L.A. Auto Show Top 5 New Cars

It's not a real game unless Honda is playing, and the reborn Insight is their entry into the hybrid challenge. Yes, we know, Honda actually brought the first gas-electric hybrid to market in 2000 - an Insight, no less - but sort of blew it with the too-futuristic-looking two-seater. The practical Prius came along and took all the marbles.

The reborn 2010 Insight is a totally different car. It's prettier than the Prius - longer and sleeker - roomier, and Honda says it will be cheaper (at about $19,000) and at least match the fuel mileage. It's a fastback five-door with rear seats that fold down, creating a cargo space big enough for a small party.

It uses a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and hybrid technology with a decade of development behind it. But the feature that could change the world is EcoAssist, an on-screen readout that graphically tutors fuel-efficient driving by posting results. Leave it to Honda to create a car that's a learning institution.