Jan. 3--Despite what may have been one of the worst years for the auto industry -- skyrocketing gasoline prices almost destroyed whole segments of the market, sales took a nose dive on poor consumer confidence and tightening credit, and the Big Three domestic manufacturers were forced to go to Washington, D.C., for help to survive -- there have been some noteworthy vehicles on dealers' lots this year.

--Honda Fit, $15,220 to $19,430: This car is a winner hands down. First, the fuel economy is outstanding. Second, the styling manages to say "premium" while the price tag says "inexpensive."

Then there's the flexibility that the Fit offers, including seats that fold in so many combinations and permutations that it makes your head spin.

The icing on the cake is the driving experience. The Fit delivers with precise handling and peppy acceleration.

Did I mention gas mileage? Look for 33 to 35 mpg on the highway and 29 to 31 mpg in the city.

--Cadillac CTS-V, $57,920: Anybody who still believes that Detroit can't make a decent car needs to drive this one. With almost unbelievable acceleration, handling that can make mincemeat of a test track, and interior fittings that are superb, the CTS-V confirms that Cadillac is more than capable of competing with the big boys from Europe and Japan.

Even though this car is a terror with its 6.2-liter, 556-horsepower V-8 that hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, it is completely quiet, easy to drive and comfortable.

Fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

--Ford Flex, starting around $29,000: Ford is on a design tear. Exhibit A is the Flex, a crossover that is nothing if not daring. Flex is one of the most unique cars on the road. Though it drives heavily, it has good handling. And it backs it all up with practicality. My family of six had plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the ride. They enjoyed such features as the built-in optional refrigerator and the sunroof that stretched from end to end.

Fuel economy is rated at 16/22 to 17/24, depending on model.

--Chevrolet Traverse, $28,255: This is one of the better performing crossovers on the road. There's lots of room in those three rows -- third-row passengers don't need to ride with their knees in their chest. It's well built, and somehow, GM managed to design it so it doesn't look like every other crossover.

Fuel economy is rated at 16/23 to 17/24 depending on engine and model.

--Jaguar XF, starting at $49,200: The all new XF is the last word in charisma.