Performance today is as much about the distance between fill-ups as it is 0-60 acceleration. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid does a good job balancing power and economy. This mild hybrid has EPA fuel mileage ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 highway, on 87 octane. In a recent weeklong test, I was getting combined city/highway mileage of 24.3 to 24.6, and a long drive on the highway boosted the average to 26.2 mpg and would have gone higher had my trip been longer.

It's difficult enough to manage all the gadgets in our lives. Now, California's rules regarding cell phones and motor-vehicle use, which go into effect Tuesday, add another layer to the question: “Which hands-free device is right for me?”