As car people, we're often called upon to provide hints about what people should drive. The great thing about a competitive market like the American automotive industry is that consumers have literally hundreds of choices. And still, our friends assume we know "the one" car to buy.

Every automotive publication comes up with its pick for "best large car" or "best sporty car" using all the brainpower on staff and all statistical resources of their accounting departments. And they all make the same recommendations. No big surprises. Here at Automotive Traveler, we acknowledge the typical "best of" lists that others produce are good and filled with quality products. But they don't answer all of the questions. In our list, we attempt to answer the unanswered questions, sometimes even the unasked ones.

Modern cars are amazingly high quality. Yes, you can subscribe to a magazine that reports to consumers how durable and reliable many of today's products, including cars, are. Truth be told, today's cars are all quite reliable. You typically pay for extra quality of components, but the basic structure of all vehicles--engines, transmissions, major accessories--will outlast your ownership of the vehicle as long as they're maintained properly.

That said, certain models are better suited to various uses than others. We've gone through the marketplace and surveyed the available vehicles in order to provide you with the top products in what we feel are underreported categories. Our crack automotive staff compiled this list exclusively for Automotive Traveler readers in order to provide alternatives to the standard and safe recommendations found elsewhere, along with my personal picks. (Base prices are in parentheses.)

Afraid of the Interstate

While an electric car would be great--a 2012 Nissan Leaf ($36,050) or the hybrid 2012 Chevrolet Volt ($39,995)--they ain't cheap! For thousands less than those guys, you can get into a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid ($29,395) or a 2011 Toyota Prius ($22,120). Both hybrids have ample interior space, easily get 35-40 m.p.g. in the real world, and are quite reliable.

For less than $20,000, Honda's American-made Civic ($16,575) or Hyundai's Accent ($13,205) make excellent transportation. Updated for 2012, both the Civic and Accent provide near hybrid-like fuel economy (there's a hybrid Civic for even better mileage) with enough room for four adults. Honda comes with a long-running reputation for quality and Hyundai backs up its newfound reliability with a 10-year warranty. Ford's new Focus ($16,500), another all-new model for 2012, is an honorable mention in this crowd.

Sam Says: You know there's a great big world out there, and you would rather keep it "out there." I'd go with the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Without the looks to call out its hybrid drivetrain, you can get 40 m.p.g. while tooling around town and hauling your friends to the coffee shop or the local bingo parlor. A very real and usable sedan with true 40-m.p.g. capability without ever getting on the highway.