Consumer Reports Names 10 Best Cars of 2009

There’s a lot to choose from in today’s car market, with vehicles covering every price range and category. But which cars are the best of the bunch? That’s the question that Consumer Reports set out to answer this week by naming its 10 Top Picks. The cars were selected based on road tests, safety features, reliability and owner satisfaction surveys.

Toyota topped the list with a small SUV that gets great gas mileage and has plenty of interior space for passengers and cargo. The Honda Accord is still one of the best midsize sedans around, while the Ford Mustang is a true American sports car that’s both quick and agile. Hyundai’s stylish Elantra combines a spacious and tech-filled cabin with a zippy four-cylinder engine. And the Subaru BRZ compact coupe is a proper sports car that offers old-school driving thrills at an affordable price.

Chevy’s Camaro may be on its way out, but this ZL1 version is the muscle-car’s finest hour. 650 hp and a throaty V-8 make it a blast to drive, even if you don’t have a badge. The Kia EV6 makes a strong case for an electric vehicle without being too stuffy or stodgy. And if you’re in the market for a large luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz EQC oozes refinement while offering all the utility you could want.

For buyers who want a hybrid with a little extra zip, the new Corolla Hybrid is a winner. Its EPA-estimated 48 mpg is a good bit better than the previous model, and its extensive suite of standard safety features will put you at ease.

The BMW X7 is the automaker’s largest SUV, but it still feels serene to drive and has an array of desirable powertrain options. On the other end of the size spectrum, the redesigned Kia Soul is both practical and stylish.

Hyundai’s Genesis brand made the biggest jump of any manufacturer in this year’s rankings, hopping six spots to number seven thanks to its improved reliability scores. Toyota’s new Corolla hybrid also climbed six slots to number two, while the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius both improved their ratings.

For more on the 10 best cars of 2023, check out the full Consumer Reports article. And if you’re in the mood to shop for a used car, be sure to check out these five great beaters that you can buy right now on Autotrader for less than $500. They won’t win any beauty contests, but they should get you from point A to point B reliably for a fraction of the price of a new vehicle. For more advice on what to look for, be sure to subscribe to Insider!