Honda Civic

The 2012 Civic lineup adds a high-fuel-economy variant to go with the re-engineered sedan, coupe, Si, hybrid, and natural gas models, each of which boasts better fuel efficiency.

Illustrating the Civic's significance to Honda, the compact car, if considered as a stand-alone brand, would rank no. 12 in U.S. sales, ahead of full-line brands such as Volkswagen, Mazda, and Chrysler, according to the re-engineered car's Senior Product Planner, Jay Guzowski.

The ninth-generation Civic has taken some hits, however, since its spring launch, most notably from Consumer Reports, which scored the Civic LX sedan too low to recommend it. Among the car's faults, according to the automotive testing organization, are drop-offs in agility and interior quality, as well as a “choppy ride” and “pronounced road noise.” Redeeming qualities, again according to CR, include “decent rear-seat room” and its fuel economy.