2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE Sedan

2.5L 4-cyl. hybrid engine
Continuously variable transmission
Up to 43 cty/39 hwy mpg
Bluetooth
iPod input
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
MSRP from $25,900

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is fully redesigned.

Introduction

Can the most popular family sedan in America afford to take a risk? Not likely. The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid doesn't aim to find out, either. Sure, the seventh generation of Toyota's bread-and-butter sedan shows a sharper look, including a more aggressive front grille and side profile. Tougher, more angular lines ring the exterior. There's even lip service paid to sporty handling, an effort to woo buyers who've already written off Toyota as the New Old Buick.

No, the new Camry isn't too different from the last one. And that's not a bad thing. For one thing, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers an improved version of last year's engine: a respectably powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder that, combined with the electric drive motor produces a total of 200 horsepower. An improved regenerative braking system that converts more braking energy into electricity also helps the new Camry Hybrid achieve an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in combined driving, and a substantial 10 mpg gain in city driving.

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

2.5L 4-cyl. engine
Manual transmission
Up to 17 cty/23 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
Bluetooth
iPod input
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Satellite radio (Optional)
MSRP from $34,095

What's New for 2012

The regular 2012 Subaru Impreza has been completely redesigned. Highlights include a more fuel-efficient engine, updated styling and a roomier and higher-quality interior. Last year's high-performance WRX and STI variants carry over unchanged. The Outback Sport has been discontinued.

Introduction

Thanks to standard all-wheel drive and a strong safety record, the Subaru Impreza has become a popular alternative to more well-known small sedans and hatchbacks in the compact class. With the fully redesigned 2012 Subaru Impreza, the model maintains its strengths while becoming more appealing to a wider range of car shoppers.

It starts with styling. While the new look is hardly what we'd call handsome, it aligns the Impreza more closely with its Legacy and Outback siblings. More importantly, the interior is more spacious and the design, construction and materials have been improved. In terms of quality, the 2012 Subaru Impreza now has one of the nicest cabins in the small-car market.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

6.4L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 14 cty/23 hwy mpg
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
MSRP from $45,795

What's New for 2012

The Dodge Charger adds a pair of trim levels for 2012: the midlevel SXT and the high-performance SRT8. An eight-speed automatic is also now available with the standard V6.

Introduction

It's rare to find a car that looks mean, sounds meaner and accelerates with the exuberance of a muscle car, yet can still comfortably schlep kids to school or pick up grandparents from the airport. Plenty of expensive European luxury sport sedans satisfy most of the criteria, save for the "look mean" bit. The 2012 Dodge Charger, meanwhile, satisfies all of the above.

The Charger's breadth of personalities is pretty unique for its class. While its sloping roof line cuts into some rear headroom, the Charger otherwise offers the comfort you'd expect from a large sedan, with plenty of rear seat legroom and a reasonably big trunk. Its interior design is also a cut above most other family sedans.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Sedan

2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited PZEV Sedan 

1.8L 4-cyl. engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 29 cty/40 hwy mpg
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Navigation System (Optional)
MSRP from $20,445

What's New for 2012

After a complete redesign last year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra gains an "Active Eco System" that modifies engine and transmission parameters at the push of a button to increase fuel economy by up to 7 percent. The names of option packages have also been changed.

Introduction

Once a crummy also-ran, then a dark-horse alternative and now one of the sales leaders, the Hyundai Elantra is quite the success story. After last year's complete redesign, the Elantra has shed its frumpy, anonymous styling and gained fluid curves and a coupelike roof line. The 2012 Hyundai Elantra looks good, and that counts for a lot in a segment not normally known for visual excitement.

Thankfully, there's substance to go along with the Elantra's new sheet metal. Its 1.8-liter engine delivers commendable power for its class and the type of thrifty fuel economy achieved only by its competitors when equipped with special high-efficiency packages. Fuel economy improves even further for 2012 thanks to a new system known as Active Eco. When the driver selects this mode, the Elantra's automatic transmission shift points and throttle response are adjusted to increase fuel economy by up to 7 percent. The downside, though, is more sluggish performance when the mode is engaged.