Review of New Models

Are we going to be able to drive faster, safer, and cheaper? And, what about gas mileage?

These are the kinds of questions we ask car manufacturers as the current year comes to an end and they begin unveiling the new models.

Thanks to various manufacturer Web sites, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), SaferCar.gov, and FuelEconomy.gov, we already have answers for a few of those 2007 models.

Honda Fit

The 2007 Honda Fit, starting at $13,850, will get 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg city.

This five-door newbie from Honda looks small from the outside, but claims to offer plenty of room on the inside. And, since it offers safety features such as child-proof rear door locks, ABS, and side-impact door beams, it might be a perfect "fit" for new families and traveling college students alike.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it five stars for frontal safety.

Ford Mustang

The 2007 Ford Mustang isn't going to be as friendly when it comes to fuel cost. This year's six-cylinder, automatic transmission Mustang will only get 26 mpg highway and 18 mpg city.

At $19,995, the starting price isn't as low as a few of the other competitors. However, would you expect to pay any less for a supercharged V8 with 500 horsepower?

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it five stars for frontal safety.

Hyundai Accent

The 2007 Hyundai Accent does a bit better than the Ford Mustang by giving us 37 mpg highway and 28 mpg city.

The Accent offers supreme air bag protection, along with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and available four-wheel disc brakes.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give the four-door Hyundai Accent five stars for frontal safety.

Kia Sedona

The 2007 Kia Sedona is in the same class as the Ford Mustang when it comes to gas mileage, but the Mustang delivers more. The Sedona only offers us 25 mpg highway and 18 mpg city.

However, in the Sedona's defense, its ancestors are noted as being the safest minivans around. This six-cylinder engine with air bag protection for both rows of seats as well as ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) could make soccer moms nationwide feel much safer during the commute home from practice.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it five stars for frontal safety.

Nissan Maxima

The 2007 Nissan Maxima starts at $25,080 and will give us 28 mpg highway and 21 mpg city.

The Maxima comes with standard ABS and EBD, as well as Traction Control System (TCS) and platinum-tipped spark plugs. Additional safety features include high-strength side door guard beams, an energy-absorbing steering column, and active front seat head restraints.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it five and four stars for frontal safety, driver and passenger sides respectively.

Toyota Yaris

The affordable 2007 Toyota Yaris is going to offer our wallets a break by getting 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg city.

The front-wheel drive, sub-compact is available as a hatchback or sedan. It boasts safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), child-proof rear door locks, advanced dual stage air bags for the driver and front passenger, and available side curtain air bags for both front seat and back seat riders.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it four stars for frontal safety.

Volkswagen Jetta

The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is available with a four-cylinder or five-cylinder engine. It promises 32 mpg highway and 25 mpg city with the four-cylinder and 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg city with the five-cylinder.

The new Jetta will come with standard ABS, traction control, and automatic door locks, plus available ESC, rearview mirrors that dim automatically, and built-in child seats.

The NHTSA and SaferCar.gov give it five stars for frontal safety.

Luxury Vehicles

Got some money to burn? If so, the pricier manufacturers have a few goodies in store for you.

The 2007 Audi RS 4 starts at $66,000, claims to "rocket you from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds," and gets 21 mpg highway and 14 mpg city. In comparison, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur only offers 18 mpg highway and 11 mpg city.

The Mercedes C230 Sport Sedan beats them both with 25 mpg highway and 19 mpg city, starting at only $30,425.