Results

2009 WINNERS

Listed are the vote totals and juror comments for the three
2009 car and truck of the year finalists.

Hyundai Genesis - 189

Ford Flex - 180

Volkswagen Jetta TDI - 131

Hyun Soon Lee, Hyundai's president of research and development, and John Krafcik, acting president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, pose with their trophy after the Genesis won the 2009 North American Car of the Year, handed out at the Detroit auto show.

Ford F-150 - 259

Dodge Ram - 167

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC - 74

Mark Fields, left,Executive Vice President and President, The Americas, Ford Motor Company, and Matt O'Leary, right,Chief Nameplate Engineer F-150, hold the trophy for the North American Truck of The Year, awarded to the 2009 Ford F-150 at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

Karl Brauer
Edmunds.com

Ford Flex – “By addressing the primary concerns of modern family-car shoppers Ford’s Flex has given the crossover category new life. Break-the-mold styling? Check. Upscale interior design? Check. Family-friendly features and utility? Check. Impressive fuel mileage and relaxed driving dynamics despite the large size? Check. Proof that family transport can be cool.”

Hyundai Genesis – "The new Hyundai Genesis would be an impressive luxury sedan if it came from a traditional luxury brand and cost as much as competitors. That it represents Hyundai’s first foray into this competitive class of vehicle, and is offered at a lower price with comparable features and equipment, makes it a standout model for 2009.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “The Jetta TDI has set a new standard by offering exceptional fuel economy, plush-yet-functional interior design and entertaining driving dynamics at a bargain price. Quite frankly, this car has neutralized many competitors by offering substantially more value for the money.”

Dodge Ram – “The last time Dodge threw out the playbook on truck design was 1994, and it paid off big time for the brand. Now they’ve done it again with the new Ram and created an alternative truck for buyers seeking a functional open-bed vehicle that also provides car-like ride and handling characteristics. Not a truck for every truck buyer, but one that will likely serve a large percentage of buyers better than the “traditional” models.”

Ford F-150 – “Ford continues to address the needs of true truck buyers with the new F-150. Its integrated trailer braking and anti-sway technology elevates the F-150’s utility. Drivetrain advances address both power and fuel mileage concerns. Interior design and quality make it an easy truck to live with, even when not utilizing its hauling capabilities. Finally, the breadth of choice in engines, body configurations and even axle ratios make it viable for the widest possible market of truck buyers.”

Lindsay Brooke
Automotive Engineering International

Ford Flex – “Don’t let Flex’s head-turning styling fool you. Inside is an immensely roomy cabin that can swallow a road-trip’s worth of people and their gear, while making you love the Sync infotainment platform.”

Hyundai Genesis – “Hyundai really did its engineering homework with the all-new Genesis. This surprising sedan shows how far and how fast Korea’s top automaker has come in crashing the near-luxury sedan party.”

Dodge Ram – “Don’t let the new Ram’s fresh styling draw your attention from those handy storage compartments in the sides of the cargo bed, or the truck’s plusher ride and more efficient powertrain. Once again the Dodge boys have engineered a great truck.”

Ford F-150 – “America’s favorite vehicle is much improved in every measurable way for 2009. By delivering greater fuel efficiency with superior hauling muscle and ride comfort, Ford’s F-150 engineers prove they know pickups—and pickup customers—better than anybody.”

Dan Carney
MSNBC.com

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “The Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon is the ultimate in high-efficiency practicality, with a design that combines the spacious people and cargo-hauling capability of a compact SUV with the precise handling response of a sport sedan. In contrast to hybrids, the Jetta TDI provides traditional involvement for enthusiastic drivers, especially with the manual transmission, while achieving superlative fuel economy.”

Dodge Ram – “The Dodge Ram boasts impressive innovation, with a more comfortable coil spring rear suspension and the Ram Box enclosed storage compartments in the bed’s fenders.”

Ford F-150 – “The Ford F-150 sets new benchmarks for towing and hauling capability in the half-ton class and the integrated trailer brake controller seen previously in the Super Duty makes its debut in F-150 for a vehicle with unbeatable truck capability.”

John Davis
MotorWeek – PBS Network & SPEED Channel

Ford Flex – “Great to see any car company take the risk to do something really different and the Flex is both that and a very successful people mover concept.”

Hyundai Genesis – “Represents more than a generational leap for Hyundai. Shows that this once economy oriented brand can both break out of its mold and pull its critics and market along with it. Outstanding piece of engineering and execution.”

Dodge Ram – “Innovation has finally come to the full-size pickup truck. Shows smarter approach of not just following the crowd, but trying to offer something different and appeal directly to personal use buyer.”

Ford F-150 – “Most well rounded truck ever designed. It may not be a standout in most of areas, but it does everything a truck should do very well.”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC – “Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC-Bringing the modern diesel to America and without compromise, or excessive cost. Should be the future of SUVs here.”

Matt DeLorenzo
Road & Track

Hyundai Genesis – “Hyundai Genesis shows that the Korean automakers have come of age. Great fit and finish, high quality interior and a smooth plush ride gives the Genesis the look and feel of a much more expensive automobile. It reminds me of the original Lexus LS.”

Dodge Ram – “The Dodge Ram combines all-new looks with greatly improved interior. Rear coil springs give the vehicle a smoother, almost car-like ride and innovative below the floor storage and the lockable bins on the cargo box are clever.”

Ford F-150 – “The Ford F-150 remains the gold standard among full size pickups. On the last go around, Ford set the bar high with its high quality interior and has managed to improve upon it with a completely new design. Improvements in sound isolation, visibility and drivability are icing on the cake.”

Denis Duquet
Le Monde de l’auto / Le Guide de l’auto

Ford Flex – “It may look strange to some, but the more you drive the vehicle, the more you like it and find many refinements put into this multi function vehicle. And its AWD system is quite efficient.”

Hyundai Genesis – “Great car, great engine, great attention to details, but one of the blandest designs to come in ages. Seoul has not made it yet.”

Ford F-150 – “The design is quite tame but a sound mechanical package with a few innovative and functional accessories is the proof that Ford still knows how to design and built practical trucks.”

Paul Eisenstein
TheCarConnection.com

“Sad that some of the best entries we’ve ever seen in the truck segment arrive just as we’re experiencing the biggest transition in market demand seen in decade.”

Dodge Ram – “For the personal user, someone as likely to drive up to a movie as haul a horse trailer to a rodeo, the new Dodge Ram is a revelation.”

Ford F-150 – “Yet again, Ford has demonstrated why its F-Series is America’s best-selling truck, year-after-year, generation-after-generation.”

Royal Ford
International auto columnist, GlobalPost.com

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “Typical VW interior refinement, spacious for its out appearance, but most of all, clean diesel. In a wave of questioning about the value of current hybrids, the push for electric cars, solar cars, hydrogen, the efficiency and range of diesel vehicles - and their marvelous transformation from what Americans remember as smoking, shuddering, belching beasts, clean diesel needs more attention.”

Dodge Ram – “Dodge Ram is best Dodge truck in a long time and puts it in top tier; but as I’ve said above, I’ve grown partial to clean diesel.”

Jeff Gilbert
WWJ Newsradio 950 / CBS Radio Network

Ford Flex – "It takes a while for the Flex’s unique look to grow on you, but you’ll fall in love with the interior immediately. It’s beautiful, comfortable and user friendly.”

John Gilbert
Newcarpicks.com

Ford Flex – “Get past the initial boxiness and think of a 21st Century "Country Squire," without the woodie siding, but with the best features of top sedans, minivans, SUVs and crossovers -- combined. Great seats, versatile room to haul seven people, all your worldlies, or some of each, plus household electrical outlets, the SYNC interface, and a built-in cooler.”

Hyundai Genesis – “Having upgraded its whole fleet of cars, Hyundai set out to build a halo sedan with a jewel of homegrown dual-overhead-camshaft V8 technology, surprisingly agile handling, and all the luxury of cars costing twice as much.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “The Jetta is established as a solid and durable sedan, and the 50-state turbo-diesel power has such fantastic torque thrust it makes the fact of real-world over-40 miles per gallon seem more like fantasy.”

Dodge Ram – “Dodge reaffirmed its status as the most macho appearing truck with the new Ram, while also improving the Ram from every standpoint. With HEMI power, the new Ram bristles with clever features, such as storage bins in the bed walls, and enough interior amenities to do an SUV proud.”

Ford F150 – “Ford has clearly raised the bar for all-out workaholic pickups, with over-the-top engineering to create the ideal vehicle for farmers, ranchers, contractors, and any other heavy-duty workers.”

Mercedes ML320 BlueTEC – “The revised ML is tighter all around, but becomes the perfect SUV for the 21st Century because of the magical 3-liter V6 BlueTEC turbodiesel, which is miserly in its need for fuel, yet has more torque and runs cleaner than the new high-tech Mercedes 5.5-liter gas V8.”

Ken Gross
Playboy / Hemispheres / CARGO

Hyundai Genesis – “A remarkable technical achievement, the Hyundai Genesis evokes the first Lexus LS400 for sheer audacity, overall refinement, mature road manners, close-to-Teutonic feel and superb fit and finish. This signature luxury sedan catapults cars from Korea to a new high level, and serves notice that there’s surely even more to come. My neighbor, a diehard BMW devotee, climbed unwittingly into the rear seat, sat quietly for a few minutes, then exclaimed, “Wait a minute, what IS this?” When advised it was a Hyundai, he let out a long sigh and said, “Boy, are they ever in trouble in Germany.””

Dodge Ram – “Dodge builds serious pickups, and this new Ram is the best one they’ve ever done, albeit in the worst of times. Clever new features like the RamBox cargo carrying system, a handy multi-function bed extender, the flexible Cargo Rail system, not to mention new coil spring rear suspension, combined with that lusty Hemi V-8, all wrapped in the brawny, over-the-road big truck styling that’s made Dodge stand out from the pack, makes Chevy and Ford devotees think twice. Love that dual exhaust system with the big pipes. That’s all most people will see of the new Ram once it’s wound up and truckin’.”

Ford F-150 – “Ford’s newest hauler was designed for the working stiff who really uses his truck, day to day, on the job, not the poser who drives a pickup to look cool. Despite giving away 70-bhp to Dodge and 65-bhp to Toyota, the 5.4-liter, 320-bhp V-8-powered F150 wins the stats battle hands down. It’ll haul a 3,030-pound payload and tow a whopping 11,300 pounds. Ford’s specially-geared 6-speed automatic, packs low ratios for getting underway and two overdrives for economical cruising. The best news is the driving: the F150’s precise steering, rigid chassis, oversized brakes and superb seating make twisty roads a treat. We pummeled a Lariat 4X4 on pretzel-y Blue Ridge Mountain backroads, delighting in cornering prowess more akin to a sports car than a full-sized pickup.”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC – “Diesel! Diesel! Diesel!...the Benz boys have that familiar litany they play over and over to tout their smooth, sophisticated, powerful and torque-rich oil burners. The impeccably-refined GL-Series combines all the attributes of sport and utility into a go-anywhere, do-anything package that’s as home off-road as it is dressed to the nines and going to theatre. Some day, every SUV in this class will offer a diesel option. Until then, Benz and BlueTEC will continue to set a fine example.”

Christopher Jensen
Freelance

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “Volkswagen TDI is simply terrific. What could be better than a beautifully crafted, affordable sedan with rewarding road manners, good acceleration and superb fuel economy? The answer is “nothing.””

Dodge Ram – “The 2009 Dodge Ram is proof of the ability to rise from the pretty-much dead. Dodge finally got its act together, took a chance with a coil rear suspension and provided a pickup truck with capability, an amazingly good ride even on a bad surface and – with the Hemi – extraordinarily strong acceleration.”

Marc Lachapelle
MSN Autos

Hyundai Genesis – “The Genesis might be the ultimate luxury Q-ship for difficult times. Remarkably quiet, refined, comfortable, quick and well made, it can match the best of its European and Japanese rivals on substance and has them beat hands-down on price. Any suspicion of indulgence can then be defused by saying, with a big smile, that it’s just a Hyundai.”

Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC – “Modern and ‘clean’ diesel engines make perfect sense for sport-utilities and the smooth, quiet and smoke-free BlueTEC V6 is a gem. It’s also a great match for the sleek, tight and refined M-Class, still fresh from a redesign that brought it back to the head of the class.”

Tom Lankard
Freelance / NewCarTestDrive.com

Hyundai Genesis – “This would be a remarkable car from any company. That it comes under a Hyundai badge makes it a new benchmark for the value for dollar metric.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “This is easily the best packaging of a diesel-engined car on the market today. It wraps a smart-looking body around plenty of torque, enough horsepower, a people-friendly interior, Germanic handling and a price solidly in the sweet spot of the market.”

Dodge Ram – “The Dodge Ram continues to push the styling envelope while staying true to its breakout redesign of 15 years ago. The interior is the equal of anything on the market in terms of function and comfort. And while the Hemi under the hood is the same as the original in name only, it puts out more than enough power to fulfill the ’09 Ram’s promise.”

Ford F-150 – “It’s big, it’s bold and it’s brash, but it’ll coddle its occupants with a comfortable yet highly functional interior and a ride that’s tops in the full-size pickup market. Especially impressive are the exclusive tailgate step and the standard anti-sway trailer towing package.”

Dan McCosh
Freelance

Ford Flex – “The effort to redefine the soccer-mom standard has resulted in many zigs and zags in recent years. Ford’s new Flex is, if not a home run, a solid line drive. It’s a handsome, distinctive package on a refined, responsive chassis. The fuel efficiency is at least in league with a minivan, rather than a big SUV. It’s a stylish alternative to both.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is noteworthy for its easy approach to fuel economy. The achievement of an EPA 41 mpg highway rating puts it in a class with contemporary hybrids, while maintaining enough agility and performance to make an enthusiast happy. In this respect, it’s a watershed sedan—proving that 40- mph is achievable in a roomy, practical, and enjoyable ride, while still meeting contemporary emission standards.”

Ford F-150 – “The latest generation F-150 improves on a front-runner. The ride and handling are greatly improved, while the towing power and payload ranks it with the best in the industry. It’s still the name that defines the pickup.”

Mitch McCullough
New Car Test Drive

Ford F-150 – “Regardless of the politics of the day, if you have a big trailer to tow you need a truck. True truckers will find true happiness in the 2009 Ford F-150. Its integrated brake controller is almost reason alone to buy this truck, saving the owner the hassle of installing an aftermarket system and offering better braking precision. Add to that a comfortable ride, nice cabin, and innovative features such as built-in steps for climbing into the bed, and the new F-150 makes a great team player for serious truck duties.”

Matt Nauman
Auto Editor, San Jose Mercury News (1991-2007), and Contributing Editor, jdpower.com (2008)

Hyundai Genesis – “The story has been told many times. It starts with the Excel and ends with the Genesis and, yes, the Hyundai Genesis represents true transformation of an automaker. Buyers shouldn't overlook cars like the Sonata and Veracruz that helped lead to Genesis. That car, with its throaty V-8 and rear-wheel drive platform, competes with others costing thousands more. But it's no compromise choice, as even the V-6 Genesis is loaded with features, gadgets, style, space and safety that's a winning combination.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “It's now clear that Americans want some alternative to gasoline engines, if not as a replacement then certainly as an option. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids are coming soon, and hybrids continue to grab market share. In 2008, we saw the re-emergence of diesel, best epitomized by the VW Jetta TDI. It's a remarkably solid small car, a category that's getting more looks for American car buyers. While owners will respond to its simple interior, they'll especially like the diesel engine that provides thrilling torque, fuel economy that should easily exceed the EPA estimate and a huge driving range.”

“As gas prices rose during the first half of 2008, both Ford and Chrysler made final preparations to introduce new versions of their bestselling full-size trucks to the market. That both succeeded so well confirms that the financial crisis facing the Detroit Three hasn't distracted their engineers and designers for the task at hand. The Dodge Ram is tough-luxury at its finest, with a much improved interior and wonderful innovations such as the Ram box. Who would have thought that a truck designer was thinking of me when I brought home from fresh salmon in a bag of ice from the farmer's market stored neatly in that cab-side storage locker? Still, for its range and versatility, for its sturdiness and style, for its own bag of tricks like the back-up camera in the rear-view mirror and the cab steps, the Ford F-150 retains its title as best truck in the land. That's doubly important as the truck market returns to its natural inhabitants, those who build buildings, work on ranches and haul loads for a living.”

Jayne O’Donnell
USA Today

Hyundai Genesis – “Sure, I like designer labels, but I like discount price tags even better these day. So that makes this my dream car for the recession -- and beyond. It has everything you'd want in a luxury car except the fancy hood ornament. And who needs those anyway? It's "cheap" that's now chic.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “It's great fun at a great price (for a Euro sedan). And anyone who can get their talking points straight on how and why their diesel saves them money and the environment too, will be the hit of the next Gen X or Y party.”

Dodge Ram – “I don't even like pickup trucks and it was hard not to warm up to this one. Once I got in it -- no easy task there -- it was swell on wheels. A great ride and even better Hemi engine. If I needed to pick up Christmas (or other) trees more often, I'd buy one.”

Mark Phelan
Detroit Free Press

Ford Flex – “A dynamic styling statement in a big car who’s excellent chassis gives it the handling and feel of a much smaller vehicle. The roomy interior is attractive, comfortable and packed with appealing and innovative features.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “Volkswagen’s powerful and thrifty diesel engine proves that diesel has a place in America. The Jetta TDI station wagon beats any hybrid on the road in terms of value, practicality and driving fun.”

Dodge Ram – “Chrysler’s creative approach to finding new storage areas is complemented by a beautifully trimmed interior that raises hopes for upcoming vehicles from the automaker.”

Ford F-150 – “A remarkably quiet and comfortable truck that still offers class-leading fuel economy and towing capacity at a competitive price.”

Steven Cole Smith
Orlando Sentinel

Ford Flex – “Friendly and old-fashioned -- and that's meant as a compliment -- the Flex is one of the best people-movers we've seen in a very long time.”

Hyundai Genesis – “You can't drive the Genesis and fail to marvel how far this comparatively young manufacturer has come in such a short time. Hyundai has arrived.”

Dodge Ram – “Spot-on steering, crisp handling and a startlingly good ride make the Ram arguably the best pickup truck I've ever driven.”

Ford F-150 – “Each new generation of the F-150 gives current owners multiple reasons to trade for the new truck. The 2009 F-150 continues the tradition.”

Tony Swan
Car and Driver

Ford Flex – “The Ford Flex is the latest word in a vehicle that delivers maximum utility without descending into the hopelessly nerdy realm of minivandom. Lots of space, lots of versatility.”

Dodge Ram – “Dodge raises the ante in the full-size pickup game in two ways. The Ram Box bed rail storage system is a game-changer, putting previously useless space to work. And the new coil spring rear suspension, replacing the ancient leaf spring setup, delivers a level of ride quality previously unknown in pickup trucks.”

Alex Taylor
Fortune Magazine

The current financial condition aside, the biggest challenges facing the auto industry are stringent new federal and state standards on fuel economy and exhaust emissions. Therefore, recognition should be paid to those cars that show the most promise of adapting to a looming, fuel-short, climate-changed world.

Hyundai Genesis – “Hyundai’s road back from its disastrous entry into the US market 22 years ago has not been a smooth one, but the debut of the Genesis signals its arrival as a respected, full-line manufacturer. The Genesis provides all the functionality you’d want in a full-size luxury sedan, at a fraction of the price charged by more established automakers.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “Volkswagen has made impressive gains in the U.S. market and is a leader in diesel technology, which is an interim solution to the problems of shrinking oil supplies. By packaging the diesel in a car as small as the compact Jetta, VW is going boldly where no automaker in my memory has gone before.”

Dodge Ram – “…the Ram bristles with new authority and personality…superbly designed for (its) intended purpose.”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC – “Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC gets the nod. Except for the slight delay in turning the ignition key, you would never know you are driving a diesel until you go 600 miles between fill-ups. Price and availability will never make Mercedes widely popular but it deserves kudos for leading the way on diesel.”

Lawrence Ulrich
Freelance

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “America’s new highway star for high mileage.”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC – “A luxury SUV without the guilt: This sumptuous diesel Benz combines 24 highway mpg and a 600-mile driving range with low emissions.”

Paul Weissler
Motor

Ford Flex – “I guess many who see it have a similar first reaction: resembles a previous-generation Scion Xb on steroids. Well maybe, but a tall box that has three seating rows, good performance from the V-6 and still delivered over 23 mpg highway (even 17 mpg overall in mixed suburban driving on an AWD model) strikes me as a good alternative to a minivan. And Ford certainly has given that long, tall box a very distinctive look.”

Hyundai Genesis – “The Genesis is a very good value, although Hyundai obviously has the task ahead of promoting the brand in the entry-luxury class. Hyundai developed a very stiff chassis, so although the car isn’t aimed to match European sports sedans’ handling, it handles very well while delivering an exceptional ride, compared with Euro competition. Genesis has a very comfortable cabin front and rear, and the interior materials have an upper-level look, fit and finish. The 290-horse V-6 is more than adequate power, but a new V-8, developed in Korea and calibrated in the U.S., delivers about 85 more horsepower while getting virtually the same mileage (I got consistently low-20’s mpg in mixed suburban driving). It’s quite a first entry for Hyundai in the entry-luxury market, and when car sales recover, Genesis should be a successful player.”

Volkswagen Jetta TDI – “A Jetta that delivered up to 47 mpg in highway driving, while meeting the stiffest emissions regulations for a diesel, is a praiseworthy achievement. The price of diesel fuel may not make the price-value relationship a winner right now, but the engineering is.”

Dodge Ram – “I don’t know Chrysler’s long-term future, but I do feel the new Ram deserves to be successful. Switching to coil spring rear suspension was a big gamble by Chrysler engineers, but the car-like ride quality they produced is a quantum leap from the previous model Ram, and results in the best ride quality in a light-duty full-size pickup. The new quad cab has lots of rear seat room, and the lockable storage compartments in the rear quarter panels are highly-desirable features. Lots of pickups are used in the kind of service where a smooth ride counts more than just maximum work capability (although the Ram certainly isn’t a wimp in that regard). And the Laramie edition I drove had so nice an interior, it could serve as a family car.”

Ford F-150 – “If you want maximum cargo and tow capability, there’s no question that Ford engineering delivers it with the new F-150. And with a beefed up rear leaf-spring suspension, it not only has eye-popping “work numbers,” but even empty it was stable and very controllable when I drove it on torture test roads. Reworking the 5.4 V-8 provides a competitive performance level. The wheelbase stretch gives the quad cab a near-limo rear seat, and one I drove with the King Ranch leather interior package made me feel like I was in a den furnished in saddle leather. The valet parking crew at the hotel looked ready to draw straws for the right to park this one.”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 Blue-TEC – “I was justifiably impressed with 23 mpg in mixed suburban driving from a vehicle of this size and type. And with the launch torque of the diesel, it’s a better performer than with the V-6 gasoline engine in the kind of driving most of us do. The price of diesel fuel vs. gasoline shouldn’t bother the Mercedes driver who has sensitivity to good fuel economy and low emissions.”

Drew Winter
Ward’s

Hyundai Genesis – “The bonus has evaporated, the 401K has shriveled and the dream of owning that big luxury sedan that makes you feel like a master of the universe is gone too…wait there may be some hope left on the last one.”

VW Jetta TDI – “Tough times require serious measures. This fun, affordable sedan that gets 40 mpg or more makes sacrifice seem easy.”

Dodge Ram – “2009 Dodge RAM is probably the best personal-use fullsize pickup ever built. Steering is precise and the independent rear suspension sets a new standard for ride and handling. However, the most serious pickup owners, those who need the highest level of hauling and towing capabilities, may need to look elsewhere.”

Ford F-150 – “Environmentalists don’t want to hear it, but fullsize pickups still are the best-selling vehicles in America. The Ford F-150 outsells the Toyota Prius by almost a 3-1 margin. It’s designed for those who need a pickup for work or really serious hauling and towing. And really, is there anyone but serious people in the pickup truck market anymore?”

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC – “Who can argue with a good-sized cross/utility vehicle that gets this kind of mileage.”

Tony Whitney
CanWest Newspapers / Driver’s Seat TV

Ford Flex – “All vehicles to all people and a unique product that seems to defy comparison with anything else. Beautifully built, practical and cool-looking, Ford deserves to “design itself out of trouble” with this one.”

Hyundai Genesis – “A remarkable step by Hyundai that just about “out-Lexuses Lexus” when it comes to refinement and a silky ride. You’d be hard pressed to get a more satisfying luxury car at twice the price.”

Ford F-150 – “Everything a state-of-the-art pickup truck should be as the end of the decade approaches. Superbly put together, well styled and rugged, it seems to top its rivals at every turn. More features than you can count and many of them come with the base truck.”