Vehicle Name Sorted Alphabetically Kelley Blue Book Sorted by Pricing
2009 Chevrolet Malibu

When General Motors wants to show off what it can do, it always rolls out the Chevy Malibu, which has the styling, refinement and interior quality that's been missing from American midsize cars for too long.
$13,350 – $15,350

2009 Ford Fusion

The Fusion is even more impressive, with its improved interior and class-topping mileage of 23/34 mpg. Reliability has been above average for the all-wheel-drive V-6, and other versions, including the four-cylinder, have been exemplary.
$12,450 – $15,800

2009 Ford Taurus

The Taurus suffers some interior quality shortcomings, but it has astonishing interior space, both for people and cargo. It's the top-rated Large Family Car in IIHS crash tests, and it has exhibited decent reliability with both front- and all-wheel drive.
$13,000 – $15,600

2009 Honda Accord

Something of a benchmark in the midsize car class, the Accord remains strong in all areas. Available as a sedan and a coupe, the Accord recently received a more compelling redesign. It's near the top of the class for crash-test ratings, and its reliability is above average.
$14,100 – $17,950

2009 Honda Civic

A long-standing Cars.com Best Bet, the Civic is one of the best-selling compact cars in American history, thanks to an excellent balance of attributes: crash tests, above-average reliability, roominess, resale value and impressive longevity.
$11,100 – $17,750

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid's mileage is well above that of non-hybrid compact cars, including the miserly regular Civic. With its above-average reliability, the Civic Hybrid is a Best Bet for the same reasons the regular Civic is, and then some.
$15,650 – $15,650

2009 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit has been a huge hit thanks to its overall quality and surprising interior space. It tops the class for crash-test ratings, and it has a record of above-average reliability.
$13,050 – $13,950

2009 Mercury Milan

A sister to the Ford Fusion, the Milan shares that car's strengths, both in the 2009 and the updated 2010. There's little difference between the two models apart from exterior and interior styling and a higher standard equipment level and starting price for the Milan.
$12,950 – $14,300

2009 Mercury Sable

From price to equipment, there's virtually no difference between this model and the Ford Taurus, but that also means the Sable, originally called the Montego, has exceptional crash-test ratings and good reliability, as well as styling you may prefer over the Taurus.
$14,400 – $15,400

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

The hybrid version of Nissan's midsize sedan is only available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, and it's not as refined as the Camry or Ford Fusion hybrids, but how can you argue with stellar reliability and its EPA rating?
$14,650 – $14,650

2009 Nissan Altima

The Altima is a journeyman model that's grown to the status of third-best-selling midsize sedan in the U.S. It's now offered in a stylish coupe to challenge the Honda Accord coupe.
$13,500 – $18,500

2009 Pontiac Vibe

For all the reasons its twin, the Toyota Matrix, is a Best Bet, so is the Pontiac Vibe. In addition to its good crash tests and exceptional reliability, the Vibe has the advantage of being a Pontiac, meaning it has an additional 40,000 miles on the powertrain warranty, plus five years and/or 100,000 miles of roadside assistance, which Toyota doesn't offer.
$12,900 – $15,300

2009 Saturn Aura

Thanks to average reliability and passing crash tests, the Saturn Aura joins its sister sedan, the Chevy Malibu, as a Best Bet. The Aura has a higher starting price but is otherwise comparable in terms of equipment.
$12,150 – $13,850

2009 Toyota Camry

The competition has improved and the legendary Camry has slid a bit. Its crash tests qualify it for Best Bet status, but they're lower on the list. A few models boast better mileage, and its reliability is merely average.
$14,300 – $17,700

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid is simply a more efficient version of one of the most popular cars in the land. Toyota leaves the jaw-dropping mileage to its Prius and gives this model a more well-rounded approach: responsive, refined, comfortable and quiet.
$18,400 – $18,400

2009 Toyota Corolla

A rival of the Honda Civic, the Corolla seems to be falling behind the class leaders in terms of interior quality and driving characteristics, but you still can't overlook this sedan and its well-rounded appeal. It has stood for a consistent level of quality and long lifespan.
$12,250 – $15,750

2009 Toyota Matrix

The Matrix is a versatile four-door hatchback built in California alongside its fraternal twin, the Pontiac Vibe. IIHS never crash-tested the first generation, but it did this one, and it makes the grade. We're pleased to be able to recommend it for its exceptional reliability and value.
$13,450 – $16,250

2009 Toyota Prius

You can't overstate the Prius' triumph. Even now, years into its second generation, the Prius remains the most affordable hybrid and the most efficient car on the market.
$15,900 – $17,150