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The 2011 Toyota Yaris has capable-enough and pleasant road manners for an economy car. Not designed to be sporty or particularly lively, the power is still adequate enough to meet the needs of most drivers both in the city and passing on the highway. It has an overall solid feel and its quick and light steering is an advantage around town and in parking-lots. It's basically a solid performer for those seeking a dependable daily commuter that's more affordable at the pump.

Under the hood of the Civic Hybrid is a 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that was given a power boost this year. They combine to generate 110 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque and are mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The fuel economy for the Hybrid is EPA-rated at 44 city and 44 highway, a 3 mpg improvement over last year's model.

It was a year of rebuilding in the automotive industry in more ways than one. Overall, automakers were overcoming a disastrous U.S. economy, and a tsunami in March dealt Japanese automakers a tremendous blow to production of popular cars.

Under the hood of the 3i Touring and Grand Touring models is the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder Skyactiv-G that pumps out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. These models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic. Mazda estimates its gas mileage at 28 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway for an automatic sedan and 27 and 39, respectively, with the manual. Fuel economy for the hatchback is estimated at 28 and 39 with the automatic and 27 and 38 with the manual.

While there is much to like about the Honda Accord, its top attributes would include its well-earned reputation for reliability, spacious and comfortable cabin, pleasant ride, good fuel economy and strong resale value. And it's even available as a sporty coupe, something that's quite rare from midsize competitors.

The 2011 Nissan Sentra is a decent road-performer for a car with this kind of fuel economy. Power in the 2.0 models is adequate and handling is unremarkable yet competent, although the ride can get somewhat noisy when accelerating or a bit harsh on rough roads, similar to many cars in its class. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V models offer significantly more power and sharper handling for those who seek higher levels of performance.

With its softly tuned suspension, the 2011 Versa offers the kind of smooth ride more typically associated with larger cars. Both engines provide adequate power and the handling is competent enough to satisfy most drivers ... and all with excellent fuel economy. The best of the group in terms of driving, however, would be the 5-speed manual 1.6 and the 1.8 SL hatchback with the CVT.

Toyota's Prius hybrid won the top rating by getting 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 mpg on the highway, the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department said in a statement today.

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