By FRANK A. AUKOFER, Scripps Howard News Service

In the milieu of sweeping pronouncements, it would be hard to beat the Mercedes-Benz description of its 2010 E-Class sedan and coupe.
"This is the most advanced automobile we've ever created," said Bernhard Glaser, the Mercedes product manager. "Everything we know and everything we are went into it."

Specifications for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 four-door sedan.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 268 horsepower.
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 16 feet.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 98/19 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,891 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 18/25 miles per gallon.

Specifications for the 2010 Mazda3 S Grand Touring four-door hatchback.
Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 167 horsepower.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Overall length: 14 feet 9 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 95/17 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,064 pounds.
EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 22/29 miles per gallon.

Over five years, the Mazda3 has insinuated itself into the affections of half a million budget-conscious American motorists who value decent performance and sharp handling.

Specifications for the 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed two-door convertible.
Engine: 6-liter W12, twin turbochargers, 600 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 15 feet 9 inches.
EPA passenger/trunk volume: 92/9 cubic feet.
Weight: 5,478 pounds.

The 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed certainly is guilty of excess. It is wretched only in the number of dollars it takes to own one.
That number is $233,995 without options. A few of those on the test car brought the suggested delivered price to $276,405.

Individually, American motorists seem like reasonably smart people. Collectively, they're goofy.
In the summer of 2008, when gasoline prices shot past $4 a gallon, buyers deserted big pickup trucks and SUVs. They beat down the dealership doors to pay premium prices for hybrids and small economy cars.

Specifications for the 2009 Toyota Highlander 4x2 four-door crossover utility vehicle.
Engine: 2.7-liter four-cylinder, 187 horsepower.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode.
Overall length: 15 feet 8 inches.
EPA passenger/cargo volume: 114/42 cubic feet.
Weight: 3,847 pounds.

To all of the pheromones excreted to attract buyers to new cars, add whimsy.
The 2009 Nissan Cube fairly reeks of it, from its asymmetrical styling to the simulated wave pool in the headliner. At the same time, it's among the more practical cars, with a low price, good fuel economy and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

To all of the pheromones excreted to attract buyers to new cars, add whimsy.
The 2009 Nissan Cube fairly reeks of it, from its asymmetrical styling to the simulated wave pool in the headliner. At the same time, it's among the more practical cars, with a low price, good fuel economy and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.