Hot Passenger Cars for 2007

Even though gas prices aren't near last summer's highs (yet), they're still on drivers' minds. While a hybrid is one way to save fuel, a conventional compact or midsize car with an efficient engine is another. There are a host of new and redesigned models in these categories for 2007; here are 10 significant ones.

2007 Chrysler Sebring

Price: $18,320 - $23,320

Details: Midsize Car: The redesigned Sebring is one of the more uniquely styled midsize sedans available today. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets 24/32 mpg (city/highway), while the range-topping 3.5-liter V-6 returns 19/28 mpg. Optional features include a heated and cooled front cupholder and a 20GB hard drive that can store and play music files. The Sebring offers a smooth highway ride, but the four-cylinder can only muster weak responses at those speeds. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard...

2007 Dodge Caliber

Price: $13,725 - $19,920

Details: The Caliber is a new small hatchback from Dodge that's big on the inside — big enough to bump it into the midsize-car category based on its interior volume. A choice of three four-cylinder engines that make from 148 to 172 horsepower is offered, and buyers can choose either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel-drive models are offered, and the most frugal base model gets 28/32 mpg. Available features include a Boston Acoustics sound system with speakers that can flip down when the liftgate is open, and a drink cooler in the dashboard...

2007 Honda Fit

Price: $13,850 - $15,170

Details: Compact Car: The Fit is a new four-door hatchback from Honda that's shorter, narrower and taller than the company's Civic sedan, so the Fit has an upright stance. The Fit is powered by a 109-hp four-cylinder engine that drives a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, the latter of which includes steering wheel shift paddles on the Sport model. Manual transmission models get an EPA estimated 33/38 mpg (the numbers are slightly lower for automatic models). In addition to folding flat, the bottom cushions of the 60/40-split second row can flip up to accommodate tall objects, and both front seats can recline flat to turn the outside second row seats into La-Z-Boy-like easy chairs...

2007 Hyundai Elantra

Price: $13,395 - $16,845

Details: Midsize Car: The 2007 Elantra features a stylish new exterior and a redesigned interior. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that teams with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission; regardless of which transmission you opt for, the Elantra gets an EPA-estimated 28/36 mpg. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags. All Elantras come with five years of roadside assistance and feature a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage...

2007 Nissan Sentra

Price: $14,750 - $18,400

Details: Compact Car: Bigger than its predecessor, Nissan's redesigned Sentra gets all-new, more angular styling and can have a continuously variable automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard) that gets an EPA-estimated 29/36 mpg with the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. High-performance SE-R and SE-R Spec V models that have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be offered this spring. Air conditioning, a CD stereo, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard...

2007 Nissan Versa

Price: $12,550 - $14,550

Details: Compact Car: The Versa is a new small car from Nissan that slots below the Sentra in the automaker's lineup. Available in either four-door hatchback or sedan form, the Versa has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. Choosing the optional continuously variable automatic transmission brings the model's highest EPA-estimated gas mileage of 30/36 mpg (a six-speed manual is standard). Despite its low base price, the Versa has standard side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags...

2007 Saturn Aura

Price: $20,345 - $24,345

Details: Midsize Car: The Aura is an important new entry for Saturn as the brand tries to capture more family-sedan buyers. Two V-6 engines are offered, and both team with an automatic transmission. The 224-hp V-6 gets an estimated 20/30 mpg, while the 252-hp engine is rated at 20/28 mpg. The Aura's suspension strikes a nice compromise, delivering good bump absorption while keeping body roll to a minimum for a midsize sedan. The Aura's interior quality, though, comes up short when compared with much of the competition. An Aura Green Line hybrid hits dealerships this spring...

2007 Suzuki SX4

Price: $14,999 - $16,399

Details: Compact Car: The SX4 is a new four-door hatchback that's notable for its standard all-wheel-drive system, a relatively uncommon feature in its corner of the market. All models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that teams with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The SX4's gas mileage estimates are unremarkable for its class: Manual transmission versions are rated at 23/28 mpg, while the automatic gets 24/30 mpg. Standard features include air conditioning, a CD stereo and remote keyless entry...

2007 Toyota Camry

Price: $18,470 - $28,020

Details: Midsize Car: Toyota's popular Camry was redesigned for 2007 and now has more distinctive styling and more-powerful engines. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is standard and a 3.5-liter V-6 is optional. The base drivetrain with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission delivers the thriftiest performance of the conventional models; it gets an EPA-estimated 24/34 mpg. (The new Camry Hybrid is rated at 40/38 mpg.) Base models come well-equipped with standard cruise control, air conditioning and a CD stereo with supplemental controls on the steering wheel...

2007 Toyota Yaris

Price: $11,150 - $13,525

Details: Compact Car: Offered in two-door hatchback or sedan form, the Yaris is Toyota's new entry-level car. Its four-cylinder engine only makes 106 hp, but the payoff comes at the gas pump; the manual transmission model gets 34/40 mpg, according to the EPA, while the automatic-equipped version is rated at 34/39 mpg. The low base price includes air conditioning, but a stereo is optional. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags — important safety features — are optional...