12 mid-size cars for 2012

In this mid-size mash-up, who comes out ahead? In the middle of the pack, Hyundai, Kia, and Passat -- the new guys on the block -- have the most momentum. Among the leaders, there will be less change in rank this year. Nissan should be able to maintain share, depending on how it manages the buildout of the old Altima. Since the new Fusion won't arrive until fall, it will be creating more buzz than actual sales, but its looming presence may sap momentum from the more conservatively styled Malibu.

"The Fusion is likely to continue capturing people's attention as its styling stands out from that of the rest of the workhorse mid-size car segment," says Edmunds.com's Caldwell. Prospects for the new Accord are hard to quantify with so little information about the car, but Honda likes to see sales seek their own level, so it is unlikely to make a big incentive push.

Toyota, however, has no such reservations. Determined to get back to 14% of the U.S. market (including Lexus) from 12.9% in 2010, the Japanese automaker will be flexing all of its marketing muscle behind the Camry. The push will ensure that the best-selling car keeps its mid-size crown in 2012.

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