10 Redesigned or All New 2011 Cars that You Need to Know About

Having just attended the press days at the 2010 LA Auto Show I was shocked to see how many automakers were unveiling such unexpectedly strong entries into their respective market segments. No, I am not just talking about the alternative energy vehicles like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Those vehicles are expensive and somewhat limiting in their operation. They will appeal more to early adopters and not the run of the mill new car buyer. The vehicles I am talking about are models that will change their market segments. The ones that redefine the concept of what a brand or model once stood for. There were also one or two unadulterated disasters that I think you should avoid at all costs.

2011 Hyundai Elantra

This little compact sedan has "huge hit" written all over it. Much like the Sonata sedan before it, the new Elantra is set to alter the balance of power in its segment. The Corollas of the world really need to look out because the new Elantra is stylish, has a high feature content and attracted a tremendous amount of attention at this year's auto show.

2011 Nissan Juke

Some say it looks like a frog, other people think it is the coolest looking SUV design that they have ever seen. I just happen to be in the latter category. Handling for AWD models is said to be superb, the Juke is affordably priced and it looks like nothing else on the road. Awesome.

2011 Toyota Corolla

This model was allegedly restyled but apparently Toyota's styling department missed that memo. What did they change exactly?

2011 Kia Sportage

The 2010 version of this South Korean compact SUV was an atrocity. It trailed the pack in all categories but the one now leads it on value, efficiency and style. How that happened is one of the miracles of the 2011 model year.

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Nissan really managed to make the whole wacky thing work with the Cube and the Juke but who thought a convertible SUV was a good idea? This hunchbacked monster starts at over $45,000 and is utterly hideous. An epically huge Pontiac Aztek sized mistake.

2011 Kia Optima

Want an Audi but can't afford one? Look no further.

2011 Volvo S60

Finally, a cool Volvo sedan.

2011 Fiat 500

Fiat returns to North America with this cute and stylish Mini Cooper combatant. Get ready to see these everywhere.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gorgeous lines, beautiful interior and an attractive price tag. Jeep redid all of its interiors for 2011 and they have all gone from plastic-fantastic jokes to class leaders. Even the Wrangler.

2011 Chevy Cruze

It may lack the pizazz of the 2012 Focus but the Cruze is impressively efficient and has one of the nicest interiors in any GM product. Easily the best compact car GM has ever made. A terrific buy.