What It Is: A bigger, roomier version of the Prius hybrid.
What's New: Mechanically similar to the Prius, the Prius v offers much more cargo space and a more family-friendly back seat.
Why You Need to Know: Toyota's expanding the Prius from a single model to a whole family of vehicles. The Prius v promises to be the most family friendly version.

The Toyota Prius is one of those cars that needs no introduction. However, despite its eco-friendly street cred, there's an inherent problem with Toyota's famous hybrid: It's small. Despite its hatchback shape it's not particularly roomy, and for car buyers with families, that lack of space often rules out the Prius.

Toyota, not surprisingly, now offers a solution. The 2012 Toyota Prius v is a bigger version of the existing Prius, with more cargo space behind the rear seats, a longer roof, and more rear passenger space, all while still getting 42 mpg in the city. Touted as a hybrid for small families, the 2012 Toyota Prius v could be the answer to a lot of people's prayers. To find out why, click Read More.

What It Is: A futuristic van concept.
What's New: The Kia KV7 concept is a different take on vans, with gullwing doors and a lounge-like interior.
Why You Need to Know: The Kia KV7 concept will never see production, but it's an interesting take on vans, and some of its styling could presage the next-generation Kia Sedona minivan.

You will not see the Kia LV7 driving down the road anytime soon. Nor will you see it in a dealer showroom, ever. However, the KV7 concept does do a couple of important things. First, it shows that Kia knows how to have fun, even when the assignment is a van. Second, it hints at what might be in store for the next generation of Sedona minivan in a couple of years.

The KV7 is not your traditional minivan though. Instead of sliding side doors, it has a big gullwing that opens vertically. Instead of normal passenger seating, it has four captain's chairs that swivel around -- including the driver's -- and an L-shaped couch for an additional three. Instead of seatbelts it has, um, magic, maybe? Click Read More to find out where the KV7's fantasy ends, and what future realities it may hold.

What It Is: A five-passenger midsize sedan.
What's New: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat offers a huge price break and diesel power in its latest version.
Why You Need to Know: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat's available diesel engine offers the fuel economy of a hybrid, but without sacrificing trunk space for a battery pack.

The Volkswagen Passat has, like many Volkswagens, been sort of an anti-establishment choice. While Camrys, Accords, Altimas and Malibus have dominated the midsize sedan market, the Passat has slipped by quietly, relying on its German heritage to justify its usually higher price. Sales, however, have paled next to its mostly Asian competition.

Well, never accuse the Germans from backing down from a fight. The 2012 Volkswagen Passat brings a much lower price to compete against the entry-level midsize sedans from Toyota, Ford, Honda and Hyundai, all while offering best-in-class legroom and premium features as standard equipment. It also offers a powerful V-6 to go up against their premium versions as well. But most importantly, it'll be the only car in its segment to offer a diesel engine, matching the fuel economy of a hybrid, but without sacrificing trunk space. Click Read More to see why this could be your next go-to sedan.

What It Is: A five-passenger luxury sedan.
What's New: The Chrysler 300 has been redesigned for the 2011 model year.
Why You Need to Know: With all-new sheetmetal and a seriously revamped interior, the 2011 Chrysler 300 hopes to lift the brand's image as a serious luxury contender.

The veil on the 2011 Chrysler 300 has been lifted in public for the first time at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and Chrysler's new top-line sedan looks good. Very good.

While hewing closely to the brusque image of the first 300, the new car smooths out that vehicle's rougher edges, especially in front. The 2012 Chrysler 300 has a more sophisticated look, with smaller headlights lined in LEDs, a less in-your-face grille design, and other details that give it a classier, more upscale appearance. The profile looks largely the same, as does the rear, although it too has been reshaped for the new decade. However, the biggest changes are to the interior; click Read More to see.

What It Is: A five-passenger premium compact sedan.
What's New: The Verano is an all-new model for Buick.
Why You Need to Know: The 2012 Buick Verano's mission is to expand Buick's lineup to a more price-sensitive market, but without sacrificing its premium image.

Buick is working hard to rebuild its image. Anxious to shed its reputation for building dowdy grandpa cars, it has introduced numerous new models, all with exciting features, advanced options and modern styling that looks decidedly out of place at the early bird special.

New to the Buick lineup is the 2012 Buick Verano. A small midsize car based on the same basic underpinnings as the very good Chevrolet Cruze, the Verano sports little in common with that car, but offers up a premium appearance inside and out, as well as engines that you can't get in a Cruze. To find out what else the 2012 Buick Verano offers compact car buyers, click Read More.