Our annual car review has something for every budget and proclivity

BY MICHAEL ANDRÉ ADAMS

Economy

Suzuki SX4 starting at $15,270

Later in 2009, a navigation system will be added, the sticker will still be under $20K. Meanwhile, it’s chockfull of options such as automatic air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, and locks, CD/Mp3 player four-speaker stereo, cruise control, 24/7 roadside assistance, and warranty for repairs.
*($2,466 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Scion XB 5 Door starting at $16,600

How cute is this car! While its predecessor remains reminiscent of something from a Japanese cartoon, the current model has newfound chic-ness. The interior is roomy and perfect for those requiring extra clearance space, especially to get in and out. If Uncle Fester decided to get jiggy, this is definitely the car he would choose.
($2,571 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Sedans

KIA Amanti starting at $26,220

The look of a Mercedes from the front and a 10-year/100,000 miles warranty makes this entry-level luxury vehicle worth at least a test drive. And would you believe the standard sound system includes an eight-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD player?
($3,243 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Hyundai Sonata Limited V6 Starting at $26,150

Speaking directly to the Accord market, the Sonata is perhaps the best value in its class. Its top of the line V6 version includes a navigation system, but no Bluetooth for a phone.
($2,805 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Honda Accord 4 Door EXL V6 $30,260

It looks like a $50K car—perfect for the business executive on a budget. Favorites include a navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic updates, no scheduled tune up for approximately 100,000 miles, and an optional Bluetooth system.
($2,805 annual fuel—REGULAR)

2009 Lincoln MKS starting at $37,665

New for 2009, this all-new, full-size luxury vehicle keeps it in the grove in terms of Lincoln’s legendary smooth ride. The Ford corporation’s exclusive SYNC program, a collaboration with Microsoft, makes everything from changing the satellite radio station to setting a destination into the navigation system as simple as pushing a button and speaking out load. A two-speed fuel pump runs on a low setting, requiring less energy when conditions allow. Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off shuts off fuel flow to the injectors when the driver backs completely out of the throttle with the vehicle in fifth or sixth gear, such as exiting onto a freeway off ramp.
($3,243 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Performance

Dodge Challenger starting at $21,995

If you can (ask the mirror first!), dig out your “Daisy Dukes” in celebration of this classic made famous by The Dukes of Hazard TV series. Available in three trim levels, Challenger’s engine options include a 3.5 liter V6 with 250 horses under the hood, a 5.7 Hemi V8 with 370 horses, or the grandioso 6.1 Hemi V8 with 425 horses, allowing it to compete with other more pricey performance vehicles for pennies on the dollar.
($4,342 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Subaru Impreza WRX STI starting at $34,995

They upped the game big time with a little something for the racecar driver in you. This model includes a 305-horsepower engine, Brembo performance brakes, stainless-steel dual exhaust pipes, and a sporty look that’s on the money!
($3,424 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Audi S5 Coupe 4.2 starting at $50,500

If this car were a man, every queen (and a few kings) would want to sleep with him! To say that it’s sleek, powerful, muscled, and yet oh-so-smooth is still an inadequate description of a vehicle so fine. Just imagine the conversion of a 354-horsepower engine to inches… And safety-wise, “Side Assist” detects approaching vehicles in your attempt to change lanes and alerts you as to which side cometh the approaching vehicle. Care to take him—or rather, it—home?
($3,424 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible at $72,460

A luscious VROOM from the 430-horsepower engine and Bose premium sound system will leave others caught up in the mere art of sound. Don’t expect to Bluetooth your phone, although there is navigation—an essential for every diva. Cool point for the windshield view of the speedometer and other functions such as what’s on the radio without ever having to take your eyes off the road.
($3,620 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Mercedes SL63 AMG at $113,875

Big ballers and shot callers will revel over the fifth generation SL Roadster’s ability to drop the top in 16 seconds flat. A tight, new muscular body, a 518-horsepower V8 engine for pure performance and the heads it turns are just a few reasons why this car costs more than a starter home in Georgia!
($5,006 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Convertibles

Pontiac Solstice starting at $23,075

The new kid on the block debuted with a bang! Available in bold colors, two trim levels, and a standard 173-horsepower, four-cylinder, five-speed engine, or a 260-horsepower turbocharged version, this baby turns heads on the go!
($2,962 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Mazda MX-5 Grand Touring $26,760

Sure, it’s a little tight, especially upon entering, but with just 166 horsepower and a Bose stereo, the Miata of the new millennium kicks butt on the road! And the six-speed manual is definitely the way to go.
($2,832 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

BMW Z4 Roadster starting at $36,700

While approaching this vehicle you can actually begin and complete the process of lowering the convertible top, which makes up for the most challenging time one can hope to have in an attempt to Bluetooth a phone! More props are due for perhaps the most interior space of all others in its class. The engine seems a little slow on the draw, but once she gets going, she rolls! Sexier is the super sleek hard top Coupe version (starting at $40,700), the one Ms. Berry drove in her recent James Bond flick. And for the record, BMW boasts more vehicles with 28-mpg ratings than any other luxury car manufacturer.
($3,620 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Sebring Convertible Touring starting at $28,615

It is the quintessential convertible for savvy vacationers everywhere as made available by many car rental agencies. From every view it bears a regal, blue blood look. The ride is smooth, steady, and stable for a vehicle of its size. Available navigation system is an option as is your choice between regular gasoline or E85 ethanol fuel.
($2,935 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Crossovers

Dodge Journey AWD starting at $20,750

With rugged looks, polished rims, a remote start button and the ability to cool two 12-ounce cans in the glove box, this one’s pure Butch. And a simple lift of the seating area on the front seats reveals more storage space. OK, maybe Butch with a little Mary!
($3,625 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Ford Flex starting at $28,295

Although the divorce was made final between Land Rover and Ford, this hot new vehicle for ’09 highly favors its former big cousin—the Range Rover. At $34,705, the limited version features a contrasting color rooftop, with a vista roof that brings light to every row, a super quick cooling compartment beneath the second row armrest, and SYNC for voice commands for nearly every electronic function.
($3,243 annual fuel—REGULAR)

Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi starting at $40,845

The mere thought of a station wagon is far too antiquated a term for a car manufacturer to repeat in the new millennium. Yet somewhere in between a sedan and an SUV came the crossover. For Saab, however, it’s a SportCombi, featuring the brand’s legendary turbocharged engine, a Harmon Kardon stereo and more. In other words, it’s definitely not your grandpa’s car.
($3,424 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Sport Utility Vehicles

VW Tiguan starting at $28,875

Cute and cool is this SUV. The lineup of satellite radio, iPod connection, cool blue interior lighting by night, one-touch automatic up/down windows, optional navigation system, and seating for five offers much of the safety and comfort that you would expect from a luxury SUV. The ride, powered by a 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine never once suggested a power deficiency.
($3,099 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD starts at 28,000

With five seats in standard leather (eight-way power for the driver) and a 244-horsepower, 4-cylinder turbo engine, this one’s fine lines and curves show up especially well on the icy blue with sand interior version.
($3,620 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Audi Q7 4.2 Premium starts at $58,600

Have you noticed that Audi has suddenly taken center stage? And in terms of SUVs, theirs seats seven with big surprises. Take for example the panorama roof that not only extends to the second row, where there’s the option to reveal the light, or cover it without interruption to the front seat. Third row passengers have their own roof with a separate sunshade and get this—it tilts open! The seats fold for easy third row access and the tailgate is powered. A 350-horsepower engine gives it the power to do as you command. And like its high performance brother (the S5), it too has Side Assist to alert of oncoming traffic in your attempts to change lanes if for some reason the oncoming traffic fails to notice the sparkle of the 20-inch chrome wheels.
($4,342 annual fuel—PREMIUM)

Hybrids

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited at $40,450

Driving a hybrid is like riding a train in the sense that when you stop there’s no noise. Hit the accelerator and the power kicks in and you’re off! Even at start-up, there’s no noise until you shift into gear and hit the accelerator. And the power in this model is more than sufficient for a day out with the kids and dogs.
($2,374 annual fuel—REGULAR)

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (starting price TBD)

Boasting its claim to the world’s first “2-Mode Hybrid” system to power a luxury vehicle with electric and gas, the Cadillac hybrid for 2009 is intelligent indulgence at its finest! The former gas-guzzler’s regenerative braking system captures energy naturally lost during braking and coasting and places it back into the battery. Kudos to a brand once recognized as a hog!
($3,083 annual fuel—REGULAR)

On the Horizon

Hyundai Genesis starting at $32,250

Long gone are the days of my neighbor’s $3,000 Hyundai Excel that we would race and beat if she had the air conditioning on at take off! Move forward to the Hyundai of the new millennium, including 2009’s entry into the luxury sports sedan market with a model favoring the Lexus GS at a fraction of the cost! And with an optional V8 at $37,250 and a coupe model to soon follow, no longer is Hyundai a laughing matter.
($2,935 annual fuel—REGULAR)