Hot Passenger Cars for 2005 and 2006

Quite a few new and redesigned passenger cars are expected during 2005, either as late 2005 additions or 2006 models. Ford intends to introduce a new front-drive Fusion sedan in fall 2005, while fans of old muscle cars are waiting for a good look at the modern-day Dodge Charger. Chevrolet has a new HHR crossover sport wagon for the 2006 model year that takes its retro styling theme from the 1949 Suburban.

For 2006, Hyundai has redesigned its Sonata sedan and Kia has an updated Rio. Lincoln has introduced its 2006 Zephyr sedan.

Audi will introduce a redesigned A4 in spring 2005 along with a smaller A3 series that's been sold elsewhere in the world but joins the U.S. market for the first time. An Avant wagon version of the A6 also will go on sale during 2005. BMW is redesigning its 3 Series and expects to introduce a smaller model to the United States later.

An updated Cadillac DeVille is expected soon, and the new model will likely have a new model name. Automotive News reports that the Cadillac CTS will have a fresh, more curvaceous shape when the car is redesigned for 2007.

Already on sale in Europe, Jaguar has a new wagon version of its X-Type sedan for U.S. buyers. Lexus is preparing a reworked version of its sporty GS series that's likely to be more spacious and offer an all-wheel-drive option.

Infiniti has redesigned its M sedan, which is available with a new Lane Departure Warning system that helps signal the driver of an unintended lane change. On the Sport model, a Rear Active Steering system adjusts the geometry of the rear end according to steering input and car speed.

Mercedes-Benz was planning to introduce its Smart ForMore to the U.S. market in 2006, but production has been delayed indefinitely according to an announcement in late 2004.

A big crop of brand-new passenger cars was introduced for the 2005 model year. In the General Motors corner, Buick added a new LaCrosse sedan to its lineup, Cadillac has its new technology-laden STS, and Chevrolet launched a premium compact Cobalt sedan. Pontiac dealers now offer a brand-new G6 sedan.

Following Toyota's startup of the youth-oriented Scion brand and its xA and xB models, the automaker's lineup now includes a tC sport coupe. Suzuki has introduced a new compact Reno hatchback, as well as a wagon companion to its Forenza sedan.

Chrysler's new rear-wheel-drive 300 sedan has attracted considerable attention, especially in Hemi V-8-powered 300C form. Dodge decided not to offer a comparable sedan and instead introduced a sleek Magnum wagon, which is also available with Hemi power in the RT trim level.

Ford has its new Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle wagon. Mercury dealerships have an equivalent to the Five Hundred named the Montego. All three of these models are available with a continuously variable transmission.

Saab has a new 9-2X premium wagon, which is built on a Subaru foundation, while Volvo introduced a new V50 wagon. Maserati has an all-new Quattroporte full-size sedan.

In 2005, Subaru's redesigned Outback can be fitted with a turbocharged engine for the first time.

Redesigned 2005 passenger cars include the Kia Spectra5 hatchback and Subaru's Legacy and Outback. At the luxury end of the scale, Acura redesigned its RL sedan, giving it all-wheel drive and real-time traffic information reporting capabilities. Audi has a new version of its A6 sedan.

Jaguar introduced a reworked S-Type sedan as an early 2005 model, and Infiniti updated its full-size Q45 sedan. There's even a redesigned Bentley Arnage this year. A redesigned 2006 Infiniti M, which will feature a new lane-departure warning system, is available in spring 2005.

All of the winners are new or redesigned models, but carryover models can be notable if they offer significant new features. Three key factors determine whether a 2005 passenger car qualifies as notable:

• Technical advances: Technical advances apply to comfort and convenience features, new safety features and powertrain improvements. Entertainment features may be valuable, too, but they're typically secondary. To be considered notable, an automobile must have at least one or two significant technical improvements.
  
  Several 2005 models now have keyless entry and start-up, for example, which is a welcome convenience to some buyers and inconsequential to others. So it doesn't qualify as a major technical advancement.
  
  
• Innovative features: Unless a new model has features that help it stand above the pack, it doesn't warrant inclusion in this list. Models that have been around for a while and haven't changed appreciably this year could qualify if a new feature is sufficiently noteworthy.
  
  
• Overall excellence: Enticing features are fine, but the vehicle has to be appealing in a general way as well. Additional comfort and convenience features aren't worth much if a passenger car fails to perform capably on the road.

Six of the most notable passenger cars listed below are new for the 2005 model year, while two — the Honda Accord Hybrid and Mini Cooper Convertible — are offshoots of existing vehicles. The remaining Acura RL and Subaru Legacy are redesigned models. Technology takes precedence in the list of notable 2005 models, though design runs a close second in several cases.

Unlike many of its competitors in the family sedan market, Chrysler's 300 can have rear-wheel drive.

Chrysler 300 and 300C: Taking a name from Chrysler's high-performance past, the boldly styled 300 takes the company in a new styling direction. After focusing on front-wheel-drive cars for the past decade and a half, Chrysler has made the 300 a rear-drive sedan. To please buyers in the Snow Belt, all-wheel drive is also available. Two V-6 engines or a modern version of the fabled Hemi V-8 are available. As a fuel-saving measure, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 in the 300C features cylinder deactivation, which eliminates operation of half of the cylinders whenever they're not needed.

Dodge Magnum: Nothing on the road looks like the Magnum, which could be ushering in a new era of stylish midsize wagons. With its sloped roof, tapered quarter windows and sizable fender flares, the Magnum is loaded with eye appeal. Rather than front-wheel drive, like all recent Dodge models, the Magnum comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. Like the Chrysler 300, the Magnum can be equipped with a choice of V-6 engines or a Hemi V-8, which features cylinder deactivation.

Ford Five Hundred (and related Mercury Montego): Larger than the Taurus but smaller than the traditional Crown Victoria, the new Five Hundred sedan comes with front- or all-wheel drive. Its 3.0-liter V-6 engine can drive either a six-speed automatic or a continuously variable transmission . All-wheel-drive models come only with the gearless CVT, which delivers a smooth flow of power to the wheels. Differences between the Five Hundred and its Mercury Montego cousin aren't great, but Mercury, as usual, adds a few premium amenities in exchange for its higher list price.

Ford Freestyle: Is it a wagon or a sport utility vehicle? According to Ford, the new midsize "crossover" Freestyle benefits from elements of several body styles. Related to the Five Hundred sedan, the Freestyle can carry up to seven occupants like the big wagons of the past and today's SUVs and minivans. However, this seating comes in a far more manageable size. The Freestyle is equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 and Ford's smooth-operating CVT.

Honda's new Accord Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient (and also the most powerful) Accord available in the United States.

Honda Accord Hybrid: Honda solidifies its lead as the automaker with the most gasoline/electric hybrid models in its fleet with the introduction of a third hybrid model for 2005. The Accord Hybrid sedan joins the compact Civic Hybrid and two-passenger Insight in the Honda hybrid stable. Under the Accord Hybrid's hood is a 3.0-liter V-6 with Variable Cylinder Management that works with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. Honda claims this midsize hybrid delivers the performance of a V-6 model and the fuel economy of a four-cylinder-powered car.

Mini Cooper Convertible: Ever since the first revived Minis began to appear, there's been talk of a soft-top version. Enter the 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible. All that's fun in the solid-roofed Mini is there in the drop-top version, but this is one car that seems made for top-down motoring. An innovative fold-back sunroof is built into the fabric roof, but it yields considerable noise at highway speeds. Otherwise, there's little to mar the fun behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper Convertible. Like the coupe, the convertible comes in both regular and supercharged Cooper S forms.

Saab 9-2X: Saab gets credit for taking an all-wheel-drive Subaru foundation and turning it into a unique, European-oriented crossover sport wagon. Available with a choice of two horizontally opposed engines, the 9-2X promises — and delivers — handling with a European flavor. Easily manageable compact dimensions make it an appealing vehicle that's fully confident and predictable. Performance is tame in the 165-horsepower Linear model, but the 227-hp Aero edition adds some welcome zest to the experience.

Subaru Legacy (and related Outback): Continuous improvement is the byword for Subaru's largest models. Dimensions are only slightly different in the fourth generation of Subaru's Legacy and its quasi-SUV Outback cousin, and the appearance of these models hasn't changed dramatically. Most of the revisions for 2005 are beneath the surface, including a substantial weight reduction due to the use of aluminum components. A 250-hp turbocharged engine is available for the first time, and like all Subarus, the Legacy and Outback have all-wheel drive, but several distinct systems are available.

Two upscale models warrant a notable designation, even though they're also included in the cars.com list of notable luxury vehicles.

Acura RL: Though hampered by a few imperfections, including a snug backseat for a car of its size, the redesigned RL sedan warrants a place on this list for its use of technology. Rather than switch from front- to rear-wheel drive, which is a burgeoning trend, Honda's luxury division chose to make the RL an all-wheel-drive model and gave it the most powerful V-6 engine ever installed in an Acura. The star of the technology show, though, is the new real-time traffic information system. Deciphering the traffic situation on the display screen isn't so easy, but this development is a step in a new and worthy direction.

Cadillac STS buyers can opt for a 255-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 or a 320-hp, 4.6-liter V-8, the latter of which is available with all-wheel drive.

Cadillac STS: Cadillac's replacement for the front-drive Seville switches to rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. This sedan can be loaded with technology, including Magnetic Ride Control, Keyless Access, Smart Remote Start, Adaptive Cruise Control and Intellibeam headlights.

After further review, the new Chevrolet Cobalt might make the notable list, but these cars have been trickling slowly into the market and their merits are still debatable. Pontiac's new G6 appears to be a strong contender, but we'll reserve judgment until considerable time has been spent behind the wheel of this sedan.

As additional new passenger cars become available during the 2005 model year, some as late 2005 models, the cars.com list of notable vehicles may be revised.