Comfortable, smartly designed and available in a wide array of configurations, the 2008 Honda Civic sets the bar for the small-car segment.

The word "hybrid" may elicit environmental warm fuzzies, but the 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid is a weak attempt at cashing in on the green craze. It may cost a lot less than other hybrid sedans, but you also get a lot less in terms of performance and fuel economy.

The 2008 Toyota Prius is a full-featured midsize car that just so happens to be the most fuel-efficient car on the market. The fact that it now starts at less than $21,000 is icing on the green-colored cake.

The 2008 Honda Accord maintains and improves upon the aspects that have made past Accords so great. Plus, the sedan and coupe's eye-catching styling proves that reliable transportation doesn't have to be bland.

The 2008 Smart Fortwo is a tiny, fuel-sipping city car for those whose daily driving limits them to congested downtown streets. As a second, commuting-only car, it's wonderful, but those with room for only one vehicle in the garage may want to consider a larger subcompact or compact car.

The 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is far behind the class leaders in terms of handling, seat comfort, build quality and overall refinement. Even General Motors itself offers a better choice.

Although unable to operate completely on electric power, the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid offers superior gas mileage for the same price as comparably equipped non-hybrid competitors.

The 2008 Toyota Corolla is a vice-free economy car with decades of good reliability. Unfortunately, it costs too much and has all the personality of an almond white Frigidaire.

If getting lots of bang for your buck is important, it's hard to beat the 2008 Acura TL, as few entry-level luxury cars pack its level of standard equipment. Well-built, reliable and exceedingly easy to live with as an everyday companion, the TL is a superb choice.

Fully deserving of its popularity, the 2008 BMW 3 Series sets the standard for overall driving enjoyment, luxury and refinement in four different luxury segments. Only its high price will give you pause.

No longer a benchwarmer in the midsize family sedan game, the 2008 Chevy Malibu gains starting lineup status thanks to its generous measures of style, refinement and performance.

Thanks to its dashing style, entertaining driving dynamics and welcoming interior, the 2008 Nissan Altima is one of our top picks for a sporting family sedan or midsize coupe.

The Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV in America and it's easy to see why. It may not be the largest or the most powerful compact SUV, but the 2008 CR-V is an extremely well-rounded runabout that should be high on your test-drive list.

Entertaining yet sophisticated in demeanor, the 2008 Mazda Mazda3 doesn't look, feel or drive like an economy car. If you're shopping for a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, this car should be at the top of your list.

Like nearly every Camry before it, the 2008 Toyota Camry is pleasant to drive and spacious enough to keep a family of four content wherever their travels take them. Build quality has fallen a notch on this generation, but performance is better than ever, thanks to an impressive V6 engine.

The word "hybrid" may elicit environmental warm fuzzies, but the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid provides negligible "hybrid" benefit. It may cost a lot less than other hybrid sedans, but you also get a lot less in terms of fuel economy and performance.

It's the best small Saturn in years, but the 2008 Astra doesn't set any new benchmarks for the small sedan or hatchback segment.

With ample room for up to eight passengers, a comfortable ride, respectable performance and decent fuel economy, the 2008 GMC Acadia ranks as one of the best family-oriented crossovers available.

It's hard to find a better value in the entry-level luxury sedan market than the 2008 Acura TSX. Other import-brand models may impress the neighbors more, but this Acura's blend of attractive styling, refinement, high-tech features and fun driving dynamics at a low price is tough to beat.

The 2008 Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, and proof that desirable cars don't have to be expensive.

A much-needed makeover for 2008 brings big improvements in key areas, including cabin quality and driving dynamics. As a result, the 2008 Saturn Vue moves from a benchwarmer to a starting position in the compact SUV game.

Although not without a few rough edges, the 2008 Saturn Aura is a well-rounded midsize sedan with sufficient levels of style, comfort and performance to please most families of four. If you're looking for a domestic-brand alternative to the import standbys, this is one of the best choices for 2008.

With its polished interior and comfortable ride, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the more refined players in its class, and is the only choice to consider if you're in search of a small sedan that delivers European elegance at a very reasonable price.

Although the aging 2008 Honda Pilot faces many newer rivals, it remains a strong choice for a midsize crossover SUV thanks to its versatility, strong reputation for quality and high safety ratings.

The 2008 Toyota Yaris broadens it lineup and appeal with a new sport liftback, but still faces tough competition from other worthy rivals in the crowded subcompact segment.

Replete with British charm and German engineering, the 2008 Mini Cooper is a stylish, affordable go-kart for adults.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a dynamic duo, combining the superior fuel economy of a gasoline-electric powertrain with the mainstream attributes of America's favorite midsize family sedan.

Spacious, comfortable and easy to drive, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a top pick for a small SUV, especially if you want a V6 or a usable kid-size third-row seat.

Though only available for sale in California-level-emissions states, the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is the green family sedan to buy for those wanting a fuel-sipper with some semblance of driver involvement.

Though aged, the 2008 Pontiac Vibe is still a viable choice for an affordable, practical and sporty-looking small wagon.

Though aged compared to much of its competition, the 2008 Subaru Forester is still a practical and fun-to-drive crossover well-suited to many purposes.

Though there are other entry-level luxury cars that are newer or sportier, the 2008 Audi A4 is still a fine choice thanks to its reasonable price, high-quality interior and engaging personality.

The 2008 Ford Focus is much improved and still fun to drive. As a value-driven choice, it works very well, but those seeking a top small sedan or coupe should look elsewhere.

The 2009 Ford Flex is a thoughtfully designed and cool-looking alternative to minivans and seven-passenger crossover SUVs.

A roomy and well-built economy car with surprisingly sharp reflexes, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a must-drive if you're shopping for a compact sedan.

The 2008 Honda Odyssey deftly excels at all things important for a minivan. This is one you won't want to miss.

With its pleasant ride, comfortable seating in all three rows and spacious cargo hold, the 2008 Saturn Outlook offers a mix of comfort and versatility rarely found in SUVs.

The all-new 2008 Nissan Rogue is a stylish little crossover that provides plenty of comfort and convenience for those who don't need a maximum amount of utility.

The Chevrolet Aveo has been a popular choice in the past few years thanks to its low price and availability. But recent competition from Honda, Nissan, Scion and Toyota have raised the small-car bar significantly. Consumers are advised to shop carefully and, if possible, look beyond simply price.

Though lacking refinement in a few areas, the 2008 Hyundai Sonata still ranks highly with us thanks to its fine performance, spacious cabin and value for the dollar.

Easily the most practical hybrid SUV on the market, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a fully functional family vehicle that just happens to return better fuel mileage than other crossovers its size.

Very capable and able to suit just about anyone, the 2008 Toyota Tacoma is an ideal choice for a versatile midsize pickup.

An American schooled abroad, the midsize 2008 Cadillac CTS finally has what it takes to compete with the leading entry-luxury sport sedans from Europe and Japan.

A seven-passenger luxury SUV that drives just like a sport sedan? Well, no, but the 2008 Acura MDX comes very close.

The 2009 Toyota Matrix is a highly practical and refined compact wagon that will appeal to small families. However, even in sporty XRS flavor, its entertainment potential is low.

Sport-focused, well-designed and attractively priced, the 2008 Infiniti G35 is an excellent choice for an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

Although it's not without its compromises, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is worth a look if you want to do right by the planet but don't want to give up the day-to-day convenience of owning an SUV.

With more room, more power and more conveniences than its predecessor, the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander is truly optimized for family use. If you're shopping for a midsize crossover SUV this year, make sure you try this Toyota.

Within the ultracompetitive segment of entry-level luxury performance sedans, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class hits the bull's-eye several times with only a few misses.

With peppy performance, room for four, a kickin' stereo and a mild price, the 2008 Scion tC is a budget sports coupe with plenty of appeal and few compromises.