The best cars in 2009 included a redesigned, fuel efficient vehicle priced under $17,000, a solid sedan, a sleek hybrid, and a flexing muscle car. This article examines the best sedan, budget, hybrid, and coupe selections marketed in 2009. Sedan Families have flocked the last ten years to the roomy and solid Toyota Camry. The 2009 Toyota Camry received a makeover in 2009 with a wider wheelbase, and a stretched and sculpted exterior closely resembling a luxury sedan. The front headlights are compact and slanted towards the sleek grill creating smooth lines and a sportier appearance. The Camry SE package offers functionality for a family with ABS brakes and a spacious interior, but with an added power sunroof and the powerful V6 engine, this car is designed for a lot more than transporting the kids to soccer practice. The Camry offers a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for those conscious about fluctuating gas prices. Toyota has outfitted the Camry SE with a luxurious power package, daytime running lights, cruise, tilt, and a CD-MP3 stereo. Families with allergy problems can appreciate the pollen filter attached to the vehicle air conditioning system. With a starting price of $22,500, Toyota created a sophisticated, yet family-friendly model with the Camry SE. Budget With a lustrous design, stability control, and fuel efficiency, the Ford Focus S sedan wins the Budget category for the best cars of 2009. Competing with favorites like the Volkswagon Rabbit and Honda Fit, Ford overhauled the Focus, shedding the previous boxy appearance and formulating a revolutionary design for a car under $20,000. On the exterior, the chrome grill, headlights, and front running lights were flattened and recessed, taking place of the previous looming gray grill and flashlight-looking headlights of the 2008 model. The sporty side panels from 2008 were replaced with a fluid architecture that creates a sleek design from hood to bumper. Beyond the exterior enhancements, Ford added an independent suspension and a rear anti-roll bar. With the new design, the Focus offers more leg room in the front and back seat, additional soundproofing and the dash, gauges and controls are easy to navigate inside. Priced under $16,000, with an EPA of 24/35, the Focus S sedan delivers an economical package for bargain shoppers. Hybrid Green was the new black in 2009 when it came to hybrid choices. Ever mindful of roller coaster gas prices and environmental conscious consumers, Lexus, Toyota and Honda rolled out new hybrid models. The outstanding model in this class for 2009 was the four door standard hatchback Toyota Prius. Coupling a 1.5-liter, 50-kilowatt battery-powered electric motor with a 76 horsepower gas engine, the Prius offers fuel economy at 48/45 miles per gallon for city or highway driving. With the push of a button, the Prius barely hums as you accelerate through town. At higher speeds, the gas engine subtly takes over as you relax in the power-filled interior with tilt steering and an adequate CD stereo system. Although compact in nature, there is plenty of leg and headroom so a driver over six feet tall can easily fold themselves into the Prius. The sloping windshield and rear hatchback window offer plenty of viewable area and reduce blind spots. Just in case, Toyota offers a navigation system upgrade with a rearview monitor for backing in tough situations. The M.S.R.P. for the Prius pushes the $22,000 mark, but this sleek, front wheel drive machine can save you hundreds in gas expenses every year. Coupe Combining tradition, muscle, and affordable pricing, the Ford Mustang Deluxe is the best coupe for 2009. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, Ford kept the base model financially attainable at $20,000, yet still managed to create a voluptuous new model. Whereas the 2008 model was sporty and muscular, the 2009 model is curvy and solid. The rear window slopes into a fine edge, meeting the back panel in a clean sweep. The car features triangular quarter windows, round headlights, and a menacing grill. With the manual transmission, EPA is estimated at 17/26 for city/highway fuel economy, but even with an automatic, the EPA only drops to 16/24. Sliding into this powerhouse you find comfortable sports bucket seats, a 500 watt audio system and an easy-to-read instrument panel. Ford introduced a tinted, panoramic roof option for the 2009 model so you can flood the interior of this muscle machine with natural lighting. For $20,000 or less, this traditional muscle car is packed with luxurious power features like remote keyless entry and power windows and mirrors. The car is equipped with disc brakes, a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine, and as a 45th anniversary edition, the Deluxe is the best coupe for 2009. Whether you are seeking a family sedan or a traditional muscle car, the best cars of 2009 featured in this article offer a sampling for every consumer. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11