The pony car is as American as baseball and apple pie. For those who don't know, the term describes an affordable, compact, absurdly powerful and highly styled car with a sporty or performance-oriented image. Two machines truly stand out from the fray and best exemplify the breed:  Ford Mustang, the template for the segment, and the Chevy Camaro. These iconic machines have been sparring with each other since the late 1960s. In fact, General Motors created the Camaro in 1967 to compete with the 'Stang on and off the track. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us what's new with this on-going rivalry.

Jody Victor: Today that rivalry is more heated than ever before. Probably because both vehicles are no longer kiddie cars; they are all grown up, sporting new joie de vroom sheet metal with tailored interiors to match. The question remains, however; Which pony car reigns supreme? Check out this comparison from msn.com.

As direct competitors in a narrowly defined corner of the market, the Chevy and Ford share more than a few general characteristics. Both cars are now refined for daily driving thanks to the latest in rigid body structures, weatherstripping, sound deadeners and sophisticated powertrains.

Both cars are also available in base V6 configuration (the Camaro RS and base Mustang) and offer hot V8 upgrades (the Camaro SS and Mustang GT). Like those beasts of the past, today's Mustang and Camaro are still highly styled 2 + 2 sportsers, so they're really two-seaters with tiny backseats. For the most part, storage is adequate but not generous.

These sporty cars have moderate-size fuel tanks. The low-20s fuel economy of the V8s in commuting use is exemplary for their power and the V6s might as well be economy cars with more than 400 miles of range. Plus, you don't find many 30 mpg economy cars with more than 300 horsepower. Finally, the Mustang and especially the Camaro have packed on the size and weight and feel clumsy in tight urban areas but are a joy on the open road.

For sure the Camaro is the brasher-looking machine. Ford's Mustang is more mainstream. Perhaps no area differentiates the Camaro and Mustang more than their interiors, and fundamentally these differences are driven by exterior design. They found both cars ride about the same.

More than half of Camaro and Mustang production is V6 cars, because at or below $30,000 they offer great fun and tons of options. It takes more like $33,000 for the Mustang GT and maybe $2,000 higher for the Camaro SS to reach the same level of dress. Factor in lower insurance, registration and fuel bills with the V6's lower payments and it's easy to recognize their popularity.

As a daily drive, they preferred the Mustang to the Camaro, mainly because it's easier to see out of the Ford and performance favors the Mustang as well. However, the Camaro's visceral hit and devilish good looks are compelling. Ultimately, the choice, as always, comes down to style for most buyers. For style, performance and fun you can't go wrong with either one.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be checking them out real soon!

Joe Victor

While these truck/car hybrids offer less than the more truck-like SUV fore bearers capability (they aren't typically built for off-road travel or tow as much), crossovers are just as spacious, offer better fuel economy and are, bottom line, more of what a family needs. I asked Jody Victor to tell us more.

Jody Victor : After years of buying burly sport-utility vehicles meant more for rocky moonscapes than America's tame thoroughfares, consumers are turning to more realistic transportation in the utility category: the crossover. Check out these top five choices from msn.com.

Audi Q5 - Based on the sporty A4 sedan and wagon platform, the Q5 is one of the best-handling crossovers on the market. While it doesn't have nearly as much cargo space as the Rx, the Q5 is competitive in terms of passenger space. The small ute comes with only one engine, a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 that gets things moving nicely, propelling the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Plus, it can tow up to 4,400 pounds, which is impressive for a small crossover. The starting price of $37,000 is par for the class, but it will be too high for some buyers.

GMC Acadia - The Acadia's footprint is actually larger than that of the Chevy Tahoe, and it has more cargo space (117 cubic feet versus 108.9 cubic feet). Despite its size, the Acadia goes just as easy on gas as the smaller Honda Pilot, and rear-drive models are actually rated one mpg higher for highway fuel economy. The Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds, too. You should consider a full-size truck-type SUV only if you need more towing capacity. Bottom line: These are pleasant, efficient vehicles that have changed family transportation for the better.

Ford Flex - Accommodating up to seven passengers and offering 83.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Flex makes a great family vehicle to take the kids to practice or pick up supplies at Home Depot. Based on the same platform as the Volvo 580, the Flex offers a car-like ride and handling characteristics that belie its considerable size. It can also tow up to 4,500 pounds. Don't let the odd styling keep you from checking this one out.

Hyundai Santa Fe - While the Santa Fe had been sold since the 2001 model year, it was the 2007 redesign that turned this vehicle into a winner. Riding on what is now the last generation of the mid-size Sonata sedan platform, the Santa Fe apes the highly successful RAV4 by offering 4-cylinder or V6 power and 5- or 7-passenger seating. It has up to 78.2 cubic feet of cargo space, 3 cubic feet more that the larger Toyota 4Runner. Towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds. Though it is almost as big as some mid-size SUVs, it is priced to compete with compacts.

Volvo XC60 - The XC90 was the first vehicle to offer Roll Stability Control, which uses the electronic stability control to help prevent rollovers. For 2010, Volvo followed the lead of many other automakers by splitting its crossover lineup into 5-and 7-passenger offerings with the release of the smaller 5-passenger XC60. Like the XC90, the XC60 scored a safety first by offering City Safety, a nifty system that can detect and imminent accident at speeds of less than 19 mph and automatically apply the brakes to prevent the crash or lessen its severity.The XC60 has a towing capacity of 3,300 pounds and interior cargo space of 67.4 cubic feet. It rides and handles well, and it offers two strong engines.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check these out!

Joe Victor

If you are looking for a new vehicle but your price range is under $15,000, look no more. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about the rest of the top ten from msn.com.

Jody Victor: Yes, it is still possible to find a new car in your price range even if it has to come under $15,000. Some of them are just basic transportation but that's the point. Here are the last five from msn.com's list.

Mitsubishi Lancer DE - MSRP $14,790, 152 hsp, 22 mpg city/31 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. With jet fighter looks, this underdog brings a lot of value to the tarmac. It is sleek, powerful and well-built and has a lot to offer in its base DE trim. Key standard-issue amenities include a 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 WMA playback capability and axillary input jack, and power windows and locks. However the DE does not include air conditioning, and its optional continuously variable transmission goes for a hefty $2,200.

Kia Soul - MSRP $13,300, 122 hsp, 26 mpg city/31 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. It's a blast to drive and its fit and finish is on par with the competition. The Kia's forward-thinking interior boasts many engaging elements, ranging from a well-laid-out center dash and efficient glove box to fashionable bucket seats and plenty of cargo room. However, there are compromises. It comes with a 1.6-liter engine instead of the 2.0-liter, 142 hsp offering found in the Soul+ ($15,195), Soul! ($17,195) and Soul Sport ($17,195) models; there is only one transmission choice; and only one option (carpeted floor mats).

Nissan Cube 1.8 - MSRP $13,990, 122 hsp, 27 mpg city/31 highway, 6-speed manual transmission. The Cube Mobile Device, as Nissan calls it, takes the "it's hip to be square" persona to new heights. There is a lot to get one's head around here, the asymmetrical window treatment, the bulldog-with-sunglasses front fascia and the industrial design interior. The tiered rear seats that recline and that slide to accommodate cargo or open up legroom are a nice touch. It comes with air conditioning; and AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3/WMA playback capability and auxiliary input jack; power windows and locks, and traction control.

Honda Fit - MSRP $14,900, 117 hsp, 27 mpg city/33 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. The Fit has been a top contender in this class since it hit the American market in 2006. It's tossable, spunky and versatile with a tight suspension, responsive 1.5-liter SOHV-VTEC engine and a shape-shifting cargo area. Standard equipment includes a 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3/WMA playback capability and axillary input jack; air conditioning; power windows and locks; and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The Sport model ($16,410) adds a body kit, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and more.

Ford Fiesta SE Sedan - MSRP $14,320, 120 hsp, 30 mpg city/40 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. The Fiesta's numbers are not a true barometer of its "bang-for-the-buck" potential. Its 1.6-liter Ti-VCT-equipped Duratec engine combines peppy performance on the road and a miserly personality at the pump. Its 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway figures are topped on this list only by the 3-cylinder smart. Inside, the cabin has the aura of a more upscale and more expensive class of car. The SE model ($14,320) includes an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3/WMA playback capability and auxiliary input jack and power windows and door locks.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!

Joe Victor

It is no surprise in this economy that American consumers are looking for automobiles in the shallow end of the pool rather than in the luxury end. But how can we tell which ones give us the best value for the money? I asked Jody Victor  to tell us what www.msn.com had to say.

Jody Victor: If you look at current cars priced under $15,000, and compare style, functionality and utility you can find some great deals. Here are the first 5 of 10 from msn.com with style for the money.

Chevy Cobalt - At $14,990, 155 hp, standard 5-speed transmission, 25 mpg city/37 highway, no AC, no power locks and windows, no anti-lock braking system, and a low-grade interior the stock model Cobalt is basic transportation. It can, however, be optioned up. The LS model ($15,670) adds AC, the LT1 ($16,470) delivers the power amenities and upgraded interior and exterior trim, and the LT2 ($17,480) adds ABS and cruise control.

Toyota Yaris - MSRP $12,605 with 106 hp, 29 mpg city/36 highway, standard 5-speed transmission. The base model includes air conditioning but no radio. The Power Package option includes the usual suspects in the power amenity and audio departments for an up-charge - grand total of $14,380 - but still under $15,000.

Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe - MSRP $13,990 with 70 hp, 33 mpg city/41 highway, 5-speed standard transmission. The smart fortwo Passion Coupe is a 2-seater with a scant 12 cubic feet of cargo space, aimed at efficient people-moving as a city car or commuter. It does come with a solid standard-equipment lineup featuring paddle shifters, alloy wheels, AC, power windows and locks, remote entry and heated mirrors. The Comfort Package ($850) provides heated leather seats, electric power steering and fog lights, while the audio upgrade ($350) adds a 6-CD changer and better speakers.

Nissan Versa - MSRP 13,350 with 122 hp, 25 mpg city/31 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. It is the most appliance-like, Point A to Point B vehicle on the list. However, it is the cheapest of the 10, Base 1.6 ($9,900) and 1.6 ($11,090). The 1.8S gets the up-level engine and can be ordered in hatch or sedan configuration for the same price. Adding the optional automatic transmission is a no-cost upgrade. Standard goodies include AC, and a CD stereo with auxilliary input jack.

Kia Forte LX - MSRP 13,695, 156 hp, 25 mpg city/34 highway, 5-speed manual transmission. The LX does include a CD stereo, but AC is part of a Convenience Package that costs $1,500 and adds only AC and 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests. An automatic transmission adds $1,000 to the tally.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check them out!

Joe Victor