What a time to buy a car.

And if you are out there "looking," you are doing so at the most historic time of transformation in the auto industry that we have ever seen.

One of the Big Three Detroit companies is now in bankruptcy, and it's anybody's guess what it will look like when -- and if -- it gets out of it. Meanwhile, several European companies are looking to merge, too, while others are tempting takeover targets.

I expect that when the dust settles, we will have a number of new nameplates that either are new to our market, or brands that left the market here decades ago returning, such as Fiat. You will probably see Chinese, and even Indian, cars and trucks sold here within the next couple of years, too.

The bottom line is that we now will truly have a global marketplace in which there will be a wide variety of new products, plenty of new technology, lots of interesting styles and much better fuel economy, too.

But one thing that hasn't changed: You.

Your needs may change, you might go from a sports car to minivan -- or vice versa -- but you will still want pretty much the same thing: A safe, reliable, economical car or truck that gets you where you want to go in style, and (you hope) offers some fun on the way there.

One of the things you'll discover is that, because of the awful economy and the crises in the auto industry, there are now far more incentives, rebates and special programs for car buyers than ever, which brings me to my next point: It is more important than ever to research, research, research.

Things are changing so fast, with new incentives being added or removed as time goes on. You won't be able to take advantage of things and get the best deal if you don't do your homework.

Research on a good Web site such as www.Edmunds.com will provide you with information on the car you want, the equipment you'd like, the available rebates and other incentives, and the price that most people in your area are paying for that car.

Armed with information, you can head to your dealership knowing that you're getting the best deal with the best car or truck for you.

But working on a computer will get you only so far. You must visit a dealership to test-drive your dream wheels; and when you do so, it's important that you try the car on a variety of roads, as well as try out all the equipment to make sure you know how your car works.

Try parallel parking your car as well -- you want to make sure your prospective purchase isn't a handful to park under normal circumstances. Check head, leg and shoulder space, too, and don't overlook seeing if there's enough trunk room back there.

In fact, if you have several other people in your family, or other drivers, it's essential that you bring them with you when you buy. Your new car has to fit everybody, not just you.

Before you take delivery, inspect the car to make sure it has the equipment you specified, and check to ensure there are no loose parts, scratches and other problems that the dealer needs to take care of before you take delivery.

Now, the fun part. What's out there to buy?

There's plenty, as you'll see when you read this section.

Automakers have stopped introducing cars only during the fall. Now, the month of June is a hot one on the introduction circuit, and this year is no different.

While there is a crop of significant cars among summer introductions, perhaps the most important one is Mercedes' all-new 2010 E Class sedan and coupe. Why? Because these two are equipped with ground-breaking safety features that are likely, someday, to become commonplace.

Particularly effective is the attention assist, which gives a little warning through vibrations in the steering wheel and flashes a picture of a coffee cup, while urging its owner to take a break and get some rest. The automatic emergency braking stops the car instantly in event of a collision.

Other safety features are lane-keeping assist, which helps the driver stay in his or her lane; blind spot monitor, to warn of nearby vehicles before changing lanes or other maneuvers; adaptive high beam assist; and air bags for the knees.

Of course, safety features aren't what you will see first -- that would be the Origami-sharp character lines and creases that are a hallmark of the striking new design that brings the E Class into the 21st century. Mercedes clearly decided not to play it safe with the styling of the new E Class models, and that's even more true with the coupe.

Power comes from a 268-horsepower V-6 in the E350 and a 382-horsepower V-8 in the E550 models. Both have seven-speed automatic transmissions for better fuel economy.

Now let's talk money. Hold onto your hat ... Mercedes is bringing these features -- all wrapped up in a strikingly contemporary car-- at a much lower price than last year's model. Prices start at under $49,000, a bargain compared with the $53,000 cost of entry for the old model.

If you think this is just the Genesis sedan with two doors removed, think again. While they do share engines and various parts, they are dramatically different in driving personality.

The coupe handles like a champ, tearing around corners and zooming down straightaways like it was born for the road. The exhaust notes, the sensations you feel behind the wheel, are similar to what you would experience in any good performance car.

It's designed to compete with such cars as Ford's Mustang, Chevy's Camaro and Dodge's Challenger, but it has a very different flavor. Those other cars are reincarnations of classic pony cars. But the Genesis is completely contemporary in how it presents itself.

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis can be powered by one of two engines, a 306-horsepower, V-6 that comes from the Genesis sedan, or a 210-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Prices start at $22,000.

The sleek fastback coupe draws its design from a line of concept cars Hyundai has shown over the past few years, including 2004 HCD8 sport coupe and the 2006 HCD9. There are seven versions to choose from, and nine exterior colors you can choose as well.

Another must-see is the Honda Insight, a fuel-sipping new model that represents a good buy for the person purchasing his or her very first hybrid 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 start at less than $20,000.

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

The new XC60 is available 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 City Safety program, a system that assists drivers in reducing the effects of low-speed accidents that occur often in city traffic or in avoiding those accidents. 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 Cube and the always popular Mini Cooper, has hit the local market. Prices start in the $13,000 to $15,000 base price range.

The Soul is done in cool, funky colors, and has a dizzying array of items that can be used to personalize it to just about everybody's taste.

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, and are much better at 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, partly 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's all-new 2010 GLK 3504Matic, a muscular businesslike crossover that has all the relevant Merecedes-Benz trappings, along with strong performance coming from a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower 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 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:

Honda Fit, $15,220 to $19,430. 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 chests. 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 is getting to be a perennial favorite of mine.

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 sport 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.