And the stakes have never been higher. According to publisher James Bell of Intellichoice, "This new car model year is seeing some extremely important vehicles that will be vital to the success of several manufacturers. 2007 also represents what we anticipate to be outstanding values for consumers in the marketplace. The competitive landscape is changing quickly and high quality is becoming ubiquitous. This is a buyers' market and today's car shoppers have the best selection ever offered."

The 10 vehicles and Bell's impressions of them include:

1. Acura MDX - At last, a daring design from Acura.
2. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - GM's recent financial and workforce problems are well documented and these trucks will save the day...or speed the decline.
3. Ford Edge / Lincoln MKX - The first true Crossover SUV efforts from Ford, and not a minute too soon.
4. Jeep Compass / Patriot - ...are there enough customers for two Jeeps that turn the term 'Trail Rated' into an optional feature?
5. Nissan Sentra - New competition has made the current Sentra look and feel much older than its six years on the market, so the expectations are huge for this all-new model.
6. Nissan Altima - The Altima cannot afford to lose ground.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander - Will the 4WD Outlander help Mitsubishi find smoother roads in 2007?
8. Saturn Aura (pictured) - The Aura arrives with bold and rewarding styling and engineering and could be the first Saturn since the original 1991 SL to hurt the imports.
9. Toyota Tundra - At last a true full-size competitor to the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram.
10. Volkswagen Eos - Could become a catalyst for change at VW.

Our take? We feel that Bell did not tip-toe on any of these models. All their automakers are keenly aware that the next few years may change the automotive landscape for ever. For the consumer, though, 2007 is the start of a bonanza of inexpensive, high-quality vehicles that will last easily into the next decade.

Via Business Wire