The super-frugal Prius, with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, has sophisticated electric-drive componentry and a battery system that allows energy to be recovered from coasting and braking. In the Prius, a 76-horsepower, 1.5L four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine is paired with a 50-kilowatt electric drive motor. Together, the two produce 110 horsepower, delivered through a planetary-gear continuously variable transmission (CVT). As opposed to some other "mild hybrid" models, the Prius is a "full hybrid," meaning that the system not only turns the gasoline engine off when it's not needed; it also has the capability to run at low speeds on electric power alone for short distances. The system enables the Prius to get one of the best fuel-efficiency ratings ever-48 city, 45 highway, according to the EPA. Prius is also certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), and may qualify for tax incentives, parking, or carpool lane privile   << collapse text

The 2008 Honda Civic comes as six distinct models: sedan, coupe, Si sedan, Si coupe, Hybrid sedan, and natural-gas GX sedan. The sedan and coupe both have a 1.8L i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, making 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque and bringing a fuel economy figure of 25 city, 36 highway with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual is standard. The sedan and coupe meet ULEV-II emissions standard in all 50 states. The Si sedan and coupe step up to an especially high-revving 2.0L i-VTEC four-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and employing a helical-type limited-slip differential to help ensure smoother power delivery in high-performance driving. The Si models also get significant upgrades, including 17-inch wheels and high-performance V-rated tires, special trim and bolstered sport seats with red stitching inside, and a rear wing and aerodynamic cladding outside. All Civics have Honda's Advanced Compat   << collapse text

Nissan's Altima is now available in two different body styles for 2008: a four-door sedan, or a new two-door coupe. The coupe models share mechanicals and much of their interior appointments with the sedan, but they're four inches shorter and 2.5 inches lower in profile than the sedan, with unique sheetmetal and sportier styling. Both engines offered in the Altima are among the most powerful when compared with those offered in rival midsize sedans and coupes. The standard 2.5L inline four makes 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5L V6 makes 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. Both get variable valve timing and a dual exhaust. Either engine can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Xtronic features a "Sport" mode that adjusts to performance-oriented driving. All Altimas come with front-wheel drive and a four-wheel fully independent suspension that's tuned for sharp handling as well as a smooth ride. The coupe models have a firm   << collapse text

New Car Test Drive Review: Neither a rocket scientist nor a car critic is needed to figure out why the Toyota Camry has been America's best-selling car nine of the past 10 years. This mid-size sedan does just about everything well, and it's supported by Toyota's well-earned reputation for quality, reliability and value retention. Wash-and-wear, no-worries reliability is not a bad thing. Owners depend on the Camry, and they're seldom disappointed. This four-door sedan seats five in reasonable comfort, yet it's relatively compact and easy to park. It's smooth and quiet, but it can accelerate with vigor. Its cabin is attractive, functional and as refined as anything in its class. The Camry is thrilling in no respect, and no particular aspect of its performance is outstanding. Yet it's good in nearly every respect, bad in almost none, and it has a steady, set-and-forget quality that many drivers appreciate. It's pleasant to drive in all circumstances. In SE trim, with the manual transmission, it approaches fun. T   << collapse text

New Car Test Drive Review: The Escape Hybrid delivers essentially the same performance, with very little to give away its hybrid powertrain except improved mileage. Indeed, all Escape models, from front-wheel-drive four-cylinders to all-wheel-drive V6s to the Hybrid, have some of the best EPA mileage ratings in the class (Be sure to compare mileage ratings according to the same model year. The EPA changed its calculation formula for 2008 to reflect something closer to real-world results, which lowered the ratings for 2008 models). All, including the gas-electric Hybrid, are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. For the most part, the Hybrid drives just like a conventional gas-only Escape. It's a well-executed package. It offers better fuel economy and lower emissions but demands little additional effort or knowledge from the driver. The Escape Hybrid ($25,075) and Hybrid 4WD ($26,825) are equipped similarly to the Limited models, but add the hybrid powertrain. This so-called full hybrid features a mo   << collapse text

New Car Test Drive Review: Toyota's rise in becoming the world's second largest automaker has been marked by the excellence of its luxury Lexus line and hybrid engine program, but this new, second-generation Yaris is a solid reminder that Toyota earned its way into this elevated position by building good, basic transportation. The Yaris, however, is better than just good. This replacement for the unloved Toyota Echo boasts the good looks, suave road manners, perky performance and well-tailored interior that establish new benchmarks in the entry-level game. And this will cause the increasing competition in that market many sleepless nights figuring out how to offset Toyota's deep well of talent, materials and technology. The Yaris combines the economies of an inexpensive sticker, outstanding fuel mileage and the solid integrity that underlies every Toyota vehicle. Sure, certain aspects of the car, such as noise isolation and driving position, are far from ideal, but the Yaris owner will never feel as though he   << collapse text

The 2008 Fit remains loyal to Honda's original vision: good cars for not a lot of cash. The base model squeezes in for just under $14,000, bringing with it a host of standard equipment, capacity, and safety features, not to mention fuel economy that is second to none. The Fit is one of the most versatile small cars on the market. Despite its diminutive exterior proportions, the car has an array of clever features that maximize interior space. The aptly named Magic Seat folds up to allow four feet of height in the second row for bicycles and the like. The Magic Seat also folds down completely flat to provide almost 42 cubic feet of cargo space. Both the driver and passenger setbacks fold flat, providing room for long items or a place to stretch out. The Fit proves that inexpensive doesn't mean cheap. Power windows, door locks, and air conditioning are standard. The Fit also packs in the safety features. Front, side, and curtain air bags are standard, as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS). For even more features,   << collapse text

The 2008 Toyota Corolla comes in three different models: the base CE, sporty S, and better equipped LE. Each can be equipped with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. The 126-horsepower, 1.8L four-cylinder engine that powers all Corollas has variable valve timing with intelligence, which helps give it good response through the rev range without hampering fuel efficiency. With the manual transmission, the Corolla can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just under nine seconds, according to Toyota, yet it achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway. The Corolla has a roomy interior and comfortable ride, yet a stiff structure and variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering give it a nimble feel. The back seat is split 60/40 and folds forward to expand the 13.6-cubic-foot trunk. Side-bolster front-seat air bags and full-length curtain air bags are available as an option across the line, as are anti-lock brakes, while electronic stability control is available only on L   << collapse text

Hyundai's entry-level Accent is certainly worth a look for anyone interested in an inexpensive people-mover. With fresh styling and the choice of either a hatchback coupe or a sedan, the Accent offers something for most buyers. The hatchback comes in either GS or SE trim, while the sedan is only available in GLS dress. All Accents are front-wheel drive and powered by a 16-valve, 1.6L inline four-cylinder putting out 110 horsepower. Each car comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, which allows for 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway, while a four-speed automatic with overdrive is available. The GS hatchback is the barebones choice. It rides on 14-inch steel wheels, features manual mirrors, tilt steering, and a 60/40 split flat-folding rear seat. Power mirrors, keyless entry, a six-speaker CD stereo, a urethane B&M manual sport shifter, and air conditioning are optional, either on their own or as part of a Premium Package, which also adds power windows. The SE is a sportier option featuring sport-tuned   << collapse text

New Car Test Drive Review: Rio has received Autobytel's "Editor's Choice for Most Improved New Car," and ranked highest for initial quality in the subcompact segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Initial Quality Study. Rio has also been recognized as one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market by both the Environmental Protection Agency and by J.D. Power. All '07 Rios come with new shift knobs (manual and automatic), a chrome Kia logo on the steering wheel pad, and an illuminated ignition-switch surround. The SX models' 15-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned, and 16-inch rims are now available. SX models also feature new chrome accents on their instrument panel air vents. The Kia Rio sedan and five-door hatchback are powered by the same 110-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It's a sophisticated, modern engine, complete with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Safety features for all models include front seatbelt pre-tensioners along with six airbags: dual frontal, front s   << collapse text