Car and Driver 10 Best Awards 2009

As I have mentioned in previous posts, it is a good idea to use various guides in purchasing a car. Here is one of my favorites Car and Drivers 10 Best Cars. The staff at Car and Driver are serious car enthusiasts, so if they pick a car for this list then that should be a serious consideration on your list.

"The cars are judged on three points. The first is how each car performs their intended duties. Second, they consider how engaging a car is on an emotional level. Lastly, they look at how competitive a car’s pricing is for the levels of versatility, practicality, and fun it offers. They are looking for value in their selections and highlight those cars that possess it. Check out these Car and Driver videos!

• BMW 3-Series/M3 Video
• Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Video
• Chevrolte Corvette Video
• Honda Accord Video
• Honda Fit Video
• Infinity G37 Video
• Jaguar XF Video
• Mazda MX-5 Miata Video
• Porsche Boxter & Cayman Video
• Volkswagon GTI Video

Eligibility for 10Best is determined based on newness and past 10Best success. All cars either new or significantly redesigned are allowed. Additionally, cars that made the list in 2008 are automatically invited back for 2009, providing they still clear the price cap—2.5 times the average newcar transaction price for all light-duty vehicles sold through August of the previous year, or $71,000 this time around.

If a car fails to make the list its first year on the market, it’s out of contention until a significant redesign renews its eligibility. Conversely, if a car consistently impresses Car and Driver enough to be voted to the list year after year, it can remain on the list indefinitely, even if it receives no updates. But all eligible cars must be available for sale no later than January 2009.

BMW M3

BMW's most popular car is the 3-series, which is the most awarded car that BMW produces. It is a perennial favorite at Car and Driver winning the 10 Best Award 18 years in a row. That tells you something about the degree of automotive excellence that BMW builds into this car.

The pick of the liter is the BMW M3 which was revised in 2008. The car is produced both as a coupe, a sedan and a convertible. Check out the Motor Trend review!

Under the bulging aluminum hood is a V-8 that makes 414 horsepower. BMW had to increase the horsepower to compete effectively against the Audi RS4 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG which both feature V-8 power. When stepping on the gas you realize there is a powerful beast lurking under the hood!

The roof is made of carbon fiber and saves 11 pounds compared to the steel top of the regular 3-series. The brakes are cross-drilled brake discs to stop the M3 in record time.

Overall the car is well balanced between the front and rear weight. It handles exceptionally well with great breaking. The M3 is an car that can be used as a daily driver. The handling is exceptional, you can take corners like your on a rail.

Visually, there is no confusing the M3 with the standard 3-series. The M3 shares the doors, windows, headlights, taillights and trunk lid. The differences are in the hood, the roof which is carbon fiber, the fenders flare out to handle the 19 inch optional tires and includes four exhaust pipes and a small spoiler to the trunk.

The cost of admission starts at $54,850 for the sedan, $57,850 for the coupe and $66500 for the convertible version. Check out the Car and Driver video.