Note: Mpg not available on all models

Choices, choices, choices. A new car and truck buyer has so many of them this summer that just sorting through them is likely to be the toughest task of all.

To give you a leg up , PG On Wheels has come up with a shopping list of cars and trucks in several categories which, after weeks of testing, proved especially noteworthy.

In addition, watch for what we call "bonus selections " -- cars and trucks that were not actually driven but, based on research, buzz from other car writers and other factors, are the vehicles that show special promise.

COMPACT SEDANS / ENTRY LEVEL
Toyota Yaris, base price, $11,350, 1.5 liter, 106 horsepower, 4 cylinders. Rated 34 miles per gallon city/ 40 highway .

The Yaris rates a slot on our list because of its high fun-to-drive quotient, terrific Toyota quality, and the airiness and creativity of its interior. A definite must see in this category.

Hyundai Accent, about $12,000, 1.6 liter, 110 hp., 4 cylinders, 32/35 mpg.

This one's not Aunt Josephine's Hyundai, that's for sure. Newly turned out, the all-new 2006 Accent is a no-brainer, with its beautiful two-tone interior, solid 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, peppy, strong four-cylinder engine, and a standard safety feature list that exceeds just about everybody else's. It also has a lot more room inside, with more than an inch and a half of extra stretch space back there.

BONUS PICKS:
Honda Fit, base price, $13,850, 1.5 liter, 109 hp., 4 cylinders, 31/38 mpg with automatic.

Do you put a high priority on handling and acceleration? Does a wealth of standard technology in your next car turn you on? Let me introduce you to Honda's new baby, the Fit. It scores on all those counts and more.

Nissan Versa, base price, about $12,000; 120 hp. , 1.8 liter 4 cylinders. 38 mpg combined .

This is the upscale member of the entry level compact category because of the relative luxury of its interior, prodigious passenger room, and higher horsepower rating of its engine. From what I've heard and seen so far, this one's going to be a winner for Nissan.

PREMIUM LEVEL COMPACTS
Chevy Cobalt, $14,490 to $18,790, 2.2 liter, 145 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/34 mpg; 2.4 liter, 171 hp., 4 cylinders, 24/33 mpg.

Chevy's little car has successfully eradicated the memory of the mediocre (at best) Cavalier. The Cobalt is light years better than that car, with a more upscale, durable and attractive interior, a Euro-style dash, peppy handling and a decent price. This car is, in fact, one of the best compacts ever introduced by an American firm, along with Ford's Focus.

Honda Civic, $15,110 to $21,110, 1.8 liter, 140 hp., 4 cylinders, 30/38 mpg; 1.3 liter, 4 cylinders with electric hybrid system, 110 hp., 50/50 mpg.

The Honda Civic is the top banana in this field. It has futuristic styling; it's strong on safety, particularly because of a newly designed frontal system that provides extra protection; it has just about every safety item you need as standard equipment; and its interior is easily the most luxurious among premium compact cars. If you really want to go "into the future" and save gas too, check out the hybrid. As for deals, it's not likely on this one. Demand is too strong.

Mazda3, $14,340 to $19,345, 2.0 liter 150 hp., 4 cylinders, 28/35 mpg; 2.3 liter, 160 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/32 mpg.

Like to drive but need nothing larger than a compact? Here's your baby! The Mazda3 is the sports car lover's compact, with aggressive handling, butch styling, and a BMW-like interior with a finish far beyond anything else in this class. They're selling with hot cakes, and Mazda can't make enough of them, so expect to pay sticker for this one.

Bonus: Dodge Caliber, $13,985, 148 hp., 1.8 liter, 4 cylinders, 28/32 mpg; 2.0 liter, 172 hp., 4 cylinders, 26/30 mpg; 172 hp., 2.4 liter, 4 cylinders, 23/26 mpg.

Think of this one as the Dodge Ram of compacts. With a brute, butch look that makes milquetoasts out of the competition -- except for the Mazda3. The Caliber also has some cool features, such as a refrigerated glove compartment for drinks, a swing-down from the hatch set of speakers, a handy special compartment for your i-Pod and a host of standard safety equipment. Side curtain air bags -- a must for truly safe driving -- are standard. Unfortunately, with Calibers being on the sales lot no more than six days before being snapped up, sales staff won't have much wiggle room on haggling.

INTERMEDIATE FAMILY SEDANS
Hyundai Sonata, $18,495 to $23,495, 2.4 liter, 162 hp., 4 cylinders, 24/34 mpg; 3.3 liter, 235 hp., V-6, 20/30 mpg.

Surprised? Don't be. The newest Sonata is also the best one. Quiet, spacious, chock full of equipment for a lower price than its competitors, and a 10-year power train warranty to boot. It also has standard traction control, stability control, side curtain air bags, and tons more. It's a buy.

Honda Accord, $18,775 to $29,950, 2.4 liter, 166 hp., 4 cylinders, 26/34 mpg; 3.0 liter, 244 hp., V-6 and 3.0 liter and 253 hp., V-6 with electric hybrid system, 29/37 mpg.

The winner and still champ after all these years. The Accord is more of a driver's car than the Toyota Camry, feels more substantial than Nissan's Altima, and its interior is rivaled only by Ford's Fusion and Mercury's Milan in this segment. For some reason, the hybrid doesn't sell well, so this may be one of the few times you can get a deal on an Accord. Otherwise, expect close to sticker on this one.

Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, $17,995 to $22,360 (Fusion) and $18,995 to $23,495 (Milan), 2.3 liter, 160 hp., 4 cylinders, 23/31 mpg; 3.0 liter, 221 hp., V-6, 19/26 mpg.

With apologies to lovers of Ford Mustang and Ford's F-150, these two cars are without a doubt the best that Ford has to offer. Only Honda's Accord and Hyundai's Sonata rival this pair in this category. Fusions and Milans are great to ride in, with terrific handling and cornering. The interior is among the best in the family car industry with interesting themes like two toning on the Milan and piano black on the Fusion. And in Milan's case, you get a particularly gorgeous sedan with a decidedly upscale look. The Fusion's a bit plainer, but still good looking. Don't miss these two.

FULL-SIZED FAMILY SEDANS
Buick Lucerne, $26,990 to $35,990, 3.8 liter, 197 hp., V-6, 20/29 mpg; 4.6 liter, 275 hp., V-8, 17/26 mpg.

Buick's back in a big way, with an elegant, well-mannered but surprisingly sporty handling sedan that is one of the few on which you can still get a bench seat. Build quality is particularly strong, as it has been on Buicks for years. Side curtain air bags and traction control are standard, and stability control also is standard on the top-of-the-line CXS.

Chevy Impala, $21,990 to $27,790, 3.5 liter, 211 hp., V-6, 21/31 mpg; 3.9 liter, 242 hp., V-6, 19/27 mpg, (18/28 mpg for a V-8).

This may not be the two-door Impala hardtop or convertible you remember, but Chevy's biggest, a front wheel drive four door sedan, is still a fine car. This one is so quiet you can't hear the engine running, and handling in the top-of-the-line SS model is superb -- and not bad at all in the other models. It has new, faster engines and more standard safety equipment, including front and side curtain air bags . The interior is much nicer and classier than what you may remember from GM products of old.

Chrysler 300, $24,200 to $42,695, 2.7 liter, 190 hp., V-6 or 3.5 liter, 250 hp., V-6, 19/27 mpg; 5.7 liter, 340 hp., V-8, 17/25 mpg; 6.1 liter, 425 hp., V-8.

It's hard to say too much about this car. It's a watershed for the American auto industry because it marks the return of the Great American Sedan. If you want all-American luxury, performance, and good looks, you won't do better than Chrysler's 300. Brutishly elegant, well-built, gorgeous interiors and plenty of model choices and options, the 300 has been a hit from day one-and will remain so for some time. An American classic, and yours for the taking.

ENTRY LEVEL LUXURY SEDANS ($30,000 to $40,000)
Acura TL, $33,815, 3.2 liter, 258 hp., V-6, 20/30 mpg.

The TL is oh, so sexy. This sinister-looking sedan -- I call it Acura's "wild child"-- has an arresting design, the best audio system in the business, strong handling, tons of advanced technology and decent performance. Its main drawback is a V-6 engine, which handicaps it in the prestige and image part of the market where V-8s rule. Only BMW can get by without one in this category, thanks to its cachet and heritage, which Acura lacks right now.

Lexus IS, $30,380 to $31,750, 2.5 liter, 204 hp., V-6, 26/30 mpg; 3.5 liter, 306 hp., V-6, 22/26 mpg.

Precision. Clarity. Elegance. Those are the words I'd use to describe the new IS. The IS's ace in the hole is that it has a more comfortable, luxurious interior than BMW's more hard-edged, Teutonic variety. Altogether, I suspect the IS is, with this model change, much better positioned to compete in this class, though the first IS will always have a place in my heart. There's also an all-wheel drive version . You'll have dramatically different experiences with this car depending on drivetrain, and the effect is more pronounced than with other cars. The 205 horsepower version has adequate performance, but a softer, more reassuring feel to it, while the stronger engine is quite spirited and lacks only more responsive steering to put it almost on a par with the BMW 3 Series.

BMW 3 Series, $31,595 to $39,195, 3.0 liter, 215 hp., I-6, 20/30 mpg (21/29 with automatic); 3.0 liter, 255 horsepower I-6.

This is still the one to beat in the entry level luxury category. Driving this car is an incomparable feeling, and you'd have to spend many thousands more to beat it.

Why? Arresting, lusty performance. Steering and handling that's flawless and without peer. An image to die for. And owner loyalty that most car companies would kill for. Drawbacks? Not much interior room, especially in back. If you need it, you'll want to look elsewhere.

MID-LEVEL LUXURY SEDANS ($41,000 to $50,000)
Cadillac STS, $41,740 to 70,000; 3.6 liter, 254 hp., V-6, 18/27 mpg; 4.6 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 17/26 mpg; 4.4 liter, 469 hp. V-8.

Cadillac is once more a force to be reckoned with in the luxury field, and this car provides ample evidence why that's true. From the carefully engineered sounds made by the exhaust to the meticulous fit and finish to the low key, Mercedes-like elegance inside, Cadillac's STS is a superb automobile and fully capable of shaking up the competition. Handling and performance is terrific. But it's darned near awesome if you get the incredible STS-V, which, with tighter steering, tougher ride and 469 hp., will hit 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

Infiniti M35/M45, $40,640 to $43,140, 3.5 liter, 280 hp., V-6, 18/25 mpg; 4.5 liter, 335 hp., V-8, 17/23 mpg.

With lane departure warning system, sport-tuned suspension, active rear suspension, unusual dashboard and 19-inch wheels, the M series of sedans makes quite an impression for Infiniti. Consumer Reports calls it the best car in its class, based on extraordinary handling and acceleration, workmanship and other factors.

Mercedes E Class, $51,825 to $84,275, 3.2 diesel, 201 hp., I-6, 27/37 mpg; 3.5 liter, 268 hp., V-6, 18/26 mpg; 5.0 liter, 302 hp., V-8; 5.4 liter supercharged, 469 hp., V-8.

This one's the stalwart of the class, offering traditional-flavored luxury, with a comforting, reassuring undertone. It has versions running from mild, the E350, to wild -- the AMG powered E55 AMG. Styling is beautifully classic, and Mercedes wisely refrained from changing it too much for 2007. A full complement of safety equipment is standard including traction and stability control systems, side curtain air bags, and electronic brakes.

PREMIUM LUXURY SEDANS ($51,000+)
Jaguar XJ, $62,495 to $115,995, 4.2 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 18/27 mpg; 4.2 liter supercharged, 400 hp., V-8, 17/24 mpg.

Resolutely traditionalist with no technology for technology's sake, the Jag XJ is old-school elegant, comforting as a cup of tea and sexy as all get-out with classic lines, rich interiors and an almost magical ambiance. It has an aluminum chassis and body, four wheel air suspension, a full set of safety equipment such as stability and traction control, side curtain air bags and oodles of prestige.

Mercedes CLS, $66,975 to $89,075, 5 liter, 302 hp., V-8, 16/22 mpg; 5.4 liter supercharged, 469 hp., V-8, 14/20 mpg.

It's not often that you get a chance to drive a work of art, but here's one if I ever saw it. The stunning, fastback four-door coupe CLS-Class is sure to be a sales success. And with copies coming from several other manufacturers, it's a trendsetter, too. It has all the usual Mercedes luxuries, including a full complement of air bags, an air suspension, its own classic looking dashboard, adaptive cruise control and other niceties. And did I mention it's terrific to drive?

Lexus GS, $43,800 to $52,025, 3.0 liter, 245 hp., V-6, 22/30 mpg; 4.3 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 18/25 mpg (hybrid information follows).

You might be surprised that this one has moved up to the premium category, but these have gotten quite pricey, equipped as most people would want. But it's worth every penny. Superb performance, top drawer appointments and new dramatic styling make it quite desirable. But the hybrid Lexus GS450h model -- $54,900), with 0-60 times of 5.2 seconds, 27/28 mpg and arguably the first high-performance hybrid car -- is even better and faster.

MINIVANS
Mazda5, $17,995 to $19,510, 2 liter, 157 hp., I-4, 22/27 mpg.

With minivan prices hitting the stratosphere these days and young families who need minivans not being able to afford them, Mazda has a perfect solution -- an "un-minivan" with a sporty feel, racy styling and a low price tag: the Mazda5. Based on the highly acclaimed Mazda3, the Mazda5 has advantages such as ease of entry and exit, six seats that can be flexibly and easily deployed, plenty of standard safety equipment and options that include a DVD entertainment system. The fun to drive quotient is high, too, with lots of maneuverability, plenty of cornering prowess, and a sporty dashboard and interior.

Honda Odyssey, $25,895 to $39,345, 3.5 liter, 244 hp., V-6, 19/25 mpg.

This is the minivan choice for those who like to drive. Thanks to a nice, car-like driving position, strong acceleration and supple suspension, it's the first choice for sporty drivers who have to have a minivan for family reasons. A roomy second row, sporty and luxurious interior, and standard stability control and side curtain air bags along with cylinder deactivation to save on gasoline are among its key features. It's better looking than the competition, too.

Toyota Sienna, $24,190 to $38,645, 3.3 liter, 215 hp., V-6, 19/27 mpg.

This is what a Lexus minivan would be like. Luxurious, meticulously built with a plenitude of family-friendly equipment, the Sienna remains one of the top brands in this competitive category. You can get a memory seat, second row seats that slide together, a split third row bench that can fold into the floor one at a time, as well as the host of safety equipment like traction and stability control, side curtain air bags and other items.

BONUS: Kia Sedona, about $21,500 to $24,000, liter, 244 hp., V-6 (mileage figures not available):

This one is a dramatic improvement over the previous model, with less weight, more horsepower, more room, and even more room. It's the class leader for interior volume, in fact. Lots of standard safety equipment, and even a five speed "shift it yourself " automatic complete the package.

SPORT COUPES
Ford Mustang: $19,910 to $27,015, 4.0 liter, 210 hp., V-6, 19/25 mpg; 4.6 liter, 300 hp., V-8, 20/30 mpg.

This one's a smash hit, and with good reason. Strong heritage, all-American handling and driving experience, beautiful classic styling, decent mileage, and a host of variants either on the me that all will be classic and collectible some day. What more do you want?

Mini Cooper, $17,500 to $21,150; 1.6 liter, 115 hp., 4 cylinders, 28/36 mpg or 26/33 with CVT; 1.6 liter, 168 hp., 4 cylinders, 25/32 mpg.

Hey, what's not to like about "Da Coop?" Handling's out of this world, it has classic styling, strong fuel economy and a bus load of available personalization items . The back seat's tiny though, and if you get the S, you'll find a rough ride as well.

Honda Civic Coupe, $14,910 to $19,500, 1.8 liter, 140 hp., 4 cylinders, 30/39 mpg; 2 liter, 197 hp., 4 cylinders, 22/31 mpg.

"What?" you say. "The Honda Civic Coupe?" Well, I have a question for you, too. Have you driven one? The all-new Civic Coupe is awesome looking, corners and brakes like a champ, and has levels of technology and feature content far beyond anything in the compact class. And you get all that and Honda quality, too. Of course, the Si is the ticket here, with its strong engine, ferocious handling and sexy looks. Any more questions?

SMALL CROSSOVERS AND SPORT UTILITIES
Suzuki Grand Vitara, $19,594 to $23,094, 2.7 liter, 185 hp., 4 cylinders, 18/23 mpg.

What a honey this one is. It's beautiful, first of all, representing a sea change for a Suzuki SUV. It has a stable, predictable ride, it's decently priced, has strong off-road ability, a host of safety features and a high content quotient. And you feel good driving, it too.

Honda CR-V, $20,900 to about $26,000, 2.4 liter, 156 hp., 4 cylinders, 21/26 mpg.

This one's the winner and still champion in this category, thanks to its quality, dependability, host of standard safety equipment and the versatility of its interior.

Toyota RAV4, about $18,000 to $25,000, 2.4 liter, 166 hp., 4 cylinders, 19/25 mpg; 3.5 liter, 268 hp., V-6, 17/22 mpg.

A Toyota RAV4 on the high performance list? You bet! Wait till you test the optional 268 hp., 3.5 liter V-6. It really flies, and it's got strong handling to boot. The all-new design brings more style and room, with an available third row seat for the first time.

MID-SIZED WAGONS, CROSSOVERS AND SPORT UTILITIES
Mazda CX-7, $24,310, 244 hp.,, 2.3 liter 4 cylinders, 19/24 mpg two-wheel drive, 18/24 mpg four-wheel drive.

Sleek, muscled, with huge blisters over each tire, the CX-7 is being billed as a sports car soul, and indeed, after driving it, I'd have to agree. It makes all the right sounds of a sports model, corners aggressively, and has strong, solid acceleration, too.

Dodge Magnum, $22,995 to $37,995, 2.7 liter, 190 hp., V-6; 3.5 liter, 250 hp., V-6, 21/28 mpg; 5.7 liter, 340 hp., V-8, 15/25 mpg; 6.1 liter, 425 hp., V-8.

Some say it looks like a hearse with its sloping roof, slit-like windows and low profile, but many others say it's one of the sexiest things on wheels, especially if you need a station wagon. It feels substantial, is well-built, well equipped and has one of the better interiors ever done by Chrysler.

Audi A4, $29,900 to about $37,000, 2.0 liter, 200 hp., 4 cylinders, 22/31 mpg; 3.2 liter, 255 hp., V-6, 19/26 mpg; 4.2 liter, 340 hp., V-8.

This is one of the sportiest of wagons, and it sure drives like it's on rails. A solid suspension, strong acceleration, and luxurious finishings make this a no-brainer for those who want room for the kids and all the trimmings.

LARGE CROSSOVERS, WAGONS AND SPORT UTILITIES
Chrysler Pacifica: $25,895 to $36,685, 3.5 liter, 250 hp., V-6, 17/23 mpg front-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg all-wheel drive.

A nicely done, Euro-inspired vehicle with one of the best interiors ever done by Chrysler. The Pacifica can be had with theater style seating, rear parking sensor, power liftgate and the whole nine yards.

Infiniti FX series: $35,800 to around $47,000; 3.5 liters, 280 hp., V-6, 17/23 mpg; 4.5 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 15/19 mpg.

"Finger-lickin' good," this one is. Absolutely breathtaking styling, and breathless performance to go along with it. It has an exhaust sound unlike anything else on the road and it'll send chills up your spine when you hear it. It isn't everybody's cup of tea -- not much room, not much off-road usefulness, and styling that some see as too much -- but it sure is mine.

Chevrolet Tahoe, $33.990, 4.8 liter, 290 hp., V-8; 5.3 liter, 320 hp., V-8, 16/22 mpg for two-wheel drive, 16/21 mpg four-wheel drive.

The new Tahoe is a dramatic improvement over the old model. An all-new interior features much classier, substantial materials and meticulously tight finishes, and a set of power fold and tumble second row seats. A system that shuts down cylinders when not needed for performance saves on gasoline, and a new frame and suspension make for much better ride and handling. And the looks? Contemporary, up to date and a big boost over the old model.

PREMIUM WAGONS, CROSSOVERS AND SPORT UTILITIES
Cadillac Escalade, $54,725, 403 hp., 6.2 liter V-8, 13/17 mpg.

This one put "bling" in the dictionary, and the all-new version is even "blingier." It has a beautiful, tailored design and a vastly improved and plenty comfortable interior that includes a power-fold and tumble set of second-row seats . T here's also strong acceleration and class-leading design and content. The Escalade is the one if you want to make the scene and shine doing it.

Lexus LS 470, $67,945, 4.7 liter, 275 hp., V-8, 13/17 mpg.

Not merely a classy product, but "clah-ssy" with an upturned nose if you know what I mean. Peerless interior design, plenty of room and versatility, classy materials and flawless quality and design are hallmarks of the LS 470.

Mercedes GL-Class: $55,675, 335 hp., 4.6 liter V-8, 13/18 mpg.

You want Mercedes-Benz solid with surprisingly strong, car-like handling? This is the one for you. It's also Mercedes' first, three row seat SUV. A well-tailored interior with useful wells in the third row area for more legroom make this a desirable purchase.

TRUCKS
Honda Ridgeline, $28,215 to $35,155, 3.5 liter, 255 hp., V-6, 16/21 mpg.

And now for something different. The Honda Ridgeline has unibody construction which means a quieter, squeak-free ride, even with no loads in the back. It has a comfortable, car-like interior, a two-way tailgate that opens down and to the side, and a neat underbed, lockable trunk to stow stuff out of sight. It's a darn good product, and one worth considering if you're looking for a pickup.

Toyota Tundra, $16,720 to $34,140, 4.0 liter, 236 hp., V-6, 17/21 mpg; 4.7 liter, 271 hp., V-8, 16/19 mpg.

The Tundra beats all comers with its solid construction, high quality, best interior in its class, and availability of lots of good safety equipment. It's due to be replaced in the fall, but it's hard for me to see how they will top this one.

Don Hammonds can be reached at dhammonds@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1538.