A good price on a car or truck is no deal at all if you don't like the vehicle.
Each year, I drive between 50 and 70 new vehicles. These come from the manufacturers' press fleets and I drive many of them for a week in the sort of everyday situations that most drivers experience.
I rate them not only for fuel economy and performance, but for their overall value and the driving satisfaction they deliver.
So, with the 2008 model year officially coming to a close -- and with manufacturers and dealers slashing prices -- here are some of my picks for vehicles you should consider purchasing. My picks include sedans, crossover SUVs, full-size SUVs and even a sports car.
1. Chevrolet Malibu
There is a general consensus that this is the best midsize sedan to ever come out of General Motors. The fit and finish is excellent, the styling is handsome and the ride is taut but comfortable in the manner of a European sedan.In addition, the interior is so rich looking that you will think you're in a sedan costing $10,000 more than the Malibu, which starts with a sticker price of less than $20,000. With GM discounts, the Malibu can be bought for the price of lesser vehicles.
If you step up to the 3.6-liter V-6, you'll still get average city-highway fuel mileage of 17 miles per gallon to 26 miles per gallon. Go with the four-cylinder, and the Malibu will return as much as 30 mpg city. Or go full-green and order the hybrid -- highway fuel mileage will then hit 32 mpg.
2. Acura TL
There's an all-new Acura TL hitting showrooms right now, but many dealers still have the 2008 model on hand at a significant discount. And although the 2009 model has some improvements, the 2008 TL remains an impressive vehicle. It has one of the sweetest V-6 engines on the market and delivers a luxury feel equal to cars costing a lot more.Forgo the navigation package and the TL starts at about $34,000. Smart shoppers can usually bargain that price down closer to $31,000, which makes it a bargain when compared to the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
3. BMW MINI
Looking for a car that is fun to drive, yet is not a gas-guzzler or a hassle to park? Then the BMW-made MINI should be on your list. Yes, it's only a two-door, but it's surprisingly roomy on the inside.The base model lists for less than $20,000 and can deliver as much as 37 mph with a manual transmission. One thing to beware of is adding a lot of options, which can significantly increase the price.
The turbocharged Cooper S is a blast, but there's a significant mileage and price tradeoff.
4. Hyundai Azera
There was a time when I wouldn't have recommended a Hyundai to a friend -- there was a reason the brand needed that 10-year warranty. But many vehicles in the Hyundai stable are solid performers and the brand's quality ratings have improved significantly.The Azera is a midsize sedan that's a good alternative to the segment leaders such as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The V-6 is flexible, delivering good power in all situations. The interior is a cut above what can be found in similar vehicles, especially those that cost less than $25,000. Fuel mileage is a reasonable 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.
5. Saturn AURA
If you crave a sedan that has a European feel to its ride, hustle over to your Saturn dealer. The AURA rides on a chassis modified from the one that runs under the superb Malibu.Opt for either of the optional V-6 engines and you'll get a vehicle that has sporty pretensions and yet won't drain your wallet at the pump. Mileage ranges up to 29 mpg in highway driving.
replacecontent-tcm:8-56693
To get the full sport-sedan flavor, go for the XR model. If that's not to your taste, there's a hybrid version. List prices start at a touch over $20,000, but dealers are offering much better terms.