Besides the usual hatchback, sedan and SUV, car shoppers today can consider yet-to-be-categorized cars such as the Mazda5, a micro-minivan, or Mercedes-Benz's R-Class, a maxi-station wagon.

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And for those who prefer a more conventional ride, small cars like the Honda Fit hatchback and Volkswagen Jetta sedan boast what are among the roomiest interiors in their respective classes.

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These include lackluster models from model years 2008 and 2009 like the Chevrolet Aveo subcompact sedan and hatchback, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks and the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicles.

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These include the family friendly Toyota Highlander crossover SUV, the budget-minded Yaris subcompact and the fuel-sipping Prius hybrid hatchback, along with the upscale Lexus ES 350 sedan and RX 350 crossover.

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The A3 three-door hatchback unveiled here (the U.S. will get a four-door sedan version before 2014) will offer a slew of different engines, both gas and diesel, as well as automatic and manual transmissions.

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