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If you want a luxury car, you want a Mercedes-
Benz S550.
Because the auto industry in the United States operates on a different calendar from the rest of humanity, car critics around the country are closing out 2008 with a list of their favorite 2009-model automobiles. Why should the D.C. Car Examiner be any different?
Best budget car: Nissan Versa
Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Versa is not only quite inexpensive but it's also surprisingly safe, spacious, and refined. A few pricier competitors get better gas mileage, but there's more to be saved in a lower monthly payment than in lower fuel bills between two fuel-efficient vehicles. Priced from $9,990.
Best small/midsize family car: Kia Rondo
The Rondo (read full review) is a refined compact station wagon that can seat up to seven adults while getting better gas mileage than some midsize sedans and costing about as much as Honda Civic. It's much more practical than a family sedan, a better buy than an SUV, and smaller on the outside than a minivan. Priced from $17,495.
Best large family car: Toyota Sienna
While it's car-based crossover SUVs that get all the attention these days, they don't compare to a minivan when it comes to hauling people and cargo. And the Sienna is the nicest of the current minivans, with lots of space and impressive refinement and quality. There are even decent discounts available. Priced from $24,540.
Best luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S550
When you decide you want a luxury car, you might as well accept no compromises. No compromises in space, power, handling, comfort, or refinement. And you might as well accept that it's going to cost you. Priced from $89,350.
Best fun car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
If you're fine without a rear seat, it's hard to beat the fun of the MX-5. Some might rather have more power, but it already gives you as much as you can safely and legally use on the streets, whereas many performance cars can be underwhelming anywhere but a race track. It's also fuel efficient and a relative bargain. Priced from $21,305.
Click below to see a slideshow of the D.C. Car Examiner's five 2009 favorites.
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