Nissan’s all-electric car, the compact Leaf hatchback, is making its first U.S. tour as the Japanese automaker drums up interest for the vehicle before it officially goes on sale in December in a few states — including Texas.

Nationwide rollout of the vehicle will come in 2012, but other states will be added along the way as charging infrastructure is installed, Nissan said.

The automaker already has had discussions with Reliant Energy in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, as well as with the electric utilities in Houston and Austin, and will be meeting with CPS officials Feb. 3 in San Antonio, said Mark Perry, Nissan North America’s vice president for product planning.

The Leaf’s nationwide tour, which began in Los Angeles in early November, will include just one stop in Texas, Feb. 5-6 in Houston.

I caught up with the Leaf this week at Nissan’s Americas headquarters near Nashville, Tenn., where I got to see and drive the vehicle.

It’s a four-door model similar in size and shape to Nissan’s compact “C-platform” car, which is sold as the Versa in the United States. But Perry said the car is slightly larger and roomier than the Versa, with some of that extra interior space made available because the car has a flat floor not possible in a gasoline-engine vehicle.

The car comfortably seats five people and can go more than 100 miles between charges, a range designed to satisfy “real-world consumer requirements,” Perry said, noting that most Americans drive an average of 40 miles a day.

For those who must drive farther than 100 miles, Nissan is working with various government agencies, electric-power providers and businesses to set up charging stations in a variety of settings, including fast-food restaurants along the interstate-highway system.

One of those is already in place, Perry said — at a McDonald’s restaurant in Cary, N.C. Nissan didn’t set that one up, though – it was done by the restaurant’s franchisee, who wanted to be among the first businesses in his area to accommodate electric cars.

Recharging at commercial stations such as those along the interstates could take as little as 25 minutes, which would work well in conjunction with fast-food restaurants as the typical road-trip stop at such a restaurant lasts about 20 minutes, Perry said. The chargers for the Leaf will be compatible with other electric vehicles being readied for the U.S. market, including plug-in hybrids from Toyota and General Motors, such as the Chevrolet Volt.

Most recharging of the Leaf will be done overnight in owners’ garages, Perry said, which will take just eight hours if the battery is nearly exhausted. That’s based on using a 220-volt, 30-amp charger that Leaf buyers will need to purchase and have installed by a licensed electrician.

The car also will have an onboard charger for emergencies that can be plugged into a standard 110-volt household electrical outlet. With a discharged battery, the recharging time would be about 15 hours, Perry said.

While no prices have been announced yet for the home chargers, they could cost up to $1,500 when the expense of installing 220-volt service is included, he said. But a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 is available for home-charging stations, and up to $50,000 for business or public charging stations.

The Leaf drives like an ordinary car, with a brake and accelerator pedal, but it’s extremely quiet, as there is no motor noise. And it has surprisingly quick acceleration, giving it the feel of a car with a V-6 gasoline engine.

Top speed will be about 90 mph, although I wasn’t able to go anywhere near that fast on Nissan’s closed test loop at its headquarters building in Franklin, Tenn.

The car has no transmission — power from the electric motor goes straight to the drive wheels — so there are no gear changes. It has very smooth acceleration from start to highway speed, and 100 percent of the available torque is present immediately.

While some might compare the driving experience to that of a golf cart, Nissan says the Leaf is “no golf cart; it’s the real thing.” It’s designed to perform just like any other highway-capable vehicle, with the only compromise being the limited range provided by the lithium-ion battery.

The battery is installed under the rear floor of the vehicle, where it is as protected from impact as possible in the event of a traffic accident.

Under the hood is the electric motor, and on the front of the hood is the charging port. A flap is lifted up to open the port, where the cord from the charger is plugged into the car.

With its hatchback configuration, the Leaf has plenty of cargo space, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seatback if necessary.

No price has been announced yet for the Leaf, but Perry said Nissan’s intention is to make it a mass-market vehicle, with a price similar to that of a typical compact family sedan in the low- to mid-price range. That would seem to indicate a price beginning under $20,000.

A $7,500 federal tax credit will be available for U.S. Leaf buyers, but Nissan hasn’t said yet whether the affordable price it’s promising will be calculated before or after the tax credit is applied.

The five-passenger gasoline-electric Toyota Prius hybrid starts just under $23,000, and the new Honda Insight hybrid is just under $21,000. But they come with a gasoline engine along with the battery-operated electric motor. The gas engine actually does the bulk of the driving and keeps the battery charged.

While the Leaf’s 100-mile range isn’t nearly as far as automakers had been hoping for with advances in battery design, it’s a vast improvement over the 40-mile range of earlier electric vehicles using lead-acid or nickel-metal-hydride battery packs, such as those now found in vehicles such as the Prius and Insight.

The Leaf’s battery is designed to have a useful life of 10 years, but that doesn’t mean it will stop working at the end of that period; instead, it will be capable of just 70 percent to 80 percent of full charge by that time, Perry said.

Already, about 35,000 people have registered on the Leaf Web site to receive updates about the vehicle, he said.

In April, those who registered will be asked if they want to reserve one of the vehicles for purchase.

Initially, the Leaf will be imported from Japan. But Nissan plans to assemble the car at its Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant beginning in late 2012, using batteries that will be made in a new facility on the same site — financed in part by a $1.6 billion loan from the U.S. government.

Construction will begin on the battery plant this spring, and it will open in mid-2012. When it is at full production, the battery plant will employ more than 1,000 people and produce about 200,000 battery packs a year, Perry said.

The Leaf will offer the equivalent of 357 mpg when comparing the use of electricity to what it would cost to power the same vehicle with gasoline, Nissan said.

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Ford Fusion Sport AWDMSRP: Starts at $28,355
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

Attractive and purposeful, the redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion is an excellent choice among midsize sedans.

With a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, in addition to front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Fusion has something for everyone. The powerteams are a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 240-hp 3.0L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The addition of a 263-hp 3.5L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission is new for this year. The Fusion is available in four trim levels, the S, SE, SEL, and Sport. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Subaru Legacy 3.6RMSRP: Starts at $24,995
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Subaru Legacy is a full-time all-wheel drive sedan that has been completely redesigned for 2010.

The Legacy is available with a 170-hp naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual (or optional 6-speed CVT), or a 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual, or a, new for this year, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder with a 5-speed automatic. The CVT and automatic transmissions feature a manual mode with paddle levers on the steering wheel. Limited models feature leather seating, a 6-disc 440-watt 9-speaker harman/kardon audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability.

Honda Accord 3.5 EXMSRP: Starts at $26,805
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

The Accord is Honda’s largest car, offering generous interior space for up to five people wrapped in stylish exterior sheet metal.

The Accord comes either as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engines are available in five-speed manual or automatic transmission for both styles of the Accord, while the V6 sedan is only available in five-speed automatic. The V6 coupe is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Cloth upholstery is standard on all but the EX-L models which feature leather seats and a leather-covered steering wheel. Safety is enhanced on all Accords with six standard airbags, including side-impact air bags for front seats and side curtain air bags. Four-wheel disc, anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Brake Assist and active front head restraints also come standard.

Chevy Malibu LTZMSRP: Starts at $26,955
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The award winning Chevrolet Malibu emphasizes civilized road manners, quality construction and practicality, with clean, contemporary styling.

The 2010 Malibu has three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ. All models come with a 169-hp, 2.4-liter E85-compatible four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The LS includes a four-speed automatic transmission. The LT and LTZ include a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the LT and LTZ is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6, matched with a six-speed automatic. The Malibu comes with standard safety features such as seat-mounted thorax airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Bluetooth is standard on the LTZ, optional on the LT. New for 2010, driver power lumbar is standard on all trims.

Ford Taurus SEL AWDMSRP: Starts at $29,220
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy/17 mpg City

The 2010 Taurus is Ford’s new flagship that offers full-size car interior dimensions, luxury car interior quietness, a top safety rating as well as advanced technology, to give it’s owners confidence on the road.

The front-wheel or all-wheel drive Taurus is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the option of steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Taurus redesign also marks the return of the SHO performance model, powered by a twin-turbo version of the 3.5-liter V6, it produces 365-hp and channels that through standard all-wheel drive and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, six airbags, ignition disable and post-crash SOS alert. There are many kinds of technology features available such as Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning, MyKey parental features, SYNC, capless refueling, touch-pad keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rain-sensing wipers and intelligent keyless entry.

Toyota Camry LE V6MSRP: Starts at $24,565
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 19 mpg City

The benchmark Toyota Camry sedan continues its reputation of safety, reliability, and quality while offering fuel efficiency, space, and power.

The Camry is a front-wheel drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan featuring four trims: Base, LE, SE, and XLE. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission are standard; a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting is optional. LE, SE, and XLE models are available with a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. Stability and traction control, seven-airbags, and tire pressure monitor are standard.

Volkswagen CCMSRP: Starts at $27,760
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

The CC is an all-new vehicle from Volkswagen for 2009. The CC is a Passat wrapped in a dramatic and stylish four-door body with flowing lines and a bold face.

Power comes from either a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, or a 280-hp 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 (VR6). Both engines are available with front-wheel drive, while the VR6 can also be equipped with all-wheel drive. The CC carries four people in ergonomic sport-type seats, leather seating surfaces are standard on all but the leatherette equipped Sport trim level. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, panic brake assist, six airbags, front row seatbelt pretensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, Dynaudio stereo system, navigation system, back-up camera and satellite radio are also standard on some trim levels, optional on others.

Ford Fusion HybridMSRP: $27,950

Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans. Its hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. To link the gas engine and electric motor together, a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, is used to optimally match the power and gearing. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Acura TSXMSRP: Starts at $29,310
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/20 mpg City

The Acura TSX is a sporty sedan that offers a satisfying blend of performance, style and efficiency. Redesigned in 2009, the TSX boasts a muscular appearance, great handling and an electric power steering system, complemented by enhanced comfort, convenience and safety features. New for 2010, the TSX is available with a V6 engine.

The front-wheel drive TSX is powered by a 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, or a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic. The auto transmission includes SportShift and steering wheel paddles and is available with the 4-cylinder engine. The TSX is well-equipped, with a power moonroof, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, satellite radio and HandsFreeLink (Bluetooth) wireless connectivity. The 2.4-liter model includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the 3.5-liter model includes 18-inch alloy wheels and exclusive suspension tuning. An optional Technology Package includes a navigation system with voice activation, integrated rearview camera parking assist and upgraded audio and climate control systems. Standard safety-enhancing features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags and new active anti-whiplash front head restraints.

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1. Toyota PriusMSRP: $22,000 – $27,270
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $732

The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

2. Ford Fusion Hybrid (tied with Mercury Milan Hybrid )MSRP: $27,270 – $27,270
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $937

The Ford Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine in combination with an electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery. To link the gas engine and electric motor together, a continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT, is used to optimally match the power and gearing.

3. Mercury Milan Hybrid (tied with Ford Fusion Hybrid)MSRP: $27,500 – $27,500
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $937

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid offers buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular mid-size sedans. Its hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

4. Honda Insight HybridMSRP: $19,800 – $21,300
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $893

The 2010 Honda Insight has returned to the showroom for the first time since the 2006 model year. The Insight is now a more practical four-door, five-passenger hatchback compared to the first generation two-seater.

5. Volkswagen Jetta TDI DieselMSRP: $22,270
Fuel Economy: 41 mpg Hwy, 30 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,001

For 2009 the Volkswagen Jetta offers a new 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine for those looking for maximum fuel economy. All Jettas come standard with many safety features including front side-impact air bags, curtain/head air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program and traction control.

6. Lexus HS 250hMSRP: $34,200 – $36,970
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 35 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,047

Lexus has introduced a new luxury hybrid model for 2010, the HS 250h. The HS 250h is a luxury hybrid sedan with seating for 5. It is available in two trims; Base and Premium. As a hybrid, the powertrain features a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor which combined generate 187-hp.

7. Toyota Camry HybridMSRP: $26,150 – $26,150
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,076

The Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency. The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers. Available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine.

8. Toyota YarisMSRP: Starting at $12,205
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy/29 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,146

The Yaris manages to combine a well-tailored, roomy interior with agile performance and a fuel efficient engine in an entry-level car. The front-wheel drive Yaris is available as a hatchback (three-door or five-door) or a four-door sedan; all are offered in either Base or S trim. The Yaris is powered by a 106 horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

9. Hyundai Accent (tied with Kia Forte) MSRP: $9,970 – $15,070
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/27 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,219

The Accent sedan and hatchback are exceptional economy cars that offer attractive looks and outstanding value in a price-sensitive market segment. The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter double overhead-cam engine that produces 110 horsepower, and features variable valve timing.

10. Kia Forte (tied with Hyundai Accent)MSRP: $13,695 – $17,195
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 25 mpg City
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,219

For 2010, the Kia Forte replaces the aging Spectra in Kia’s line-up. The Forte is a mid-size 4-door sedan featuring Kia’s new distinctive family look. It is available in three trims; LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX trims both feature a 156-hp 2.0L four-cylinder and a standard 5-speed manual, or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

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The replacement for the F430, the Ferrari 458 Italia, got its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, though as with any exotic these days, there were “leaked” shots on the Internet and even a clip with the 458 Italia’s co-creator former F1 driver Michael Schumacher circulating weeks before the big reveal.

The V8 used in the F430 is found in the 458 Italia, too, but with mods to make it even more powerful. Lots of F1 tech made it into the new car, from the spark plugs to the mannetino switch. But most important for Ferrari followers is a return to the sexy shapes that cause lust at first sight.

The 458 Italia Engine:
The Ferrari 458 Italia uses the same engine as its predecessor, the F430, but with tweaks that increase horsepower to 503, and torque to 346 lb-ft. The engine features a CPU that monitors the currents inside the combustion chamber between the spark plug electrodes. This means, according to Ferrari, that the computer notes every single spark in every chamber, making the process faster and more accurate. In any case, the engine is mated to an F1-derived Superfast 2 automatic gearbox and the E-Diff electronic differential. It all adds up to 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds or less and a top speed of 198 mph.

The 458 Italia Design:
Ferrari returns to its sexy roots with the flowing design of the Ferrari 458 Italia. After the less-than-lovable F430 and the blocky-for-Ferrari 612 Scuderia, fans and media alike have appreciated the curves on the Italia, which serve an aerodynamic function. It uses what the folks at Maranello call the Base Bleed effect, which was developed on the FXX, to increase downforce while not increasing drag. The car weighs less than 3000 pounds, thanks to carbon fiber bits, and has carbon ceramic brakes for maximum stopping power. The company has confirmed a topless Spider edition will be available within a few years.

The Bespoke Interior:
The carbon fiber seats in the 458 Italia come in several sizes for the best fit — no more one-size-fits all for Ferrari customers. Of course, once the seat of your choice is installed, it’s adjustable for a precise fit inside the cockpit. The steering wheel, like its predecessor and its cousins on the track, features the manettino switch for a custom traction control and suspension profile for varying driving surfaces. Ferrari offers personalization of all its cars, including a carbon fiber kit to up the go-fast appearance of the 458 Italia — in case you think that’s necessary.

Ferrari 458 Italia Facts:
Engine: 4.3-liter V8
Horsepower: 503 hp
Torque: 347 lb-ft
0-60 mph: under 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 198 mph
Fuel economy: 15 mpg combined
Price: $240,000

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The Honda Fit subcompact hit the U.S. market in 2007, but it’s been sold in numerous countries since 2001, so a redesign is already coming in September for the 2009 model year. The first generation was no slouch; it joined a subcompact class that was already growing, with the Chevrolet Aveo and Scion xB and xA joining the likes of the Hyundai Accent and Suzuki Esteem (the latter since discontinued). Though the Fit’s 2007 launch coincided with those of the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, the Fit snatched the top spot, in our opinion, thanks to its overall quality, despite strong competition from the larger, more affordable Versa.

I spent a few hours with the 2009 Fit and Fit Sport in both manual and automatic forms, and people who purchased the earlier Fit will be pleased to hear that the new one doesn’t blow the old one away, but new buyers will enjoy incremental improvements in many areas, including roominess, visibility and engine power, as well as a gas-mileage bump. Among the things that haven’t improved is the Fit’s advertising slogan, “The Fit is go!” Maybe I’m a pedantic editorial type, but it seems to me that a word is missing. “The Fit is a go” would have worked in 2007, but it seems a foregone conclusion now. The Fit goes? Yes, it does. I was also pleased to find as early as 2007 that when you step on the brake pedal, the Fit is stop. I fired up Google’s language translator hoping I could figure out if something got lost in translation, but when I punched in “The Fit is go,” the Japanese came back as “???????” — my reaction exactly, and possibly a better slogan than the one Honda chose.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28/35 mpg for the base model with a five-speed automatic transmission, and 27/33 mpg for versions with the five-speed manual transmission as well as for the automatic Fit Sport. You read it right: The manual is less efficient than one automatic version, whose highway figure has increased from 34 mpg to 35 mpg in the new generation. With the starting price of a 2008 Civic Hybrid at $22,600 and a 2008 Prius at $21,500 (if you can find one at that price), hybrids aren’t the most accessible cars — or necessarily the most cost-effective ones in the long run, despite mpg estimates of 40/45 and 48/45 mpg, respectively.

That’s not to say the Fit is cheap in its class. The starting sticker price in 2008, $13,950, has increased to $14,550. Also, because demand for small cars has risen with gas prices, their transaction prices are often higher than the sticker. Our most recent Smart Target Price estimate for the 2008 was $14,620, and because they’ve ceased production, the first generation is long gone in some regions. All that said, the price hasn’t proved to be a deterrent.

Larger Outside, Larger Inside
The Fit has grown by 4.2 inches in length and a half inch in width, but the greater change is in the cabin, which is almost 5 inches longer overall. If you’re familiar with the 2008 Fit, know that headroom has increased 0.4 inch, and backseat knee clearance is about 0.7 inch greater. If you’ve never been in a Fit, you’d be surprised by the fit. Like many small cars these days, its interior size belies its exterior dimensions. At 6 feet tall, I had substantial headroom surplus, and legroom was good enough that I had to inch the driver’s seat forward a bit to get full extension on the clutch pedal. Comfort has also improved, thanks to the addition of a dead pedal, or foot rest, on the left where the previous model had a carpeted outcropping that made for a more crowded footwell. The pedals are now slightly farther apart, as well. Where the previous Fit offered no center armrest at all, there’s now one standard on the Fit Sport’s driver’s seat. It’s not offered on the base Fit, and the passenger doesn’t get one at all. This will not make people happy.

The steering wheel now telescopes as well as tilts, but I’m surprised the driver’s seat doesn’t have a height adjustment. Even so, the dashboard and window sills are reasonably low, and I doubt that shorter drivers will have much trouble with visibility. Quite the contrary; the greenhouse is huge and has a wide-open feel, due in part to the A-pillars sloping far forward. This puts them more in the driver’s line of sight, but Honda slimmed them down and made the sail-shaped windows at their base substantially larger. No one will see the front fenders from the driver’s seat, but this has become the norm; you just have to visualize where your car ends. Aerodynamics and the desire for interior room ensure that pillar-forward designs will proliferate.

The rear view is much improved, too, thanks to backseat head restraints that, when nested into the backrest, eliminate the obstruction from the previous generation’s enormous ones. The backseat is comfortable, and due to a change in the roof’s peak, headroom is ample. With the driver’s seat all the way back, my knees were in contact with its backrest, but the floor is relatively low, so my knees weren’t raised much — which is how some cars shoehorn occupants in there. The 60/40-split backrests recline a bit, but the release handles atop the seatbacks are much better located for folding the seats flat than for reclining once you’re seated.

For what it’s worth, Honda continues to claim that the front seats recline all the way to create something of a bed, as they do in the Honda Element. I continue to claim that even Michael Phelps isn’t double-jointed enough to rest comfortably on this thing.

The versatile rear seats’ cushions can be raised to provide a tall cargo space, or their backrests can be folded forward in the customary fashion. The nested head restraints allow them to drop flat in a single step regardless of the front seats’ position. (The previous generation allowed the head restraints to stay mounted, so long as you slid the front seats forward and then back over their odd paddle shape — which is a lot of work.)

The Fit Goes
The Fit earns its fuel economy the old-fashioned way: with modest acceleration. Technology like variable valve timing helps the 1.5-liter four-cylinder deliver even, usable power, but the emphasis here is on efficiency. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the calibration of the five-speed automatic, which isn’t apt to kick down unless you give the pedal a good jab — even when in Sport mode. If you want to take control, get a Fit Sport, which adds steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Once the transmission downshifts and the engine revs higher, acceleration is definitely adequate. Inevitably people will hear this transition and conclude that the engine is “straining.” It’s not straining; it’s doing its job. Anyone who gets over this misconception will be rewarded with good mileage. Unfortunately, the Fit Sport might not make it easy, because it has significant engine noise when accelerating moderately to heavily. Is it because the car is otherwise quiet and exceptionally nice? I don’t know, but it surprised me, and I drove a 2008 model the same day that seemed quieter.

The five-speed manual, which has been tweaked a bit over last year’s, is well-matched to the new engine’s power band — a total of 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, which is an 8 hp increase. The torque is 106 pounds-feet at 4,800 rpm, and the stick has shorter throws for a sportier feel. Somehow the manual Fit sounded quieter to me — perhaps because engine noise seems less intrusive when it’s expected, which it often isn’t when an automatic is doing the shifting.

The Fit is Stop!
Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are one of many safety features you might not expect of cars in this class. They’re standard in the Fit. Par for the course, though, it has rear drum rather than disc brakes. This doesn’t necessarily mean the car doesn’t stop well, but discs are a theoretical advantage. I found the brakes reasonably linear, but the brake pedal has a slightly spongy feel that I associate with drums.

Ride & Handling
With its slightly longer wheelbase, wider stance and more rigid body, the new Fit should ride and handle better than the old one did. My impression from my relatively short drives is that it does. Its manners as a subcompact are probably better than most people expect, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a small car. The ride is firm, if controlled. I was a little disappointed in the backseat, though, which jostles a good deal more than the front. Perhaps it’s the semi-independent torsion-beam suspension, which isn’t as good as an independent design but is nevertheless pervasive in this car class. Also, I rode in the back of a Fit Sport, which has a rear stabilizer bar where the base Fit has none, plus lower-profile tires on 16-inch alloy wheels compared to the base 15-inch steel wheels. Be sure to check it out if backseat comfort is critical for you.

In terms of handling, the Fit is definitely competent and fun — more so than the somewhat stodgy Yaris sedan and loose Chevy Aveo. The electric power steering has a decent feel, which isn’t always the case with this technology, and the turning diameter is a conveniently tight 34.4 feet. We look forward to further testing once we get several days with a Fit at Cars.com HQ.

Safety
The new Fit hasn’t been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the first generation scored well in all but the rear-impact test. That might improve with the addition of active head restraints to the front seats in 2009. Though we won’t know until the 2009 is tested, Honda’s crash-test track record has been excellent. The Fit incorporates the Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure that’s designed to make Honda’s small cars more compatible in crashes with higher-riding vehicles (and vice-versa). Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, with frontal, side-impact torso bags for the front seats and side curtains for the front and rear. The passenger’s torso bag is designed to deactivate if the occupant is out of position — leaning too close to the side where it deploys.

The good news is that the Fit Sport offers an optional electronic stability system. The bad news is that the base model isn’t eligible for the stability feature, and it comes bundled in an option package with a navigation system for the Sport. I hate seeing safety options tied to non-safety features — especially one this important with one presumably this expensive (prices not yet announced).

The Fit also goes farther than any other small car in pedestrian-protection provisions, with impact-absorbing hood, fenders, bumper and other parts. I don’t know how important this is to the buyer, but it would be pretty important to the pedestrian — or to any driver who ends up responsible for his medical bills.

Features
Along with its sharp gauges and generally high-quality interior, the base Fit includes visor vanity mirrors, a current and average mpg indicator, and an AM/FM/single-CD stereo with four speakers and an analog input jack for any MP3 player.

The Fit Sport adds fog lights, a body-colored underbody kit, a rear spoiler atop the liftgate and a chrome tailpipe. Inside you get cruise control and a leather steering wheel with illuminated controls — pretty upscale. The standard stereo has six speakers and a USB input for connecting compatible MP3 players or memory sticks, which can then be controlled through the stereo. Remote keyless entry with a security system is also standard on this trim level.

Honda Fit in the Market
The big cliché in the auto industry these days is “the right car for the right time,” which I’ve heard automakers claim for their small trucks, crossover vehicles, wagons and practically everything else. If you want the real right car at the right time, you’re looking at it. The Fit is the best example of what is now the most significant vehicle class in the U.S. Pain at the pump doesn’t necessarily make buying a new car an option, but in today’s economic climate it makes the most affordable and efficient ones the most attractive for people who are ready to make the move.

While we Americans were distracted by light trucks, subcompacts got more roomy and generally more workable. People who wouldn’t think about buying an entry-level car now will — or at least should. As subcompacts go, the Fit is expensive, with its $14,550-$18,760 price range for the 2008 model overlapping that of the Civic compact. That’s not a bad thing. The name of the game now is downsizing, and people who have owned, say, a Civic or an Accord don’t want to drive a heap. A high-quality small car is exactly what people are looking for — preferably one that makes few sacrifices. The Fit is that car. Compare the Smart ForTwo, which sacrifices seats, comfort, refinement and more. I don’t care how long the waiting lists are; for what you get, the ForTwo’s 33/41 mpg is too low and $11,590 is too much.

People who buy today won’t necessarily dump their SUV or pickup for a subcompact, but they might add one to the family fleet for commuting, or as an alternative runabout they can bust out during the next gas crisis. Cars are pretty bad investments, but Honda’s history of quality, reliability and longevity bode well for the Fit’s resale value. As bad investments go, it looks like a pretty good one. Honda plans to import 85,000 Fits over the next 12 months. It won’t be enough.

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It’s not enough that Massachusetts voters elected a Republican to the US Senate for the first time since 1972. Now they want to drive like him.

Truck sales in the Bay State have picked up during Scott Brown’s popular campaign, in which the state senator from Wrentham drove his 2005 GMC Canyon pickup with 200,000 miles on the clock.

GMC Canyon
Bezema Buick-Pontiac-GMC in Norwood, the dealer that sold Brown his Canyon, is now selling an identical 2005 pickup with just 70,000 miles.
Unless you spring for the V-8, which wasn’t available in 2005, you’re stuck with underpowered four- and five-cylinder engines. The interior is also nothing to brag about.

The chassis, however, is quite capable and served as the underpinning for the Hummer H3.

GMC Jimmy
The Jimmy, along with the Chevy Blazer, dates back to the 1980s and was at the start of the SUV revolution in the early 1990s. Only the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee can claim a similar distinction as one of the most popular vehicles on American roads.
Among the most famous Jimmy models was the 1992 and 1993 Typhoon, a performance model that packed a 280-horsepower, turbocharged V-6, rear-biased all-wheel drive, lowered suspension, and a rather sinister body kit, especially in black.

The Envoy/Trailblazer models took over the Jimmy’s long and successful run in 2002.

GMC Yukon Denali
The Denali models, beginning with the Yukon Denali in 2000, were fully-loaded, almost-Cadillac trim levels that by 2001 were on every suburban mom’s shopping list.
The Yukon Denali XL from 2001 through 2006 proved there was no need for an Escalade as it treated rear passengers to heated seats, separate A/C controls, and limousine legroom and comfort. Power everything, Bose audio, self-leveling suspension, and massive 6.0 liter V-8 made this truck the king of Stop & Shop.

GMC Sierra
Scott Brown’s Canyon has nothing on the full-size Sierra, the real meat and potatoes of the pickup segment.
The Sierra and Chevy Silverado pickups are among the most popular light-duty trucks in the US (the Ford F-series is higher still). What better way to say “I’m an average guy” than with a used Sierra with “4×4″ badges on the rear fenders?

GMC Envoy XUV
Because sometimes you need to haul a wardrobe closet in the most unstable way possible. That was the reason behind the short-lived Envoy XUV, a stretched version of the midsize SUV that included an innovative open-air cargo bay.
But combining the attributes of a pickup and an SUV wasn’t half as successful as the Chevrolet Avalanche, and after two model years (2004 and 2005) it was dropped.

GMC Safari
Long a favorite in the commercial and conversion van markets, the Safari didn’t change much during its 20 years, because few vehicles could offer 8-passenger seating and tall proportions for so cheap.
By 2005, the Safari was so dated as to be comical. If you’re nostalgic, a late-model version can be had for a few thousand dollars.

GMC Savana
The Savana, like the Ford Econoline, is the only vehicle short of a school bus that can carry 15 people at once. When stripped of all three rear rows, the Savana is also a spacious cargo van.
You don’t get much more utility than this.

GMC Topkick
Looking for the ultimate GMC? The Topkick can carry up to 63,000 pounds and transform into nearly every shape, including dump trucks, shuttles, tractors, and tow trucks.

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MSRP  $37,865 Invoice  $35,782
Transmission  6-speed a/t Engine  Gas v6
Fuel Economy  Combined: 21 Fuel Economy  City: 18
Fuel Economy  Highway: 27 Trim  Luxury
Body  4dr car

No greenhouse gas score was available for this vehicle

2010 Cadillac CTS Sedan Overview
The 2010 Cadillac CTS comes with a 3.0-liter 270-hp V6 engine ($36,730) or a 3.6-liter 304-hp V6 ($43,825).  The automatic transmission is optional ($1,300).  All-wheel drive is available only with the automatic.  

CTS standard features include leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, a Bose eight-speaker sound system with CD, MP3 and auxiliary capability, remote keyless entry and programmable central locking, power windows with express-up-down on the front and express-down on the rear, power driver’s seat and XM Satellite Radio.

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A “VIP service” offered by AutoTrader is the new alternative to your typical online sale. The VIP staff photographs the car and posts the ad online. Callers are screened and only serious buyers are passed along to you.

Selling a Nissan GT-R
We sampled both these sales methods while selling a 2009 Nissan GT-R with 33,000 miles on it. While the car was eventually sold using the eBay auction, we had a chance to experience the advantages of the VIP sales service provided by Mota Motors through AutoTrader.

AutoTrader’s VIP Service
For an up-front fee of $279, a photographer came and took pictures of all the key details of our GT-R. Some 27 photos were posted on AutoTrader. A spokesman commented that studies have shown that the more photographs displayed, the higher the selling price of the vehicle. Also included were a vehicle history report and a paragraph describing the car. (In some cases, an inspection of the car is included. However, since our car was still under the factory warranty, this step was omitted.)

A VIP consultant was assigned to our car and he suggested we list it for $62,000. We discussed this with him for a few minutes and eventually decided to start by asking for $66,000. A few days later we received an e-mail from our consultant saying he had someone very interested in buying the car. We called the number we were given and spoke with an auto broker who offered $54,000. We declined. Over the three-week period the ad ran, we received seven other queries about our car but no solid offers.

The eBay Motors Auction
It took us about an hour to create the eBay auction and we set the reserve at $52,000, just a bit above the $50,000 the used car superstore CarMax offered us for the car. The reserve is the lowest amount we would be willing to take for the GT-R.

We soon began receiving bids for our car and the amount rapidly approached the reserve amount. However, the bidding seemed to stall at about $50,000, just short of the reserve. An eBay spokesman suggested we drop the reserve by a small amount. The bidders would then be notified of the change and they might become curious and start bidding again. We followed his advice by dropping the price $100 and saw an uptick of activity.

The auction ended with a selling price of $52,600. The buyer, from the Atlanta area, wired us the money and flew out to get the car. We signed over the title and he drove away. When we received our bill from eBay, the charges for the ad and auction were $125.

eBay’s Amazing Track Record
A car is sold every minute on eBay Motors, which has amounted to a total of 3.5 million passenger vehicle transactions over the span of its history. A company spokesman said that a classic car is sold every nine minutes and the Ford Mustang is its top-selling vehicle. Over the course of our eBay auction, more than 6,900 people viewed our page.

But what about price? “It’s really on a case-by-case basis, where auctions work best for some types of cars and the fixed price listing format works better for others,” said Danny Chang, senior manager at eBay Motors. “The value of eBay is that it’s a marketplace offering both an auction and a fixed price model, so depending on the many factors that go into the online sale of a vehicle, the seller can choose which method best fits, and the market will ultimately bear out a fair price.”

But what about doubts buyers might have about the car’s condition? “Buyers are definitely more open to purchasing vehicles online,” Chang said. “We even have buyers purchasing vehicles via their mobile phones through eBay’s mobile application. Also, 75 percent of vehicles sold on eBay Motors [in the third quarter of 2009] were interstate transactions, indicating a high trust factor among buyers and sellers.”

For more sales strategies, see “Buying and Selling Cars on eBay.”

Bottom Line for Used Car Sellers
It’s impossible to say which method is best since car owners have different expectations. Many sellers want to get the absolute highest amount for their used car. However, unless you know the market very well, or are lucky enough to find an uninformed buyer, this could be a long process and still end up short of the mark.

The VIP service sped up the listing process and completely blocked bogus calls that make the selling process so annoying. The photographs were top-notch and the price suggested by our consultant was realistic.

On the other hand, the deadline imposed by the eBay auction excites buyers and brings a rapid conclusion to the sale. Furthermore, questions about the car arrive via e-mail and can be addressed easily without requiring you to spend time on the phone.

A New Sales Strategy
If you have the time and want to get top dollar, use the VIP service. If you want to quickly move on with your life, set up an eBay auction. However, to see real action, be realistic about the reserve. Whichever route you take, you will enjoy the convenience of online car selling and the vast number of customers it can reach.

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Conventional wisdom tells you not to buy it until you’ve physically inspected it. Can you still make sure it’s not a lemon and put it in your driveway at the right price?

If you leverage the power of these innovations, you have a much larger pool of vehicles to shop from and can often find a better bargain. Here are some suggestions for purchasing a vehicle far awy from you.

Exploit Regional Differences
Certain cars sell at a premium in some sections of the country due to regional preferences. For example, the affordability of all-wheel-drive Subarus makes them strong sellers in the Northeast and Northwest. Someone who lives there could shop for a Subaru in other areas of the country, perhaps the South or Midwest, and probably save more than enough to cover shipping.

This is just one example of the new wave in car shopping that has been ushered in by eBay Motors, Autotrader.com and even Craigslist.org. These sites allow buyers to use filtered searches to connect them with just the right cars.

But the fact remains that most car buyers want the security of physically inspecting the car to make sure it is what they want before they buy it.

Gauging Photos
One online buyer we interviewed told us, “I’ve done at least 100 transactions over the Internet and I’ve never had a bad experience.” However, another experienced car shopper flatly stated, “I’d never buy a car sight unseen. Everyone lies about something.” Clearly, there are many different types of car shoppers who require different levels of detail before they will make a purchase.

Nearly all online ads these days include digital pictures. But many of them are poorly framed and show little more than the outside of the car. Focus on cars with a complete set of pictures that show high-wear areas such as the driver seat, the front end (often pitted or dinged from parking) and the underside, which may have been scraped or damaged.

A photo showing tire tread is also useful, since a new set of tires can run $500 and drastically alter the negotiated price. Make sure the photos are current, and look for ads that actually call out damage, as it may indicate a seller who is providing full disclosure.

Vehicle History Reports
Many car ads provide the vehicle identification number (VIN). Using this 17-digit number you can run a vehicle history report through a service such as Carfax or Autocheck. Reports can be paid for individually or with a monthly subscription.

We recommend that you buy a monthly subscription when starting your car-buying process, and be sure to run a vehicle history report on any car before you purchase it. The vehicle history report will throw up any red flags about potential problems including salvage titles (from a serious accident or flood damage) prior accidents, multiple owners and odometer rollback.

Mobile Vehicle Inspections
If you’re considering spending $20,000 on a vehicle, it makes sense to spend $100 to inspect it. If you have a friend in the area where the car is located, you can send them to take a look at the car. But unless your friend is a mechanic, you should hire a mobile inspector such as Alliance Inspection Management or the service advertised on eBay Motors, SGS to look over your planned purchase.

Usually, these inspectors can generate a report within 24 hours. While they don’t test-drive the car, they can often detect frame damage, evidence of serious accidents, dings or paint damage and interior wear and tear. Knowing exactly what shape the car is in will give you the ammunition you need to negotiate intelligently. It can also prevent you from buying a lemon.

Close the Deal Remotely
You don’t want any money to exchange hands until you’ve taken possession of the vehicle. The seller doesn’t want to ship the vehicle until you pay for it. How do you break this stalemate?

One solution is to use a service such as Escrow.com. Basically, this service acts as a middle man to verify that payment has been made so the seller can release the vehicle. Since it’s a neutral source, both parties are protected if anything goes wrong.

Arranging Shipment
Shipping vehicles coast to coast used to be out of the ordinary for the average consumer. But most shipping services have opened their operations to individual buyers. This means you can shop nationwide for your next used car and have it shipped to your door. Direct Express Auto Transport is just one company that works with individuals. Google “auto shipping” and be sure to compare rates.

Remember that you need to save enough money by buying remotely to cover this cost. It also can take several weeks to finally receive the car.

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The move will likely add only hundreds of new sales in Japan for U.S. automakers, which sold fewer than 9,000 vehicles there last year.

But it’s the first win in a larger war being waged by Detroit to pry open Japan’s stubbornly closed auto market, and to convince Congress to do more to help give domestic automakers a level playing field abroad.

Automakers also want changes to the Korea Free Trade agreement, arguing that market also is largely closed to imports.

U.S. automakers were blocked from taking part in Japan’s $3.7 billion “clunkers” program because Detroit’s Big Three use special import rules that don’t require emissions testing in Japan. Now, they will be able to use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions results to win eligibility for the Japanese “clunkers” program, though not all U.S. vehicles will qualify.

Japan is providing a tax cut of up to $2,830 for scrapping a car at least 13 years old with the purchase of a new vehicle that meets Japan’s 2010 fuel efficiency requirements; the incentive is $1,130 for new vehicle purchasers who do not scrap a vehicle. The program is set to expire on March 31, but the government plans to extend it.

Congress, the White House and U.S. automakers praised the move by the Japanese government.

“Japan still remains the most closed automotive market in the world,” Detroit’s automakers said in a joint statement. “We hope Japan’s willingness to address this issue is a sign of future cooperation to remove additional non-tariff barriers, including currency manipulation.”

Satoshi Miura, a consular official in the Japanese Embassy in Washington who handles auto issues, said the government had heard the U.S. protests before changing its “clunkers” program. But he said the decision to open the program wasn’t the result of U.S. pressure. “We decided that we wanted to make the procedures easier and quicker,” he said.

Miura noted that U.S. manufacturers could have participated previously if they followed the same import rules as other automakers.

Nearly half of the U.S. government’s $3 billion “clunkers” program went toward buying Japanese cars and trucks. Japanese brands claimed 319,300 sales out of a total 677,000 vehicle sales in the monthlong U.S. program.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said his office was reviewing Japan’s announcement. His office vowed “to ensure that American automakers and workers receive fair treatment in Japan and around the world.”

Japan is the world’s No. 3 auto market, but U.S. automakers barely make a dent in it. Detroit’s Big Three sold 8,707 vehicles in Japan in 2009 out of 178,500 total sold by foreign automakers, as total Japanese auto sales fell 9 percent to 4.6 million vehicles.

Over the last month Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others have expressed anger that the U.S. program was open to all automakers, with Japanese firms getting a big sales boost as a result. A Congressional hearing this week on the issue was postponed after Tuesday’s announcement. A second hearing is scheduled for next week.

The Chamber also fought “Buy America” provisions in the original U.S. “clunkers” program that would have limited it to North American-built vehicles.

At a closed-door meeting of House Democrats last week, Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla., asked President Barack Obama about the Japanese clunkers program and urged him to talk to the Japanese ambassador. Obama was noncommittal, Klein said, but also said he was working on the issue.

“I support free trade, but it’s got to be on equal terms,” Klein said Tuesday.

“If Japanese consumers aren’t persuaded that we have a good competitive car, that’s a different story.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, praised Japan’s decision.

“For too long, Japan’s ‘cash for clunkers’ program discriminated against our automakers, hurting American jobs,” she said. “Now, after excluding our vehicles for months, Japan is finally doing what is fair.”

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