The base Prius returned 44 mpg in our tests. Ride and handing are competent, though the steering feels vague. The Touring version has wider wheels and tires and a tighter suspension, which improves handling and braking, but it returns a slightly worse 42 mpg overall. Access is easy. IIHS crash-test results are impressive. Side curtain air bags are standard. Reliability is outstanding. $21,500 - $23,770. 48/45 mpg. Consumer Reports - 80. IIHS Safety - G.

The redesigned Camry is quiet, comfortable, and refined. The telescoping steering column is a plus. The 3.5-liter V6 returns 23 mpg overall, while the four-cylinder returned 24 mpg. The interior is spacious. Curtain air bags are standard, but stability control remains optional. Reliability of the V6 dropped to below average, while the four-cylinder and hybrid are above average. $25,650. 33/34 mpg. Consumer Reports - 84.

The new Smart ForTwo will go on sale in the US in early 2008. Unlike the Canadian version CR tested, this model is longer, wider, and promises to be more refined. The two-door Smart will be available with a convertible top or a fixed roof. ESC will be standard. Power will come from a small, rear-mounted three-cylinder engine that Smart claims will deliver 40 mpg. $11,590 - $16,590. 33/41 mpg. IIHS Safety - G.

The Yaris is available as a two-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is not especially powerful, but it is economical. Road noise is pronounced and the center-mounted gauges are annoying. Reliability is excellent, but the Yaris scored too low in our testing to be recommended. $11,550 - $14,650. Consumer Reports - 50. IIHS Safety - G.

The Civic has responsive handling and a steady, compliant ride. Road noise is pronounced. The 1.8-liter engine returned 28 mpg with the automatic and 31 mpg with the manual. The hybrid returned 37 mpg overall. Standard safety equipment includes ABS and curtain air bags. Crash-test results are impressive. $14,810 - $24,590. 26/36 mpg (Hybrid - 40/45). Consumer Reports - 82. IIHS Safety - G.

The Ford Focus has been redesigned for 2008, and owners of 2007 and older Focii will barely recognize the new car. New styling inside and out, a new model lineup, and a new two-door coupe are hallmarks of the 2008 Ford Focus. But what made the old Focus so appealing was its European-bred road manners. $14,695 - $16,925. 24/35 mpg. Consumer Reports - 65. IIHS Safety - G.

The Mini hatchback is redesigned for 2007. Handling is very agile, with quick, precise steering and little body lean. The ride is still a bit choppy. The base engines are now more refined and the turbocharged one in the Cooper S is very punchy. The rear seat is very tight and some controls are confusing. A small wagon, called the Clubman, is also available. $18,050 - $25,400. 28/37 mpg. Consumer Reports - 78. IIHS Safety - G.

A 2009 redesign Corolla is on sale. The 1.8-liter engine is a carryover, and the 2.4-liter is found in the XRS trim. Electronic stability control is easier to find in this generation, and curtain air bags are standard. We got a very impressive 32 mpg overall in our test of the 1.8-liter, the best for a current non-hybrid four-door sedan. $15,250 - $19,950. 27/35 mpg. Consumer Reports - 71. IIHS Safety - G.

New for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu The Malibu was redesigned for 2008 and the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu continues with minimal changes including expanded availability across the model range of the 2.4-liter engine combined with the 6-speed automatic transmission, now standard for LTZ. Malibu features the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity with the new OnStar 8.0 system and new exterior colors. $20,745 - $26, 020. 22/30 mpg.

The Fit is a small four-door hatchback with impressive interior room and versatility. Cabin access is easy and visibility is good. The 1.5-liter engine is tuned for fuel economy. The ride is choppy, but supple enough. ABS and curtain air bags are standard. $13,950 - $16,070. 27/34 mpg. Consumer Reports - 75. IIHS Safety - G