2008 Chevrolet Aveo

Aveo was designed to offer sensible, day-to-day transportation. Its ride is tuned more for comfort than sporty driving, and this is where it differs from the frisky Honda Fit. But many of us spend more time commuting through heavy, stop-and-go traffic than challenging the Nurburgring circuit.
Aveo is EPA-estimated to deliver 24 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. That's compares well with the Hyundai Accent (27/32 mpg), Nissan Versa (26/31). The Honda Fit (28/34) and Toyota Yaris (29/36) are more efficient but when it comes to purchase price look for better deals on the Aveo.
We found the Aveo an enjoyable car to spend time with, particularly the LT with its nice cloth upholstery. The climate and audio controls are easy to use and the driver's seat adjusts for height and it drives well. We like the Aveo5 five-door hatchback for its ability to haul stuff.

NCTD: 2008 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ began a new direction for Lincoln: luxury vehicles designed to engage the driver. The MKZ succeeds, managing the difficult trick of delivering a ride that is generally comfortable with handling that makes it interesting and gratifying to drive quickly on a challenging country road.
The MKZ is powered by a strong, 263-hp V6 driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. And MKZ's major standard equipment compares favorably with the best cars in this class.
For 2008, Lincoln has made several popular options standard, including heated and cooled leather seats, and Sirius Satellite Radio. New standard features include a reverse sensing system and a hands-free, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that Ford calls Sync.
Overall, the MKZ is well rounded. It's suitable for day-to-day commuting even on the Midwest's broken streets, comfy for long-distance cruising on an interstate, and playful during a quick trip along a two-lane road through the mountains. It has plenty of power, but it uses regular fuel and delivers decent gas mileage. Surprisingly, however, the MKZ does not offer electronic stability control.
The MKZ has collected some impressive accolades. Among them: When it was introduced as a 2007 model, it ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study for Premium Cars. For two years in a row, industry voters have honored the MKZ with Ward's Premium-Priced Car Interior of the Year award. Its 3.5-liter V6 has been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines. Its THX II-certified stereo was voted Best Audio by PC Magazine. And its navigation system was ranked No. 1 in J.D. Power's 2007 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study.

2009 Saab 9-3

The base model 2009 Saab 9-3 SportCombi costs $31,040 and is powered by a 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In front-wheel drive models, that engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed automatic in all-wheel drive models. Opt for the $43,940 Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero and you get a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 producing a respectable 280 hp driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All prices include a $775 destination charge.
While the 2009 Saab 9-3 wagon delivers the goods on paper and is pleasing to the eye, it still lacks in key areas. In practice, the turbocharged V-6 doesn't feel very powerful, and although we like the added security and control of the all-wheel drive system, it's not enough to sway us. However, we do like the SportCombi's wagon utility and unique styling, enough that some of us are willing to overlook the car's refinement shortcomings, especially in the lower-priced 2.0-liter turbo models.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a totally new luxury sport sedan. With its rear-wheel drive and available V8 power, the Genesis aspires to the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Infiniti M, but is priced more like American competitors such as the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8.
The Genesis seats five and is offered with V6 or V8 engines. Hyundai is best known here for the econoboxes it sold when it first came to America, but the Korean automaker has been moving upmarket for several years. The Genesis represents its biggest leap yet and is the company's most expensive and most luxurious car.
Inside, the Genesis is nicely appointed, with chrome accents, wood and aluminum trim, and soft-touch materials. Easy-to-read electroluminescent gauges greet the driver, and the available navigation system includes voice activation and a multimedia interface that is easier to use than those from most luxury manufacturers. An iPod interface is standard, and customers can choose a 17-speaker audio system that has 7.1 surround and sounds great. Room in the front and rear seats is excellent.
The Genesis marks the debut of Hyundai's first V8, a 4.6-liter dual overhead cam engine with 375 horsepower. The V8 provides plenty of smooth, willing power and gets decent fuel economy. Also available is a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6. The V6 offers enough pep for most needs and has the benefit of an extra couple mpg. Both engines run quietly and are mated to smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shiftgates.
Hyundai touts the Genesis as a sport sedan, with a rigid rear-wheel-drive structure and advanced five-link front and rear suspensions. On twisty roads, it performs well, with a generally nimble feel and a fairly flat disposition through corners. Of the two models, the V6 rotates easier through turns, while the V8 is more prone to push. The V8 model, on the other hand benefits from electrohydraulic steering that keeps the boost up in the tightest slaloms, while the V6's hydraulic steering can bind in quick changes of direction.
The Genesis rides well, ironing out most bumps with little effect on passengers. It doesn't float or wallow like other Hyundais, but the ride can get bouncy over humps and ruts at highway speeds. On the whole, the Genesis is a legitimate sport sedan, but it's not as agile as top performers, such as the BMW 5 Series.
Both Genesis models are fine values that deliver fine handling, a smooth ride, and willing power. They also have plenty of interior room, with nicely appointed interiors. Though not quite up to the high standards of the European and Japanese luxury cars the Genesis aspires to, it is viable and cheaper alternative to those cars and a better appointed option versus large American sedans.

Quick Look: 2009 Honda Fit

The 2009 Honda Fit is Honda's entry into the inexpensive subcompact class. Completely redesigned and reengineered for the 2009 model year, the Honda Fit combines class-leading cargo space management with levels of comfort and refinement that were unheard of in this class just a few years ago.
Throw in the $670 destination charge, and pricing for the 2009 Honda Fit starts at $15,220 for the base model with a manual transmission; you'll pay $16,020 for an automatic. A 2009 Honda Fit Sport costs $16,730 with a manual and $17,580 with an automatic, and the 2009 Honda Fit Sport with a navigation system costs an additional $1,850. That's definitely pushing the definition of "cheap car," but the Fit is surprisingly well equipped. Base models come with side curtain airbags and side impact airbags standard, electronic throttle, an auxiliary jack for the audio system, anti-lock brakes, and a 160-watt audio system with speed-sensitive volume control. In other words, pretty loaded. Sport models add fog lamps and a sport suspension, and automatic-transmission versions get paddle shifters. Regardless of trim level, the 2009 Honda Fit comes with a 1.6-liter 117-hp four cylinder engine powering the front wheels.
We like the 2009 Honda Fit enough to award it our 2009 Editors' Choice Award for Best Non-Hybrid Gas Saver. While we concede that the initial price can be higher than its competition, it also offers more standard equipment, and it's very price competitive when feature content is taken into account. The 2009 Honda Fit's interior features an extremely clever rear seat that folds in many different ways, enhancing cargo capacity and ease of use. Plus it looks distinctive – some might even say cool – and Sport models are genuinely fun to drive.

NCTD: 2008 Audi A5

A distinctive shape identifies the A5 and S5 models from virtually any angle, with flowing curves bringing some musculature to Audi's sleek, aerodynamic forms and arresting light patterns. From dead behind there's slight chance of mistaking it for a British GT car, but from any other angle it's unmistakably Audi.
These are two-plus-two GT cars designed to cover lots of ground at good average speed while coddling a pair of occupants by minimizing environmental distractions; rear seats are for the occasional adult passengers or bringing the kids along. The A5 and S5 involve the driver physically, audibly, and mentally though never to the point of making it a chore or less than inviting. An S5 can be hustled down virtually any road at a good clip, but it is unfair to expect these big, heavy coupes to behave like small sports cars.
Audi interiors have been racking up awards for most of the 21st century and the A5/S5 is in the same mold. It has the features expected, good ergonomics, a central interface system that won't drive you to cursing, and it's all assembled to a high standard using appropriate materials. Despite the standard all-wheel drive it also has more trunk space than some Lexus sedans so you enjoy a road trip of any length.
An A5 delivers confidence and luxury in a package not likely to be seen at every intersection and very likely to come across as a good value; the S5 delivers more performance and luxury yet still has a certain value quotient to argue.

NCTD: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Chevy Silverado HD heavy-duty pickups are about real work and serious play. The 2500-series is often used like a second car and charged with pulling the boat or trailer on weekends, while the 3500 usually sees hauling and pulling duty on a routine basis and tows fifth-wheel RVs and six-horse trailers. With a trailer of 5,000 pounds or less, or infrequent carriage of building materials, you'd be better served with a Silverado 1500.
But for those who need it, the Silverado HD models are the only heavy-duty pickups with independent front suspensions on four-wheel-drive units, for better ride and steering than the competition. The 6.0-liter gas V8 is the strongest standard engine, and the 6.6-liter is the most powerful turbodiesel. The standard six-speed automatic one-ups the competition and only GM includes OnStar. It is well finished, inside and out.
After a mid-2007 debut for the new Chevy Silverado HD, the 2008 models get some minor yet worthwhile upgrades. These include brighter instrumentation, 17-inch wheels on dually models, standard XM radio with three-month subscription. Regular Cab pickups offer a power front bench seat option, split 40/20/40.
A choice of interiors is available, with different dashboards rather than merely varied finishes. You can have it sweep-out simple, or served up with heated leather, navigation, and an expensive-looking opaque shade for the moonroof. Regular cabs are roomy enough for three, extended cabs are ideal for younger families and have a thoughtful new rear door design, while the crew cab is suitable for four or five big athletes or pony-sized dogs.
The Silverado HD is the most car-like of big pickups, whether referring to interior appearance or driving feel. Yet it carries and tows as well as other heavy-duty pickups. With close to 100 derivatives in cab/box/trim/drive choices and option sheets to fill many pages, there should be an example to fit your tastes and requirements.