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Hot Passenger Cars for 2009

By Mike Hanley, Cars.com

The 2009 model year sees the redesign of popular models, like the Honda Fit, as well as the introduction of new cars that are critical to the success of their brands, such as the Jaguar XF. To see all the new and redesigned passenger cars for 2009, visit our Model Year Preview.

Hot Passenger Cars for 2009
All cars are listed in alphabetical order and are from the 2009 model year.
Acura TL
$34,955 - $38,505
Acura's most popular passenger sedan pushes luxury-car styling to the outer extremes, but delivers an engaging driving experience and a top-notch interior.
  • 280- or 305-hp V-6
  • Newly available AWD
  • Available real-time traffic and weather info
  • Automatic transmission with paddle shifters
  • Many standard features
Audi A4
$30,700 - $48,800
The redesigned entry-level A4 luxury car features new design cues and is available with performance-oriented rear-biased all-wheel drive.
  • 211-hp turbo four-cylinder or 265-hp V-6
  • FWD or AWD
  • Available LED daytime running lamps
  • Sedan or wagon body styles
  • Convertible still based on previous generation
Honda Fit
$14,550 - $16,060
The fuel-conscious Fit hatchback brings quite a bit of versatility to the table thanks to its reconfigurable interior, but it's also the most fun Honda to drive this side of the S2000.
  • 117-hp four-cylinder engine
  • Manual or automatic
  • Paddle shifters (automatic)
  • Available navigation system
  • Available USB input for MP3 players and flash drives
Hyundai Genesis
$32,250 - $37,250
With an available V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive, the full-size Genesis sedan delivers a luxury car experience for significantly less money than established luxury brands.
  • V-6 or Hyundai's first V-8
  • Six-speed automatic
  • Eight airbags
  • Stability system
  • Available multifunction control knob
Jaguar XF
$49,200 - $63,700
The XF sedan introduces a more modern design theme to Jaguar both inside and out. It's available with a supercharged V-8 engine.
  • 300- or 420-hp V-8
  • RWD
  • Knob-based gear selector
  • Powered ventilation covers
  • Available 20-inch wheels
Lincoln MKS
$37,665 - $39,555
A distinctive exterior and a well-crafted interior highlight Lincoln's newest sedan, which is available with all-wheel drive.
  • 273-hp V-6
  • Sync entertainment and communication system
  • Standard heated and cooled front seats
  • Available automatic high-beam headlights
  • Available navigation system with real-time gas prices
Mazda6
$18,550 - $28,260
The redesigned Mazda6 is a stylish alternative to traditional midsize family sedans, and it's bigger for 2009.
  • Larger four-cylinder engine
  • Available 272-hp V-6
  • Standard stability system
  • Available blind-spot warning system
  • Large, 16.6-cubic-foot trunk
Nissan Maxima
$29,290 - $31,990
With its redesign, the Maxima sedan gains a more luxurious cabin and a more powerful V-6 engine.
  • 290-hp V-6
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • Standard stability system
  • Available panoramic moonroof
  • Available hard-drive music storage
Pontiac Vibe
$16,100 - $20,875
The redesigned Vibe offers all-around versatility thanks to its hatchback styling, good fuel economy with the base engine and available all-wheel drive.
  • 132- or 158-hp four-cylinder
  • Manual or automatic
  • Standard stability system
  • Available cargo management system
  • Available 18-inch aluminum wheels
Toyota Matrix
$16,290 - $20,760
The Matrix hatchback, which is related to the Pontiac Vibe, gets sportier styling as part of its 2009 redesign.
  • 132- or 158-hp four-cylinder
  • Manual or automatic
  • Six airbags
  • Available AWD
  • Available stability system
Posted on 10/15/08