Honda Accord: Defined by poise, engineering precision, and rock-solid resale values, Accord continues to set the benchmark for all-around midsize-car design. This roomy Honda is offered in sedan and coupe body styles. Four-cylinder Accord sedans start around $22,000 and are rated 21/30 mpg with automatic transmission. Accord V-6 sedans are priced from about $27,500 and rate 22/32 mpg. Coupes are priced slightly higher. Accord is due a mid-cycle freshening for model-year 2011, with the next full redesign slated for model-year 2013.
  Ford Fusion: A thorough model-year 2010 refresh edged this sedan past the Malibu as the best domestic-brand alternative to the top imports. Solid and composed, Fusion comes with a four-cylinder engine rated 23/34 mpg with automatic transmission and a starting price around $20,000. V-6 versions add the option of all-wheel-drive to Fusion’s standard front-wheel drive and come in 240- and 263-horsepower versions rated 18/27 and 17/24, respectively. They start around $24,000. The star of the show is the Fusion Hybrid with 191 horsepower and a rating of 41/36 mpg; starting price is around $28,000. Fusion’s next full redesign is on tap for model-year 2013.
  Toyota Camry: This is the only midsize car that outsells the Honda Accord. It does it with an unmatched combination of refinement, room, and reputation for reliability. Sporty handling isn’t on the list, but V-6 versions are surprisingly fast, rate 19/28 mpg, and start around $25,000. Most Camrys are sold with the four-cylinder engine, updated nicely with more power for 2010 and rated a best 22/33 mpg. The Camry Hybrid has 187 horsepower, rates 33/34 mpg, and is priced from around $27,000. The current-generation Camry was introduced for 2007, got a mid-cycle freshening for 2010, and is on track for a full redesign in model-year 2012.