Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

A redesign for Hollywood's favorite hybrid is reportedly on for 2010 or 2011. Because the current model owes some of its popularity to distinct styling, the replacement, too, is expected to look like no other hybrid-power Toyota. There's also talk of a new powertrain with a plug-in electric side to allow running longer and farther without the gas engine. We also hear the new system might include a driver-adjustable selector for favoring acceleration or fuel economy as needed. What these changes might do to sticker price is unclear, but Toyota seems less concerned now with value than having Prius be a showcase for the company's latest and best hybrid technology.

Meantime, the current Prius is apparently selling now without the long waits and padded sticker prices of the past couple of years, this despite heightened public concern over long-term fuel prices. So if you can't wait for the new one, you should be able to get a decent deal right now, though probably not much of a discount.