In the automotive world, the beginning of the real new millennium is already under way. On the heels of a decade that saw auto sales go from erratic to steadily increasing, car manufacturers recently brought out their new and improved versions for the 2001 model year.

Thanks in large part to an economy that has been charging ahead since the early 1990s, vehicle sales in the United States have, and continue to, maintain high levels. The industry owes much of that success to the development and emergence of the sport utility vehicle and, more recently, the "crossover" vehicle. Trucks, minivans and SUVs currently occupy the top spots in the market, and there are no indications that the "big is better" trend is about to slow down.

This leads us to a critical question, as we peer behind the curtain and sneak a peek at the 2001 vehicles: What happened to all of the coupes, sedans and sport cars? The answer: First, they're still here, but hidden behind the likes of the larger Bravada, Explorer and Aztek, among others. Secondly, once you find 'em, don't expect to be awestruck at first glance. To see what U.S. automakers have done this year to keep consumer focus on the smaller competitors, you'll probably have to take a closer look. While some U.S. manufacturers have spruced up their cars in the style and power categories, the draw to many of these cars -- if there is a draw at all -- lies in the amenities and hi-tech options.

One 2001 manufacturer that seems particularly unwilling to let its smaller cars rest in the shadow of larger counterparts is Chevrolet, which has built the fastest Corvette model ever. The new 385-horsepower Z06 is proof that the Corvette just keeps getting better and more potent. Also not content to sit entirely in the background is Chrysler, whose Sebring coupe -- which shares its engines and platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse -- introduces crisper, sharper styling to go along with a more powerful engine. The new Oldsmobile Aurora is another changed automobile receiving some serious praise, boasting tailored lines and refined styling to go with a remarkably luxurious interior.

As far as the rest of the U.S.-made cars go, you'll have to look a little deeper to see what enables the manufacturers to put the "2001" in front of the "model." Even though the general theme among automakers is to save the aesthetic creativity for their new SUVs, that doesn't mean these cars lack any features to write home about.

Buick, for example, is saving its big splash for the Rendevoux hybrid car-truck. But the 2001 Buick Le Sabre and Park Avenue get a fancy new ultrasonic parking-assist backup warning feature. The Cadillac Seville comes with a bunch of new toys, which include a tire-pressure monitor and "infotainment" system. It uses PC-based technology, which downloads e-mail and reads it to the driver. Finally, all new Lincoln models -- like the Town Car -- are offered with voice-activated cellular phones that provide access to everything from e-mail and emergency assistance, to news, stocks, sports and weather.

Despite the seeming difference in attention by manufacturers, cars are still very much alive. Technological innovation currently ensures many models won't flat-line any time soon, but the future of coupes, sedans and sport cars may depend on automakers putting more effort, attention and money toward bringing a fresh new look to its smaller cars.