the stereo to the power windows. Make sure everything that is supposed to light up does, and don't forget to check both the heat and the air conditioning no matter what the temperature is outside.
• Get under the hood: Don't be afraid to look under the hood! Fordin said common sense can be used to scope out a variety of issues, and you don't have to have a ton of experience to notice simple things. One suggestion she made was to open the oil cap on top of the engine instead of checking the oil via the dipstick. If the oil was changed yesterday, the dipstick sample will show clean oil. To really see what's been going on in the engine, take the oil cap off and look for sludge buildup and milky substances: both are signs there may be problems ahead. Fordin also said that shiny spots on any of the metal under the hood could be signs of a fluid leak. Isolated areas where liquid has been dripping or pooling over time will appear shiny. Look around these spots to see if you can locate a leak.
• Tires: Are they new? Newer isn't always better, according to Fordin. They may have been recently replaced to cover up uneven wear and tear caused by poor alignment or some other mechanical issue.
• Drive the car: Seems simple but it's a portion of the research that buyers often forget. Fordin says use all of your senses when you are driving the car. Listen for bumps, thuds and squeaks. Note whether the car pulls to one side or bounces uncontrollably over bumps. Use your sense of smell -- any kind of burning odor can be cause for alarm.

For all of Fordin's tips, watch the video below and remember: Once you've found a used car that appears to meet your needs, always have a certified mechanic look it over before you write the check.

Review Summary:
The Chevrolet Cruze has become one of the best-selling small cars in the country, and for 2012 it shows no signs of slowing down.

Review:

For 2012, the best-selling Chevrolet Cruze continues to reap praise for its comfortable, quiet interior and good fuel economy. Two four-cylinder engines are available, both returning more than 35 mpg on the highway. Horsepower is modest, at 138 hp for both engines, but Cruze has a light curb weight that helps make the most of the small engine. A six-speed manual transmission is offered; a six-speed automatic is optional.

In Eco trim, the Chevy Cruze adds a unique front bumper, low-rolling-resistance tires and 17-inch polished wheels. The Connectivity Plus Cruise package adds cruise control, Bluetooth for phone, a USB port in center console, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The Driver Convenience package includes a six-way power seat adjuster with manual recliner, rear parking sensors and a remote vehicle-starter system.

Key Features:

• Exceptional fuel economy with Cruze Eco model
• A world-class small car made in the United States
• Well-equipped at a competitive base price

The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and the 2011 Nissan Quest I recently evaluated, though both minivans, are different in every detail save one--the distance from the edge of the driver's and front-passenger seats to the doorsills. The space between the bottom of the seat pedestal on the Town & Country is 11.5 inches, while in the Nissan it is about half an inch less. A check of the current Honda Odyssey showed it to be about the same.

By comparison, the distance from the seat pedestal to the doorsill on my 1998 Town & Country is a mere eight inches. Why the difference, and why does it matter?

It matters because this nearly foot-long space between the doorsill and the seat translates to a significant effort in entry or exit, coupled with the potential for one’s lower leg to encounter the edge of the sill in an unpleasant and perhaps painful way. My wife was the first to notice it as she got into the front-passenger seat of the current Chrysler. Lowering the eight-way power-adjustable seat helped, she reported, but the doorsill still scraped her calf as she exited and entered the minivan, requiring her to make a real effort to avoid it. When I tried it, the calf section of my leg-brace indeed clonked and scraped on the doorsill and made dragging my leg up into the cockpit a tad more difficult than with my older minivan or with most current sedans and coupes.

As to why the distance has grown, I consulted an automotive engineer who verified my hunch that crashworthiness and comfort demands have resulted in the changes. Still, what matters to those of us who must use these machines of mobility is that any change that makes it a bit harder for us to get in and out of the driver’s seat is not a welcome one, even if its roots lie in the attempts to make minivans safer and more comfortable for most people.

There is a moral to this story: small, seemingly minor ergonomic quirks of any vehicle can become major headaches for any driver or passenger, especially those with disabilities. So, when we evaluate a minivan or any vehicle, we must closely attend to every aspect of what it does to us, as well as what it does for us.

Steven Thompson writes for shopautoweek.com about mobility aids for people who have physical disabilities.

Some modifications involved what appeared to be drastic structural changes, which made us wonder: Who or what is in charge of making sure these modified vehicles are as structurally sound and safe as their straight-off-the-line counterparts?

When we asked the NHTSA how conversion vehicles were regulated, we were given a lengthy response. Essentially, the NHTSA breaks converted vehicles into two subcategories.

Vehicles altered prior to their first retail sale--including work vehicles, recreational vehicles or vehicles modified to accommodate wheelchairs--must meet guidelines set forth in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards document. This extensive catalogue of safety guidelines was first put together by the NHTSA in 1967 and has been updated as needed since.

The red flag is that companies are asked to self-certify. In other words, the conversion companies are in charge of deciding whether their altered products meet the criteria.

For modifications made after the first retail sale, the NHTSA has authority through the “make inoperative” prohibition, which prevents manufacturers, distributors, dealers and motor-vehicle-repair businesses from, “knowingly making inoperative” any portion of a vehicle that has already met federal requirements.

NHTSA referred to MTV’s hit series Pimp My Ride to give us an example of an auto-repair business inappropriately altering a vehicle. Apparently, in one episode, airbags were removed from a vehicle in order to make way for some other highly customized feature. The NHTSA’s response was to apply a $20,000 fine to the auto-repair business.

Despite this seemingly steep punishment, the NHTSA does try to accommodate conversion companies that focus on modifying vehicles to meet the needs of physically challenged individuals through exemptions to the make-inoperative prohibition.

Still, we saw room for loopholes. What if your business isn’t featured on a hit TV show? We contacted the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) for further insight. The NMEDA is a nonprofit organization that aims to put consumers in touch with trades that can provide quality mobility products. According to Dave Hubbard, executive director and CEO for the NMEDA, members of the organization are required to meet the NMEDA’s own set of safety and quality guidelines in order to maintain membership.

Hubbard mentioned other organizations like the SAE International provide direction for alteration businesses as well as consumers with regard to vehicles adapted for people with physical disabilities, but these are not enforced or policed in any way.

Hubbard said many of the NMEDA’s members do run crash tests on their modified vehicles using third-party, independently run research facilities, but again, it’s not required.

So how do consumers protect themselves? If you’re in the market for a vehicle that offers wheelchair access or modified braking and acceleration options to accommodate a driver or passenger with physical challenges, we’d suggest starting with the NMEDA. It has significant experience in the field and provides some checks and balances in that its members must meet its safety guidelines to gain membership.

If you plan on going it alone and having your local repair shop customize your mobility vehicle, do your research carefully. You may be taking more of a risk than you think.

Infographic created by Autoweek Media Group Art Director, Andrea Williams.

Electric cars aren’t just another wacky idea embraced by liberals—they’re essential to national security because so much money and military force is focused on protecting Middle East oil supplies, Lutz, the outspoken ex-Marine fighter pilot, argues. 

Reinforced by three other high-powered former Marines, Lutz spoke on a panel this week  at the right-leaning Hudson Institute. The panel discussion was cosponsored by the nonpartisan policy group Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) and included the cochairmen of SAFE’s energy-security leadership council, FedEx CEO Frederick Smith and former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. P.X. Kelley. 

The Unites States is now dependent on foreign oil for 50 percent to 60 percent of our fuel consumption, said former Marine Gen. James Conway, a SAFE security council member.

“Our enemies recognize that,” he pointed out. 

The four are in favor of aggressively expanding domestic oil production and—despite their free-market pedigrees—incentivizing both the manufacture and purchase of electric vehicles to reduce the “stranglehold” oil has on the transportation sector. 

It was a kinder crowd at the Hudson Institute than Lutz and his Volt get on the conservative networks. But even when reminded that it was one of their own—former President George W. Bush—who put electric- and hybrid-vehicle tax breaks in place, they appeared unconvinced of any wisdom to the moves. 

If he were “emperor,” the only office he says he’s qualified for based on his foreign birth, Lutz says he would raise the price of fuel by 25 cents a gallon per year, which would convince people to buy small cars. But he recognizes the chance of holding that office is as good as that of any Congress increasing the tax on fuel, so he says tax incentives are the only solution.

So while such “government subsidies” may be a hard pill for free marketers to swallow, Lutz says they “will have to suffice.”

The annual list shows the most- and least-expensive vehicles to cover with insurance. Unsurprisingly, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.org found that luxury, high speed and flash are still the most expensive types of vehicles to insure, while safe family cars remain the least expensive.

The SL65 AMG stickers at $186,000 and costs $3,543.81 per year to insure. The car can run from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds and reaches 155 mph. While Mercedes typically produces one of the most expensive cars to insure every year, the No. 1 spot last year belonged to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

In a close second in 2011's race for most expensive is the BMW 750i, with a turbocharged V8 engine reaching 155 mph and running from 0-to-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Insurance costs $3,280 per year.

Rounding out the top five most costly are the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante and the Jaguar XJL Supersport.

On the other hand, the least expensive car to insure for 2011 is the Chrysler Town & Country, followed by the Toyota Sienna four-cylinder, the Honda Odyssey EX and the Ford Escape XLS.

Last year, the least expensive car to cover was the Volvo XC90.

Fortunately for the rest of us, Fordin hasn’t taken her natural knowledge of cars for granted: instead she’s used it to help grow the family business and to teach women how to feel comfortable looking under the hood.

Fordin’s website, WomenAutoKnow.com, provides advice on car maintenance basics, how-tos for do-it-yourself repairs and a schedule of available seminars in which women meet Fordin in person and get schooled on automotive subjects in a friendly, judgment-free environment.

According to Fordin, the idea of WomenAutoKnow.com came more out of need than entrepreneurial spirit. Around 2007 the economy started failing, and she began to notice people struggling to pay for the maintenance of their vehicles. Having been in the same shop for generations, Fordin felt for these people who were more than just customers, they were like family -- the women in particular. She knew they could be taught to handle some of the jobs on their own, so Fordin began teaching women in her neighborhood and printing informational fliers to hand out at the shop. Eventually WomenAutoKnow.com blossomed.

Since its inception, WomenAutoKnow has grown into a real mission for Audra. Not only does she teach women in her neighborhood, but she also takes her seminars on the road and travels state-to-state spreading her knowledge. She has also started working with her local Girl Scout troops to recycle used tires by turning them into fashionable belts (yes, they are available for purchase at www.WomenAutoKnow.com).

If you need car repair info fast, check out Fordin on YouTube, where she has posted several how-to videos. So as not to leave anyone out, Fordin is working to start up a separate site, DriversAutoKnow, for the guys out there who could use some help too.

Audra Fordin is a truly dynamic person with a heart as big as her personality. Check out the video below to learn more about this ambitious lady and how she’s overcome auto-industry stereotypes and succeeded as a woman in the automotive industry.

We went to the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel-economy website to find these fuel-efficient vehicles, and used their data that calculates annual fuel costs for each model.

Searches resulted in all hybrid models, since we opted to exclude all-electric and plug-in vehicles because mpg is not equivalent.

If you're looking for something that sips gasoline for both city and highway driving, check out these 2012 models.

In a recent presentation touting the fuel-efficiency benefits of the upcoming Ford Focus electric, Hughes-Cromwick pinned the demand increase squarely on the developing global middle class. There are 50 regions around the globe right now growing their economies at an accelerated pace, developing populations of people with newfound money to spend.

“For example, in China currently there are about 25 cars per every 1,000 driving-age people,” Hughes-Cromwick said, describing the ownership gap compared with developed countries such as the United States, where vehicle ownership almost matches the number of driving-age individuals in the population.

Hughes-Cromwick also discussed oil use. In 2000, the world consumed 77 million barrels of oil per day; that number jumped to 87 million barrels by 2010. Emerging markets such as China and India accounted for a growth of 12 million barrels a day alone, rising from 29 million barrels in 2000 to 41 million barrels in 2010.

Partly in response to changing global economies impacting oil supplies, the Environmental Protection Agency recently outlined the second phase of a multitiered fuel-efficiency program requiring vehicle fleets to achieve a 54.5-mpg average by 2017 through 2025. The first phase of this plan covered the years 2012 through 2016 and pushed manufacturers to reach 35.5 mpg.

Consumers appear to be responding. February 2012 automotive sales trends showed small, fuel-efficient vehicles leading the way, boosting sales results over February 2011 by wide margins. Most notably, Toyota experienced a 52 percent spike in Prius hybrid sales.

Here are eight vehicles that you should consider before buying a hybrid or EV. All mileage numbers are EPA estimates, and all prices include destination charges.

When all those criteria are factored in, along with a healthy dose of personal preference for brands, colors and styles, the list of contenders can get very short very fast -- that’s exactly what happened when we found ourselves shopping for a car recently.

Our final choice was unconventional, to say the least. We purchased a diesel station wagon with a manual transmission. While our car happens to be manufactured by Volkswagen, brand played a very small role in the decision. We knew we wanted a wagon because the body style appeals to us, helped by the fact that car-based wagons generally handle better and look sportier than similarly sized crossovers. As for the manual transmission, we just love driving stick-shift cars.

But the diesel engine is the part that surprises so many, particularly those who think hybrids are the only way to get great fuel efficiency. Instead of opting for complex electric motors and heavy battery packs, diesel vehicles use a modern version of tried-and-true technology to achieve mileage around 25 percent to 30 percent better than a comparable gasoline-powered car. For example, our Volkswagen Jetta TDI is rated at 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway versus the gas model at 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

What about the drawbacks? Chances are you remember owning, or knowing someone who owned, a diesel car in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen made them, but perhaps the most notorious were the full-size General Motors diesel cars marketed by Buick, Chevy, Cadillac and Oldsmobile. They were noisy, smelly and smoky, and they developed a well-deserved reputation for reliability problems thanks to some engineering shortcuts coupled with owners and mechanics who didn’t understand how to properly maintain them.

Times have changed, cars have changed, and the diesel engine has benefitted from tremendous improvements in technology. Even diesel fuel itself has changed: A few years back, new government regulations greatly reduced the amount of sulfur allowed in U.S. diesel fuel. That change permitted new diesel emission controls that nearly eliminate odor and smoke on the new so-called “clean diesels,” while other refinements mean noise and vibration is on par with a good gasoline engine.

So why aren’t more people flocking to diesels? Drawbacks include a higher initial purchase price, marginally higher maintenance and per-gallon fuel costs (depending upon market conditions) and the requirement for diesel fuel, which isn’t quite as common as gasoline.

But perhaps the biggest downside is the sheer lack of choice when it comes to affordable diesel vehicles in this country. Mercedes, BMW and Audi all offer diesel variants of certain cars, but they’re difficult to find and expensive. That leaves Volkswagen practically alone in the entry-level diesel market -- basically the opposite of Europe, where diesels make up a majority of new vehicles sold thanks to high gasoline prices and a tax structure that favors diesel.

Don’t get me wrong: We love our new VW Jetta SportWagen, but competition (and the resulting consumer choice) is good. With Fiat, which has a wealth of small diesel knowledge, steering the ship at Chrysler, we may soon see a new Dodge or Jeep small diesel. Chevrolet has gone so far as to promise a diesel-powered Cruze small sedan around 2013, and I truly hope that car can help generate some mass-market diesel enthusiasm in this country.

Unfortunately, the wagon version of the Cruze diesel remains slated for Europe only -- General Motors is convinced no one will buy it here. That means, for now at least, my family’s unique needs -- and strange taste in cars -- have led us to Volkswagen clean diesel.  

If you’re curious what it’s like living with a diesel, you’re in luck. I’ll be bringing you periodic real-world updates on our Jetta SportWagen over the months and years, so stay tuned.

See more one-tank trips here.

Austin to Fredericksburg, Texas (90 miles)
Travel to Austin, and the locals will tell you about a getaway practically in their own backyard: the German-influenced community of Fredericksburg that's packed with antique shops, wineries and outdoor adventures.

Start with a couple of days in Austin, Texas’s capital city, exploring some of the lesser-known gems like street-food carts and farm-to-table restaurants; the Barton Creek Greenbelt that's packed with local bikers and walkers; and -- here's a crazy one -- every night, more than a million bats soar out from their perch under Congress Bridge.

Then it's time to get in the car and drive west to Fredericksburg and Texas hill country.

Start by driving on U.S. Route 290 West toward Pedernales Falls State Park (pictured). This former ranch is now a state-operated park that attracts plenty of hikers and mountain bikers -- but it's especially a popular stop on hot days when locals jump into Pedernales River for an afternoon of swimming and tubing.

About 25 miles west, near Johnson City, is the Benini Studio and Sculpture Ranch, a very cool spot in the hills where artists have created large-scale installations and sculptures that you can view by walking or driving along the road. Be aware that it's only open Friday through Sunday.

Also near Johnson City, get a little taste of Texas history at the LBJ Ranch, the home and burial ground of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Today it's part of the National Park System, and you can explore the ranch house -- a.k.a. the Texas White House -- and drive around the surrounding grounds including the Johnson family cemetery.

Keep driving west into the old trading post town of Luckenbach. The general store calls back to its Old West roots, but these days, its real attraction is the influx of country musicians performing every evening. On Sunday evenings, people will actually bring their own instruments for a freeform jam session in the middle of town.

You might associate Texas with beer and barbecue, but this area is actually known for its wine. That's right, the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail connects more than 30 wineries. Some highlights include: Driftwood Estates Winery, just south of U.S. 290 around Dripping Springs; Grape Creek Vineyards just before Luckenbach; and Sister Creek Vineyards about 16 miles south of Luckenbach.

Just before you hit Fredericksburg, don't miss a stop at Wildseed Farms. It's the largest working wildflower farm in the country, with hundreds of acres of flowers blooming across the hills. Pick up your own seeds, stop by the butterfly garden and bring home locally sourced, Texas-style salsas, jams and preserves.

San Francisco to Fort Bragg, Calif. (190 miles)
Most people think of driving from San Francisco to the Napa Valley, but keep driving north, and you’ll encounter a special little coastal community in Mendocino County.

There are a couple of ways to get here: North on U.S. Route 101 and onto the beautiful, winding state Route 128 through canyons, vineyards and a redwood forest. The other option detailed in these travel plans is to go north on Highway 1, one of the most scenic drives in the country that takes you right along the coastline for miles. Or you can drive the majority of the way on Highway 1 and cut over to state Route 128 just after it branches off U.S. 101.

About 44 miles from San Francisco on Highway 1 is Point Reyes National Seashore, one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. This is a photo op at its best, especially during whale-migration season.

Continue north and then take a detour toward Guerneville (east of Highway 1 and west of U.S. 101 North) where the Armstrong Redwoods Nature Reserve showcases all the natural beauty of California's redwood trees. Take a stroll through any number of nature trails before getting back on state Route 116 toward the coast.

Drive north on Highway 1 for about 25 miles and you'll reach Fort Ross State Park, a mostly preserved American/Russian settlement that was used as a trading company in the 19th century. There are still a few buildings that have survived the years and others that have been refurbished, including the first Russian Orthodox chapel south of Alaska. But what really attracts people here is diving for a protein-packed mollusk, the abalone, which starts in May. This can be a risky sport, so if you're not an experienced diver, just sit back and watch the experts.

Keep going north on Highway 1 and then head east to state Route 128 into Boonville in the Anderson Valley. This area is home to a number of vineyards and wineries, including a number of organic and biodynamic wines. Beyond wine, the Anderson Valley Brewing Company produces some of the locals' favorite microbrews.

Last, but not least, you'll make your way into the city of Mendocino and Fort Bragg -- quiet, off-the-beaten path California communities. Be sure to stop by Glass Beach, where the waves once deposited tons of polished-glass pebbles (but don't take them off the beach!) and the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, where you can wind through 47 acres of coastal forests and flowers. End the evening with dinner at Mendo Bistro or the historic MacCallum House.
Peter Greenberg is the author of
New Rules of the Road: The Travel Detective's Guide to Great Journeys in Tough Economic Times. Visit him on the web at PeterGreenberg.com.

With that mindset, we hit the road ready to uncover the secret to Azera's anonymity. From the curb-appeal perspective, the redesigned Azera is pretty but subtly so, which may be part of the problem. If you saw one on the road, you might notice its BMW-like HID xenon headlights with LED accents and buy into those luxury cues. The side view is fluid, to be sure, and looks similar to a wave in motion -- something Hyundai designers are going for with the whole fleet. In the back, the Azera has that unibrow taillight going on where the two taillights are attached via a band of light across the top. It’s unique for now, but this trend is growing and may soon be one less feature that will make the Azera stand out in the crowd.

Inside, we could've been convinced we were inside a much pricier vehicle. Tan-colored leather seating upholstery swaddled nicely bolstered seats and the large center-console armrest to create a premium ambience. The center stack appeared to have all of the necessary controls without seeming busy or cluttered. Seats were highly adjustable (10-way for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger) with buttons to perfect the placement of the seat cushion, seat back, height and lumbar. Hyundai took a cue from Mercedes-Benz and put the seat adjustments on the upper edge of the front doors rather than near the seat bottom, but different is good. We were surprised that heated front and back seats came as standard equipment on the Azera. It was as if the Azera was screaming out to the rest of the luxury competition, "Hey! Look at me! Look what I offer for such a low price!"

To top it off, the seats have been engineered to absorb impact forces in case of a crash; we're pretty sure Hyundai couldn't have packed more performance into Azera's seating if it had tried.

All the other now-necessary modern technology was present in the Azera as well, including a standard navigation system with rearview camera, standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and standard iPod/USB inputs. These items are seen so frequently, though, we find our attention being pulled in other directions such as the cooled glove box.

Curious about how the Azera felt to drive? It was a pleasure. Sure, it wasn't a sports car loaded with power and ready to slingshot you from point A to point B. If that is what you're looking for, the Azera is not the car for you. However, if your idea of a quality driver is one that accelerates and brakes efficiently, steers gently, takes curves without much sway and allows for a quiet cabin, the Azera is one you should test.

With its 293-hp V6, the Azera is certainly capable of maneuvering quickly if needed but also offers the comfortable and steady personality of a good road-trip cruiser. Your fuel economy on said road trip will be around 20 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway, according to EPA estimates.

The Azera is available in dealerships now and carries a base price of $32,875. In our opinion, the Azera delivers a lot of car for the price, but somehow we still felt lukewarm about its appearance. Are we nit-picking? Perhaps. But if a luxury sedan is what you desire, definitely add the Azera to your comparison list.

However, the EPA doesn't test every new car. It leaves that up to the manufacturers, who test their vehicles during the preproduction stage and hand over the results to the EPA. The EPA reviews the results and confirms about 10 to 15 percent of them by conducting its own test, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

The EPA's tests are conducted using a dynamometer, dyno for short, at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich. The dyno uses rollers that sit under the car's drive wheels: consider it a treadmill for cars. Only the top part of the roller is exposed, the rest of the roller and dyno is located under the lab's floor. The force needed to move the rollers can be adjusted. This helps the lab account for factors such as wind resistance and weight.

During the test, a driver follows a specific plan that the EPA calls a standardized driving routine, which is intended to simulate "normal" city or highway trips. Each schedule requires the driver maintain a certain speed during each second of the test. For example, the driver must hold a speed of 30 mph for 40 seconds before changing speed to 35 mph for 15 seconds. The time for each test varies from 31 minutes when simulating city driving to 10 minutes for the high-speed test. In total, the lab conducts five tests to simulate city, highway, high-speed and cold-temperature driving along with driving with the air conditioning on.

Contrary to what you may think, the lab doesn't use the dyno or the car's fuel gauge to measure the fuel consumption. Instead, it connects a hose to the vehicle's tailpipe to send the exhaust through a machine that measures fuel consumption. This method allows the lab to measure the exact fuel consumption during each second of the test.

With this information, the lab calculates average fuel consumption during the test. The results are published as the EPA-estimated fuel economy and are available at www.fueleconomy.gov as well as printed on the window sticker of every new vehicle.

In sum, the EPA estimate is nothing more than an average. Your personal fuel mileage will vary depending on how you drive, where you drive and your car's condition, among other factors.

Crossover competition

"We really haven't had a true family sedan since I've been within the company -- since 1986," said Mark Reuss, General Motors' president for North America.

Who killed the big family sedan?

"Mostly it was shoppers continuing to migrate to SUVs, specifically crossover products," said Ed Kim, an analyst at AutoPacific in Tustin, Calif.

The segment has been tailing off since the early 1990s, when big SUVs took hold in the United States. But Kim said the decline accelerated about a decade later when mid-sized sedans grew larger.

"The Accord and Camry got really big, setting the template for other mid-sizers like the 2003 Nissan Altima and 2006 Hyundai Sonata," he said.

The current Camry is 7 inches longer than the Camry of 25 years ago and almost 2 inches longer than Toyota's big Cressida sedan of that era.

In the past decade, sales of big sedans such as the Impala, Avalon and Ford Taurus -- as well as mid-sized sedans -- have been undercut by mid-sized crossovers. But Darren Post, the Impala's vehicle line director, said buyers are ready for a change.

"There's almost a love-hate for sport-utilities now," Post said. "People are starting to want to consider cars again. We're offering a lot of space and utility and options."

Bob Carter, head of Toyota Division -- which sold 28,925 Avalons last year, down from a peak of 104,078 in 2000 -- expects full-sized sedan sales to bounce back.

"Sales improve if you come out with significant product," Carter said. "Go back into 2010 and people were saying mid-sized sedans are not relevant. But good value, good mpg, good packaging is relevant. That's what's going to happen in full-sized sedans too."

Coupelike styling

In addition to styling that mimics the flashy, coupelike Audi A7, the redesigned Avalon features high-class touches such as ambient interior night lighting, paddle shifters, 10 airbags, an impressive telematics suite and precollision and blind-spot warning systems. The 2013 Avalon will be priced about the same as the current model -- $33,955, including freight -- when it goes on sale this fall, Carter said.

At the New York show, Krafcik heaped praise on the Avalon, pointing out, for instance, the hand stitching of the leather on the instrument panel and around the cupholders.

In the Impala, GM has added active noise cancellation -- a feature from Cadillacs -- in a package of acoustic measures meant to create a quiet cabin.

GM will pack the Impala with several optional safety features typically found on luxury cars, including lane-departure warning and a collision-alert system that applies the brakes -- both firsts for a Chevrolet. For fuel misers, an optional 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Ecotec engine will deliver 35 mpg on the highway.

Generally, the big sedans tend to get better fuel economy than mid-sized crossovers. Most big sedans get about 19 mpg in the city and range up to about 30 on the highway. Mid-sized crossovers such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander and Dodge Journey get about the same fuel economy in the city, but their highway fuel economy peaks at about 25 mpg.

IHS Automotive consultant Chris Hopson called the Impala "a different beast than the version it's replacing" but said Impala's retail gains will not compensate for the expected decline in fleet sales.

The Impala was the volume leader in the segment last year, although nearly 75 percent of the 171,434 units sold went to fleets. Chevy plans to dial those fleet numbers way back with its redesign and hopes retail sales can pick up the slack.

"The reason why we're selling a lot of fleet on the car is simply because it's an old car," Reuss said. "We're going to aim this at both retail and fleet. We're designing the car to really do both."

Still, Krafcik sees opportunity in the segment. Consumers won't walk away from crossovers, he said, but they might trade in a smaller luxury-branded car for a larger mass-brand sedan.

"I could see people substituting an Avalon or Azera for the Lexus ES, Infiniti G or Acura TL," he said. "You get so much car here. People don't need the premium badge. They are confident in their brand selection."

The nonluxury large sedan segment, including the Impala, Avalon, Taurus, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima, last year accounted for 557,205 sales, or 4.4 percent of the U.S. market, according to the Automotive News Data Center. That was down from 7.2 percent in 2006.

"They did see a blip around the time that the Chrysler [300] arrived on the marketplace, demonstrating that really inventive and desirable product can breathe life into a segment, even one that's declining," said AutoPacific's Ed Kim. "Of course, as those cars aged, so did the segment."

Kim is not convinced that the new entries will send consumers back to large sedans in big numbers, especially since mid-sized models have become large themselves.

AutoPacific predicts segment sales will remain relatively flat through 2017.

He said that because of concerns over fuel economy, small and mid-sized sedans "remain the sweet spot in terms of sedan size for Americans."

Tale of the tape
2012 Hyundai Azera
Length: 193.3 in.
Wheelbase: 112.0 in.
Price: $32,875*
MPG: 20 city/29 hwy
Upscale feature: Standard 7-inch touch screen with navigation and backup camera
On sale: Now

2013 Toyota Avalon
Length: 195.3 in.
Wheelbase: 111 in.
Price: Close to current Avalon's $33,995*
MPG: N.A.
Upscale feature: Pre-collision and blind-spot warning systems
On sale: This fall

2014 Chevrolet Impala
Length: 201.3 in.
Wheelbase: 111.7 in.
Price: Closer to rivals vs. $26,585* now
MPG: N.A., but 35 mpg hwy expected from base engine
Upscale feature: Active noise cancellation to quiet interior
On sale: About April 2013
*Including delivery

However, just because they aren't in your local dealership showroom doesn't necessarily mean you can't have one. Those determined to get their hands on a car not sold here can go through the daunting task of importation.

Here is a closer look at what it takes to import a car into the United States. But be forewarned, it's not cheap.

Research before buying

All cars less than 25 years old must comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards monitored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These cars must also meet the emissions standards set by the Clean Air Act and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. This doesn't mean cars sold outside the United States are unsafe or have poor emissions. It just means a car must be modified to meet the standards before it can be imported, which can be a costly process.

That is why the NHTSA suggests contacting a Registered Importer (RI) -- here is NHTSA's list of RIs -- to determine if a car is eligible to be imported before making a purchase. The RI can also give you an estimate on what it would cost to modify a car so that it conforms to U.S. standards.

NHTSA also provides a list on its website of vehicles that it has determined to be eligible.

Preparing the car

The next step is preparing to import your car.

This begins with working with your RI to modify the car to meet the standards. Once the car is modified, you need to get the proper certifications -- the Department of Transportation's HS-7 form and the EPA 3520-1 form. Possibly the most important documentation is the Department of Transportation's Conformance Bond, which will cost one and a half times the vehicle's value. So, if you are buying a $30,000 car from Germany, be prepared to post a $45,000 bond.

With all the proper paperwork completed and filed, you're ready to import your modified and certified car -- sort of. Before you get too excited, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency requires that you make prior arrangements for shipping your vehicle. Next, you'll need to contact customs at the port of entry to arrange for the vehicle to be processed by a CBP officer. The CBP also requires that you clean the car's undercarriage of all foreign pests and soil. The CBP suggests that you get the car steam-sprayed.

Importing

You've patiently completed all of the arrangements to import your car, made sure it meets the necessary standards and received all the proper documentation. That means it's time to get your car.

The process should be easier after you've put in all this work. Make sure you have your CBP Form 7501 ready for the CBP officer. Without it, your car won't be processed through customs.

The best way to make sure the process goes off without a hitch is to have all your documentation -- the more documentation on the car's history the better -- and money to pay the import duty tax. The duty for importing cars and trucks is 2.5 percent of the vehicle's value. A commercial customs broker or RI can help with this process as well.

Now, all that's left to do is wait for your car to clear customs.

The end

You did it! You've paid the price and provided enough paperwork to be considered vetted for presidential nomination, now it's finally time to enjoy your newly imported car. You'll want your first trip to be to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the proper registration of your imported car.

For more detailed information on importing a car visit the NHTSA, EPA and CBP websites.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car produced by Japanese automaker Toyota. Over the course of 40 years in production, the Corolla has become the top-selling nameplate in the automotive market, recognized worldwide as the archetypal economy car. It was first introduced in the United States in 1968 and is currently in its 10^th generation.

Although it has undergone a few major redesigns, certain qualities have remained hallmarks of every Toyota Corolla: It’s small, relatively inexpensive, reliable and fuel efficient. However, other economy cars, like the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra, now offer smoother or sportier driving, along with more features, for a similar price. As a result, the Corolla has lost some of its lead in today’s market.

The current Toyota Corolla is offered only as a four-door sedan, but previous Corolla models came in coupe, hatchback and wagon body styles.

What we like about the Corolla

The 2012 Toyota Corolla gets a long list of standard features for the money, including some nice items like a multi-information display, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote trunk release and air-conditioning. Options include steering wheel mounted controls and an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback, just to name a couple. The Toyota Corolla fuel economy also stays competitive at around 30 mpg combined, a number that varies depending upon whether the automatic or manual transmission is chosen.

What needs improvement

Toyota is redesigning the Corolla in the next year or so, which will hopefully address our major issues with this small car: Namely that the design, interior and engine/transmission all feel a bit dated against major competitors from Hyundai, Ford and Chevrolet that have been more recently updated. In other words, the Toyota Corolla still makes a great small commuter car, but it’s no longer the value leader it once was.

Toyota Corolla prices and options

Toyota Corolla L: Starting price $16,890
The base Toyota Corolla L comes with standard features like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual glove compartments and six airbags.

Toyota Corolla LE: Starting price $18,670
The luxury-leaning Toyota Corolla LE gets all Corolla L features and adds a 60/40 split folding rear seatback, power windows and door locks and cruise control, among other features.

Toyota Corolla S: Starting price $18,750

Designed with a sporty flair, the Toyota Corolla S gets front and rear underbody spoilers, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and alloy wheels, among other features.

For more information about the Corolla

• Visit our Toyota Corolla shopping pages for complete make, model and trim level details, and to get a dealer quote.
• Read Toyota Corolla reviews at autoweek.com

Toyota Corolla reviews

2011 Toyota Corolla LE review

By Angie Fisher, associate editor

The Toyota Corolla is one of the world’s best-selling vehicles--in the past 45 years, more than 30 million have been sold worldwide. It’s an economy car that carries a reputation of being reliable, practical and safe.

As an aging design, though, the 2011 Toyota Corolla LE has lost some of its luster when grouped in the highly competitive compact class. We aren’t sure that it would be our first pick when searching for a compact today.

> MORE: Read the complete 2011 Toyota Corolla LE review here

Toyota Corolla recall and defect reports

NHTSA fielding complaints about 2009-10 Toyota Corolla steering

Neil Roland, Automotive News

Toyota Motor Corp. faces yet another possible federal investigation, this time of the electric power steering in 2009 and 2010 Corollas.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering a formal investigation of alleged defects reported in the compact car, agency spokeswoman Karen Aldana said Monday.

Automotive News found that the Corolla has been the subject of 83 power-steering complaints since April 2008, 76 of which have reported that the vehicle unexpectedly veers to the left or right at 40 miles an hour and up.

> MORE: Read the complete Corolla recall report here

We were truly interested in seeing how far we could take this super-efficient car with EPA estimates of 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway on just one tank of gas. Associate editor Angie Fisher began calculating route options after learning the Prius C was capable of returning 437 miles per 9.5-gallon tank. This meant from our Detroit headquarters we could cross the lovely state of Michigan, going coast to coast in one day.

We chose Grand Haven, a quaint tourist destination on the shores of Lake Michigan, as our half-way point. It was also important to stop in a few college towns along the way to get some local opinions, since the Prius C is really targeted toward young, fresh-out-of-college types. Ann Arbor (University of Michigan) and East Lansing (Michigan State University) were added to the route.

After equipping our Habanero orange Prius C with cameras and travel gear, Angie and I hit the road prepared for more than nine hours in the car. View our video diary below and see if we made the entire trip on one tank of gas -- I’ll give you a hint: it did get a little hairy toward the end. Cheers!

There are a variety of reasons why: Either they don't meet U.S. safety or emissions regulations or manufacturers have determined they don't match the tastes of American consumers.

From fun-to-drive diesel options to fuel-sipping family haulers, there are plenty of models we'd like to see on this side of the pond. But short of going through the extensive and expensive importation process, most of us won't get the chance.

Read through the list and see if you agree with our choices. If you have more suggestions, send them to us via the shopautoweek.com Facebook or Twitter pages.