Best and Worst New Cars of Detroit 2012

Every year, the North American International Auto Show hands out a slew of awards honoring some of the best cars of the past year, but one of the biggest draws remains the new-model unveilings — and the subsequent lauding and smearing by the media.

Automotive News� Mark Rechtin recently sounded off on the best and the worst of the Detroit show�s 2012 reveals. Here�s just a few of his picks.

Hit: Ford Fusion

Ford�s (NYSE:F) mid-size sedan — also the sixth best-selling car of 2011 — earned the Eyes on Design award at this show. Rechtin applauds the greenhouse and center console but warns about a narrow trunk opening.

Miss: Honda Accord Coupe

The Honda (NYSE:HMC) Accord dropped to ninth in sales last year, and the future isn�t looking better. Rechtin�s thoughts: �Take a current Accord, mash it with the Mitsubishi Galant, add over-blown fog-light cutouts.�

Hit: Toyota NS4

Toyota (NYSE:TM) adds another hybrid to its ranks, and Rechtin favors its technological advances in telematics and glass.

Miss: Dodge Dart

Chrysler is hoping a revival of Dodge�s Dart brand will help the company�s own resurgence. However, any review that invokes the Neon name in comparison doesn�t bode well.

Hit: Acura NSX

Honda�s upscale brand, Acura, was �the star of the show� in Rechtin�s eyes. His commentary: �This two-seat hybrid sports car blew folks away. Journalists aren’t supposed to applaud, but there were whoops and hollers when the wraps came off.�

A full list of Rechtin�s hits and misses can be found at Automotive News.