Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Camry was new last year and Accord holds that honor this year.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.

Impala's sales slipped 4.5 percent in 2002 after a 19.5-percent surge in calendar '01. To pump up interest in its family midsize, Chevy adds a sporty Impala SS for 2004. Due to reach dealers this fall, it carries a 240-hp supercharged 3.8 V6, uprated suspension, and high-performance tires on special 17-inch "diamond cut" alloy wheels. The SS comes only in black and sports mild styling revisions slated for other '04 Impalas. Chevy hasn't offered an SS Impala since the much larger rear-drive sedan models of 1993-96. The '04 is part of a planned Super Sport lineup that also includes a Monte Carlo coupe and Silverado pickup. Most Chevy cars and some trucks were available with SS trim from the 1960s through the 1980s. The division hopes that reviving the practice will improve its youth appeal and overall sales now.

Sources say Impala won't be fully redesigned until model-year 2006, when it migrates to the reengineered "Mid Lux" version of today's "W-body" platform. Pontiac's Grand Prix does so for 2004. The basic W-body design dates from 1997.