2013 cars coming out

2013 Acura ILX
Acura has been selling a Civic-based compact sedan called the CSX in other markets (including Canada) for several years; we reviewed one in 2007 and found it to be little more than, well, a gussied-up Civic. I expected more of the same from the ILX, but Acura has gone out of their way to differentiate this car from it's Honda platform-mate. The ILX will hit showrooms in the spring of 2012 with a starting price around $30,000. Engine choices include a 2-liter base engine, the 2.4 liter engine and 6-speed manual found in the Civic Si, and a gas-electric drivetrain borrowed from the Honda Civic Hybrid. This will be Acura's first hybrid, but EPA fuel economy estimates are only 35 MPG city/35 MPG highway. (At least the Lexus HS 250h need no longer suffer alone.)

Top 10 Cars that Reignite the American Dream

Overview

It wasn't too long ago that a pair of U.S. car companies was in bankruptcy and a third was hanging on by a thread. But these days, we at Kelley Blue Book have seen a definite resurgence in the vehicles from American-based manufacturers -- new products that offer unique technology plus tried-and-true models that deliver exceptional value. With Independence Day upon us we can't think of a better time to honor these great vehicles that call the land of the free their home.

10/10

2013 Dodge Dart

Like so many Americans themselves, the Dodge Dart has European ancestry but is proudly made here in the US of A. In the case of this stylish new compact sedan whose very name carries American heritage, the Dart's platform is based on a sporty Alfa Romeo, while the car's production recently began in a revamped factory in Illinois.

9/10

2012 Chevrolet Volt

The car buying public has been slow to embrace the Chevy Volt, but the fundamental concept behind GM's quasi-electric car is sound. For journeys around 30 miles or less (longer than the average American's daily commute) the Volt uses zero gasoline, while a gasoline-powered generator kicks in for longer trips, propelling the Volt much like a locomotive. The Chevy Volt is an electric car without typical electric-car limits, and it's as clear a sign as any that American innovation is alive and well.

8/10

2013 Ford Escape

When one generation of sport-utility vehicle makes way for a new-version and still manages to bow out as the best-selling SUV of the year (after 10 years of production!), that's an American success story. Built in Louisville, Kentucky, the all-new 2013 Ford Escape plans to continue its compact-SUV predecessor's winning streak with second-to-none styling and fuel-smart/power-potent EcoBoost engines.

7/10

2012 Cadillac CTS

There was a time, not long ago, when the future of American luxury was called into question. Like a caped crusader, the Cadillac CTS swooped into action and reignited America's love for domestic luxury cars. Be it a record-setting lap on the notorious Nürburgring circuit or a leisurely family outing, the Cadillac CTS is perhaps the most versatile American luxury car of all time.

6/10

2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

The supersized Chevy Suburban SUV has been an all-American icon since 1776. Every U.S. President since George Washington has owned one as his personal vehicle. That's not literally true, of course, but there has been a Suburban on Chevrolet dealers' lots every year since 1934, making Chevy's giant steel box on wheels the longest-lived continuously-produced automobile nameplate in the world.

5/10

2012 Chrysler 300

Picture a modest but impeccable suburban home with a full-size, rear-drive sedan in the driveway, and you can actually see the American Dream. Our top-rated large sedan of 2012, the Chrysler 300 is the 21st-century evolution of the car that ruled the growing Interstate system in the middle of the last century. Today's version offers Bluetooth, radar and touchscreen technologies. Plus air conditioning. And seatbelts.

4/10

2012 Ford F150 Regular Cab

This is the full-size pickup truck that built America. From the moment of its introduction in 1948 until this very second -- where it reigns as the best-selling vehicle in the United States -- the Ford F-Series has hauled more rebar and fertilizer, made more trips to the dump and to Home Depot, and moved more students and horse trailers than any other pickup in the land.

3/10

2012 Jeep Wrangler

With lineage tracing back to the battlefields of World War II, the Jeep Wrangler has become the 4-wheeled personification of American Exceptionalism. When we think of freedom, images of treading through waist-high water, crawling mammoth-sized rock formations, and climbing 45-degree grades frequently come to mind. To the casual observer, the Wrangler's go-anywhere, do-anything philosophy might seem like idle boasting, but to Jeep owners, it's a way of life.

2/10

2012 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is so American, it's a cliché rivaling apple pie. Cliché or not we love the Stang. It's a car with more attitude than sense, exhibited by the ultimate availability of a 550-horsepower V8 whose prodigious power is directed to the rear wheels via an impossibly dated live axle. Thankfully the Mustang's "classic" elements are contrasted by modern touches including an impressively efficient V6 and the latest generation of infotainment technology, ensuring this quintessential American pony car will stay relevant for years to come.

1/10

2012 Chevrolet Corvette

For nearly 60 years the Corvette has captivated drivers across America and far beyond, rising in status from an innovative convertible with then-fancy features like fuel injection and power windows to the supercar that is today's ZR1. As American as Jon Stewart interviewing Springsteen for Rolling Stone, the Corvette is our homegrown exotic-fighter that is as competent pacing the Indy 500 as it is comfortably cruising down the main drag in Anytown, USA.

10 Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000

Overview

More than a fancy badge and leather seats, today's luxury cars are surrounded by an aura of benefits including everything from personal concierge services to dealership putting greens to no-hassle loaner cars. And the cars are nice, too. The best part? You don't have to spend six figures to join the club.

10/10

2012 Hyundai Genesis

Surprise! There's a Hyundai on this list of luxury cars. No, this isn't a joke and neither is the car. The Genesis has stylistic gravitas, plenty of premium touches throughout its cabin, performance chops to rival the best in class and a modest $35,050 starting sticker price. Look beyond the badge if you have to and you'll find a luxury bargain that's hard to beat.

9/10

2012 Buick LaCrosse

It's as comfortable and quiet as whichever Buick your grandparents drove, but there's more spring in its step and enough available technology to pleasantly befuddle even some Gen Y drivers we know. The Lacrosse starts at $30,820 and offers continuing savings in the form of 36-mpg highway fuel economy.

8/10

2012 Lexus IS

Still a relative newcomer to the profoundly competitive entry-luxury segment, the Lexus IS has proven to be a quick learner. Starting at $34,470, the Lexus IS lives up to its name as an "Intelligent Sport" sedan with its clean design, foolproof ergonomics and array of available creature comforts.

7/10

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The three-pointed star isn't just a hood ornament, it's a globally recognized symbol for luxury. Mercedes has enhanced the C-Class lineup for 2012 with a mild facelift, redesigned interior, new fuel-efficient four-cylinder turbo engine and the addition of a true coupe model for the first time. The C250 Sedan starts at $35,675, the C250 Coupe at $38,095. 

6/10

2012 Infiniti G

The Infiniti G is fun, comfortable and super stylish, but its key strength is value. Compared to the European competitors sprinkled throughout this list, the Infiniti G can save buyers more than $5,000 for similar power and equipment. The Infiniti G lineup starts at $32,600, but even a 328-horsepower, all-wheel-drive, heavily outfitted version comes in under our $40,000 ceiling.

5/10

2012 Lexus RX

The revolutionary Lexus RX established the luxury crossover segment in 1998 and has maintained its position as the category's sales leader into 2012. Lexus' bestselling vehicle is a well-rounded premium crossover that offers modern styling, ample fuel economy and an exceptionally comfortable ride. And it ekes under our $40,000 cutoff with a starting sticker price of $39,950.

4/10

2012 Acura TL

Boasting tasteful exterior/interior styling tweaks plus a new econo-enhancing six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Acura TL has become even more appealing. A long list of premium standard features and a starting price of $36,490 combine to give this premium midsize sedan a tangible value-oriented edge.

3/10

2012 Audi A5

Luxury ain't cute - it's handsome. And the 2012 Audi A5 coupe isn't just handsome - it's a knockout composed of elegance and exceptional drivability. Guaranteed: The A5's lines are going to keep it looking fresh well into the next century, and probably a century or two after that. The 2012 Audi A5 starts at $37,975.

2/10

2012 Cadillac CTS

Available in sedan, coupe and wagon body styles, the midsize rear-drive Cadillac CTS started a design revolution at GM's luxury division that continues to this day. Complementing edgy styling, excellent dynamics and solid performance with loads of upline appointments and technology, the 2012 CTS lineup - starting at $36,790 - is ready to rumble with any European or Japanese rival.

1/10

2012 BMW 3 Series

The 2012 BMW 328i starts at $35,795 and ends up as our pick for the best luxury car under $40,000. All new for 2012, there's nothing "entry-level" about the luxury in this luxury sedan with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that outperforms last year's inline-6 on every level from performance to fuel economy.

10 Best Family Cars of 2012

Overview

All families are not alike, so it stands to reason that all family cars shouldn't be alike either. What the following 10 vehicles have in common is that they are family-friendly in a big way, offering safety, comfort, child-friendliness, strong consumer ratings and impressive cost of ownership stats. We bet one or more of them will fit your family just fine.

10/10

2012 Toyota Prius v

Love the idea of 50 mpg but need room for your family and fixings? You might be suffering from Prius envy. But now there's a bigger Prius Toyota calls Prius V. Its combined fuel economy of 42 mpg doesn't quite match its little brother's, but it's way more fuel efficient than any compact SUV and roomier than many.

9/10

2012 Chrysler 300

Well-equipped at its starting price under $30,000, the Chrysler 300 qualifies as a screaming deal for those who favor a full-size sedan with outstanding comfort, loads of premium standard features and a distinctive sense of style. Redesigned for 2011, the Chrysler 300 gets even better for 2012 thanks to a new economy-enhancing V6 engine and segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission.

8/10

2012 Honda Civic

Smaller and more affordable than the prototypical family car, the Honda Civic is nevertheless plenty car for many families. In addition to offering comfortable seating for five, the Civic is capable of up to 39 mpg on the highway and is available with a new display that shows fuel economy, music info and even your favorite family photos.

7/10

2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Our list of family cars would not be complete without a large cargo-hauling, people-moving SUV like the Chevrolet Suburban. Especially since this large SUV is capable of seating up to nine passengers, towing 9,600 pounds and is available with a host of creature comforts to accommodate almost any size family. And all their luggage. And their boat.

6/10

2012 Kia Sorento

What has three rows and returns highway fuel economy of up to 32 mpg? Not much. But the 2012 Kia Sorento does, and good fuel economy is only part of the story. The Sorento starts under $24,000 and offers a voice-controlled infotainment system plus a great big panoramic moonroof.

5/10

2012 Honda CR-V

Fully redesigned for 2012, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V offers a more contemporary look and feel than the vehicle it replaces along with even better fuel economy and an improved available Real-Time all-wheel drive system. Perennial best-seller in the hotly contested compact crossover class, the new CR-V is also one of the few in the class to offer a rear-seat entertainment system.

4/10

2012 Subaru Outback

If your family deserves a sport utility vehicle but doesn't want an SUV, the 2012 Subaru Outback is the perfect on-road, off-road, all-road choice. Every Outback comes with all-wheel drive, an integrated roof rack and 8.7 inches of ground clearance - not bad for a fuel-smart, road-savvy station wagon with room for five adults and loads of cargo.

3/10

2012 Ford Flex

One of the most appealing boxes in the world, the 2012 Ford Flex comes with three rows of family seating and plenty of opt-up possibilities, including all-wheel drive, an EcoBoost V6 (high power, high fuel economy) and a center-console fridge. Best of all, the Flex is just rare enough a beast to let you maintain a degree of exclusivity in neighborhoods glutted with minivans and crossover SUVs.

2/10

2012 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is perfectly practical, happily shuttling kids or cargo while offering minivan must-haves like sliding rear doors and a flexible, roomy interior. But the Odyssey also has an almost passionate side, expressed in its strong V6 engine, oddly capable handling and comparatively stylish exterior.

1/10

2012 Volkswagen Passat

Crafted specifically for the American market -- it's even built in Chattanooga, Tennessee -- the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is both larger and cheaper than the model it replaces. But the European driving dynamics and interior feel remain, making the new Passat a uniquely well-rounded family sedan and our Best Family Car of 2012.

Top 10 German Cars (All-Time)

Top 10 All-Time German Cars

 

12 New Cars That Are Worth Waiting For

12 New Cars That Are Worth Waiting For

It's a distinctly American trait to want what's next—even before it's here. Yes, Americans are spoiled, with too many choices in every genre of product, especially cars. But so what? This is the place where cars blossomed, where the first (and arguably best) car culture still exists. And where we haven't stopped loving—and lusting after—the cool car around the next bend. With that in mind, here's PM's calendar of 12 cool cars under $50,000 that will go on sale in the next 18 months. Note that the exact dates may not be 100 percent accurate: The timetable is based on what the notoriously vague car flacks told us. So we've pried free what info we could, and we share it with you here.
UPDATE: The 2013 models are making their way into showrooms now. Check out our picks for the best new cars for 2013.

 JANUARY 2012: 2013 Ford Focus ST