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Despite 2008’s desperate measures to help auto manufacturers hold on to business as usual, 2009 brought only radical change leaving many old business practices and brands behind.
We have been spectators in this year of turmoil and watched the industry struggle to reinvent itself. Two of The Big Three went bankrupt; one emerged with a global partner, the other became lean and focused. Diesels are now faster than their gasoline counterparts. Nine out of ten EPA mpg champs are hybrids. VW bought Porsche while Porsche was buying VW. Overall sales were millions of units short of expectations. Manufacturers now pin their hopes on the Chinese market, while Americans pray that the Volt is half as good as it needs to be. Somehow, during all of this turmoil Kia became cool. What was once unthinkable has happened.
Amidst the mayhem consumer conservatism has redefined value to mean more than MSRP, monthly payments and residuals. Cars had better be good at what they do or people won’t buy them. The industry must meet the new expectation of great cars and real innovation. Tricky marketing and trend analysis will not build the product portfolios of the future.
While the industry was being shaken to its core, 2009 was a banner year for new technologies and remarkable products. Read on to find out which cars persevered as CarReview’s best choices of 2009
Best Coupe: 2009 BMW 3-series, 2009 Audi A5
If there is a constant in the automotive universe, it is the BMW 3 series sport coupe. Every year journalists struggle to find a different way to describe its perfect balance and this attempt surmises that the 3 is simply more than the sum of its parts. It is built to touch the driver in all of us.
Changes for 2009/2010 are largely cosmetic since so much continues to be right about the coupe, especially when powered by the 335’s turbocharged 3 liter inline six. The standard six speed manual is without peer in its class and its handling makes you question whether you will ever need a sports car.
What has changed after all these years is luxury. The 3 series leaves neither driver nor passenger wanting for creature comforts, though rear passengers might whisper a request for more legroom. Infiniti and Audi have raised the bar for cabin quality and with its top drawer materials and exceptional build quality the 3 does not disappoint. Five years into its current design cycle, the 3 will soon need a redesign lest competitors get too close to the mark, but for now BMW can rest on its laurels. Its magic formula remains a secret.
Differentiating characteristics: silky engine with generous torque, sharp handling, that certain something Bavarian
BMW 3 Series: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
The A5 is the latest addition to Audi’s line-up, having made its debut in 2008. Essentially a 2-door version of the A4 sedan, the A5 brings Audi’s style and performance to the luxury sports coupe segment. For 2010, buyers get a choice of engines: a smooth 3.2 L V6 carried over from last year, or a new 2.0 L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that offers a robust 254 lb-ft torque. Both engines are available with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive to make sure that every ounce of thrust gets transferred to the road, and for speed freaks there is always the S5 and its 354 hp 4.2 L V8 engine. 2010 also sees the debut of the A5 and S5 cabriolet models, which feature a cloth top that fully retracts in just 15 seconds.
Differentiating characteristics: legendary quattro all-wheel drive handling and grip, smooth 5-cylinder engine, luxurious appointments, and the instantly recognizable LED daytime running lights.
Audi A5: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
Best Sedan: 2009 Infiniti G37, 2009 Honda Accord
In the crowded sport sedan segment the Infiniti G37 embraces what today’s value conscious consumers seek. It is stylish, sporty, luxurious, well made and is offered at a price that makes the Germans and Lexus blush. It does not have the poise of its BMW counterpart or the bank vault feel of Mercedes, but 2009’s upgraded 3.7 litre engine with 328 hp and 269 ft-lbs of torque will quickly pull you away from such nitpicking. 2010’s refreshed cabin design is a study in near-luxury nirvana and will leave you wondering what could possibly be missing. Let there be no doubt, the G37 is a good drive if slightly more relaxed than its German brethren. However, Infiniti’s blend of price, styling and features make it the standout of this class.
Differentiating Characteristics: muscular engine, expressive design and features, price point
Infiniti G37: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
The Honda Accord has set the standard for mid-sized sedans for over 30 years and the 2009 edition does nothing to diminish this legacy. Completely redesigned in 2008, the current Accord effortlessly combines practicality, reliability, performance, and style. Seeking to please a wide range of buyers, Honda offers a choice of 4-cylinder or V6 engine, and manual or automatic transmission. In any configuration, the Accord provides both outstanding performance and class-leading fuel efficiency, and continues to prove that fine automobiles don’t need to cost a ton of money.
Differentiating Characteristics: practical, dependable, and a style that is no longer linked to”boring”
At last the Porsche Cayman can step out from behind the shadow of big brother 911. 2010’s new drivetrain with direct injection for its 3.4 liter, 320 horsepower engine and a remarkable dual clutch 7 speed transmission breathe new life into this future classic. The perceived power and technology deficiencies of previous years have been banished. Let the debate begin.
There are those who say that the Cayman is an overpriced Boxster coupe; a hairdresser’s car with a hardtop. Others will counter by pointing to models that deliver similar speed for less money. Finally, some will argue that the purpose of this category is to name the fastest and most capable car and the Cayman isn’t in the running. All miss the point.
The Cayman is a true sports car which connects the driver with the driving experience in a way very few cars can. You don’t need a racing license to enjoy the sublime steering or feel the confidence that mid-engine balance provides. Among its peers only the Cayman begs you to get involved and become a better driver.
Differentiating characteristics: brilliant steering, sophisticated drivetrain, purity
Porsche Cayman: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
As the successor of the legendary Skyline GTR, the Nissan GT-R was able to create a strong anticipation before its official debut in a motor show. The Nissan Skyline GTR was a critically acclaimed vehicle that had a similar handling experience to the Ferrari Testarrosa and the Porsche 911, but with a significantly lower price tag.
The new generation Nissan GT-R has a base price near 80,000 dollars, which is quite low for a car of this caliber and whose performance matches that of a $200,000 supercar. The car boasts an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, adjustable Bilstein shocks, and massive Brembo brakes. The engine produces 485 horsepower and hurls the GT-R from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 121 mph — quicker than a Lamborghini Gallardo. The GT-R tops out at 193 mph, making it one of the fastest cars on the road, and you don’t have to be a professional driver to tap its potential. A twin-clutch system handles gearshifts and an adjustable shock-absorber system can stiffen up so that the GT-R feels like a Ferrari F430.
Bottom line, the GT-R has excellent performance that matches many European supercars that have prices thousands of dollars higher. Even with its few minor flaws, this vehicle is an excellent showcase for the automotive industry and the delight of many supercar lovers.
Differentiating characteristics: supercar performance without the exotic sportscar price tag
Nissan GT-R: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s Link
Best small crossover/SUV: Subaru Forester, Audi Q5
As manufacturers scramble to divine new formulas for efficiency, utility, value and practicality in their products, 2009 seemed to deliver a common answer; the crossover. Thus the segment is now thick with pricey cross-luxury-touring-sportback-GT vehicles that seem to have lost touch with the problems crossovers were intended to solve.
Welcome back Subaru Forester. Among its swoopy wagon/truck competition, the Subaru stands upright and proud as the original, practical crossover. Redesigned last year, 2010 revisions are limited to small changes in trim levels. Subarus are known as go anywhere vehicles and the symmetrical all wheel drive Forester continues to deliver with transparent efficiency.
What is new to this generation is a level of refinement that is now expected of this class. Fortunately it has not come at the expense of Subaru values or MSRP. While the almost sporty feel of previous Foresters has been softened for everyday duty, it still steers crisply and rides more smoothly than others in the segment. The old saying that you get what you pay for resonates with the Forester. It is all of the crossover virtues; nothing more, nothing less.
Differentiating characteristics: simple yet refined drivetrain, practical size and layout, price
Subaru Forester: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
Audi’s strength continues to be simple transportation, vehicles that take you down the road and deliver you safely. You know, sensible stuff. And the 2009 Audi Q5 expresses these sensible values. It’s stylish, luxurious and powerful, yet this is an Audi that’s content to be itself, rather than striving to be an alternative to a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz or even a Porsche.
Scaled up from the platform of the Audi A4 sedan, the Q5 measures 182 inches overall, 74.8 inches wide and 65.2 inches high. The ride is supple for a crossover, even with the optional 19-inch 235/55R19 Goodyear LS2 tires, and the overall message is refinement instead of ersatz off-road capability. Somehow the A4’s newly rearranged drivetrain components and the latest torque split for the all-wheel-drive system (40 percent front/60 percent rear) seem to make a more noticeable difference in this 4,327-pound package.
The Audi Q5 makes the idea of being all things to all people into something good.
Best full to mid-size crossover/SUV: 2010 Ford Flex w/Ecoboost, 2009 VW Touareg TDI
Some in the industry refer to the stylish Ford Flex as a ‘segment buster,’ a vehicle that transcends segment norms. Ford describes the Flex as a crossover/wagon and if you dig deep enough you’ll find that product planners originally intended it to replace the Freestar minivan. Ford bravely offers it without strict definition. It is what it is.
Despite its extroverted styling, the Ford Flex share core values with the Forester and is ultimately about practical, accessible room and utility. Use one and it makes sense. Yet as befits the mid-size category and price point, it adds style and with the new 3.5 liter 355 hp EcoBoost engine it delivers real performance. The Flex can be your one everyday car for the full brood and out-perform, out-utility and out-wow its competitors. In the metal it looks thoroughly modern and the styling speaks to all of its virtues. Ford is on a roll and even with slightly disappointing initial sales, CarReview believes the Flex is a good example of the right product at the right time.
Differentiating characteristics: strong engine and performance, useful space in an efficient package, distinctive styling
Ford Flex: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
Repeat after me - “Diesels are powerful, clean, fuel efficient and quiet.” Say it again. Then keep saying it until you actually believe it and would consider buying a diesel as your next vehicle.
Say you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV. Why wouldn’t you want one that can get 30 mpg on the freeway and generate over 400 lb. ft of torque to tow 7700 pounds all while emitting less pollution and noise than a gasoline engine? Could it be price? Well, for the luxury SUV I’m referring to in this instance, the 2009 VW Touareg 3.0 TDI, the base price is a scant $42,800 - less than some larger domestic luxury SUVs which have lower towing capacity and half the technological sophistication, handling and refinement.
We mentioned the Touareg is luxurious, and because it’s German, it goes without saying that this machine is built like a tank. Doors close with the authority of a Swiss bank vault, the leather seats are firm yet comfortable with commanding, upright position. For an all-wheel drive SUV which has available air suspension and exceptional off-road prowess, the Touareg has a terrific ride. It even has surprisingly light and nimble handling like an SUV weighing 1,000 pounds less.
Differentiating characteristics: powerful 3.0 V6 TDI engine puts out 225 horsepower and 406 lb. ft. of torque, more fuel efficient than a V8 and even some V6 engines, quiet, safe, and luxurious
VW Touareg 2: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
Best Truck: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 2009 Ford F-150
Yeah, we know it’s got a HEMI. In a way it’s unfortunate that recent marketing campaigns have sold the Ram on its in-yer-face styling and a big engine at the expense of its other virtues. People forget that the 1994 Ram created a modern truck revolution where attention to cabin details and ride were just as important as towing and payload numbers. Sure, they are tough work trucks, but even back then Chrysler knew that every roughneck appreciates a smooth ride and cup holders on the highway.
As in 1994, the 2009 cabin is best in class with thoughtful details surrounding driver and passenger alike. The real revolution is in its suspension. Leaving old-school leaf springs behind, the new Ram uses coil springs in the rear, just as you would find on a crossover. The difference in ride and handling is stunning. Furthermore, its truck hauling/towing/off road ability have not been compromised. It is truly the everyday, everywhere truck for everyone.
The 2010 Ram receives minor updates given 2009’s full redesign.
Differentiating characteristics: smooth ride and sharp handling, standout styling, smart cabin details
Dodge Ram 1500: consumer reviews | manufacturer’s link
The Ford F-150 is offered in a host of cab, bed, powertrain, and suspension variations. There are three cab configurations with multiple wheelbases and box lengths each, providing choices to satisfy just about any trucker’s need with the F-150. The F-150 is now available in eight trims - nine if you count the new SVT Raptor - ranging from the basic, very affordable XL all the way up to swanky Platinum, King Ranch, and Harley Davidson editions. Since the F-150’s size is a challenge to some, it’s inherited a number of features that were previously only offered on the Super Duty trucks, including an integrated tailgate ladder and box side step. Plus, Ford made some significant packaging improvements with the last redesign; the floor of the rear seating area is now completely flat, and when the rear seats fold up, a huge parcel can be accommodated behind the front seats.
2010 brings improved fuel efficiency to base F-150 models, more safety and tech features available across the line, and a new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor model that promises a complete off-road-honed high-performance package.
Differentiating characteristics: quiet and refined cabin, very comfortable front seats, towing and hauling capability, and available tailgate ladder