Asian cars

Seemingly from out of nowhere, Asian brands came to the American market. They started out laughably underpowered and rust-prone; then became reliable and efficient; then became fast, as well. They originally sold at a premium, because they were scarce and unique in their efficiency. Now they sell at a premium because of their reputation for quality, and almost equal the number of American cars sold in the US.

As the Japanese companies moved upscale, Korean automakers happily filled the gap at the bottom, starting with the Pontiac LeMans (Daewoo), Ford Aspire (Kia), and Mitsubishi-designed Hyundai Excel. Now, Hyundai and Kia offer similar vehicles with excellent warranties, while Daewoo has been acquired by General Motors. Hyundai has been popping up at the top of quality surveys, though Kia still stays at the bottom.

Korean automakers

• Daewoo Leganza - inexpensive but upscale sedan related to the Sonata
• Hyundai Accent - nice entry-level
• Hyundai Azera (2006) - Lexus feel in a Camry-priced sedan
• Hyundai Elantra - shockingly nice ride in an inexpensive car
• Hyundai Tiburon - alternative sports car
• Kia Amanti (2006) - refined, quiet, large, and pleasant, Jaguar looks and a thirst for fuel
• Kia Optima (2006) - cushy and quiet, but engine lag hurts
• Kia Rio - sporty little car
• Kia Spectra5 (2005) - nimble, fun little hatchback that shames the Honda Civic with best-in-class interior space, a plush ride, and a quick engine

Japanese automakers

• Acura RSX - glued to the ground, high-winding coupe
• Quick look: Honda Civic EX-L Navi (2008) - loses the feel Civics are known for, gains a navigation system
• Mazda Tribute - front wheel drive / 4x4 SUV also sold as the Ford Escape
• Mitsubishi Lancer - inexpensive and surprisingly quick
• Mitsubishi Outlander - SUV style with car convenience
• Quick look: Nissan Altima (2008) - entertaining FWD sedan
• Subaru Impreza (and WRX) - rally car you can buy (just updated)
• Subaru Legacy - refined all wheel drive sedan and wagon
• Subaru Outback - raise a Legacy, make it look like an SUV, watch sales fly
• Suzuki Aerio - fun, fast, scrappy little wagon
• Suzuki Forenza (2005) - surprisingly nice entry-level sedan
• Suzuki Verona (2005) - taking aim at the Camry
• Toyota, Lexus, and Scion are covered separately

No longer sold

• Infiniti G20 - low end of the luxury brand
• Hyundai Elantra - sensible family sedan
• Hyundai Tiburon (first generation) - racy looks, sporty feel, low price
• Isuzu Axiom XS - the name says it; quirky mid-size SUV
• Isuzu Rodeo - moderately noncompetitive SUV
• Mazda MPV - amazingly nimble minivan
• Mitsubishi Lancer - too comfortable and large to feel like a low-end sedan
• Mitsubishi Diamonte - handling, power, ride, and space nicely balanced