Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s flagship full-size luxury SUV, a descendent of the Model BJ that was the first vehicle to reach the sixth station on Mt. Fuji in 1951. The BJ was renamed Land Cruiser in 1954 and first imported to the U.S. in 1958. The 5-door wagon debuted in 1965 and the 5th-generation Land Cruiser debuted for 1998.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid is the gasoline-electric hybrid version of Toyota’s midsize sedan. Using the Hybrid Synergy Drive, the engine is powered by gasoline, electricity, or both, as needed. In the 2007 model year, Toyota set out to redefine the Camry, trading in the conservative image for a more modern and stylish look while offering a higher level of performance and driving dynamics. The Camry has been the best-selling car in America for the past five years and nine of the past ten years. The Camry was first introduced in 1983 and the first U.S.-built Camry was produced in 1988.

2009 Toyota Camry

The 2009 Toyota Camry continues essentially unchanged after the sixth-generation model debuted as a 2007 model.

2009 Cadillac CTS

Redesigned for 2008, the 2009 Cadillac CTS sedan continues unchanged and the high-performance CTS-V returns to the lineup. The 2009 CTS-V is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine that delivers 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. According to General Motors, the CTS-V will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and covers the quarter-mile from a standing start in 12 seconds at 118 mph. The CTS-V also features a new version of Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control suspension and a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift manual control.

2009 Cadillac XLR

The 2009 Cadillac XLR is updated for 2009 with a more dramatic exterior design inspired by the Sixteen concept and the redesigned CTS, including a new side vent. The XLR is offered in two versions, XLR Platinum powered by a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine and XLR-V powered by a 443-horsepower supercharged 4.4-liter Northstar V8 engine. Inside the 2009 XLR features revised interior trim and the next-generation OnStar 8.0 system.

2009 BMW 3-Series

The 2009 BMW 3-Series gets a refreshed exterior that includes a slightly restyled front end as well as new headlights and taillights. Inside there are upgraded materials and redesigned power window switches. Also featured is a new-generation of BMW's iDrive with new direct-select keys and more programmable memory keys than before. An enhanced navigation system offers greater functionality. A new 335d with an inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine has also been added to the 3-Series lineup.The 335d runs clean enough to meet emission standards in all 50 states and produces 265 hp and an impressive peak torque of 425 lb-ft.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adds Comfort Suspension for the C300 Luxury. New optional color interiors for C300 Sport and C350 Sport include Grey/Black and Almond/Mocha, and Burl Walnut trim is available. Technological upgrades include an available integrated compass in the rear-view mirror and the optional navigation system includes a larger 40 gigabyte hard drive with more space reserved for music and Zagat Restaurant Survey. A total of eight airbags are standard including new Pelvic airbags for front-seat occupants.

2008 Jaguar X-TYPE

The 2008 Jaguar X-TYPE features standard 10-way power driver’s seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, message center/trip computer, and automatic headlights. The Belize Luxury Package include leather-trimmed seats with contrast piping, bright mirror caps, rear treadplates, Burl Walnut veneers, Reverse Park Control, a wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel and 17-inch Belize-style wheels. The Aruba Luxury Package includes the same features with 18-inch Aruba-style wheels.

2009 Lexus ES 350

The 2009 Lexus ES 350 remains primarily unchanged from the previous model year. A new exterior color has been added - Matador Red Mica replaces Royal Ruby Metallic. Availablle as a single trim, this entry-level Lexus features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 272 horsepower as well as a number of luxurious amenities.

2009 Toyota Avalon

The 2009 Toyota Avalon receives standard active front head restraints, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control. Cocoa Bean Metallic is offered as a new exterior color and the satellite radio antenna is now body color.

Luxury Cars — Facts

Evoking style and sophistication, luxury cars are often the flagship vehicles of an automaker's model line. Priced above $34,000, luxury cars represent an ideal of comfort, security, prestige and elegance.

Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI

Getting past the 40 mpg mark doesn't have to leave you yawning, as evidenced by the Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueEfficiency. According to Mercedes, the C250 can get 45 miles from a gallon of diesel and has a top speed of 155 mph. It also features a slick, luxurious interior and an impressive features package. In addition to the specially designed 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, the C250 BlueEfficiency boosts its mpg with features such as an electric power-steering motor that deactivates when not needed, and a 7-speed automatic transmission that decouples when the car is in idle.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Like the Prius, the hybrid Honda Civic has an electric motor that shares the work of the gasoline engine. Though not quite as miserly as the Prius, the gas-electric Civic still reaps a respectable 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, according to EPA tests.

Family Sedan: Honda Accord

This is a roomy, well-rounded sedan that's easy to live with and enjoyable to drive. It offers a comfortable ride, agile handling, and efficient, refined four- and six-cylinder powertrains. Electronic stability control is standard, and crash-test results are impressive. Though the Nissan Altima edged out the Accord in our Ratings, most Altima versions lack electronic stability control.

Best Overall Vehicle: Lexus LS 460

With a road-test score of 99 out of 100, this is our highest-scoring vehicle. It provides a luxurious, uncompromising driving environment, with a supremely comfortable ride and a roomy, well-finished, and exceptionally quiet interior. The LS is brimming with electronic amenities, yet the controls are easy to use. Its 380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy. All-wheel drive is available for 2009.

Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G37

One of the highest-rated sedans we've tested, the G37 (formerly G35) combines sportiness and luxury in a very appealing package. It has a very lively powertrain, agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a nicely appointed interior. For 2009, it also has a larger, 328-hp, 3.7-liter engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.

Hyundai Elantra SE

The Elantra SE is a comfortable, roomy small car that provides good fuel economy, a quiet and nicely finished interior, and plenty of features for the money. Only the SE version comes with standard electronic stability control, which is absent on many other small cars. The Honda Civic is more fun to drive, but ESC is available only on high-end versions.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

If you are single and seldom need to carry large objects, why not treat yourself to the world's most popular roadster, now in its 20th year and third generation? The front end of the marvelous MX-5 Miata was restyled for the 2009 model year, featuring a larger grille inspired by recent Mazda concepts. The feisty 2.0-liter engine now delivers 167 horsepower with a sportier exhaust note, and the manual gear shift, known for its quick action and precision, has been further refined. So has the suspension. The cockpit has always been snug, but it's now better with reshaped door panels. You can flip down the Miata's standard soft-top with a twist of the wrist. But the optional power retractable hardtop is a highly desirable and affordable upgrade. It turns the roadster into a coupe when in place and eats up no trunk space, unlike most similar designs. The hardtop adds solidity, security and a measure of quietness, and it is much more durable.

Honda Civic

The Civic was the first small car to gain mainstream recognition in the U.S. Launched more than 35 years ago, it has steadily grown in popularity and size since then. Design-wise, the current Civic, launched in 2006, was a radical departure from its predecessor. Nonetheless, it has been highly successful. The sedan is spacious, and the coupe sheds two doors in the name of style. Both share a lively and frugal 1.8-liter 140-horsepower engine and deliver a rare combination of comfort and agility. For better fuel economy, Honda offers the Civic Hybrid with EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway. The Civic also has a stellar record for reliability and safety, with six airbags, active head restraints and an anti-lock brake system all standard. The new Civic DX-VP sedan is a great value, and LX versions in both body styles add a number of useful amenities.

Hyundai Elantra

In recent years, this South Korean carmaker has shown remarkable attention to the actual use of its cars in the real world. The Elantra compact sedan ably demonstrates this with solid construction, quality materials, simple and well-laid-out controls, good performance and a comfortable ride. It also has great reliability scores. The base Elantra GLS is a value leader, but the slightly more expensive SE offers great additional amenities such as air conditioning, an electronic stability control system, a full-featured 172-watt audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels with bigger tires and a trip computer. Yet it is competitively priced. All Elantras have four disc brakes with ABS, six airbags and active front head restraints. They also come with Hyundai's strong warranty and its new Assurance plan — if you lose your income within the first year of ownership, you can return the car.

2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro

This isn't your typical eco-weenie penalty box on wheels - it's a leather-lined and fully equipped vehicle with just about every feature... more

2009 MDX Technology Pkg Sport Utility Vehicle Overview

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3,664 cc 3.7 liters V 6 front engine with 90.0 mm bore, 96.0 mm stroke, 11.0 compression ratio, overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder

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Premium unleaded fuel 91

- Multi-point injection fuel system

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21.0 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 17.5

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Power: 224 kW , 300 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 275 ft lb , 373 Nm @ 5,000 rpm