Articles in section Top 10 Lists http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:46:34 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager Articles in section Top 10 Lists http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-most-fuel-efficient-non-hybrid-cars-of-2010.html The EPA recently released its list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles for 2010. Hybrid cars dominated the list, accounting for nine out of ten of the top slots. That's no surprise of course – fuel efficiency is the major draw of hybrid technology. However, what if you don't want a hybrid?Not everyone who wants to save at the gas pump adores the look and feel of a hybrid. Add in the premium price tag that typically comes with going green, and it's easy to see why some people would shy away from the technology. Luckily, there are plenty of... Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:22:03 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cheap-all-wheel-drive-vehicles-awd.html Most luxury cars these days come standard with advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology. Yep, AWD now comes standard or as an option in more and more affordable cars, CUVs and SUVs. There are actually several reasons to consider AWD in your next new car purchase. Generally, AWD vehicles give you better safety and handling as well as the ability to drive in more inclement weather situations. And, if you can afford AWD as well as advanced braking systems like electronic stability control (ESC), you should consider it. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates ESC will... Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:43:14 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-coolest-cars-under-20000-for-2009-2010.html Do you love truly cool cars with tons of style, loads of performance and a low price? Then an ultra stylish, truly modern entry-level new car is for you. Good thing these super versatile compact cars are inexpensive. In fact, the No. 1 car on this list has a base MSRP of just $13,990! For this Top 10 list, this auto journalist has test driven each and every model for overall value in performance, design, safety, fuel economy, quality and price. The 2009 Nissan Cube (http://www.autotropolis.com/Nissan/cube/research.html) tops my list because this funky-looking five seater has it... Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:20:26 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-clunker-trade-up-cuvs-for-2009.html What could be better than trading up your clunker for a super versatile crossover vehicle (CUV)? Not only do CUVs drive like a car, but some hold up to eight passengers. Now that’s a trade up! As a road test reviewer, I have driven dozens of CUVs over the years. For this Top 10 list, I have driven each and every model for overall value in performance, design, safety, fuel economy, quality and price. Are you really considering trading in your clunker for a CUV? Then, here’s some buying tips to ponder:Price: With your clunker rebate of $3,500-$4,500,... Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:11:18 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-clunker-trade-up-sedans-for-2009.html Thinking about taking advantage of the government's Cash for Clunkers program, which can save you up to $4,500 on a new car? Not surprisingly, the most popular clunker trade ups are mid-sized sedans. So far, Toyota’s Prius and Camry models are the best-selling clunker trade up vehicles, along with Honda’s Civic and Fit, Ford Focus (http://www.autotropolis.com/Ford/Focus/research.html), Hyundai Elantra (http://www.autotropolis.com/Hyundai/Elantra/research.html) and Chevy (http://www.autotropolis.com/Chevrolet/research.html) Cobalt. And while those are all great cars, I have another list. As a road test warrior, I have driven each and every car below. So, here’s my Top 10 list of mid-sized... Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:25:31 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-new-cars-for-back-to-school.html As the summer months come to a close, three words haunt more teenagers than any other phrase: back to school. For those of driving age, however, this can be a great opportunity to show off the money earned from that grueling summer job by pulling up for the first day of school in a brand new car. Keeping the restrictions of budget and insurance premiums in mind, we came up with the coolest cars out right now that would make driving high schooler a little less anxious about the first day of class. With just about three... Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:24:31 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-sporty-compact-cars-for-2009.html Compact cars can be so dull. But on a recent road test of a 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sport (http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/driving-smart/road-test-2009-suzuki-sx4-sport.html), this road test warrior finally found a compact car worth driving. My oh-so-fun drive of a midnight blue 2009 Suzuki SX4 (http://www.autotropolis.com/Suzuki/SX4/research.html) got me to thinking about other super sporty compact cars. Here’s a list of Top 10 Sporty Compact Cars:The 2009 Suzuki (http://www.autotropolis.com/Suzuki/research.html) SX4 has it all: low price, standard navigation, zippy performance, ergonomic interior, excellent safety and lots of cargo room. If you are seeking an all-wheel-drive vehicle for inclement weather, go for the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, which... Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:59:04 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-awd-cuvs-for-summer-and-winter-road-trips.html All-wheel-drive (AWD) crossover utility vehicles or CUVs may be the best road trip vehicles for both summer and winter driving. Why? AWD performance gives the CUV a distinct safety advantage on summer’s windy, hot and loose highways as well as winter’s slick, slushy and icy roads.Unfortunately, AWD vehicles are usually more expensive as they are only available on higher trim levels. Some car companies like Subaru (http://www.autotropolis.com/Subaru/research.html), however, are known for putting AWD on all models. In fact, AWD has been a standard feature on American-made Subaru vehicles since 1996. Suzuki’s SX4 Crossover also comes with standard AWD.So, what... Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:53:58 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-vehicles-for-tailgating-this-summer.html Spring has sprung and there is new grass on the field. As we head into the summer sports season, the smell of charcoal fills the air and burgers and brats can be heard sizzling in stadium parking lots across the country. Tailgating is a favored tradition passed down from generation to generation, and a large part of a successful pre-game BBQ is choosing the right vehicle to complement your festivities. While the family sedan is a great choice for getting to and from the game, it doesn’t exactly measure up when it is time to get... Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:06:19 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-fuel-efficient-cars-cuvs-a-suvs-for-2009.html American car buyers now know they can’t count on gas prices to stay low. So, the answer is: buy a fuel-efficient new car. But which cars, CUVs and SUVs are truly fuel efficient and provide excellent overall versatility, quality, reliability, performance, safety, cargo room, design, technology and cost of ownership?As a road test reviewer, I’ve driven hundreds of cars, CUVs and SUVs over the years. My list below doesn’t just include the most fuel efficient 2009 models, but the best overall models.2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: VW’s ultra low emissions diesel-powered Jetta combines super fuel efficiency (41 combined mpg) with... Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:46:20 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-summer-road-trip-cars-of-2009.html Summer road trips with the family can be hard on both you and your car. Nerves get frazzled. Engines get overheated. And just about anything and everything can go wrong. Long family road trips are when you really discover your vehicle’s worth.I’ve driven thousands of miles on hundreds of road test reviews with my big, loud and messy family in tow. We know when a car works well for long trips and when it doesn’t. Thinking about buying a 2009 model car for a summer road trip? See my Top 10 picks below.Check out my recommendations on what features... Thu, 21 May 2009 17:58:00 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-family-friendly-cuvs-for-2009.html Crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) are just made for families with their incredible versatility. What other vehicle drives like a car, yet can have space for up to eight passengers and loads of cargo room? CUVs, baby!I’ve road tested dozens of CUV models over the year and I’ve developed quite a fondness for them. In fact, if I were to consider buying a new vehicle today, I’d probably buy a CUV for my family of five’s mobile suburban lifestyle.Besides picking my Top 10 list of family-friendly CUVs below, here are some tips to consider when making your purchase. Price: Fortunately,... Mon, 18 May 2009 23:52:05 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-safest-affordable-vehicles-of-2009.html Top 10 Safest Affordable Vehicles of 2009Driving is a dangerous occupation; if you look at the statistics, driving a car or truck is far more dangerous than almost any other activity.  To reduce the risk of accidents and the potential for injury if you are involved in an accident, seeking a vehicle with the best safety equipment, NHTSA rating and design is imperative.  Beyond driver safety, a growing family can also affect how you view vehicle safety.New safety technology has enabled vehicles to become much safer than those of yesteryear.  As safety enhancements continue to advance and develop, several... Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:16:55 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-best-value-cars-for-2009.html Top 10 Best Value Cars for 2009 The average car buyer is now keeping their car longer than ever. Since the interval between new cars is getting longer, it can be easy to get caught up with style, colors, options, performance and other qualities when shopping for that new car. While those are undoubtedly important considerations, there is one factor that rises above all others: value. Car buyers who keep their cars for long periods of time want to get their most for their money. This includes not only getting a good deal on the initial purchase, but... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:50:28 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-family-cars-for-2009.html Top 10 Family Cars for 2009 Running a family is a lot like running a small business. The family needs to track income, reduce expenses and schedule a dizzying array of activities in order for it to function smoothly. One of the most "mission critical" pieces of equipment in a family is transportation. Therefore, reliability is of utmost importance. When a car is down for service, it throws off family finances and schedules, which these days, is unacceptable.   Along with reliability, a family car needs to get family members where they are going efficiently and safely. Efficiency protects... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:49:25 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-work-trucks-of-2009.html The Best Work Trucks of 2009Work trucks come in all different configurations, from compact trucks to vehicles with dual rear wheels, extended bed trucks, cargo vans and more.  While a "working vehicle" can conceivably be almost anything, America's love affair with the pickup truck has never ended.  We've created a list of the top working trucks for your needs.  This list covers everything from the ubiquitous medium-duty pickup truck to heavy-duty cargo vans and lightweight pickups.  With this comprehensive list, you should find something that fits your needs, no matter what those might be.All vehicles within this list share... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:48:45 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cars-for-college-students-in-2009.html Best Cars of 2009 for College StudentsA college student need not suffer through driving an antiquated clunker.  College drivers obviously crave a car with style and panache. However, the car also needs to provide low maintenance requirements – the life of a college student is already crammed full with an insane number of subjects and activities, they don't need to worry about an exhaustive maintenance schedule on top of the rest of it.  In addition, the best vehicle for a college student shouldn't come with massive monthly payments; it should offer vital savings to help them afford textbooks and... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:48:13 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-green-cars-of-2009.html The Best Environmentally Friendly Cars of 2009When most consumers think of environmentally friendly vehicles, they picture high fuel mileage and low emissions ratings.  However, the story is more complex than that.  A wide number of considerations must be made if you intend to purchase an environmentally friendly vehicle.  Things such as personal driving habits, the ability to recycle construction materials, manufacturing methods, resource consumption during building, warranty duration and many other things should be considered.  Of course, hybrid vehicles are the ideal environmentally friendly vehicle, but not all hybrids are created equal.  For instance, larger hybrids have larger carbon... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:47:36 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-executive-luxury-cars-of-2009.html The Best Executive Luxury Cars of 2009Executive automobiles are unique in the automotive world.  They exhibit an interesting blend of features and refinement, elegance and usability.  Executives are those who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder, faced down their challenges and risen through the ranks to the very top of the hierarchy.  Their vehicles are expected to reflect this with a bit of posh refinement.Executive car buyers have some very specific requirements of their vehicles and demand that they meet their expectations.  For instance, executives demand that their luxury be blended with the best of functionality, most execs have... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:47:06 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cars-for-first-time-buyers-in-2009.html Top 10 Cars for First Time Buyers in 2009You are always going to remember your first car. For a lot of us, our first car was a used model or a hand-me-down borrowed from a relative. However, if you are in the market for a brand new car to be your very frist set of wheels, then you are in for an exciting time. First time car buyers tend to keep their first car longer than subsequent vehicles. First time car buyers also tend to take better care of their first car, especially if it is brand new off... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:46:34 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-sexiest-cars-on-the-road-in-2009.html The Sexiest Cars on the Road of 2009The sexiest cars on the road turn heads wherever they go.  Luxury interiors, exotic body styles, unique add-ons and much more can be found in this category. Those who purchase these types of machines are prepared to spend oodles of cash maintaining and caring for their new rides.  Many people will have their vehicles "tuned," by adding larger wheels, adding tinting or even modifying the engine, suspension and exhaust of the vehicle.This category is incredibly diverse and inordinately large. Creating a list of the top vehicles within the category was exhausting work,... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:45:55 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-performance-cars-of-2009.html Best Fast Cars on the Road of 2009The need for speed afflicts many people; however, two distinct camps can be discerned – these include those who simply want to drive a performance vehicle, direct from the factory and those who want to modify their vehicle, to make it reflect their personality and their own sense of style and speed.  However, to be a truly great performance vehicle, the car must offer quite a bit. Total horsepower and a fast quarter-mile time are nice, but they are far from the only criteria when selecting an all-around performer.Handling and braking performance,... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:45:28 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-off-road-vehicles-of-2009.html Best 4x4 Off-Road Vehicles of 2009The roots of pickup trucks and SUVs lie in mud, gravel and rough terrain found off-road.  While many modern incarnations have diverged from this path, there are still quite a few vehicles designed to take you off the blacktop and into uncharted territory.  Whether you simply want to find a great campsite off the beaten path or are intent on blazing new trails, these vehicles have much to offer you.While there are vehicles specifically designed to help you crawl those boulders calling your name, or to take you down a trail spanning the vastness... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:44:58 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cheap-luxury-family-sedans-of-2009.html The Best Cheap But Luxurious Family Sedans of 2009Over-the-top styling is a wonderful thing; both import and domestic automakers are producing vehicles that look like as if they were dropped off by a time machine.  However, the concerned driver can still find quite a range of family sedans that embody the latest technology, packaged in a design that is luxurious but affordable. These well-priced luxury and near-luxury cars provide tremendous value mated to a refined presence on the road. Of all the cars on our list, not a single one has a starting MSRP that exceeds $30,000. Of course,... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:44:25 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-highway-cars-of-2009.html The Best Highway Cars on the Road for 2009If you only laugh when your friends and family complain about the length of their commute, you understand the importance of finding the right highway car.  Quite a few careers can have you on the road the majority of the day; even the average commute now takes an hour.  If you find that you spend more time in your car than in your office, you need a highway car.  Travelers and busy professionals demand that their vehicles provide benefits for a wide range of needs. To be considered a quality highway... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:43:48 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-safest-vehicles-on-the-road-for-2009-.html Top 10 Safest Vehicles on the Road for 2009 Most of us taking driving for granted. We'll hesitate about getting on a plane, but think nothing of jumping into our car for a quick trip to the grocery store, even though statistically speaking, travel by automobile is one of the more dangerous forms of transportation. To combat the potential danger, what every car buyer wants is to get the safest vehicle they can afford. Life changes can also impact how we look at automotive safety. A growing family, longer commute time or even being in a minor accident can... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:43:03 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-best-second-cars-for-2009.html The Best Second Cars on the Road for 2009It's not unusual for families to have more than one vehicle; in fact, some families have three or four vehicles, depending on their needs and the age of their children, as well as the number of adults in the household.  However, choosing those extra vehicles can be somewhat difficult; it involves a precarious balancing act, involving the right size, the right price and much more.  How do you find a second, third or fourth vehicle that offers the benefits you demand, without forcing you to take on another job?You might need... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:42:18 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cars-for-senior-car-buyers-in-2009.html Best Cars of 2009 for Senior Car BuyersSenior car buyers make up one of the most active segments of the auto market.  While many younger people have a mental image of seniors driving a Crown Victoria or a Lincoln Town Car, that stereotypical image no longer holds water.  In fact, seniors regularly drive a wide range of modern vehicles.However, seniors usually have a long laundry list of requirements a vehicle must meet in order to consider them viable options. Senior car buyers are not interested in comfort only, but in reliability, usefulness, child friendliness, safety and cargo capacity.  Currently,... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:41:46 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-towing-trucks-of-2009.html  Best 2009 Trucks for TowingYou've seen them before – the Ford Fusion pulling a boat, or the broken down Yugo towing a trailer that is twice as long as it is.  It's more than enough to make you turn and stare, wondering what those drivers might be thinking. Whether you need a truck for work, for play, for pulling that camper or trailer, the list we've compiled is the best of the best, enabling you to find the truck that you need to tow what you want, when you want and where you want.  You won't find any pathetic... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:40:49 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-expensive-cars-of-2009.html The Best Expensive Cars of 2009This list was compiled using several criteria.  However, while each of these cars falls into the "expensive" category, each can be used as a daily driver without issue. While you'll certainly find drivers making their daily commute in a million-dollar European supercar, you'll also find decrepit Studebakers on some of the roadways -- neither of these options is a good choice for the average driver, so our list was compiled to reflect good choices for the "average" car buyer.While it may make perfect sense to spend more than $100,000 on your next vehicle, no... Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:39:06 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cheap-new-cars-for-2009.html Top 10 Cheap New Cars for 2009 Not so long ago, cheap cars found themselves at the bottom of the media barrel when it came to getting coverage. Today, cheap cars are at the top of their game and fortunately, being cheap no longer means being bare bones transportation or poorly built. There are some extraordinarily well-equipped and reliable new cars available in the lowest price brackets, so finding the top 10 cheap new cars was not as difficult as it may have been just a few short years ago.If you are looking to buy one of the top... Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:54:44 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/top-10-lists/top-10-cars-for-pet-lovers.html By Sheryll AlexanderWith more and more Americans taking their pets (mostly dogs) on the road, many new car buyers are wondering which cars are best for their pets. Before the gas crunch, most dog lovers were buying hefty SUVs, but today let’s look at the best pet-friendly small cars and CUVs on the market.So, what are some great cars for pet lovers? Here, I’ve compiled a list from recent road test reviews:Toyota Venza (http://www.autotropolis.com/Toyota/Venza/research.html): I did drive the 2009 Toyota Venza and I do agree the rear hatch and cargo area is huge. The second row seating, however, is... Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:36:22 +0100