Best Cars for 2009

published 1 March 2009

Editor's Note: To see all our picks for 2010 models , click here.

We evaluated more than a thousand new models and picked winners across 11 categories, from small economy cars to crossovers, large SUVs and luxury sedans. The slide shows below offer our top picks in each category for Best in Class, Best New Car, Best Resale, and Most Fuel-Efficient. Which one is right for you?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Row 0 - Cell 0	FULL STORY: 2009 Cars: Deals Are Insane
Row 1 - Cell 0	TOOL: Compare More New Models
Row 2 - Cell 0	METHOD: Choosing the Top 2009 Cars
Row 3 - Cell 0	MORE: Kiplinger's Car Buying Guide

Best Cars for 2009

Best Cars In Class

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Best NEW Models

Best Cars for Resale

Best Cars for Fuel Efficiency

ALSO: Click Here to See Past Years' Winners.

Mark was the editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine from July 2017 to June 2023. Prior to becoming editor, he was the Money and Living sections editor and, before that, the automotive writer. He has also been editor of Kiplinger.com as well as the magazine's managing editor, assistant managing editor and chief copy editor. Mark has also served as president of the Washington Automotive Press Association. In 1990 he was nominated for a National Magazine Award. Mark earned a B.A. from University of Virginia and an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Mark lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, and they spend as much time as possible in their Glen Arbor, Mich., vacation home.