2009 Quick Looks

The following models are not what you would call "brand-spankin" new and because of this they may have been lost in the shuffle.

Check out the following quick-look reviews to refresh your memory. One of them just might warrant a more detailed look during your search for your next ride.

2009 MAZDA 5

Price Range: $17,000-$21,000

Engine: 2.3 liter four-cylinder producing 153 horsepower

Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway

The 2009 Mazda 5 is one of those rare "family" vehicles that single guys like myself would not mind being seen in. Unlike most minivans, the Mazda 5 is more of a micro unit. It has good space for five adults but can be easily converted for cargo space only. While it does not have great power it is by no means underpowered. But it is the handling department where the 5 excels. While it is not a sports car, its steering and braking make driving the 5 enjoyable. If you are looking for a small, versatile people-carrier with style and a bit of performance, check out the 5.

2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER GTS

Price Range: $18,000-$23,000

Engine: 2.0 liter four-cylinder producing 168 horsepower

Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS is a good looking car. In fact, the Lancer even looks good as a base model minus the best wheels, trim package, paint and performance bits. The Lancer GTS has a good combination of economy and performance. In fact it has enough performance to satisfy - well, pacify - some speed freaks. The Lancer is one of the models that I have tested, that I truly would own. Style, economy, comfort and performance - this car is nice!

2009 TOYOTA YARIS

Price Range: $12,000-$14,000

Engine: 1.5 liter four-cylinder producing106 horsepower

Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway

Yes, the 2009 Yaris does look like a hamster, but that is just fine. The concept and execution of the Yaris is simple. It is an economy car, nothing more, nothing less. The Yaris has good people space, decent cargo space and very good fuel economy. As you would expect, power is just barely enough. The ride is just this side of comfortable. And, of course, one of the best features of the Yaris is that it is a Toyota.

2009 LINCOLN MKS

Price Range: $38,000-$40,000

Engine: 3.7 liter V-6 producing 270 horsepower

Fuel Economy: 17 miles per gallon city, 24 mpg highway

The MKS is the first all-new Lincoln in several years. As you can imagine this is a very important model to both Lincoln and its parent company Ford. Unlike the Zephyr that replaced the excellent rear-wheel drive LS - to be renamed MKZ - the MKS impressed me very quickly. The interior has great materials and very comfortable seats. Power is not great but is good enough for merging and acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, with the feel of a traditional American luxury car. This is a prime example as to why Ford has not asked for bailout money from the government. If Lincoln and Ford continue on this track, they might be the last American standing.

2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE

Price Range: $48,000-$55,000

Engine: 6.0 liter V-8 producing 332 horsepower

Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city, 20 mpg highway (manufacturer's estimates)

Hybrid tests are typically approached and executed differently. The two focus factors, as one would imagine, are price and fuel economy and this test is no different. General Motors claims that their full-size hybrids, the only ones on the market at this time, can achieve 20 mph. While this does not seem very impressive, it is an improvement over the gasoline versions, which average 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. First off the hybrid version of the Tahoe is around $7,000 more than the petrol version. However, with this being a buyer's market, I am sure that this price difference can be negotiated lower. In addition, there is an IRS tax credit (up to $2,200 for qualified buyers) to offset this difference. During my test of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid I drove as I normally would drive, which is fairly aggressive. This included a good mix of stop and go, 40-50 mph, 55- 60 mph and 70-80 mph. This netted the Tahoe a combined city and highway average of 18.7 mpg. While not as good as GM's as advertised 20 mpg, I am sure someone with a lighter right foot could better this average just a bit.

Larry Cornwell is an automotive journalist based in Charlotte.