2008 BUYING GUIDES

New Hondas

An all-new Accord is big news for the family sedan segment as it traces BMW finesse and styling. Also, the Fit gets a little beefier and the S2000 puts on a track uniform.

New Toyotas

A new Matrix shows some of what's left of Toyota's sporty side, the Corolla and Highlander get a thorough redo and it's business as usual for other perennial favorites like the Camry.

FEATURES

New hybrids

This year, hybrids are coming in all shapes. From full-size luxury cars to three-ton SUVs, the Prius now has some interesting company, along with a few eyebrow-raising concepts.

2008 Safest cars

Thirty-four vehicles received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top safety pick designation for 2008, compared with 13 vehicles from the 2007 model year.

Road trip essentials

When heading out on a holiday road trip, it's not always easy to predict what you're going to need. Some things are crucial in case of emergency, while others will merely make the trip a lot more comfortable.

AUTO SHOWS

2008 New York Auto Show

Big power, big style and multi-platinum rappers. It could only be New York. The city, among the last on the world's auto show circuit, still pulls out a hefty number of debuts and North American premieres.

2008 Geneva Auto Show

Geneva is a show of extravagance and extremes in both directions of the economy scale. From obscure exotic manufacturers like Wiesmann to mini, efficient-minded cars like the Toyota iQ, this year's new models can satisfy everyone.

2008 Chicago Auto Show

Don't go running from one windy city to the next - we've got the notable debuts from the nation's largest auto show right here, on through Feb. 17.

2008 North American Int'l Auto Show

From exotic electric concepts to Chinese convertibles and parading cowboys with longhorn cattle, one of the industry's biggest car parties (aka the Detroit Auto Show) has it all.

2007 New England Auto Show

When it comes to specific models featured at this year's New England International Auto Show, Royal Ford says to check out these 11 vehicles.

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

Cars.com reports live from the Los Angeles Auto Show and presents a collection of 27 production cars for the 2008 and 2009 model years.

'08 New York Auto Show

'08 Geneva Auto Show

New & upcoming hybrids

'08 Chicago Auto Show

'08 Detroit Auto Show

• Return of the muscle car?

  Pontiac, Dodge and Chevy are at it again with V8, rear-wheel-drive performance. But are they doomed by higher gas prices and stricter CAFE regulations?

• Isuzu's failure and legacy

  Somewhere, an old Rodeo is alone, weeping. Ask yourself if you really feel sorry for Isuzu.

• Innovation or death trap?

  "This car will be great for the US economy, especially the funeral directors of America."

• Do gas prices have influence?

  Are you looking to get a smaller car because of the rising gas prices?