The Toyota Camry has been a favorite and best selling family car in America ever since it made its debut in 1987. The midsize 2008 Toyota Camry is available as eight models, in four different trims, the base CE, the top favorite LE , the SE and the most luxurious XLE. A Hybrid version is also available in the present line-up, which represents the second year of the nameplate's sixth generation. There are no major changes in the present year 2009 Camry models. Toyota is the only car manufacturer which appears in the top 10 of the BrandZ name recognition ranking. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in the USA on 31st October, 2007, Toyota offers a lineup of some of the most reliable and durable quality Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Hybrids.

The 2009 Toyota Camry (starting at $18,720) is available in CE, LE , SE, XLE, and Hybrid models. The new 2009 Camry exhibits Toyota's aerodynamic styling with more vigor, and features an attractive cabin that is functional and refined, matching that of close rivals in its class. The Camry ranks as the most popular car built by Toyota.

This midsize car lineup includes CE, LE , SE, and top-line XLE models. A Hybrid model is also offered with standard equipment similar to the XLE. All Camry models receive a 158-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 5-speed automatic is standard on XLE and optional on the others. Also available on the LE, SE, and XLE models is a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, which uses a 6-speed automatic. The Hybrid teams a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor rated for 187 hp; it runs on either of its power sources and requires no plug-in charging.

The base Camry features a six-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories, 16-inch steel wheels, and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. The LE adds keyless entry and an eight-way power driver seat. The SE upgrades to a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and special interior and exterior styling details. The XLE receives a 440-watt JBL sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, reclining rear seats, a moonroof, and leather seating. The Toyota Camry's portrays an elegant combination of sculpted design and classic good looks.

It has always been the dream of every American motoring enthusiast to travel to the countries of Europe to see and drive the different variations of automobiles that are offered. Sadly, the closest us Yankees ever come to this fantasy is to look at pictures in European automobile magazines or to watch footage from European TV shows (i.e. Top Gear). These strange yet beautiful vehicles are usually faster, more fuel efficient and cheaper then most of the vehicles offered on U.S. soil, due to our government-enforced emissions and regulations. Here is a quick look at three of the best European cars for the 2009 model year. None of which will be shipped to America.

2009 Fiat 500 Abarth Edition

This little pocket rocket from Italy is the modified performance version of the award-winning Fiat 500. The Abarth division (formed in 1949) has taken the base 1.4 liter engine and turbocharged it to the tune of 135 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. Abarth is also offering another version of this lightweight racecar called the SS, which will have an astonishing 160 horsepower.

Abarth has also upgraded the little Fiat’s braking and suspension, with pieces from the best manufacturers on the market. The new 500 comes standard with a beefed-up Alfa Romeo gearbox, hydraulic clutch system, big Brembo brakes, OZ lightweight wheels, and fat Pirelli tires. They even offer Abarth apparel (complete with scorpion logos) to compliment your new ride.

This go-kart-esque vehicle also features a sophisticated engine management system with three different modes to increase or decrease steering and throttle responses. It also has an option to increase engine torque levels when you hit those straight-away back roads. All this is done with a few pushes of the “Sport” button that is mounted on the vehicle's dashboard.

All this performance and technology can be had for a measly $26,000 (converted to U.S. currency). And get this; the Abarth 500 still gets 43.5 miles per gallon! Who needs a Toyota Prius when you are driving a 2000 pound racecar for a fraction of the cost and same gas mileage?

2009 Honda Civic Type-R

Ah yes, the Civic that got away. Or at least the version that never made it to America. Honda has been building their Type-R variation cars for years and only the Integra model made it to the U.S. market. For 2009, a completely different version Civic has been created for the Asian and European performance enthusiasts.

This three-door hatchback is only offered in the European marketplace and the bigger four-door version is only offered in Japan. Neither will ever be sold in America, even though Americans buy more cars from the Honda Motor Company than any other country. Lame? You bet. To make matters worse, the new Type-R Civic is the fastest and best handling version yet.

With a redesigned 2.0 liter iVTEC engine (variable valve timing with intelligence) this Civic screams to redline with 198 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque mated to a close-ratio 6 speed manual gearbox. With lightened body panels and suspension bits, the Type-R weighs in at 2793 pounds, which allows it to sprint to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 146 mph.

With an 8000 rpm redline and one of the quickest shifting transmissions on the market, this Type-R wins in the best-to-drive category of all compact European cars. The revised steering system and stiff Honda suspension setup makes this the closest a Civic can get to an actual racecar. Prices start at $18,000 (U.S. dollars) and the Type-R also manages an impressive 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

2009 Ford Focus RS

Hold on, the Ford Focus is available in America, right? Yes, the boring econo-box from Ford has been available is the states for quite some time. But this is the Focus RS, and it is utterly spectacular compared to the model we are all used to. You see, in Europe they actual race the Focus models in the WRC (World Rally Cross) and these little Fords win many of the races, suprisingly. That is why they offer the Focus RS (“Rally Sport”) only in Europe, because of rally regulations, which state the rally cars must be based on production version cars.

This Focus, unlike the American version is fast, it looks good and handles amazingly. It is the best RS version yet. It features a turbocharged 2.5 liter-5 cylinder engine that produces a whopping 300 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. All this power is put through the front wheels, which usually creates the infamous “torque steer”. This is the phenomenon when too much power is put upon the front wheels and the tires tend to spin upon hard cornering. But this new RS employs a “RevoKnuckle” system to split this rush of torque between the front wheels in an efficient fashion, so that handling speeds are not sacrificed.

The European Focus will also feature 19 inch racing wheels, sticky Continental tires and big vented disc brakes in the front and rear for 2009. A six-speed gearbox and hip-hugging Recaro racing seats should keep the driver comfortably-busy, during spirited drives on dirt roads and highways. All these features should add up to an all-around amazing sports car for everything from track days to work commutes. Pricing and mileage results have yet to be released by Ford, but more coverage will follow as the release date for the new RS is set of early 2009.