1. Honda Accord
The 2009 Honda Accord offers an appealing combination of spaciousness, a relatively upscale feel and a reputation for reliability. However, its ride quality and overall performance are merely adequate for this segment.
2. Honda Civic
Comfortable, smartly designed and available in a wide array of configurations, the 2009 Honda Civic sets the bar for the small-car segment.
3. Mazda MAZDA3
Entertaining yet sophisticated in demeanor, the 2009 Mazda 3 doesn't look, feel or drive like an economy car. If you're shopping for a small, inexpensive sedan or hatchback, this car should be at the top of your list.
4. Chevrolet Camaro
To the glee of burnout aficionados everywhere, the Camaro is back. Chevrolet has reintroduced its iconic pony car after an eight-year hiatus, and this time the car's driving excitement goes beyond just apocalyptic clouds of rear tire smoke.
5. Lexus RX 350
Although competitors offer superior driving dynamics, the 2009 Lexus RX 350 will impress anyone shopping for a luxury crossover SUV with its plush ride quality, exceptional fit and finish, and ample day-to-day utility.
6. Honda CR-V
The 2009 Honda CR-V boasts great crash test scores, intuitive controls and above-average driving dynamics. However, the mandatory 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is ponderous and there's no six-cylinder option.
7. BMW 3 Series
Subtle styling updates and an available broad-shouldered diesel power plant put a layer of icing on our favorite entry-level luxury car, the 2009 BMW 3 Series.
8. Infiniti G37
Sport-focused, intelligently designed and attractively priced, the 2009 Infiniti G37 is an excellent choice for an entry-level luxury sport sedan or coupe.
9. Nissan Altima
The 2009 Nissan Altima bundles contemporary styling, athletic driving manners and a cozy cabin in either coupe or sedan varieties. The smart execution of the Altima places it among our top picks for sporty family cars.
10. Toyota Camry
As expected, the 2009 Toyota Camry is pleasant to drive and spacious enough to keep a family of four content on a long road trip. But newer competition has managed to better this segment titan in overall performance and cabin refinement.
11. Ford Fusion
The 2009 Ford Fusion has a lot of things going for it, including sporty handling and the nifty Sync MP3 and cell phone interface. Underwhelming powertrains and some unpleasant interior controls, however, relegate the Fusion to being a mid-pack choice for a midsize sedan.
12. Toyota Prius
No car boasts a better blend of fuel and space-efficiency than the 2009 Toyota Prius.
13. Honda Insight
The 2010 Honda Insight largely improves upon the tried-and-true formula of the rival Prius, and it costs thousands less.
14. Subaru Forester
Now more SUV-like than ever before, the 2009 Subaru Forester grows in useful ways while retaining much of the previous model's charm.
15. Toyota Venza
The 2009 Toyota Venza is a new breed of vehicle, mixing crossover SUV attributes with a wagon. We think many families will find it to be pleasantly useful transportation.
16. Toyota RAV4
Spacious, comfortable and easy to drive, the 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a top pick for a crossover SUV, especially if you want a V6 or a usable kid-size third-row seat.
17. Toyota Corolla
The redesigned 2009 Toyota Corolla will satisfy those seeking a refined and fuel-efficient small sedan backed by an impressive reliability record. Younger buyers, however, might be put off by the tepid driving experience.
18. Audi A4
The redesigned 2009 Audi A4 sedan and Avant wagon boast more space, better driving dynamics and more gadgets. They're worth a look for shoppers desiring good looks and sharp handling.
19. Honda Pilot
The 2009 Honda Pilot looks tougher than its predecessor and offers more room for third-row passengers, but the stereo and climate controls are less than intuitive, and some interior plastics feel cheap.
20. Honda Odyssey
Though scheduled for a complete redesign next year, the 2009 Honda Odyssey remains our favorite choice in the minivan segment.
21. Volkswagen Jetta
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta remains the only discount-price European sedan. This year's return of the wagon and TDI models makes the Jetta an even more attractive choice.
22. Ford F-150
Having effectively addressed the F-150's few shortcomings for 2009, Ford should have little problem holding onto its top-seller tradition.
23. Chevrolet Malibu
With newly available Bluetooth connectivity, standard stability control and the widespread adoption of the six-speed automatic for four-cylinder models, the already respected 2009 Chevy Malibu makes a stronger case for itself in the midsize sedan arena.
24. Ford Fusion Hybrid
Senators and news anchors say American car companies aren't making fuel-efficient cars that people want to buy. They're wrong. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a serious fuel miser that's neither boring to behold nor dull to drive.
25. Honda Fit
Thanks to the 2009 Honda Fit, "affordable subcompact" no longer equals "chintzy penalty box."
