2009 Car Buying Guides


The Consumer Guide to 2009 Cars

2009 buying guide

Subcompact Cars
Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market.

2009 buying guide

Compact Cars
Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class.

2009 buying guide

Premium Compact Cars
The premium compact car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes. Use our buying guide to research your options.

2009 buying guide

Midsize Cars
For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car.

2009 buying guide

Premium Midsize Cars
These upscale machines come replete with posh, leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry.

2009 buying guide

Large Cars
As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive and V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, this segment is as compelling as ever.

2009 buying guide

Premium Large Cars
If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2009 premium large car lineup.

2009 buying guide

Sporty/Performance Cars
Consumer Guide's sporty/performance car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes.

2009 buying guide

Premium Sporty/Performance Cars
The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price.

The Consumer Guide to 2009 Alternative Fuel Vehicles
chevy volt
Electric Vehicles

We take a look at the traffic-ready electric vehicles you can buy right now or in the near future. The vehicles covered here aren't exotically priced and go faster than 25 mph.

hybrid

Hybrid Vehicles
In the market for better fuel economy? The Consumer Guide to 2009 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down all of your gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year.

2009 buying guide

E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles
New-car buyers can select from among 33 models that can run on E85, a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

2009 buying guide
Diesel Vehicles
Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2009.
Click here for Consumer Guide's 2008 Vehicle Class Buying Guides.
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