Convertibles still have security issues – parking them with the top down is an invitation to have problems in a lot of urban areas. But advances in engineering have made them much more practical all weather cars than they used to be in the past.

Mazda Miata MX-5: One of the sportiest "fun cars" out there, and one of the best selling roadsters ever to grace pavement, the MX-5 got a solid overhaul with the 2009 model year, with sharper handling, a new front look and re-done ergonomics. The newer models have a retractable hard top that goes from open to folded in 15 seconds – about the time it takes to sit at the red light and decide you want to let the wind run in your hair.

Mercedes-Benz SLK: The car that brought the retractable hard top to mainstream appeal, this car has smooth lines and retains its roadster roots. It hasn’t had a major refresh since 2005, but the incremental changes have added to its undeniable appeal. They’ve got wonderful handling, and as you go up the line, more horses under the hood, including a V8 on the top of the line model with 355 horsepower.

Ford Mustang GT: This classic muscle car is now 45, and has been in production almost as long as our current President has been alive. The GT is Fords attempt to get deep into the Mustang’s DNA, and arguably, it resurrected every detail that made those 60′s muscle cars such dreams to drive, while updating them to modern sensibilities. The upper end GT convertible has a 315 horsepower monster of a V8 under the hood, and a lovely soft-top. Just because the car’s over 45 doesn’t mean it won’t growl when you need it to.

Don’t forget, when you buy that sexy new convertible, you don’t have to buy the extended warranty from the car dealership. Instead, save a lot of money by going online to buy it directly from Warranty Direct, using our convenient new payment plan.

Beyond their hybrids, Lexus does offer up some luxury cars that are great to look at and great to drive. Sadly, this reviewer could find nothing on their website about being environmentally responsible…unless they have it disguised under another name?

We took a look at two of their family sedans, one hybrid and one standard, and when you make your next Lexus purchase, remember to buy a Lexus extended warranty that will increase the value of your car; both resale and trade in values.

2009 Lexus GS 450h Sedan – The Best

Lexus is proud of this puppy and it comes with a price tag you’d expect for a Lexus at $55,800—but it’s a hybrid! It does offer fuel efficiency at 23 miles per gallon and a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine and comes with rear-wheel drive.

This vehicle is stylish, sporty, and comfortable and has dynamics other sedans don’t. It’s ultra quiet and has superb power and provides high driver comfort. The trunk size may not be that big, but this hybrid is cool and exceptional in every way.

Consumers and experts alike rated this sedan as top of the line in its class.

2009 Lexus ES 350 Sedan – The Worst

This Lexus sedan comes in one model the ES 350 and boasts a nice 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine with a fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon.

It’s hard to find something wrong with Lexus vehicles except their price tag, but this vehicle only came in “fair” with the experts.

The six-cylinder engine did have adequate power but the electronic countermeasures cut in too early and too often for this sedan. This model is not offered in a hybrid model and will cost you around $34,000.

Summing Up Lexus

Lexus is innovative and makes quality vehicles with a price tag for the upper class but there should be a manufacturer that does this.

They also cater to the rich when it comes to their hybrid models, which is a vast line-up compared to other automakers. We still would like to know what Lexus is doing beyond hybrids to make their company “green,” but all around, Lexus makes quality sedans that are very luxurious.

When you pick up your next Lexus, don’t forget the Lexus extended warranty that will not only increase the value of your Lexus but also offer an extension on the manufacturer’s warranty.

Dodge is known for their powerful Hemi engines and the ruggedness of their truck, and they seemed to be the first US truck maker to realize we needed so much storage in our cabs, even for our laptops, that these trucks are pretty tricked out.

Still, we hope the Dodge division of Chrysler also jumps on the environmental trail and comes out with something beyond what they call their hybrid—the diesel.

We checked out two base pick-up trucks from the Dodge Division and whichever one you choose, make sure to pick-up a Dodge extended warranty after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out at 36,000 miles, only their Hemi has a longer warranty.

2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab – The Best

Even the experts love this truck!

While the fuel efficiency isn’t great at only 16 miles to the gallon, it boasts basically two models with all sorts of options.

The ST and the SLT and each comes with either a 3.7 liter, 6 cylinder engine or the 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine and even the 5.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

They range in price from $21,000 to $29,000, and with different packages you’ll get tons of interior options, well designed controls and a truck that performs.

Their towing capacity is called the “best in its class,” and it feels like a truck is supposed to feel when you’re driving it.

We really liked this truck and so do consumers, especially if you choose the higher priced Hemi engine that will run you in the low to mid-$30’s. When they say “It’s better in a Dodge,” it is.

2009 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab – The Worst

While some consumers may like the Dodge Dakota, the experts say this truck is only “adequate.”

They came out with 18 models on the Dakota in the last few years and we guess Dodge thinks by giving this truck fancy names, maybe it will attract more buyers.

The models range from the ST to the BigHorn to the LoneStar to the Laramie and come with everything from the 3.7 liter, 6 cylinder engine to their 4.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

Depending on the model you can get these trucks in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive and they range in price of $21,000 to $29,000.

It has no real unique features and this reviewer (a woman) hates to say this but Dodge promotes this vehicle as a “ladies” truck—whatever that means?

Summing Up Dodge

We were happy to find out that Dodge released a hybrid for 2009, the Dodge Durango and they call this a truck and it isn’t a truck. It’s an SUV, but they say no, it’s a truck—whatever!

Dodge Ram Trucks will always be in the forefront when it comes to the fight over which truck is better, a Dodge or a Chevy?

The Dodge Truck line-up is hard to beat and when you pick the model that suits your needs, don’t forget to buy that Dodge extended warranty, because like we said, unless you have a Hemi engine, this American car maker only gives you 3 years, 36,000 miles on their warranty and an extended warranty can be gold for these trucks.

They’ve been owned by American investors, German/American investors, and now back to all American investors and they still seem to be able to provide some really good cars in both economy and sedan models.

Chrysler may try to do some recycling at their plants in the US, and after many years of calling for one, they finally have the 2009 Aspen SUV hybrid—about time! A Chrysler spokesperson said once that their diesels were their hybrids—okay?

In any event, we took a look at two family sedans and whichever one you choose, don’t forget to buy a Chrysler extended warranty to help your resale or trade-in values or for those needed repairs once your 3 year warranty runs out.

The 2009 Chrysler 300 – The Best

US car makers get a bad rap on safety no matter if it’s Chrysler, GM or Ford, but the 2009 Chrysler 300 delivers as a quality family sedan that is luxurious to drive and comes in the base LX to the C-Hemi to the SRT-8.

The LX models have 2.7 liter, 6 cylinder engines and the Touring models have 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engines, both of these models come in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Limited models also have a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine and the C-Hemi has a powerful 5.7 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

Finally, you can’t beat the power of the 300 SRT-8 with a 6.1 liter, 8 cylinder engine. They range in price from $25,150 to the SRT-8 at $42,405 and offer up 15 to 21 miles per gallon depending on model. There is no noise when you drive this car and it rides very smooth. You’ll pass up the cops with the SRT-8, but we don’t recommend that!

We liked what Chrysler has done with this 300 and the exterior has that look of, “Yeah, I’m that good.”

The 2009 Chrysler Sebring – The Worst

Whatever Chrysler was thinking when they redesigned the Sebring, they should have left it alone.

It comes in regular and convertible options and models range from the LX to the Touring to the Limited. The LX comes with a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine and both the Touring and Limited models have both the 2.4, 4 cylinder and the 2.7 liter, 6 cylinder engine.

The fuel efficiency for the Sebring is high at 24 miles per gallon and prices on the sedan models range from $20,500 to $25,900—you’ll pay more for the top of the line convertible at $34,700.

Consumers don’t like the redesigned Sebring as much as prior model years and from the number of dealer sales, that’s clear. Even the experts call this sedan, adequate, not even “good.”

Summing Up Chrysler

Like we said, Chrysler has been through quite a bit, but their 2009 Aspen SUV will have a hybrid option in 2009, but it’s pricy at $45,000+.

We would like to see Chrysler be more responsible for our environment, especially since they are one of the Big Three and we need some big corporations in the US to start being responsible instead of relying on all the Europeans and Japanese to do it for us.

With new leadership again at the helm in Detroit, we’ll see if Chrysler changes their concepts and starts turning “green” anytime soon.

We did love the Chrysler 300 and when you purchase yours, don’t forget to pick up a Chrysler extended warranty to help your resale value, trade-in value and to help you with repairs beyond the Big Three’s same old, same old warranty – 36,000 miles.

We liked this because it told us all about the On-Star feature they offer on some models that can help you if you’re in an accident, run out of gas, or just breakdown. The On-Star is a smart system and every automaker should be looking close at Chevrolet.

They offer the best of the Big Three when it comes to hybrids, a car, the Malibu, a truck, the Silverado, and the Tahoe, an SUV—what a choice! Again, however, this Big Three Company mentioned nothing on their website about how this manufacturing company is being environmentally responsible—what’s with the Big Three anyway on this subject?

We looked at two Chevrolet trucks and when you buy your next Chevy, don’t forget to buy the Chevrolet extended warranty to extend the manufacturer’s warranty and help with your resale value.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab – The Best

Male Country singers croon about owning a Chevy truck and after looking at the Silverado, we know why!

It comes in two basic models, the Work Truck and the LT model. They range from 4.3 liter, 8 cylinder engines to 5.3 liter 8 cylinder engines and have a fuel efficiency of 17 miles per gallon.

Depending on model, the Silverado comes in rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive and range in price from $19,000 to $29,765.

The good news is that you can get this in a hybrid, but it will cost you more, but really not that much more—only $38,000. If Chevy can offer a hybrid truck at that price, they need to call up Ford and Dodge and explain it to them.

This truck is powerful, a great hauler, and has all the amenities, including On-Star and controls in all the right places. Yep keep singing country folk—this is an awesome truck.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab – The Worst

Chevrolet must have called Dodge and thought this truck would compete with the Dakota.

Both sold as “ladies” trucks, the Colorado comes in 12 styles. The two basic models are the Work Truck and the LT and depending on style, have a 2.9 liter, 4 cylinder engine to a 3.7 liter, 5 cylinder engine. They have a fuel efficiency of 20 miles per gallon and are priced from $16,700 to $21,300.

Customers thought this truck had a weak engine and lack of interior features. They felt the 5-cylinder option was barely adequate and the ride felt bouncy. Overall, even the experts felt this truck was “fair.”

Summing Up Chevrolet

Chevrolet should be proud of their three hybrids, especially when it comes to the price of them.

The Malibu is only $23,000 and the Silverado is $38,000, and their top of the line hybrid the Tahoe is only $50,000! What does Chevy know that the other American automakers don’t know?

They offer top-performance in the Silverado trucks that those farmers love and when you buy your next Chevy truck, don’t forget to purchase a Chevrolet extended warranty to ensure once the manufacturer’s warranty is expired, you’ll still have repair coverage.

What that means to them is that they say they are constantly shifting gears and looking at new designs and styles.

They do have a hybrid, the 2009 Altima, and in the spring of 2009, their all new concept car The Cube will hit the dealer’s showroom, but beyond that, if Nissan is being environmentally responsible about future vehicles, waste, or recycling, we couldn’t find it on their website.

Then again, the website is so busy, you get tired of leaping from page to page.

Nissan has reliable models in both cars and trucks and we compared two of their pick-up trucks for 2009. When buying any Nissan vehicle, don’t forget to purchase that Nissan extended warranty to help resale and trade-in values and for repairs down the road.

2009 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab – The Best

When we thought about the truck line up Nissan has, improvements have been made and the Frontier offers great fuel efficiency at 16 to 21 miles per gallon depending on model.

The models vary from LE, XE, SE and the PRO 4X. You can get one of these with either rear wheel drive or 4-wheel drive and the engines range from a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder, to a 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder.

The prices are great starting at $17,400 and topping off at $27,600. The only thing consumers didn’t like about the Frontier was the interior materials.

Other than that is has a strong engine, class-leading handling and steering and great off-road suspension packages you can choose from, depending on model. All the dash board controls are within easy reach and logically placed.

This pick-up is great for hauling with a 9,000 pound towing capacity and Nissan pleasantly surprised truck wannabes with this model.

2009 Nissan Titan Extended Cab – The Worst

Neither consumers or the experts are crazy about this truck for all the media it gets, and no matter what model you buy, they only offer a 14 mile per gallon fuel efficiency.

All models have automatic transmission and come in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. The models range from the XE to the SE to the PRO-4X, and the LE-FFV and every model has a 5.6 liter, 8 cylinder engine.

They range in price from $26,150 to $36,550 depending on models and options. The V8 engine is strong but the interior is average and the window switches are oddly placed.

The PRO-4X offers an off-road package but overall, this Nissan pick-up truck missed the mark and got better reviews for the 2008 model year.

Summing Up Nissan

Nissan Trucks most likely will never match the Big Three auto manufacturers’ models but they did a pretty good job with the Frontier. We still weren’t impressed with their “green” way of thinking, and while they have a lot in their line-up, we’d stick to the sedans or coups and skip the trucks.

If you are set on a Nissan truck, pick up a Nissan extended warranty to ensure you’ll have coverage for repairs past the manufacturer’s warranty, because Nissan has a reputation for loads of miles on their vehicles.

The problem here is that only one of their hybrids, the C-Class sedan comes in a flex fuel option in the US. Their other ventures in hybrids such as the 400 BlueHYBRID and their research on coup model hybrids are only being offered in Europe in 2009.

The Mercedes Benz name is synonymous with luxury and their vehicles reflect that. When purchasing a Mercedes Benz, don’t forget to pick up a Mercedes Benz extended warranty to help on your resale value, trade-in value and for repairs down the road.

We took a look at two of their sedans for 2009.

2009 Mercedes Benz C-Class Sedan – The Best

The 2009 C-Class Sedan offered by Mercedes Benz comes in 3 models: the Sport, Luxury and Sport 4Matic.

Both the Sport and Luxury model come in rear-wheel drive and have 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engines. The Sport 4Matic is all-wheel drive and has the same engine options. With 21 miles per gallon fuel efficiency, this sedan is priced from $32.900 to $36,200 depending on model options.

The C-Class has comfortable searing and big power and is a strong leader in the sport/luxury sedan class. This sedan has dual-rate shock absorbers great for uneven pavement and the seats are great for long hauls.

The interior has the controls all in the proper places with a central control knob that actually operates the entire infotainment options on a pop-up screen. The 12-function steering wheel is also standard on the C-Class.

Once again, Mercedes Benz has produced a great sedan vehicle that performs well.

2009 Mercedes Benz CLK Class Sedan – The Worst

This model hasn’t improved much from the 2008 model and is considered by consumers to be in the mid-range of Mercedes Benz sedans. It comes in two models, the CLK350 and the CLK550.

The CLK350 has a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder engine and the 550 model has a 5.5 liter, 8 cylinder engine and both models come in a convertible option. They range in price from $48,100 to $64,800, depending on model and options chosen, and although this is a well performing sedan, customer’s called it “average” for Mercedes Benz.

The audio and climate controls are very complex and trunk space is not the best. Most consumers would have liked to have seen some improvements to this Mercedes Benz sedan for model year 2009.

Summing Up Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz will always be on top of their game with quality sedans and have ventured into crossover vehicles as well. While we compared two of their sedan models, they have a great line-up for 2009.

We guess Europe has been around a lot longer than the US, but we have caught up pretty quickly on our environmental concerns so we hope Mercedes Benz steps up and gives American’s more options in the very near future.

Buy a Mercedes Benz extended warranty on your next Mercedes purchase, no matter what model, to increase the value of your vehicle and save you bucks after the manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

BMW vehicles are widely known for their resale value and performance but when it comes to the company’s environmental commitment, offering one hybrid in the US and only recycling at their factories is not enough. They need to go a little further and start offering more hybrids in the US.

The BMW website is also the most confusing of all vehicle manufacturer websites and we found it quite hard to even find out what their environmental commitment is. In any event, we looked at their SUV line-up for 2009 and picked the best and worst models.

When you purchase a BMW, don’t forget to buy a BMW extended warranty to help you extend the manufacturer’s warranty and save money down the road.

2009 BMW X5 – The Best

This all-wheel drive SUV model offered by BMW scored an almost perfect 10 with consumers.

With three models, two of which have a 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engine and one with a 4.8 liter, 8 cylinder engine, this SUV boasts 16 to 21 miles per gallon fuel efficiency depending on model. With a hefty price tag at $47,500 to $56,200, it’s what BMW people expect to pay for a quality BMW SUV.

In 2009 this model is also offered with a diesel engine. Customers say this vehicle is “rewarding to drive,” and towing capacity is 6,000 pounds no matter what size engine option you choose.

There is almost no wind noise and seat comfort is great, except the third seat, which customers say is basically useless. The limits of that third seat don’t seem to bother BMW lovers and the interior is delicious and includes a back-up camera and rear-seat entertainment.

As BMW fans will tell you, this manufacturer does know how to put together a vehicle.

2009 BMW X3 – The Worst

This all-wheel drive SUV comes in one model, the xDrive30i and has a 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engine and a 19 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

BMW fans say this vehicle falls short on the interior and is hardly more versatile than their 3 Series sedan, especially for carrying people and cargo. The ride of the BMW X3 is considered to be stiff and there are way too many buttons on the dash making the audio and HVAC systems a little confusing. For an SUV, it doesn’t boast much capacity either.

Summing Up BMW

BMW is more interested in what their customers want than what the environment wants and only offer one hybrid, the BMW 5 Series sedan that if equipped with all you want is a hefty $60,000.

But as we said, BMW is more of a status vehicle and if you want to own one, be prepared to pay for that status and luxury. They are well made vehicles, but when choosing the BMW that is right for you, don’t forget to purchase a BMW extended warranty to help with resale and trade-in value as well as the expensive repairs needed once the manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

With that time came a lot of innovation, design and engineering that Ford customers love and are loyal to. Chances are if you’re a Ford person, you will buy them for life. Again, they have some additions to their 2009 line-up and we judged the best and worst in their truck category.

Remember, when you purchase your next Ford, don’t forget to purchase a Ford extended warranty to help extend the manufacturer’s warranty, get a better resale or trade-in value for your vehicle, and help you at repair time down the road.

2009 Ford F-150 Regular Cab – The Best

There are people who love their Ford trucks and the F-150 Regular Cab is reasonably priced ranging from $21,000 to $29,000 depending on model and engine options.

The models range from the XL rear wheel drive 4.6 liter, 8 cylinder engine to the SXT 4.6 liter, 8 cylinder engine to the XLT 4.6 liter, 8 cylinder engine. Both the XL and XLT offer a 5.9 liter, 8 cylinder engine and you can get any of these models with four-wheel drive.

While still not considered the best truck in its class, the F-150 is still a solid truck and is great for towing and hauling. It rides quiet and offers a comfortable interior and good ergonomics. You can choose a console or column shifter along with great interior features.

The F-150 has a good size bed for hauling and great ground clearance on the 4×4 models.

2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – The Worst

This Pickup/SUV offered by Ford comes in crew club models and SUV models and range in price from $25,900 to $33,600.

With an expected fuel efficiency of about 16 to 17 miles per gallon, the XLT models come in either 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder engines or 4.6 liter, 8 cylinder engines and all models have an automatic transmission.

There are two models, one in the XLT line and one in the Limited line that come 4 wheel drive equipped.

Adequate is the word consumers are using to describe this vehicle that drives like a car but falls in the truck/SUV class. It is no where close in performance to other vehicles in its class and is good for only light towing and lacks flair. It also has a disappointing limited bed space and is only considered as reasonably good for off-road conditions.

What was Ford thinking on this model? Is it a car? Is it an SUV, or is it a truck?

Summing Up Ford

We looked at their truck line-up, but Ford offers SUV options, and cars in coupe and sedan models. They also offer two hybrid models, the Escape SUV and Fusion sedan.

When it comes to buying a truck, it really does depend on the customer’s preferred model, and there is always a case for who has the better truck, Ford, GM or Dodge. However, their truck line up does do well in sales, and when you buy any model truck from them, pick up that Ford extended warranty to save money at repair time once your manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

They currently carry three lines of hybrids, the Prius, the Camry, and the Highlander SUV with more plans on the horizon to develop more fuel efficient and alternative energy vehicles that are affordable and green.

We took a look at the 2009 lineup and found the best and the worst. If you decide a Toyota is right for you, make sure to buy a Toyota extended warranty to save you big bucks on repairs when the original manufacturer’s warranty runs out.

The 2009 Toyota Camry – The Best

Always a customer favorite, the 2009 Toyota Camry still doesn’t disappoint and you’ll get a quality vehicle for your buck.

Models we looked at were the LE and SE, both with manual and automatic transmission options and both with 4 cylinder 2.4 liter engines. Their LE/SE V6 models have 3.5 liter engines offer 6 cylinders and come with automatic transmission only. All models were equipped with front wheel drive and fuel efficiency was as high as 25 miles to the gallon.

Consumers simply “love to drive” this vehicle and its redesigned drivetrain is pretty powerful. It is also one of the most comfortable and luxurious family sedans on the market and offers a simple radio design and easy to use controls.

With plenty of room for everyone, this good fuel mileage vehicle is still an easy pick for the money. The models we looked at for 2009 range in price from the base at $19,000 to the higher end models at $25,000.

The 2009 Toyota Yaris – The Worst

Consumers say there’s not much that’s really unique in this vehicle except for its 30 mile per gallon fuel efficiency and for its class; some think this vehicle should be cheaper.

Models in this review were the Coupe and Sedan that both have automatic or manual transmission options, 1.5 liter engines and range in price from base at 12,205 to their S models for around $15,880.

Customers didn’t like the little road feel and considerable roll these models offered up and complained about the interiors; especially the placement of the cupholders and lack of storage space.

The vehicle’s exterior design is better than the Echo, the vehicle it replaced, and the Yaris has an economical engine and good fuel efficiency. Still, all in all, Toyota should have put a little more design and engineering for comfort and amenities in the Yaris as well as better quality; especially in body materials used.

Summing Up Toyota

Toyota will stay on the forefront of the environment and seek ways to make affordable hybrids and most likely in the very near future. Further, Toyota keeps their prices on their current models at levels that fall into the average family budget.

With so many models to choose from, Toyota continues to climb the ladder past the Big Three in some classes. Remember to get a Toyota extended warranty when purchasing your Toyota; they will extend the manufacturer’s warranty and save you money at repair time because these vehicles tend to have long lives and can endure a lot of mileage.

This automobile manufacturer has developed a vehicle that uses a sustainable energy source; the hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle—the very first hybrid to be accepted by the EPA and the strict state of California.

Along with their automobile efforts, Honda is delving into motorcycles, power products and even robotics.

Here’s a look at what consumer’s are judging their best and worst models for 2009. If you like Hondas, no matter what make or model, don’t forget to buy a Honda extended warranty. This is great way to extend the original manufacturer’s warranty.

2009 Honda CR-V – The Best

The Honda CR-V comes in eight different styles all with a 2.4 liter engines. The LX, EX, EX-L, and EX-L with navigation all come in both front and all wheel drive options and range in affordable price ranges for what you get—between $21,000 to $29,000. Designed as a small SUV, the Honda CR-V offers a modest but well trimmed exterior and the interior provides everything you’d expect from Honda.

A leader in its class of smaller SUV, this 4 cylinder is not only fuel efficient and handles excellent on both city streets and the highway—it achieves the low 20s in on city streets, and high 20s on the highway. The Honda CR-V will give you a smooth ride that is extremely quiet and the sightlines from the driver’s seat are what make this model a favorite.

Another great option is the rear seats that are fore and aft-adjustable. Also on the inside you’ll delight in the controls which are ergonomically correct and the very lightweight lift gate is easily opened or closed with one hand. A handy cargo shelf is also provided on each Honda CR-V model.

This family-friendly SUV offers rear doors that open wide, a front sunglass holder, and a built-in conversation mirror to check on the kids in the back. Its cargo capacity makes it one of the most useful compact SUV haulers on the market today.

Rated very high by consumers who have purchased prior model years of this make, this family compact SUV is roomy, and we liked the price in today’s ever rising price tags on any size of SUV.

2009 Honda Civic – The Worst

With Honda’s innovation, it’s hard to find a “worst” model in their line-up, but the Honda Civic, which has received rave reviews in past years, did not do so well with their 2009 model.

Consumers who were asked about the 2009 Honda Civic thought that it rode well but was noisy and some buyers were turned off by the split-level dash and digital speedometer. The 2009 Civic comes in DX, LX, & EL models, all with 1.8 liter engines and are priced from the base at $14,800 to the higher line at $23,000. The car’s body shape is somewhat odd, but still a good streamlined Honda product.

The 2009 Honda Civic is not expected to receive as much consumer attention as prior year models, but you still can’t beat its highway fuel efficiency at 29 miles to the gallon.

Summing Up Honda

Honda is one of our favorites when it comes to hybrids and their research on energy and fuel alternatives, but whatever Honda model you pick, we recommend buying a Honda extended warranty to save you on needed repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.