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.

MSN: Used-car clunkers to avoid

To that end the best deals we could locate among 2012 compact and subcompact cars were cut-rate financing deals on the highly regarded Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan and the new subcompact Chevy Sonic.

FORBES: Top 10 New-Car Deals for November

Also making the list are the underperforming subcompact Nissan Versa Hatchback, and three models from the soon-to-be-discontinued Suzuki brand, including the Grand Vitara SUV, Kisahsi midsize sedan and SX4 subcompact.

FORBES: New Cars To Avoid: Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra And More

They include replacements for core vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Infiniti G35, a new Sentra compact sedan and a tiny subcompact, the Versa, that's new to the U.S. market.

FORBES: Nissan readies a big rollout of new cars and trucks.

The 10 Best Interiors of 2012 award winners include the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent, the compact Dodge Dart sedan, Volkswagen Beetle coupe and Mazda CX-5 crossover.

FORBES: Cars With The Most-Appealing Interiors

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.

FORBES: The Most-Reliable Used Cars