Q1 2007 New-Car Shopper Favorites

The unique-looking Lincoln MKX is based on the Ford Edge and part of a growing segment called "crossovers" that falls somewhere between an SUV and a station wagon. Lincoln says that in March, the MKX outsold Acura, Cadillac and Infiniti competitors. Our tests show that it's a well-executed, comfortable, luxurious and versatile vehicle. ***

The 485-hp Shelby GT500, like its iconic Cobra predecessors, is a limited edition aimed at hardcore enthusiasts. But this insanely powerful and fast niche vehicle also serves a larger purpose, according to Strategic Vision's Alexander Edwards. "It reminds people why the Ford brand is worth looking at," he says. ***

The FJ Cruiser didn't rate well in some of Consumer Reports' testing because of compromises in design, functionality and visibility issues. But it sure does turn heads: "I could read the lips of people on the sidewalk saying, 'What is this?'" says CR auto test engineer Gabriel Shenhar. ***

Last quarter, Strategic Vision's Alexander Edwards said he'd be surprised if the BMW 3 Series wasn't ranked No. 1. Even though it has slipped from the top spot, the 3 Series remains the king of compact luxury sport sedans, offering an ideal blend of comfort, class and driving excitement. ***

The all-new Tahoe is a marked improvement over the model it replaces, with more-powerful engines, better capabilities and more comfort than before. A hybrid version of the 2008 Tahoe is due this fall. ***

This muscle car, which comes in coupe and convertible body styles with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, placed first in a recent ForbesAutos.com quarterly ranking. This time, it takes two spots on the list with the new 500-hp Shelby GT500 variant in the No. 2 slot. ***

The Corvette has made five out of six of the ForbesAutos.com quarterly rankings. Get behind the wheel of one, and it's easy to see why. "They see the Corvette and they recognize its power and performance ***

Honda's popular midsize SUV seats eight, comes with side-impact airbags, high safety ratings and carries a V6 engine that generates 244 hp. It received kudos for safety and reliability from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with either two- or four-wheel drive. ***

The Highlander Hybrid is built on the same platform as the Lexus RX 350 and RX 400h. This midsize, car-based SUV is a rare breed: It can seat seven and attain 32 mpg city, thanks to three battery-powered electric motors that assist its 3.6-liter V6. The Highlander was the third-best-selling hybrid nationwide in 2006. ***

Toyota completely redesigned the Camry for the 2007 model year and added a gas/electric hybrid variant for the first time. Considering that the Camry has been the best-selling car in the U.S. for eight of the past nine years, it ***