It's that time again.

Pittsburgh's International Auto Show gets under way tomorrow.

This year, more than ever, it's important to have an open mind when you visit the show.

With sales plummeting in dealerships and car companies on the ropes, automakers are working harder than ever to ensure that their products are top-notch, full of value and worth considering for purchase.

They cannot afford to do anything less in tough times -- but they also deserve your full attention and consideration when you visit the show.

If, when you visit the show, you rely on what you thought you knew about cars you see there, or if you hold on to no longer valid stereotypes, you may well miss the perfect product for you -- whether we're talking about American makes, European makes, or cars from Asia.

So what should you check out at the show?

First there's the new and nearly new cars and trucks that you've been hearing about since fall. And secondly, there are some "don't miss" cars and trucks that I believe represent strong value and interest in today's admittedly tough-as-nails market.

There's the Honda Insight, a fuel-sipping new model that will be hitting showrooms in March. This hybrid-powered car is not only a winner, but it's also one of the most important cars at the show, ushering in an era of the supereconomy car.

Powered by a 98-horsepower, 1.3-liter engine, the Insight is conservatively rated at 40 miles per gallon. It also makes it fun to conserve gas and drive responsibly. If you are driving in a wasteful, gas-guzzling way, the speedometer turns bright blue. If your driving habits are more prudent, the gauge turns an earth-friendly shade of green.

Prices are expected to start at less than $20,000.

Another newcomer is Volvo's striking XC60, a new entrant in the burgeoning small luxury crossover market.

The new XC60 will be available in the United States with Volvo's six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants. It comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The XC60's biggest claim to fame is its the City Safety program, a system that assists drivers in reducing the effects of low-speed accidents that occur often in city traffic or avoiding those accidents altogether. If the XC60 is about to strike the car in front of it and the driver doesn't react, the car puts on the brakes automatically if the car is going no more than about 20 mph.

Kia's cute little Soul, a hip squarish looking hatchback that will compete with Toyota's Scion xB, Nissan's soon to arrive Cube and the always popular Mini Cooper, is expected to make its Pittsburgh debut at this show, too. I expect prices to be in the $13,000 to $15,000 base price range.

The Soul is done in cool, funky colors, has a dizzying array of items that can be used to personalize it to just about everybody's taste. More on this car in PG On Wheels early next month.

Ford's got bragging rights too this year with its highly acclaimed Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans. I predict these models will compete quite effectively with both Toyota's Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Chevy Malibu Hybrid, the other three nonluxury, family size sedan hybrid products on the market.

The two cars, which carry price tags that start at $27,995 for the Ford Fusion, both have a 191 horsepower, four-cylinder engine and electrical motor power teams, are much better handling than the Camry Hybrid, and have nicer interiors and exterior styling.

The Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura, while less expensive, are "partial hybrids" that use a special belt/starter/alternator system that differs from the electric battery/gasoline engine system used by most other hybrids.

Audi's little BMW 3 Series killer, the A4, is all new for this year, and it's not so little any more, either.

It's a few inches longer, even more luxurious than before with more room all around. Audi interiors are usually to die for, a delectable melange of color, texture and materials, and the new A4 continues that tradition.

And styling? Have you seen Audi's gorgeous, sensual looking A5 and S5? If you have seen those two cars, you've basically seen the Audi 4, which has strong influences from them.

But the best part of all, the new A4 has what is called a Drive Select system that is optional equipment. The system uses adjustable engine/throttle mapping, suspension damping and dynamic steering to alter the car's characteristics to suit the driver's preferences. You dial in what you want, and away you go. And, yes, all of the "feels" are very different, resulting in a car with a number of personalities.

Power comes from an all-new 2.0-liter, turbo, four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower that is expected to offer up to 15 percent better fuel economy, or a 265-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6. Prices range from $28,000 to $38,000.

Toyota's all new Venza is a list topper too, not the least of which is because its Italianesque styling makes it one of the best looking cars ever from that company.

If you want, you can think of it as a Camry station wagon, but it's lots better looking than that car, in my book.

The Venza has muscled, flowing lines; taillights that are nicely integrated into the rear; and powerful-looking rounded wheel wells with the hint of "blisters" over them. It's easily the most stylish member of the Toyota family.

Selling for about $23,000 at the low end of the price scale to about $29,000 at the top end, the Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and Toyota officials say it will "deliver the quiet, comfortable ride expected from a full-sized car, along with the peace of mind that comes with all-wheel drive."

It is powered by an all new 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V-6.

The Venza seats five and comes with a full complement of safety and convenience features. The car is expected to go on sale late this year, and I predict it will be a huge seller for Toyota.

Lovers of small luxury crossovers will want to check out Mercedes-Benz' all-new 2010 GLK 3504Matic, a muscular business-like crossover that has all the relevant Merecedes-Benz trrappings, along with strong performance coming from a 3.5-liter, 268-horserpower V-6.

The squarish, yet aerodynamic looking styling is clearly influenced by the handsome GL series of crossovers, and the interior has clear Mercedes influence throughout.

Prices start at $36,775.

Now for the cars that I think are the "best of the best." These products have been on the market anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, and thus they aren't products that you haven't seen on the streets yet.

But they do reflect outstanding value for the dollar, plenty of fun, dollops of style and each at a decent price in its market niches.

Don't miss these at the auto show. Take a look at the models and their approximate prices:

This car is a winner hands down. First, the fuel economy is outstanding. Second, the styling manages to say "premium" while the price tag says "inexpensive."

Then there's the flexibility that the Fit offers, including seats that fold in so many combinations and permutations that it makes your head spin.

The icing on the cake is the driving experience. The Fit delivers with precise handling and peppy acceleration.

Did I mention gas mileage? Look for 33 to 35 mpg on the highway and 29 to 31 mpg in the city.

Think of this car as the "Velvet Hammer."

It'll shut its competitors down like nobody's business in performance matchups, and its acceleration and cornering are absolutely fierce, matching the best of the world, turn for turn.

Inside, the interior is breathtaking, with fittings, trims and materials that reflect a dramatic upgrade for both GM and Cadillac.

But even though this car is a terror with its 6.2-liter, 556-horsepower V-8 that hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, it is completely quiet, easy to drive and comfortable.

Fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.

Have you seen Ford's way cool Flex?

This car signals nothing less than the comeback of Ford Motor Co. as a top-notch center of styling. It's daring, it's unique, it's attention getting, and everything that Fords -- except for the Mustang -- have not been for a very long time.

Though it drives heavily, it has good handling. And it backs it all up with practicality. Think of it as a rolling living room lounge, with everything, including an optional refrigerator, at your disposal as you enjoy stretch-out room that has to be experienced to be believed.

A fun fact: Flex is fast becoming a popular choice for customizers, cruisers and tuners alike. I've seen a lot of really cool variations on the Flex in all manner of colors, designs and themes. That's quite a feather in Flex's cap -- these groups of car lovers are picky, and to be one of the top cars on their lists says something about the Flex.

Fuel economy is rated at 16/22 to 17/24, depending on model.

If you want some "sporty" served up with your crossover, here's the first stop you'll want to make: Chevy's all-new Traverse. This is one of the better performing crossovers on the road. There's lots of room in those three rows -- third-row passengers don't need to ride with their knees in their chest. It's well built, and somehow, GM managed to design it so it doesn't look like every other crossover.

Fuel economy is rated at 16/23 to 17/24 depending on engine and model.

"The Cat" is back, and in a big, glamorous way. If you really want everybody to notice you when you arrive, the XF may be the wheels for you. It's a sure-fire attention getter, and you'd better be ready to answer lots of questions when you're seen in it.

The proof of the pudding in this car is the driving thereof, however.

The XF has features that make the driving experience unlike anything else. When you hit that pulsing starter button, the round shifter rises from the console to the palm of your hand and the air vents on the dashboard open up as the "sleeping cat" comes alive.

Fuel economy is rated at 16/25.

Malibu, how do we love thee?

This new car has drawn more buyers than GM's seen in a long time in the sedan market, and for good reason. I can't think of a thing it doesn't have.

First, it's practical to a fault, and both consumers and car writers have noticed, considering strong sales and the long list of awards it has won. It's roomy, economical, well-built, comes with OnStar and it's more fun to drive than just about any other family car except Nissan's Altima, which ties it in that regard.

I can't think of a family car that offers more style, substance, quality and that all important factor -- personality -- than this one. Fuel economy is rated at 17/26 to 22/32.

This car is absolutely arresting in every sense of the term, and it ranks as one of the most desirable sports sedans on the market.

Yes, it looks controversial from the front, with a look that will remind you of a jet fighter, or maybe Batman's ride of choice. No matter. Thank goodness it's different. Who wants a car that looks like everybody else's?

If you want thrills behind the wheels, the TL delivers on this score, too. But this car also is a driving machine of the first order, with strong acceleration, handling that's sharp as a blade's edge and tons of technology. You can get this car in all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive versions.

Fuel economy is rated at 17/24 for the larger V-6, a bit more for the base model.

Finally, consider the Infiniti G37, $34,000 to $41,000, 15 to 17/22 to 25; M35/M45, $45,000 to $55,500, 14 to 17/20 to 24; FX/35 and FX45, $42,150 to $57,565, 14 to 16/17 to 23; Infiniti EX35, about $40,000, 17/24:

If you're planning to visit only a handful of exhibits at this show, do not miss this one.

Moving up from the time that its cars were barely different from the Nissan products they were based on, Infiniti has become the automaker of choice for those who appreciate cars that are unique, powerful and tastefully done. You won't see anything here that will remind you of anything else, and just wait till you visit your dealer and hear the exhaust notes!

Finger lickin' good all the way around, and all up and down the product line.