Specs: 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter I-6

For more budget-minded shoppers who want performance, luxury and safety, the new Volvo S60 sedan is worth a serious look. Priced at about $37,700, the redesigned S60 features completely new styling inside and out. The initial production models will be powered by a 300-horsepower, turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline, six-cylinder engine, and additional engine options may be offered at a later date.

Standard features include all-wheel drive, a 60/40 split-folding back seat, dual-zone climate control, six air bags, electronic stability and traction control, and active front head restraints that can reduce whiplash injury in a collision. It also has City Safety, Volvo's system that provides braking assistance and can even apply the brakes at slow speeds to help avoid a rear-end collision or to lessen its impact.