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.

2009 Acura TSX

The second-generation 2009 Acura TSX, which will be unveiled today at the 2008 New York Autoshow, will integrate the new XM NavWeather real-time weather tracking service with "Threat Matrix" technology as part of a multitude of technological features found in Acura's Technology Package.


Acura's Technology Package adds XM NavWeather alongside the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, and AcuraLink - which provides real-time traffic powered by XM NavTaffic. The new TSX will also, and obviously, offer XM Satellite Radio.

XM NavWeather (which we first saw on the Acura RL at the Chicago Auto Show) integrates with the TSX's Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on-screen, and gives the driver the option to easily re-route around a storm's path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States.

2009 Acura RL

The 2009 Acura RL is a low, sleek midsize luxury car that seats five. It has a great looking beltline and a tight, mean looking front and rear. In all, it's a look that puts the fun back into a midsize car. The tail lights sort of tuck into the trunk in a way that says speed while the headlights broaden the grill in a manner that bespeaks character. Even when this car is standing still it's easy to imagine it stretching around the curves on a mountain road or slipping into a tight spot in freeway traffic.

The interior is just as exciting. Bucket seats, stick shift, fingertip controls and well laid out gauges all scream sport and comfort. And the standard leather upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel add their touch of class.

Priced from $46,280, it isn't cheap, but that's expected from Acura. The question is whether it delivers more than less expensive luxury sedans like the Lincoln MKZ. Powered by an overhead cam V6 300 horsepower 3.8 liter engine, the fuel efficiency rating is 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The five speed automatic transmission delivers whatever is asked of it. And you can add to that a better than industry average warranty.

2009 Acura MDX

The 2009 Acura MDX is a four-door sport utility vehicle that is a carryover from the prior model year. This seven-passenger SUV includes a powerful engine, advanced navigation unit, and several features to enhance passenger comfort. This luxury model, compared on size to the Audi Q7, is both elegant and modern, with a streamlined, graceful exterior.


Buyers can upgrade their 2009 MDX with a number of packages that include accessories like sophisticated entertainment equipment and a power liftgate. However, some potential buyers might be turned off by the high sticker price. Nevertheless, consumers can rest assured knowing that they will certainly be getting their money's worth.

Under the hood, the Acura MDX is fitted with an impressive 300 horsepower 3.7L V6 engine. While the engine has generous power, some consumers could be disappointed with the lack of options. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard and includes Sequential Sportshift. This feature creates smoother shifting, keeps the transmission in the appropriate gear, and can adapt to manual mode for more driver control. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive improves handling in high-performance circumstances. For example, when going around a curve, the SH-AWD will select the proper gear and hold it, rather than switching in the middle of a turn. Also, the Acura MDX gets around 15 city MPG and 20 highway MPG - around the median fuel efficiency for a mid-size SUV.

Honda Ridgeline

While the 2008 Honda Ridgeline is a half-ton pickup that has ample cargo space, it certainly is lacking in overall exterior design. The short bed's high side-walls make the truck appear incomplete, as if in the process of building an SUV the manufacturer was stopped by unforeseen forces. However, the pickup does raise the bar in total storage, cabin space, comfort, and available accessories.

Honda could easily claim to have the roomiest truck on the road. The Ridgeline features generous seating for up to five passengers. Not only that; the rear seat lifts and folds to provide further cargo space. The rear floor is flat, unlike usual rear cabin truck seating. The cargo room is expanded into the bed as well. Honda has developed an innovative way to provide a trunk in their pickup. Because the bed is raised and has higher side walls, they have been able to create a hidden trunk in the bed floor. The trunk is weather-proof and can hold both a spare tire and other mid-size cargo. Another novel design is the dual-action tailgate that opens both as a normal tailgate and a side-hinged door. However, the bed is wanting in overall space with only 5 feet by roughly 6.5 feet expanse. While in comparison to comparable pickups that may seem to be more than enough, the Ridgeline simply is not following through with its claim to have massive cargo room.

Honda S2000

The 2008 Honda S2000 is a milestone in that maker's lineup. The sports car has all of the streamlined, aerodynamic design, akin to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, that a buyer could ever want. The performance is unbeatable for the price, and the car is simply "cool." Honda has created a lightweight, super fast, incredibly stylish sports car. They have accomplished the dreams of many makers.

Even though the S2000 only has a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine, it produces a whopping 237 horsepower. The 6-speed manual transmission gives drivers the ability to control each and every gearshift, which means higher speeds in faster time.
The double wishbone suspension brings to mind agile racecars. Also, for those into street racing, the Honda S2000 does not redline until 8000rpm.

Honda CR-V

The 2009 Honda CR-V offers you something new to crave - a lot in fact. Honda has a stellar reputation for manufacturing planet-loving vehicles that hold their value better than any others. The CR-V by Honda combines sophisticated technology, aerodynamic stylishness, powerful efficiency and raw driving fun to create one of the most utility-based vehicles on the planet. MSRPs start at $21,245, comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe, and go up. There are 6 trim levels available: the 2WD/4WD LX, 2WD/4WD EX and 2WD/4WD EL-X.

Honda says that their new CR-V for 2009 "looks delicious" with its sleek curves and aerodynamic design standards. This crossover looks and feels comfortable in all settings - whether you are in the backcountry camping or dining at a 5-star restaurant in the middle of the city. Utility and convenience were also at the forefront of the design team's minds. For instance, the liftgate is lightweight and in a singular piece. It's made to accommodate simplistic loading - even in the elements. Another cool feature for the CR-V is the powered fold-in side-view mirrors, excellent for those tight parking spaces.

Entering into the 2009 CR-V is a snap with the low step-in height doors. Once inside, you will be rewarded with unanticipated comfort levels and high-quality materials. Spaciousness meets convenience and allows both the driver and passengers to thoroughly enjoy both short and long journeys. Steering wheel-mounted controls make various operations seem effortless and the entire cabin has a high-tech look and feel to it. The Honda Satellite-linked turn-by-turn navigation system is centrally located and features an oversized screen that requires no eye squinting.

Above, you will find a one-touch powered moonroof that is almost as large as the entire roof space. It opens big to allow all occupants to see the sky and breathe loads of fresh air. When it's closed, the cabin is quiet and solid feeling. External noises are reduced efficiently and the drag coefficient is next to nothing. The 270-watt 7-speaker with subwoofer stereo system offers plenty of ear-thumping pleasure as well. The dual beverage holders are large enough to actually put your travel mug in with no danger of spilling and the abundantly-spacious upper and lower glove boxes ensure that you have more than adequate storage space for all of your necessities. In the rear, the dual-deck cargo shelf compliments the 60/40 split seating to accommodate camping gear, groceries, sports equipment and just about anything else you care to haul.

2009 Honda Accord Coupe

The Accord was redesigned in 2008, thus the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe saw no major changes. Accord is a midsize car, going up against the likes of the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Galant. It is first cousin to the Acura TL and sold in Japan as the Honda Inspire.

The Accord offers three engines. Two are 2.4 liter I4s, each mated with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The smaller engine has 177 horsepower, while the larger boasts 190 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is virtually the same, with twenty-two miles per gallon in the city and thirty-one miles per gallon on the highway.

The remaining engine is a 271 horsepower 3.5 liter V6, which can have either a five-speed or a six-speed automatic transmission. With the five-speed transmission the V6 offers fuel economy equal to the smaller engines. With the 2008 redesign, Honda dropped the hybrid engine in the Accord, deciding it worked better on smaller cars.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The Lancer Evolution has a new 2-litre engine with 295 bhp power, exterior and interior design and is surprisingly light in weight, thanks to the aluminum engine block under the hood. There will also be a four-wheel drive (4WD) option.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid gives you 40/45 mpg city/highway by utilizing an electric motor combined with a 1.3L 110hp I4 engine. Honda calls the technology Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). That is seriously something to consider. Although there is a temporary reprieve in fuel costs, the end of the holiday season for 2008 will undoubtedly see gas prices return to the disturbing levels that we have all become accustomed to. 40 miles per gallon is very near double what many vehicles deliver. That's one big reason that US News rated the 2009 Civic Hybrid as the 3rd-best affordable small car on the planet and #2 in hybrids. The Toyota Prius is the only car to deliver better gas mileage currently.