2009 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu ranks 1 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 68 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Malibu, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Since its 2008 redesign, the Chevrolet Malibu has been the surprise of the automotive world. The car has won praise for its stylish good looks, spacious, well-designed and sharp passenger cabin, solid safety scores and driving dynamics that impress many who think they know GM products. The 2009 Chevy Malibu is competing with perennial class-leaders like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry -- and in many cases, it's beating them out.

The automotive press has grown accustomed to family sedans that offer some of the charms of sports sedans, some of the amenities of luxury cars, and some of the economic advantages of yesterday's midsize cars. But auto writers seem pleasantly surprised to find one wearing Chevy's bowtie badge. The 2008 Malibu took home a trunkful of awards from the press -- one of Car and Driver's 10Best, North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in January 2008, Kiplinger magazine's "Best in Class," Automobile Magazine's 2008 Automobile All-Stars -- the list goes on and on.

The Malibu now threatens the traditional favorites in this class. It's a viable alternative to the popular Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and should be on your test drive list before you put money down on either of those. If you're looking for something more exciting, however, many find the all-new 2009 Mazda6 a more enthusiastic ride, particularly in corners, and a better-looking car.

Another argument in the Malibu's favor, at least until April 30, is GM's new Total Confidence Plan. Under certain circumstances, GM will now make up to nine payments on behalf of a Malibu owner who loses their income. The plan also offers some protection against lost equity. Once half the payments toward the car have been made, buyers can trade the Malibu in on any new GM vehicle, and if the owner owes up to $5,000 more than the car is worth, GM will forgive the difference. Vehicles from Ford and Hyundai carry similar plans, but Honda and Toyota have yet to match the offer.

Because of the success of the 2008 model, Motor Trend reports, Chevrolet "purposely kept the 2009 model year changes to a minimum. The most noteworthy include an expanded offering of the fuel-wise 2.4L/6-speed automatic powertrain combo, four new exterior colors, and the addition of Bluetooth with the new OnStar 8.0 system." Chevrolet has also taken steps to improve the Malibu's fuel economy for 2009, reacting to a market in which most consumers are concerned about high gas prices.

If fuel economy is an important consideration to you, keep in mind that s 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is also available and is reviewed separately.

The 2009 Malibu is available in four trim levels, with a choice of two engines and three transmissions. To Chevrolet's credit, even the most well-appointed LTZ trim level is available with the most fuel-efficient powertrain -- a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission. Many of the Malibu's rivals couple their highest trims only with their thirstiest engines.

Be sure to check for current Chevy deals that may be available on a new Malibu.

2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit ranks 1 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned for 2009, the larger, sportier Fit still has quality and utility that few subcompacts can match. Although it's an expensive car compared to other subcompact cars and hatchbacks, the Fit is a good value over time. It's even the 2009 U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the subcompact class.

Following its first ride on North American roads, the Honda Fit quickly became an auto industry darling for its fun driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and unique cargo and seating modes. It's been one of Car and Driver's "Top 10 Urban Vehicles" for 2008, and a "10Best" for both 2008 and 2009. It was also the recipient of Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award for 2007. Just two years later Honda has introduced a new and improved Fit that's once again captivated the automotive press with its personality and spaciousness. In addition to a 10Best recognition, the Fit is a nominee for 2009 North American Car of the Year, is a Consumer Guide Best Buy, and was selected as one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars for 2009.

Even the car's perceived shortcomings -- a hefty price tag considering its size and class and no stability control option for the base trim -- do not prevent the overwhelming majority from labeling the Fit one of the best small car or hatchback options. But if you consider the absence of stability control a deal-breaker, keep the VW Rabbit with its impressive cargo space and standard electronic stabilization program on your shortlist of hatchbacks. The Rabbit's MSRP can be somewhat high, however, and its EPA numbers are lower than many subcompacts. Value-conscious shoppers looking to avoid frequent fill-ups should check out the Toyota Yaris.

The 2009 Fit is now slightly larger and has sacrificed some of the last generation's fuel efficiency to improve its all-around driving experience. The windshield has been moved forward by 4.7 inches to add to improve visibility and add to the sense of spaciousness. Rear passengers are treated to 1.6 extra inches of rear legroom. The engine's 9 horsepower increase and variable valve timing provides more pep out the gate, while a stiffer chassis facilitates tauter handling. Despite all the recent changes, the 2009 Fit still comes in two trims, the base model and the Fit Sport.

Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on the new Fit.

* "If there's a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven't seen it yet." -- Car and Driver
* "The Fit is pretty near the top of my favorite-cars list, and not because it's so fast and awesome-looking -- because it oh-so ain't. It has the beauty of a certain well-wrought urn, exactly what it needs to be -- self-defined, lightly perfect." -- Los Angeles Times
* "The new Fit seems to do it all in spades. ... No doubt the Versa, Yaris and Scion vehicles will need to respond. Let's just hope their checklist is as long and as thorough as Honda's was this time around." -- Motor Trend
* "Although this entry-level hatchback is priced slightly higher than most of its competition, the Fit nevertheless offers an ample supply of features, versatility and, above all, that unbeatable Honda resale value." -- Kelley Blue Book
* "Good news: Though the 2009 Fit is an all-new design, it hasn't changed much -- it's still the champ when it comes to hauling people and stuff all at once." -- About.com

Bugatti Veyron

This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.5 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car.

Bentley Brooklands

Bentley Brooklands is a powerful and muscular luxury car inspired by the exploits of the 'Bentley Boys' at the famous Brooklands racetrack in the 1920s. The grand touring coupe captures all the panache, power and splendour of that era. Bentley Brooklands has a strictly limited lifetime production of 550 cars.

Brooklands is a perfect amalgam of Bentley's traditional coach-building skills, and state-of-the art design and engineering sophistication. The 'floating' rear screen with its lower edge sitting well above the upper edge of the boot lid provides a flowing, flawless line to the back of the car. Bentley's famed craftsmanship skills in wood veneers and leather hides are evident in Brooklands interiors.

Bentley Brooklands has distinctly sporting character, which is complemented by its interior design aspects such as aluminium foot pedals and footrest. The interior design enhances the sleek profile of the elegant exterior by offering a new, single-piece, hide-trimmed roof lining which flows uninterrupted from the front windscreen to the rear of the car.

Bentley Brooklands is equipped with a powerful crewe-built V8 engine which develops a peak power of 530bhp (395kW) and a maximum torque of 1050Nm.

Bentley Azure

Bentley Azure is a luxury car with exquisite design and cutting-edge technology. Bentley has employed traditional techniques of craftsmanship in the building of Azure. Individuality of finish and flexibility of design are the hallmark of Bentley's craftsmanship.

The veneer leaves used in Bentley Azure's interiors are just 0.6mm thick and are given five coats of lacquer and three days of curing time before being wax polished by hand. Bentley combines precision technology and traditional craft skills to produce a perfect finish. The luxurious leather surrounds used in Azure's interiors are made of more than dozen separate hides. To ensure that there is no variation in texture between the different hides, they are selected and cut at the same time after being minutely inspected for imperfections.

Bentley Azure is powered by the twin-turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine. It delivers a peak power of 450bhp (336kW) and a top speed of 171mph (274km/h). Bentley Azure is equipped with latest active and passive safety systems. It has a roll-over protection system installed behind the rear seats, which is activated automatically should the car detect the risk of a roll-over.

Bentley Arnage

Bentley Arnage is an exquisite combination of huge reserves of understated power and peerless elegance and styling. Bentley Arnage luxury cars are available in three variants: Arnage R, Arnage T, and Arnage RL.

Arnage R is an epitome of refinement, which is evident in its meticulously handcrafted interiors, sensuous leather hides, and above all in its performance on the road. Arnage R is equipped with 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers a peak power of 450bhp (336kW) in a smooth and progressive manner.

Arnage T is one of the most powerful cars in the world. Its 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 500bhp (373kW) of peak power and a maximum torque of 1,000Nm. It can attain a maximum speed of 179mph (288km/h).

Arnage RL is a grand touring limousine with a long wheelbase, which allows for additional space, comfort, and exquisite detailing. Arnage RL is equipped with the same engine as Arnage R.

Bentley Arnage comes with latest safety features. It has micro-alloy ventilated discs which are complemented by six additional braking and traction systems for supreme control under all conditions. Other safety features include ABS, hydraulic brake assist and the ASR traction control system, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution, and an MSR engine drag torque control.

Cadillac SRX (2009

Snapshot

EPA Fuel Economy:
City: 13 – 15 Highway: 20 – 23
Available Engines:
255-hp, 3.6-liter V-6
320-hp, 4.6-liter V-8
Available Transmissions: 5-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
New or Notable

What We Like

What We Don't
• Remote start with climate control
• V-6 or V-8
• Five- or six-speed automatic
• Available AWD
• Optional seven-passenger capacity

+ Performance of V-8
+ Passenger space
+ Cargo room
+ Sizable sunroof

- Fuel economy
- Engine noise under hard acceleration
- Thick pillars reduce rear visibility


Vehicle Summary
Cadillac launched the SRX midsize sport utility vehicle as an early 2004 model, available with a V-6 or V-8 under the hood. The 2009 model comes with an Adaptive Remote Start system, which enables drivers to start the engine, adjust the interior temperature and turn on defrosters from up to 200 feet away. Competitors include the Lexus RX 350, Acura MDX and Volvo XC90. The SRX can hold up to seven people with its optional third-row seat. Read more
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