Mitsubishi revs up Lancer Evolution The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution long has had an outlaw street racer image, but the 2009 version is significantly refined and turns even short errand hops into driving adventures. And the addition of a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature should broaden this unique car's market.

Mazda 6 merges more into the mainstream The sleeker, larger new Mazda 6 sedan has been redesigned for 2009 to compete better with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, perennial top sellers in the mid-size sedan class. Photo gallery: 2009 Mazda6

ML 320 BlueTEC makes solid case for dieselI’m slowly being won over by the idea of diesel. Take, for example, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC. During a test, I averaged around 22 mpg and didn’t even go through a quarter tank of gas in a week of my regular commute.

VIDEO: 2009 Dodge Challenger

Vibe-rantThe Pontiac Vibe is a versatile and likable entry-level compact sport wagon with a pleasant ride and cabin that easily accommodates a young family or four large adults

All-new Lincoln MKS is impressive When you first walk up to Lincoln's all-new flagship sedan, the MKS, its bold and luxurious front end styling, accented by the large waterfall grille, grab your attention. Photo gallery: 2009 Lincoln MKS

Galant Ralliart combines style with speed While it has a base model that is supposed to compete with the Toyota Camry, the all-new Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is the high-end incarnation of a mid-size sedan that puts a whole lot of emphasis behind horsepower and style and a little less behind comfort.

Corolla delivers economy with Toyota reliability It is hard to talk about the Toyota Corolla and not mention the longevity of the brand name. To survive almost 40 years, the Corolla has had to do something very right. Given that it clearly has not been an exterior "wow" pioneer for looks, function has got to win out over form -- and it does in the form of the 2009 Corolla.