Now entering local showrooms is the 2010 model, the third generation of the car that revived an idea as old as the automobile itself – and first seen in the United States in the 1904 Gas-Au-Lec – an electric car. Using the Latin word that means “to go before,” the Prius hit the Japanese market in 1997 and came to America four years later.

I’ve been driving a lot of new gas-electric hybrid cars lately. Inside today’s Drive, you’ll find my take on the 2010 Toyota Prius. It came after a week piloting a new Honda Insight hybrid. Then, along came the chance to sample the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, although it was only a brief drive.

I've been driving a lot of new gas-electric hybrid cars lately. Inside today's Drive, you'll find my take on the 2010 Toyota Prius. It came after a week piloting a new Honda Insight hybrid. Then, along came the chance to sample the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, although it was only a brief drive. Still, I think I have enough perspective to give those considering hybrids some food for thought.

The first Kia I drove, about 11 years ago, was so miserable that I advised buyers to consider a used car instead. Owning a Kia then would have been like trading in an Armani suit for a flour sack. Back then, Kia was an inexpensive car that never let you forget how little you paid for it. Sure, you might flip burgers for a living, but you don't want to be constantly reminded of the fact.

Given the turmoil in the automotive industry, you wouldn’t think it’s a favorable time to buy a car, but industry experts say declining sales, production cutbacks and manufacturer incentives might make it a good time after all.

When will Audi claim its rightful place as one of the world’s great luxury brands? This is a brand that competes, and wins, at the 24 Hours of LeMans. Its platforms are the basis for some truly exotic, high-end machinery. Yet the brand languishes, like a beautiful girl who doesn’t have a date to the prom.

President Barack Obama’s admirable proposal requiring auto manufacturers’ fleets to average 35.5 miles a gallon by 2016 is more challenging than it sounds. Cars would have to average 39 mpg, while light trucks would have to return 30 mpg. How tough is that?

Consider it a case of automotive Alzheimer’s.  Before driving the 2009 Mazda6, I couldn’t remember anything distinctive about the first-generation Mazda6 or its predecessor, the 626. It’s not that I haven’t liked midsize Mazdas. But on the whole, they’ve lacked charisma and have been as forgettable as a politician’s speech. 

Being prepared for a road trip that could make the difference between a vacation you’ll always remember and one you’ll want to forget. So before you hit the highway, here are a few things to consider.   Your vehicle - Have all systems checked, including tires, belts, brakes, air conditioning, battery, wipers and cooling system. - Make sure your spare tire is usable.

Blame Toyota. The automaker brought the Toyota Black Box to the U.S. market as the Scion xB. looking to capture younger buyers by other automakers are producing their own square four-cylinder cars. Let’s open them up.   Honda Element