Everything about this second-generation Kia Sorento is all-new, but the changes "only put it mid-pack in terms of mechanical sophistication and styling," says Chris Chase. "What really sells it, as with most Kias, is its high feature-to-dollar ratio."

"There is no question the Ford Escape Hybrid works as advertised... and it doesn’t suffer (much) from being a hybrid," says Peter Bleakney. But with a base price of $32,409, "no one should be buying this boxy hybrid to save money."

"A great engine trapped in a wobbly body" is how Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh describes the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Don’t expect a sports car, she says, but it’s fine for top-down boulevard cruising at a reasonable price.

For 2011, the compact 1-Series convertible is available with a new seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission that Chris Chase says is "much better" than BMW’s six-speed Sequential Manual Transmission. It’s "a great match for BMW's twin-turbocharged six-cylinder," he enthuses.

The base Impreza sedan appeals to a "broad spectrum of buyers... particularly those who place all-wheel drive high on their wish lists," but its "generic styling and laid-back attitude" make it less appealing "if you’re looking for some excitement," says Haney Louka.

Though a new four-cylinder motor is available in the base 2011 Sienna LE minivan, Chris Chase recommends the V6 because it can handle a full load of passengers and cargo and its fuel consumption isn’t much worse than the four's.

The "nimble and versatile" Mazda2 hatchback starts at just $13,995 for the base GX trim, but after adding the cost of popular options like an automatic transmission and air conditioning, you might as well opt for the $18,195 GS, says Paul Williams.

An all-new V6 engine with more power and better fuel economy highlights the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 convertible, along with other mechanical refinements, reports Editor, Greg Wilson. Lower pricing for 2011 is also good news for consumers, he notes.

The Lexus GX's body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle suspension are unique among mid-sized luxury SUVs, yet the GX’s comfortable ride is "more like that of a luxury sedan than a body-on-frame truck," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.