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