Toyota’s flagship since 1994-’95 model year and known in early generations in Japan as the Pronard, Avalon is nearing the end of its third generation in America as the prime Toyota full-size sedan. With no significant changes for 2010 from the 2009 model, the Avalon is refined … so refined in fact that its upscale trims (XLS and Limited) could proudly carry the Lexus badge and compete notably with its sister, the Lexus ES 350.

Already competing at the highest levels of the fuel economical automobile niche, Honda has gone hybrid with the second-generation Insight. The Hybrid Insight is Honda’s first production vehicle to feature the manufacturer’s Integrated Motor Assist system, and revamps the three-door hatchback Insight produced and sold until 2008. Base priced under $20,000, it is arguably the least-expensive hybrid vehicle sold in the United States.