No.10 - Buick LaCrosse

Recalled: Toyota Avalon

If Buick ever had a groove to lose, it's getting it back. The second-generation LaCrosse is new to us, but the Epsilon platform is utilized in international markets as Opel’s Insignia. In other words, it’s at once fresh yet refined. A pair of V6 engines (sized at 3.0- and 3.6-liters) are available in front-wheel drive trim levels, with all-wheel drive as an option. Not satisfied with would-be Avalon buyers alone, Buick is gunning for Lexus ES 350 shoppers as well. Seriously, Buick poses a strong case with the LaCrosse.

No.9 - Chevrolet Malibu

Recalled: Toyota Camry

If the 2011 Buick Regal were on sale at the time of this writing, it would be a lock in this spot. But don’t mistake our Chevy Malibu pick as a runner-up. The former rental car star was completely redone for 2008, and minor tweaks keep four- and six-cylinder variants fresh for 2010. Yes, you can still rent one, but the current-gen Malibu is worth driving on purpose and looks good in the process. It’s a bit of a stretch to say that about the Camry.     

No.8 - Ford Focus

Recalled: Toyota Corolla

The introduction of Ford’s Fiesta has dominated the small-car news from Dearborn, and while Focus awaits its 2012 redesign, the current car is still serviceable -- and a good alternative to Corolla. In general, this car class doesn’t promise much dash or flash, which is just as well because that means Focus doesn’t write any checks it can’t cover. It goes about its economical mission with a competitive list of standard and available features, reasonable comfort and a tolerable price.    

No.7 - Chevrolet Traverse

Recalled: Toyota Highlander

We’re optimistic that the V6 Traverse foreshadows GM’s SUVs to come, because it’s surprisingly well executed. A simple statement, we’ll admit, but it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to say that about The General’s sport 'utes. As usual, other divisions badge-engineer this to taste, but we suggest you save the extra dough and stick with Chevy’s version. It’s comfortable, roomy and delivers the best value of its peers.

No.6 - Jeep Compass

Recalled: Toyota Matrix

Any edginess Matrix had was gone anyway, so even without the recall, it would be a good idea to shop around and test-drive others like the Jeep Compass. It may not be ready for the Rubicon Trail, but then, you’re probably not either. Compass does deliver better mileage than you ever thought possible in a Jeep: up to 29 highway mpg with the base 2.0-liter, four- and five-speed manual. Even the upgraded 2.4-liter and 4x4 options return up to 28 mpg on the open road.

No.5 - Ford Fusion Hybrid

Recalled: Toyota Prius

While the brand new 2010 Prius seemed to be somewhat of an exception among Toyota’s recall plight, all of that changed on February 2, 2010, when the U.S. Transportation Department opened up investigation on the Prius' faulty brakes system. Previous 2005-2009 models were already on the recall chopping block for a faulty mat. For remaining 2009s left lurking unsold and newer models that will never see the inside of your garage, Ford’s Fusion Hybrid will do nicely in its place. You’re going to spend a little more and not realize quite the same mileage Prius can achieve, it’s true. However, in return, Fusion Hybrid is a car that looks, feels and drives like a car -- not a glorified golf cart for holier-than-thou greenies.

No.4 - Chevrolet Equinox

Recalled: Toyota RAV4

New for 2010, Chevy’s Equinox is a surprisingly good entry right out of the box, striking a nice compromise of utility and economy. That Malibu-esque face is no accident and translates pretty well in crossover form. And since Equinox delivers up to 32 highway mpg as a front-drive, four-cylinder (all-wheel drive and a V6 are available) versus RAV4’s 28, 600 miles is possible on a tank of gas. That’s hybrid-like range from an SUV.

No.3 - Ford Expedition

Recalled: Toyota Sequoia

If you’re counting bells and whistles alone, you’ll be tempted to stick with Toyota's Sequoia. It’s no slacker when it comes to coddling. However, when you consider the full package the venerable, but still relevant, Ford Expedition compares favorably. If you have high hopes for high-tech, they’ll be somewhat dashed. But when you want to tow a house, comfortably schlep up to seven others and manage up to 20 mpg on the open road, Expedition doesn’t disappoint. 

No.2 - Dodge Dakota/Ram

Recalled: Toyota Tacoma/Tundra

It used to be much better defined: Japan built better small trucks, but it couldn’t touch full-size American iron. Both boundaries have been blurred in recent years, but you won’t go wrong with Dodge’s entries in each size. If anything, Tacoma and Tundra have motivated Dodge to keep up. Dakota not only presents a domestic alternative to Tacoma, it’s a better truck than its Chevy and Ford rivals. As for the Dodge Ram, it’s pure testosterone with a cargo bed -- enough said.   

No.1 - Ford Flex

Recalled: Toyota VENZA

Toyota has gone to great lengths to avoid its VENZA being perceived as a Camry wagon, and it has instead marketed it as a stylish crossover -- to which we just kind of shrug. It’s OK, but it’s probably no coincidence “VENZA” and “vanilla” sound so much alike. If you want a wagon-ish crossover that isn’t invisible, try Flex for effect. You can take up to six others along or enjoy some seriously usable cargo space in style, while avoiding the pitfalls of minivans and large SUVs.