BUDGET CAR: Honda Fit. ESCis now astandard feature in the 2011 Fit ($16,020 to $16,730) whichhelpssolidify this versatile subcompact hatchback as the best in itsclassand a great value. The Fit provides an amazing amount of interiorspacefor its size, aided by a flexible rear-seat design in whichseatbackscan fold down or the lower cushion can flip up to open anareastretching from floor to ceiling. Agile handling makes theFitenjoyable to drive. And it pays back with excellent fuel economy:30mpg overall with an automatic transmission, 33 mpg with a manual.
SMALL CAR: Hyundai Elantra. Redesignedfor2011 the Elantra ($18,445) delivers a lot for the money. Withitsmakeover, this well-rounded sedan is now more stylish and engagingtodrive. The Elantra provides fairly nimble handling; a decent ride,asmooth, responsive powertrain; a well-finished interior; andarelatively roomy rear seat. It's also miserly on gas, achieving 29mpgoverall in CR's tests and 39 mpg on the highway. Reliability fortheredesigned model is expected to be as good as the previous one.
FAMILY SEDAN: Nissan Altima. Thisisthe second year in a row that the Altima ($23,970 to $30,335) hasbeenthe Consumer Reports Top Pick for Family Sedan. The Altimaprovides animpressive balance of comfort and performance whiledelivering some ofthe best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overallfor four-cylindermodels and 24 mpg with a V6. The Hybrid version gets32 mpg. Itscomfortable ride, secure handling and spirited accelerationmake theAltima enjoyable to drive. And it has a roomy, well-finished,and veryquiet interior. The four-cylinder models earned anabove-averagereliability Rating, and the V6 model was average.
SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4. TheRAV4($25,405 to $31,435) returns to the Top Picks list for the fourthtimein the past five years. Its winning formula includes a roomyinterior,agile handling, and very good fuel economy for its class.Thefour-cylinder version provides 23 mpg overall, one of the bestgasmileage of any automatic, nonhybrid SUV CR has tested. The spiritedV6version accelerates about as quickly as the Cadillac CTS andVolkswagenGTI and gets only 1 mpg less than the four-cylinder model. Asmallthird-row seat is optional.
GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. Holdingthetitle for Top Pick for Green Car for the eighth year in a row, thePrius($26,750) is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior,acomfortable ride, hatchback versatility, and excellentcrash-testresults. Software problems in the antilock brake systemaffected thefirst-year reliability of this redesigned model, but thoseproblemshave been fixed.
FAMILY SUV: Kia Sorento. TheSorento($26,590 to $32,390) was redesigned for 2011 and is now amorewell-rounded SUV. The roomy, nicely finished interiorincludescomfortable seats and easy-to-use controls. An optionalthird-row seat,although tight, allows the Sorento to carry up to sevenpassengers. Thesmooth V6 engine provides good performance and fueleconomy-20 mpgoverall-that's as efficient as the base four-cylinderengine. TheSorento is also stocked with an inviting list of featuresfor itsprice, making it one of the bargains of this class.
SPORTY CAR: Ford Mustang. Oneofthe high points of the Mustang ($28,880 to $43,880) is thestrongrumbling V8 engine that propels CR's coupe and convertible testcars.It delivers scorching acceleration, a great exhaust sound, andgoodfuel economy for the class. For 2011, the Mustang received arefined,punchy V6, which provides strong acceleration and a decent 24mpgoverall with a manual transmission.
FAMILY HAULER: Toyota Sienna. TheSienna($35,810 to $38,201) has earned a place in the Top Picks listthree outof the past five years. Redesigned for 2011, the currentmodel is stilla very comfortable versatile minivan with excellentreliability. Thespacious cabin can seat up to eight people. The enginedelivers livelyperformance and decent fuel economy. And the Sienna isstill the onlyminivan available with all-wheel drive.
SPORTS SEDAN: Infiniti G37. TheG37's($37,225) inviting combination of agile handling,blisteringacceleration, and a luxurious interior makes it one ofourhighest-scoring sedans and earned it a spot on the Top Picks listforthe fifth straight year. It's fun to drive on a twisty road butisstill a fairly comfortable cruiser on the highway. A snug cabinandsmall trunk are the only notable weaknesses. Rear-wheel driveisstandard, all-wheel drive optional.
PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche. TheAvalanche($47,435) is a versatile crew-cab model with a unified bedand cab thathelps give it a steady, comfortable, quiet ride. And theinnovativepartition between the cab and the bed can be folded toextend the cargoarea into the back of the cab. That allows the truckto carry longercargo. A three-piece bed cover provides a weather-tightand lockablecargo area. CR recommends getting the optional backupcamera to reducethe truck's large blind zone.