'You're seeing hints of good things to come,' said Ed Kim, an industry analyst for AutoPacific Inc., an automotive consulting firm. 'But some of them might get lost in the clutter of choices out there.'

A contracting car market, worsening economy and high gas prices have hit Ford hard, with the automaker's U.S. sales down 14.1 percent for the year.

Spiraling truck sales may have been one reason the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum remained parked. No one was allowed to drive it.

Instead, Ford touted its efficient crossovers, coupes and compact SUVs.

The all-new 2009 Ford Flex, the six- or seven-passenger crossover that rolled into dealerships a few months ago, remains a priority. The Flex is late to the game, but executives say sales have been impressive -- though industry analysts say it's still too early to tell.

Overall, this crossover offers right-angled straight-lined design and fuel economy as high as 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

Another welcome addition is the 2009 Ford Focus coupe. The sporty runabout joins its hot-selling sedan and is a welcome surprise. The Focus coupe, with its smoky two-bar grille, hits 35 mpg on the highway and goes on sale this fall.

MKS a potential winner

The all-new flagship for Lincoln, the MKS, is another potential winner. This sedan drips with traditional luxury and new technology, a mix designed to lure the young consumers Lincoln needs.

By midyear 2009, however, Ford will roll out the 2010 MKS, the first vehicle with the highly touted EcoBoost engine, which is turbo-charged and never sacrifices power but scales back size to remain frugal at the pump.

'We are committed to being the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new Ford product in its segment,' said Derrick Kuzak, vice president of Ford's global product development.

EcoBoost will play an important role, but so will other powertrain upgrades on other vehicles, such as the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. Ford will mate a six-speed automatic transmission to a new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that increases mileage and power -- pushing its EPA mileage to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

In the past, the V-6 Escape has outsold its four-cylinder sibling; expect that to change this year.

There are notable improvements to the 2009 Escape and Mariner hybrids. These vehicles offer superior handling, performance and braking when compared to the previous generation.

Like the hybrids, consumers may want to wait on redesigned vehicles before putting down money. Even the new vehicles like the MKS will see a significant upgrade in just one model year.

'10 models face redesign

Other vehicles in Ford's lineup, such as the Ford Fusion and its sisters the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, will live short lives. These compact sedans will undergo a complete redesign and arrive as 2010 models. Additionally, Ford plans to introduce a 2010 Fusion two-mode hybrid early next year.

The 2009 Mustang will be the last model year of this generation, though details have not been released for the next version of the top-selling sports car from Ford.

While Ford's lineup hasn't changed dramatically, some of its vehicle amenities have.

Ford will install blind spot detection mirrors on the 2009 Ford Edge. The system sees where a regular mirror can't and will eventually come standard.

Ford has also upgraded its infotainment system Sync to include live traffic and weather updates through Sirius Satellite Radio. This voice-activated system, which controls your iPod, telephone, navigation screen and other functions, remains the all-around best piece of equipment available on any car.

For 2009 models, Sync includes a 911 service that will dial your phone automatically in an accident.

At least through this model year, Ford's Sync will remain a step ahead of the competition.

But it's a little step and Ford knows it must catch up with its competitors quickly if wants to remain in the game. Fortunately, the 2010 lineup starts early next year and that has all of the makings of an All-Star Team.