Over the years, carmakers got away from the model-year calendar and started rolling out their latest designs on a staggered basis to keep consumers interested all year long.
Still, autumn is the traditional start of the new model year for the auto industry, and the theme for 2011 is unmistakable: small, fuel-efficient cars.
he 2011 offerings reflect America's changing priorities after a spike in gas prices in 2008 and tough new emissions rules enacted by the U.S. government.
Of course, there are some high-profile debuts, most notably the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, perhaps the most-hyped car in history, and the Nissan ( NSANY - news - people ) Leaf all-electric, both due in November. While the Leaf runs on battery power alone, with a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge, the Volt has a backup engine to recharge the battery for longer trips and to relieve what General Motors calls "range anxiety." GM recently revised the Volt's range on battery power to 25 miles (from 40) but it doesn't really matter if you've got the gasoline engine to keep you going.
But assuming you didn't already put down a deposit on one of these plug-ins, you'll find plenty of other green choices on dealer lots.
Most are fuel-sipping compacts or subcompacts, like the Chevrolet Cruze, hitting dealerships now, or the overhauled Ford Focus, which goes on sale early next year. The Cruze replaces the ho-hum Chevy Cobalt, which just couldn't compete with other small cars in its class. It offers two fuel-efficient engines capable of up to 40 miles per gallon. It also offers a range of new safety features, including 10 standard airbags, and a more refined interior. The big question is whether Americans accustomed to discounts will pay $17,000 to $23,000 for a small Chevrolet.
Ford Motor has already been testing the theory of small premium cars, with some success. The new Focus is the next step in Ford's effort to remake its car lineup, and it can't arrive a moment to soon. The current Focus has grown tired and hasn't kept up with the competition. It now sells for less than the smaller Fiesta subcompact, which went on sale earlier this year. Ford hopes Focus buyers will follow the pattern set by Fiesta owners, who've been willing to spend more for extras like leather seats, premium stereos and wireless connectivity.
Some of the new models for 2011 are really tiny, like the bulb-shaped Fiat ( FIATY.PK - news - people ) 500, which will be sold by Chrysler dealers early next year, and the Scion IQ, a teeny two-door designed for urban dwellers. It's about the size of a Smart ForTwo, and only half as ugly.
Hyundai Equus
This $60,000 luxury sedan is the biggest stretch yet for the Korean carmaker, which has steadily improved its reputation over the past decade. While it doesn't fit the trend of small fuel-efficient cars, it's still an interesting car to watch. The Equus will try to go up against the Mercedes S-class and the Lexus LS. Given Hyundai's success to date, the Equus shouldn't be underestimated.
BMW X1
This baby SUV from BMW, due in early 2011, is based on the 1-series compact. It slots in below the redesigned X3, which has just started production at BMW's recently expanded factory in South Carolina. The X1 would be a strong entry in the small luxury crossover market.
Kia OptimaLike its larger Korean sister, Hyundai, Kia's vehicles are becoming a lot more attractive and reliable. This redesigned mid-sized sedan shares a platform with the hot-selling Hyundai Sonata, which is getting rave reviews from automotive critics. It goes on sale this fall, with a hybrid model arriving early next year.
Scion IQThis two-door micro-car from Toyota's youth brand is aimed at urban dwellers who spend most of their time zipping around the city or looking for a place to park. It's about the size of a Smart ForTwo, and isn't quite as weird-looking. The design is still pretty unusual, though, and might turn off some people when it goes on sale in early 2011.
Nissan JukeThis crossover is intended as an SUV version of the compact and fuel-efficient Versa hatchback. It, too, is aimed at young buyers, and comes with optional luxury features like leather seats, push-button start, navigation system and a power sunroof.
Volkswagen JettaArriving this month in VW dealerships, the redesigned Jetta is part of the first wave of a renewed assault by Volkswagen in the U.S. market. It comes with a lower base price, starting around $16,000.
Mini CountrymanMinis are getting bigger. This is the largest Mini yet, and meant to look like an SUV. It'll be more practical, with more space and available all-wheel-drive, but it's still a Mini. Look for it early next year.
Ford FocusThe next-generation Focus was designed in Europe and is expected to be a huge step up from the American version that's been sold here over the past decade. Due in early 2011, it'll feature a direct-injection four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission for improved fuel economy. Later in 2011 a battery-powered Focus will go on sale.
Fiat 500This cute, bulb-shaped compact from Fiat is one of the bonuses of the Italian carmaker's role in rescuing Chrysler. Fiat plans to return to the U.S. market after a 30-year absence, and will sell the 500 through separate Fiat showrooms at some 165 Chrysler dealerships, starting early next year.
Chevrolet SparkDue in the U.S. later next year, the Spark is a sporty entry-level vehicle designed by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, General Motors' Korean subsidiary. It's part of a wave of new small cars from GM.
Ford ExplorerThe iconic sport-utility has been redesigned on a car-like, unibody platform instead of a truck-based chassis. And it's been outfitted with new engines, including a turbocharged, direct-injection Ecoboost engine that promises a 30% improvement in fuel economy. It will go on sale early next year.
Chevrolet CruzeAlready a hit in Asia and Europe, the Cruze replaces the disappointing Chevy Cobalt, offering a more refined interior and better handling. Two four-cylinder engines are available, including a 1.4-liter turbocharged version that will get 40 mpg with a manual transmission. It's arriving in showrooms now.
