Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

A redesigned Mazda 6 is expected with some components and even architecture coming from the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ sedans--ironic, as those triplets are based on the original Mazda 6 design. Informants say the new 6 will be quite a bit longer to improve rear-seat space, but won't be quite as large as Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. A massaged 2.3-liter 4-cyl should remain base power, but the Ford-sourced 3.0-liter V6 option gives way to the American company's new 3.5-liter unit with around 250 hp. A new MazdaSpeed6 probably won't appear until later. No word yet on whether the hatchback and wagon will continue, nor whether Mazda will offer all-wheel drive as Ford plans for its models. But such matters should clear up soon, so keep checking back here for the latest news.