Consumer Guide Automotive's singular focus is to make car shopping easier. We do that by offering comprehensive reviews of over 1,000 new and used vehicles, detailed pricing, safety information, and expert buying advice. Still, scanning through hundreds of reviews, sorting out option packages, and haggling for the best price is a daunting task for even the most diligent buyer.

That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.

Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.

In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.

The Consumer Guide to 2009 Alternative Fuel Vehicles

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 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.

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.

Diesel Vehicles Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2009.

The Consumer Guide to 2009 Cars

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 SUVs

Compact SUVs Looking for a vehicle that's small on fuel consumption but large on utility? Check out a compact SUV. Our buying guide breaks down what's offered in this class.

Premium Compact SUVs This class may be small in numbers now, but it is poised to explode during the next few years.

Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 35 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one.

Premium Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 18 different models as premium midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to compare them all.

­Large SUVs Consumer Guide's large SUV class is made up of six vehicles. Whichever model you choose, all large SUVs are designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility.

­­Premium Large SUVs Consumer Guide puts nine vehicles in this class. All players in this category appeal to well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer.

The Consumer Guide to 2009 Pickups

Compact Pickups In the market for a small pickup? Consumer Guide classifies 11 vehicles as compact pickup trucks. Use our buying guide to check them all out.

Large Pickups The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups. Are you in the market? Check out all your options with our buying guide.

The Consumer Guide to 2009 Minivans

Minivans Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2009 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction.

Click here for Consumer Guide's 2008 Vehicle Class Buying Guides.