The all new 2012 Toyota Camry is a frame up redo and it appears that Toyota played it safe and concentrated in inserting content rather than dramatically changing their perennial best seller. But Toyota is counting on improved fuel economy with a new hybrid powertrain, a more elegant interior and streamlined manufacturing to continue the Camry's dominance of the mid-sized segment. The 2012 Camry's single biggest improvement is its interior. Rather than an exercise in computer-aided ergonomics it appears this is a truly function and attractive feature of the vehicle.  More info on the Camry on YouTube

2013 TOYOTA AVALON  

On sale this summer, the 2013 Avalon is first-team all-American. It’s the only Toyota completely designed (California), engineered (Michigan), built (Kentucky), sold and serviced in the United States. It is more American than a great number of cars from nominally American Manufacturers. The 2013 model will see a V-6, but Toyota declined to discuss its displacement or power figures.

With an identical wheelbase to the 2012, the new Avalon's shrinks a bit in length, width, and height with interior dimensions the same or larger. New features include Entune, the mobile-app system that ports functionality from phones to the Avalon's infotainment system--streaming Pandora, for example. A USB port, satellite radio, and ambient lighting are featured, as are an optional navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a three-zone climate control system. the Avalon's safety package moves into a higher plane, with ten standard airbags and a rearview camera now standard. Blind-spot monitors are an option.
 

The powertrains -- a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V-6, both mated to a six-speed automatic -- carry over with slight revisions (including incrementally taller final-drive ratios) that have resulted in dramatic improvements in fuel economy. The 268-hp V-6 model is expected to score EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which equal the four-cylinder Camry of a couple years ago and nearly match the Sonata's 2.0-liter turbo four. The new four-cylinder Camry, meanwhile, jumps to the top of the class with expected 25/35 mpg ratings.

The Ford Explorer is a stylish, practical, fuel-efficient makeover of an SUV and is expected to further lift Ford's bottom line in the years ahead. The new front wheel drive three-row Explorer is larger, but lighter. It shares underpinnings with the Ford Taurus and Flex. Four-wheel drive continues to be available.

The re-do is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 290 horsepower coupled with a six speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually. There are lowered initial gears for better off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for better efficiency at lower engine rpm at highway speeds. Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg highway.

2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA

Currently a staple of rental car fleets across America, the 10th Generation of the Impala is promising to erase memories of the outgoing model with a more refined interior, the latest in technology, and a vastly improved driving experience. Going on sale in early 2013, the new Impala adds 1.2 inches to its wheelbase, though overall dimensions don’t change much. It is built upon GM’s Epsilon II platform, which also underpins the Cadillac XTS and Buick LaCrosse. The car will be offered exclusively in front-wheel drive, and offer three engines to pair with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. Those direct-injection engines include a 2.4-liter I-4 with eAssist mild hybrid technology, estimated to produce 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque; a 2.5-liter Ecotec I-4 estimated at 195 hp and 187 lb-ft; and the familiar 3.6-liter V-6 producing 303 hp and 264 lb-ft. Those numbers are up slightly from the 3.6-liter engine in the current Impala, which produces 300 hp and 262 lb-ft. The General expects the 2.4-liter eAssist model to be EPA-rated at 35