Top ten cars for 2009

January 2, 9:33 AMGreen Car ExaminerEvelyn Kanter

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2009 Cadillac CTS

Every year, no less an automotive expert than Car and Driver Magazine announces its list of great drives.  Even though the car industry is in a turmoil  because of the economy, when selecting the world's most wanted automobiles, some things manage to stay the same. Such as the BMW 3 Series, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Corvette being on the list again -- at least 15 times for each one in the 27 years the magazine has been issuing its 10Best list. 

Here they are, in alphabetical order, which is the only way to be fair to these winners  --

• BMW 3-Series/M3
• Cadillac CTS
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Honda Accord
• Honda Fit
•  Infiniti G37
• Jaguar XF
• Mazda MX-5
• Porsche Boxster/Cayman
• Volkswagen GTI

It's a pretty sad state of affairs when only two of the 10Best rankings is a Detroit brand.  Despite all the bad news about General Motors, it is the only American manufacturer to make the list, with two vehicles, no less.  And one of them you can't even call a 'car'.  The Chevrolet Corvette is much more than that.  It's an icon, a supercar, a dream car.  Probably why it's been on the list 15 times.  The other GM winner is the Cadillac CTS luxury sports sedan.  Yay for Cadillac -- it's gone from nearly dead to impressive in a decade, and does not get the respect it deserves for stylish, powerful cars.

First timers include the Infiniti G37 performance sports sedan -- and the new convertible, pictured here -- which underwent extensive changes to enhance its performance and handling, and the Jaguar XF, hailed by many for its modern styling and beautiful lines that distinguish it in its category. The Honda Fit that made the list this year is a redesigned version of the car that had been selected to the list twice before.

Other great drives which seem to have reserved parking on this list include the Honda Accord, recognized for a record 23rd time, and the BMW 3-Series, making its appearance on the Car and Driver list for a record 18 consecutive years. The Porsche Boxster roadster and its sibling Cayman coupe, and the Mazda MX-5 are on the 10Best list for the tenth year each. Rounding out the winners is the Volkswagen GTI, honored for the fourth time.

A winners are chosen by a panel of 19 Car and Driver editors who rate the cars on performance, driving satisfaction and value. The vehicles must be available in the United States and must cost less than $71,000. The list -- and more information about each model -- appears in the January 2009 issue.

Photos courtesy Cadillac, Infiniti