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.