In case you haven't noticed, Detroit's been turning out some very good cars, lately. Here's a sampling.
1 of 10
Base price: $13,735 - $18,495
Fuel economy: 26 City / 35 HWY
For starters, the Sonic has the two attributes every small car must have: fun and fuel economy.On top of that, it's more functional and has better visibility than the Ford Fiesta. For maximum enjoyment, get the turbo-charged engine with the six-speed manual transmission. But, really, the non-turbo and automatic are just fine, too.
2 of 10
Base price: $16,500 - $22,700
Fuel economy: 26 City / 36 HWY
The Focus is comfortable, very fuel-efficient and fun to drive. Ford's been working to fix the car's one major flaw: an automatic transmission that loves to race but that can make you seasick in ordinary driving. Software changes should help with that.The Focus is available in both hatchback and sedan styles, but the hatchback is most functional and looks best, as is usually the case with small cars.
3 of 10
Base price: $19,850 - $29,000
Fuel economy: 22 City / 32 HWY
If people bought cars based on merit alone, the Fusion would probably be the best-selling passenger car in America. It's more dependable than either the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, according to Consumer Reports surveys. It's also better to drive and it looks handsome inside and out.Ford needs to watch its back, though. Chevrolet has a new Malibu coming out for the 2013 model year and, from the looks of it, it could be a serious contender.
4 of 10
Base price: $29,310 - $38,310
Fuel economy: 17 City / 26 HWY
Years of refinement have given us a Mustang that's loads of fun to drive with just enough practicality to make it an easy-to-love daily companion. The Camaro comes close but, in the end, it's a car you'll probably own a few years before deciding you want to move on to something more normal.The Mustang, on the other hand, has the makings of a lifelong addiction.
5 of 10
Base price: $27,170 - $47,170
Fuel economy: 18 City / 27 HWY
When the 300 was first introduced for the 2005 model year, it created a sensation. But, over the years, as the Chrysler Group tumbled toward bankruptcy while competitors came out with improved cars, it had started to fall a behind.Now Chrysler's introduced a new, re-engineered 300 and it's right back to the front of the line. And not just among domestics, either. The available 5.7-liter V8 provides potent performance, now combined with even better handling and braking plus a truly high quality interior. If you want to spend a little less on fuel, Chrysler's new V6 still offers plenty of go on less gas.
6 of 10
Base price: $23,450 - $30,890
Fuel economy: 22 City / 32 HWY
Easy on gas, pleasant to look at and nice to drive if, perhaps, a smidge underpowered, the Equinox is nearly the ideal compact SUV. With plenty of passenger space and flexible cargo room, few customers will want anything larger.Ford will soon be coming out with its all-new Escape, though, which looks like it could have the Equinox on the run. We'll just have to see.
7 of 10
Base price: $28,995 - $42,995
Fuel economy: 16 City / 23 HWY
Technically speaking, the Durango is a crossover, but it's designed for people who want a real SUV, not a gigantic station wagon. Properly equipped, the Durango can tow and haul with the best of them and it also gets fuel economy only slightly lower than much weaker competitors.. And it does this all that while being surprisingly capable on curvy roads.7 of 10
Base price: $28,995 - $42,995
Fuel economy: 16 City / 23 HWY
Technically speaking, the Durango is a crossover, but it's designed for people who want a real SUV, not a gigantic station wagon. Properly equipped, the Durango can tow and haul with the best of them and it also gets fuel economy only slightly lower than much weaker competitors.. And it does this all that while being surprisingly capable on curvy roads.9 of 10
Base price: $20,810 - $45,810
Fuel economy: 14 City / 20 HWY
You can bat around towing and hauling numbers all you want but, if you're one of those folks who drives a truck every day, workday and weekend, here's your new best friend. The Ram may not be the strongest truck, but it has the best looks, the nicest, most comfortable interior, the coolest option packages and the best ride and handling qualities.10 of 10
Base price: $39,145
Fuel economy: 35 miles e-range, then 35 City / 40 HWY
With prices starting at about $34,000, after a $7,500 federal tax break, the Volt actually turns out to be a pretty good value. With the ability to drive 35 miles on a charge -- less than most people drive in a typical day -- you could go without using any gasoline for weeks. Mile for mile, electricity is much cheaper in most places.If you need to drive farther, you're not stuck. Running on gasoline-generated power, the Volt gets fuel economy that's still better than most compact cars.
Worried about replacing the battery? It's under warranty for at least eight years and it's expected to last much longer.
By Peter Valdes-DapenaPeter Valdes-Dapena @CNNMoney
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