The Best Cars for 2011

Buick Regal
General Motors is rebuilding the Buick brand, and the 2011 Regal is a good start: the car comes with a larger backseat from China; a nicely tuned, European-style suspension from Germany; and a high-tech, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder American motor, all of it wrapped into an understated exterior design. The engine — which produces 182 horsepower — is matched with a six-speed transmission that, on average, will get 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 m.p.g. on the highway, according to GM. The Regal's comfortable interior is large enough to satisfy Buick's traditional customers, but at the same time, its crisp steering and handling give the nimble feel of a smaller car. Starting price is $26,000.

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