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The 2006-’11 Accent’s chief claims to fame was its affordability combined with excellent fuel efficiency. These cars were among the least expensive available, yet still managed to look and feel up-to-date. The hatchback’s rear seat folded flat to give it added load-carrying versatility. The sedan offered reasonable access and comfort for rear-seat passengers, especially adults, who benefited from an enlarged cabin.

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Under the previous DaimlerChrysler ownership (before Fiat), full-size Chrysler- and Dodge-branded sedans used Mercedes-Benz’s E-class suspension components that helped give them their excellent road manners and a comfortable and controlled ride. There was plenty of leg, hip and shoulder room for up to five passengers and trunk room was exemplary. Interior fit and finish was decent, but can’t compare to the updated 2015 versions. Cars with the Hemi V-8, especially the SRT, delivered the kind of kick-in-the-pants thrust that make them a blast to drive.

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This series of Corollas continued to hold fast to their popularity primarily because they offered comfortable passenger accommodations, decent storage space and excellent fuel economy, all wrapped up in a neat, tidy package that resembled the larger Camry. These cars also possessed an enviable reputation for reliability that to this day other manufacturers struggle to match. Corolla drivers are so practical that they often see no reason to trade up when their car is running perfectly line.

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The Sentra sedan-based Rogue’s attractiveness was readily apparent, which cemented its popularity with buyers. The car was also relatively fun to drive compared to many of its competitors and didn’t mind being tossed into corners. The standard 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine was a reliable performer that seemed perfectly matched to the Rogue in terms of power and fuel economy, which were comparable to other models in the small ute segment. The interior offered plenty of passenger space for five and up-level trim levels elevated the Rogue to near-luxury status.

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The 4Runner was a capable body-on-frame off-roader. Both the V-6 and V-8 models were equipped with four-wheel-drive that could shift up to 71 percent of the torque to the rear wheels (up to 53 percent to the front). All 4×4 models came with Hill-Start Assist Control that prevented the 4Runner from unintentionally rolling backward, while Downhill Assist Control held a slow and steady descent rate on steep grades. The standard V-6 provided adequate power while the V-8 was the best at heavy hauling and towing.

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The Altima succeeded the Stanza as Nissan’s mid-size four-door for 1993, with a crisper-looking second-generation model arriving five model years later. All new Altimas arrived for 2002 and again for 2007, followed by an added Altima coupe a year later. Both used a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and optional 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. A six-speed manual transmission and continuously variable unit (CVT) were available with both powerplants.

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The Canyon was small, but held its own against the competition, especially when it came to horsepower with either the base or optional engines. A five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic were available for all except the V-8, but the four-door crew cab came only with the automatic. Four-cylinder models equipped with the manual gearbox earned appreciably better fuel-economy ratings than the automatic, but transmission choice made little difference when it came to the five-cylinder.

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The Outback was a roomy, sure-footed machine that was praised for its ability to slog through most road and weather conditions. The spacious, well appointed cabin could sit five comfortably. With the rear seat folded flat, the Outback displayed impressive cargo space (with an additional storage cubby below the load floor. The base four-cylinder engine was thriftier on fuel than similar wagons or sport utes, while the torquey top-of-the-line six-cylinder was an excellent choice for hauling a full load of people and cargo or towing recreational toys or travel trailers.

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The GMC Canyon and its near-twin Chevrolet Colorado replaced the junior-sized GMC Sonoma and Chevy S10 pickups. Both came in regular-and extended-cab versions (the latter with swing-out rear doors) as well as in four-door crew-cab livery. A 175-horsepower 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine was standard, while a 220-horsepower 3.5-liter five-cylinder was optional. For 2006, a nearly identical Isuzu-branded pickup appeared, one year before the four-cylinder powerplant was enlarged to 2.9 liters and output increased to 185 horsepower.

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The Eclipse was a sporty mainstay for Mitsubishi ever since the two-door car was launched for the 1990 model year, along with the similar Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser. At the time, all three were built at the same Illinois production facility that was jointly operated by Mitsubishi and Chrysler, and all were available in front- and all-wheel drive versions. An all-new coupe arrived for 1995 and the equally new Spyder convertible arrived the following year.

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