2009 Ford Ranger 4WD

The Ranger, which did not change its looks in any appreciable manner this year, is a part of the impressive Ford truck marketing effort that has kept these vehicles at the top of the heap across the board. And, it must be noted, the very survival of Ford, along with other American automakers, is currently threatened.

Still, it's an impressive record - and that alone makes the Ranger worth a look.

The power of the Ranger 4WD comes from a 4.0 liter, 207 horsepower V6 engine mated with either a standard five-speed manual or available five-speed automatic transmission, both with overdrive. Fuel efficiency numbers with the manual transmission are 15 miles per gallon in town and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. With the automatic transmission the numbers are both 1 mile per gallon lower.

2009 Dodge Dakota

The 2009 Dodge Dakota is a compact pickup truck that comes in two separate body styles and offers drivers a dependable and stylish ride - as long as it isn't taxed like a full-sized pickup. These trucks are made for lighter duty driving and easier-to-handle projects than, say, a Chevy Silverado 3500HD 4WD. In most cases however, the Dodge Dakota can be depended on to deliver you and your passengers, gear and content in safety and comfort to your desired destinations.

After the 2008 refreshening that the Dodge Dakota received, it has lost the all-wheel-drive option for 2009. It is however available in a 4WD setup which is not to be used on dry pavement. It does features low-range gearing for efficient offroad usage though. Extended cab models feature a 6-foot 5-inch bed along with rear doors that cannot open without the front doors being open as well. Many parents like that idea. The seating capacity for the extended cab models is 5. Crew cabs have a 5-foot 4-inch cargo bed with independent rear doors and can seat up to 6.

2009 Chrysler 300

The 2009 Chrysler 300 comes out with three trim options to answer its competitors, which include the Ford Taurus and the Chevy Impala. The LX is the base model, followed by the Touring and Limited options. All three models are available in rear wheel drive, with only the Touring and Limited offering all wheel drive. There have not been any major changes to this year's model, with the exception of some added chrome in the interior and an active transfer case and front axle disconnect.

The 2009 300 is powered by one of two V6 engines. The first is the 178 horsepower 2.7 liter, and the other is a 250 horsepower 3.5 liter. Both are available in either a four or five speed automatic transmission. The front axle disconnect is designed to disengage the front wheels when all wheel drive is not necessary. This was done in an effort to improve fuel mileage, which gives you an expected 17/25 miles per gallon in the new 300.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Dually 4WD

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Dually 4WD is Chevrolet's current one-ton dually model. As you would expect with a Chevrolet, it is a sharp looking, hard working truck, equally fit for to arrive at the ball or the barn.

There are no major changes to the looks of the 3500 since its last refresh in the 2007 model year.

There are two engines available for the 3500 Dually, a 6.0 liter 322 horsepower V8 and a 6.6 liter 365 horsepower V8 diesel. A six-speed automatic with overdrive is the only transmission for either.

2009 Cadillac SRX

The 2009 Cadillac SRX is a seven-passenger luxury crossover that is a carryover from 2008. Its elegant, chiseled exterior is matched only by the wealth of technological features inside. The high price might be a turnoff for some buyers, but others will certainly appreciate the innovative safety features and entertainment options. With two engine choices, buyers will be able to customize the SRX to fit their specific needs. However, in an age when fuel economy is a top priority, the SRX's 15 city MPG and 23 highway MPG simply cannot compete with the new hybrid crossover models.

Inside, the 2009 SRX includes an eight-speaker Bose Sound System, dual-zone climate control, power programmable door locks, and the OnStar system. The free one-year subscription to OnStar features turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services, and stolen vehicle location assistance. The stolen vehicle location will alert the authorities to the general area of an owner's stolen vehicle, helping to both find the crossover and sometimes apprehend the culprit/s. However, some critics claim that the phrase "turn-by-turn navigation" is misleading, as live OnStar representatives provide the directions rather than a digital readout on an LCD screen.

2009 Buick Enclave

The 2009 Buick Enclave is a sophisticated up to eight-passenger sport utility vehicle. This model year includes a bump of thirteen horsepower and an optional navigation unit with a real-time traffic feature - perfect for the commuter. Those that aren't impressed with OnStar's turn-by-turn directions provided by a live representative will be pleased with the in-dash navigation unit's digital display and ease of use.

Also optional on the 2009 Enclave is Bluetooth capabilities for handsfree calling and a rearview back-up camera. The rearview camera is available on both models that are or are not equipped with the navigation unit, a surprising option. Among Enclave's competitors is the Mercury Mariner, another stylish and luxurious SUV.

2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet

The 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet is the German automakers answer to the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Infinity G37 convertible. The new A4 sedan will be redesigned for 2009, but the Cabriolet will still be based on the old version of the sedan until it is replaced with what will be called the A5 Cabriolet.

You will find a wide variety of engine choices to power the A4 Cabriolet. This will include five different power plants, two gasoline and three diesel options. All five use direct fuel injection technology. The gasoline engines are the 1.8 TFSI and the 3.2 FSI. The 3.2 version produces 265 horsepower and will go from 0 - 60 in around 6 seconds. Top speed for this version will be 155 mph. The diesel options include 2 V6 engines and an in line four cylinder. The 2009 Cabriolet is only available in front wheel drive, with an automatic transmission. Depending on which engine is under your hood, you can expect to get between 17 and 23 miles per gallon in the city, and between 25 and 30 on the highway.

The 2009 Cabriolet is a sleek and stylish looking car, even without the redesign that the sedan is getting. The simple shape is very recognizable, as is the signature Audi grill design. For safety purposes, the windshield frame has been beefed up so that it stays intact in the event of a rollover. The spoked wheels provide an added elegance to the overall appearance.