MotorMouths

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a very decent little car. It offers impressive comfort, real-world mid-30 MPGs, 9 standard airbags, plus Toyota dependability. All of that makes it a fine entry-level choice for the under-30 set.

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a very capable and solid family utility vehicle, one built for the 21st century.

Well, the 2012 Scion iQ, though tiny in size, may just well be the next big thing in city commuting. The tiny shell surprised us with “real-car” comfort for front seaters. But, you do have to chose whether you want to haul people or cargo.

The 2013 Escape is an excellent overall package. It handles nicely, is fairly comfortable, and gets great fuel mileage; plus you’ve got a wide range of choices when it comes to power-trains. But you will have to budget wisely to put an Escape in your garage.

While overall Equus performance seems unremarkable, as Hyundai’s first effort, it’s still very notable. And here’s the kicker…the Equus Signature starts at $58,000. That’s about $8,000 less than an LS, and $30-grand less than the cheapest S-Class.

The Nissan Versa is a fine, budget-minded people mover. A vehicle able to fit 5 adults in comfort, and get great fuel economy, all for about half the cost of the typical family sedan, is indeed hard to find. However, it would not be our first choice.

The Fiat 500 is a fun little runabout that offers good comfort and acceptable economy, while showing loads of style for both your daily grind and weekend adventures.

Looking for a stylish way to enjoy a sunny drive for four? The Chrysler 200 Convertible will do that! And, you don’t have to break the bank at Monte Carlo to own it.

The 2010 Subaru Outback returns with a bolder outer show, more utility-like practicality, and plenty of interior refinement. It’s not much of a driver’s car, but it’s ideal for family carting and an outdoor lifestyle.

We came away suitably impressed with the 2011 Fiesta. It has a lot going for it-slick style, quality interior, and plenty of chassis. It does come up short in reserve power, but boy do those MPG numbers look good.

the 2010 Honda Insight is the most affordable hybrid to date, and while it may not be the ultimate hybrid car,it will make this technology much more accessible, and that will have both buyers and Honda seeing a lot more green.

Hands down the CR-Z is more entertaining than any other hybrid. Its compromises show in sluggish acceleration and good rather than great economy ratings. But, then, life is full of compromises, as was the original CR-X.