J.D. Power and Associates VDS: Top Models Per Segment

The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging. The Fit offers five-passenger seating and a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that either folds flat with the cargo floor, or flips up to carry tall items behind the first row of seats. The Fit is available in two trim levels, base and Sport, both are powered by a 117-hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions. The Prius is available in four trim levels - Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V - with a base Prius I trim scheduled to arrive later in the model year. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, is a convertible sports car that is sleek, capable, well-engineered, delightful, and fun. The MX-5 Miata roadster comes in two basic configurations: a soft-top or a power retractable hardtop. Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The only engine available, a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder, comes in two power levels, one rated at 167 horsepower with either manual transmission, or 158 horsepower with the automatic.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is roomy, comfortable and easy to operate. It's fast and fun to drive. It's stable at high speeds for long runs down the interstate and it's great fun on back roads, the same kind of roads that formed the roots of stock car racing. The Monte Carlo comes in LS, LT, and SS trims. The LS and LT come with a 211hp 3.5-liter V-6 that's now compatible with E85 fuel. The SS comes with a 303hp 5.3-liter V-8 that has the ability to shut down 4 cylinders for better fuel economy. All the engines are controlled by a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Buick LaCrosse is a sophisticated mid-size sedan, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. It seats five passengers in comfort while providing confident handling and a smooth ride. The LaCrosse is available in four front-wheel drive trim levels - CX 4-cylinder, CX, CXL and CXS - as well as a new all-wheel drive CXL trim. New for 2010, the CX 4-cylinder gets a smaller, more fuel-efficient 182-hp 2.4-liter engine. The CX and CXL front-wheel drive models are powered by a 255-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine (rated at 252 horsepower on the all-wheel drive CXL), while the CXS is equipped with a 280-hp 3.6-liter V6.

The Mercury Montego is a mid-size sedan with a roomy, luxurious cabin, premium features and trim, and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Montego is powered by an all-aluminum 203-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available for improved traction and handling in adverse conditions. A six-speed automatic transmission comes on front-drive models. The AWD version comes with a continuously variable transmission.

The BMW Z4 has the classic two-seat roadster look, but features a modern two-piece power retractable hardtop. The result is an elegant looking car that blends the sportiness of a coupe with the enjoyment of a convertible. The Z4 is available as either the sDrive30i, or the sDrive35i. Power for the sDrive30i comes from a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The sDrive35i is powered by a twin-turbo, 300-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Both models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. An optional six-speed automatic transmission is offered on the sDrive30i, while an advanced double-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission is available on the sDrive35i.

Lincoln's entry-level MKZ has dynamic American luxury styling with features only found on cars costing thousands more. The MKZ is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift, and is offered in both front and all-wheel drive. Standard features include leather heated/cooled power driver and passenger seats, 17" alloy wheels, SYNC entertainment/communication system, satellite radio and dual-zone electronic climate control.

The Audi A6 continues a legacy of dynamic excellence and exceptional comfort, with impressive attention to detail both inside and out. The A6 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan or wagon (Avant), packed with technology that enhances convenience and driving dynamics. The A6 is available in 4 trims: 3.2 FrontTrak Sedan, 3.0 quattro Sedan, 4.2 quattro Sedan and 3.0 quattro Avant. All engines in the A6 lineup are equipped with FSI direct gasoline injection; A6 3.0 trims get a 300-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine, the A6 4.2 is outfitted with a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8, and a new 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 powers the A6 3.2 (a 10-hp increase).

The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan that combines classic styling, impeccable road manners and a spacious interior, all contributing to its reputation as a comfortable long distance cruiser. The front-wheel drive DTS is powered by GM's Northstar 4.6-liter V8 engine, available in both 275-hp and 292-hp versions and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It can be configured to seat up to six people, with premium trim-dependent amenities that include alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, a power sunroof, supple leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, automatic climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, voice-activated navigation and a DVD player.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are stately, well-constructed two-seat roadsters, created in small volumes for customers with exclusive tastes. The SL-Class is comprised of three models: the SL550, the SL63 AMG and the SL65 AMG. The SL550 is powered by a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the SL63 AMG boasts a hand-built 518-hp 6.3-liter V8, as well as a seven-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) transmission not found in any other Mercedes model. The SL65's larger 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 generates an immense 604 horsepower, and is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG are outfitted with aluminum shift paddles, while all models feature aggressive AMG body styling and an adaptive suspension with Active Body Control (ABC).