The 2009 Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest, is about to get underway with manufacturers displaying the cars they hope will sell well in 2009.
But what are the best and worst cars on display at this year's Chicago Auto Show?
Today, let's continue with the best cars.
Here's a list of the Top 5 possible Best Cars that will be displayed at this year's show.
Take a look at the list, and the reason that the cars standout for this distinction.
After you've considered the choices below, please vote for the worst car.
Best of all, once you vote you'll see the results of the poll immediately.
Click HERE for the Best Worst of the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chicago Auto show web site says, "Changes and enhancements to the '09 Corvette reflect continual
improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to the
sports car."
Automobile Magazine named it as an All-Star and writes:
"Certainly, there are faster new cars than the Corvette. But all of them, without exception, cost a lot more money. The base Corvette handily outguns the Porsche 911; the Z06 can hang with the Ferrari F430s of the world. And for 2008, the Corvette got a comprehensive overhaul, with up to 436 hp available from the 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. The revised car does the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 4.3 seconds – with an automatic transmission."
Car and Driver named it one of their Ten Best by writing:
"Speaking of high speeds, the latest standard Corvette has more of that
on tap than ever before, thanks to its new 6.2-liter LS3 V-8: 430
horsepower versus a mere 400 for the previous Vette. Over the course of
its past six years as a 10Best Car, we’ve called the Corvette one of
the world’s best high-performance buys, an assertion that continues to
be true. Now even more so.
"
BMW 3 Series
The Chicago Auto show web site says "This season BMW 3 Series sedans and wagons are treated to redone hoods
and front and rear fascias that include LED taillights. Coupes and
convertibles have to wait their turn. New for '09 for the sedan is a
3.0 liter twin turbo diesel six rated at 265 hp."
Automobile Magazine named it as an All-Star and writes:
"Here we go again. The BMW 3-series is getting another award, garnering still more praise, waltzing across the stage one more time. Are you tired of it already? We know how you feel. Believe it – no one here likes seeing the same winners over and over. So we didn't set out hoping to give the 3-series another All-Star award (its thirteenth!). But then we got in the car and started driving. And, just like always, it was good, very good."
Car and Driver named it one of their Ten Best by writing:
"The formula for these cars seems disarmingly simple: Ample power from a
pair of ultra-smooth straight-six engines, one of them force-fed to the
tune of 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque; suspension tuning
that confidently combines supple ride quality with autocross responses;
classic coupe and sedan proportions that have evolved gracefully since
the 325i made its first 10Best appearance in 1992; supportive seats
that could serve a trans-Nebraska cruise on I-80 or a BMW-club track
day."
Hyundai Genesis
The Chicago Auto show web site says, "Hyundai introduces its premier flagship, the all-new Genesis sports
sedan, built on an all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive
architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and
3.8-liter V-6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V-8."
The Genesis was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year at Detroit Auto show. The win by the Genesis, Hyundai's top-of-the-line sedan, was the first
for a South Korean automaker since the award was launched in 1994.
Automobile Magazine writes:
"Now that Lexus's prices have crept up into Mercedes territory, Hyundai's pulling the same move. Just like the Japanese company did nineteen years ago, the Korean automaker has gathered a bunch of heavy-hitters, put them in a blender, and frappéd together a car that competes with all of them in one way or another. The new Genesis is almost as big as the luxurious Lexus LS460, can run with the sporty GS460, and is priced like the compact IS350. Or so says Hyundai. This time, no one's laughing.
Honda Insight
The Chicago Auto show web site says, "The all-new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid car defines a new stage in the
evolution of hybrid technology, providing affordability, fun-to-drive
performance, and a U.S. EPA city/highway fuel-economy rating of 40/43
miles per gallon."
Automobile Magazine reports:
"the Insight was nothing like the soggy mess that the Prius is when you
ask it to get sporty. Naturally, the Insight segues into understeer
when you really push it, but considering its skinny,
low-rolling-resistance tires, it handles quite well and is more than
capable of providing a mildly entertaining drive combined with good
dampening and body control."
Car and Driver writes:
"I’ve never been a hybrid fan. Mostly they’re joyless to drive, with far too many powertrain
quirks. But this Honda hybrid forces me to rethink my position. When
you twist the Insight’s ignition key, the gasoline engine comes to life
as in a conventional car. And it drives like a conventional car, with
almost none of the bad habits of its competitors.
Lexus RX450 Hybrid
The Chicago Auto show web site says, "The 2010 RX 450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive,
featuring a 3.5-liter V-6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric
motors, and a smaller and lighter power-control unit. As a full hybrid,
the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as
well as combine the power of both and produce 295 total system h.p.”
Car and Driver writes:
The new RX sticks to the formula that made it a success (Camry-based,
leather-lined, quiet, and refined, with controls that feel as if
they’re filled with churned butter), but Lexus has improved nearly
every piece and part. The interior is slightly more attractive and more
comfortable. But, really, was a new and easy-to-use joystick control
that eliminates the previous RX’s touch screen really necessary? Maybe
not, but it works remarkably well.
Automobile Magazine reports:
"The
design is a careful evolution, both inside and out. The car is slightly
longer and wider but manages to look sleeker than before. The interior
retains the traditional Lexus virtues of comfort (on even bigger,
cushier seats) and refinement (with available semi-aniline leather for
a still more luxurious feel)."
Now it is your turn. Please vote below:
