by Buffy Cranford

Created on: November 05, 2009

The best cars in 2009 included a redesigned, fuel efficient vehicle priced under $17,000, a solid sedan, a sleek hybrid, and a flexing muscle car. This article examines the best sedan, budget, hybrid, and coupe selections marketed in 2009.

Sedan

Families have flocked the last ten years to the roomy and solid Toyota Camry. The 2009 Toyota Camry received a makeover in 2009 with a wider wheelbase, and a stretched and sculpted exterior closely resembling a luxury sedan. The front headlights are compact and slanted towards the sleek grill creating smooth lines and a sportier appearance. The Camry SE package offers functionality for a family with ABS brakes and a spacious interior, but with an added power sunroof and the powerful V6 engine, this car is designed for a lot more than transporting the kids to soccer practice.

The Camry offers a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for those conscious about fluctuating gas prices. Toyota has outfitted the Camry SE with a luxurious power package, daytime running lights, cruise, tilt, and a CD-MP3 stereo. Families with allergy problems can appreciate the pollen filter attached to the vehicle air conditioning system. With a starting price of $22,500, Toyota created a sophisticated, yet family-friendly model with the Camry SE.

Budget

With a lustrous design, stability control, and fuel efficiency, the Ford Focus S sedan wins the Budget category for the best cars of 2009. Competing with favorites like the Volkswagon Rabbit and Honda Fit, Ford overhauled the Focus, shedding the previous boxy appearance and formulating a revolutionary design for a car under $20,000.

On the exterior, the chrome grill, headlights, and front running lights were flattened and recessed, taking place of the previous looming gray grill and flashlight-looking headlights of the 2008 model. The sporty side panels from 2008 were replaced with a fluid architecture that creates a sleek design from hood to bumper. Beyond the exterior enhancements, Ford added an independent suspension and a rear anti-roll bar. With the new design, the Focus offers more leg room in the front and back seat, additional soundproofing and the dash, gauges and controls are easy to navigate inside. Priced under $16,000, with an EPA of 24/35, the Focus S sedan delivers an economical package for bargain shoppers.

Hybrid

Green was the new black in 2009 when it came to hybrid choices. Ever mindful of roller coaster gas prices and environmental conscious consumers, Lexus, Toyota

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>