2009 Coupe Buying Guide

The coupe vehicle class is one of the most varied and popular on the road today. Though many automakers define a coupe differently, the segment can be quickly defined as smaller, sport-oriented cars that usually feature a two-door design. Though not as roomy as the sedan class, coupes benefit from fun-to-drive maneuverability and flashy styling.

The majority of the 2009 coupe lineup consists of modified versions of sedans. However, several ground-up coupes are available as well. From economical fuel sippers to exotic tire squealers – the coupe class offers something for almost everyone. Take a look at some of the best options in our 2009 coupe buying guide.

Narrowing Your Options

In general, the smaller proportions of the coupe class make them a less expensive purchase than their sedan counterparts. The most affordable coupes start at around $10,000. However, high-performance sport cars coupes can easily skyrocket well above the six-figure mark. Because of this, determining your price range is the first step toward buying a new coupe. As expected, higher-priced models offer sexier engines, higher prestige and additional features.

Size is another important factor when shopping for a 2009 coupe. While most models fit into the compact vehicle class, some spill over into the mid-size category. The smallest models are two-seaters, while the largest seat up to five passengers. It's important to note, however, that even the largest coupes are not ideal for people moving – as they are all quite cramped in the rear seat.

Fuel efficiency is another big draw of coupes. With the exception of a few hybrid sedans, a coupe is the best bet for saving money at the pump. For the largest savings, you'll want to stick to an economical model. This is because high-performance models tend to be outfitted with big, thirsty engines.

Other factors that may play a roll in your purchase decision include available features, trunk space, safety and body style. While most coupes feature a traditional rear trunk, hatchback variants boast a sloping design with extended roofline. If you're looking for a coupe with maximum cargo space, then a hatchback is probably the better choice.

2009 Economy Coupe Lineup

About a dozen 2009 coupes come with a base MSRP below $20,000. The low-price winner for the year is the Hyundai Accent, with a starting price of $11,070. The Toyota Yaris comes in a close second at $12,205. Both models offers exceptional value and interior volume for a coupe, and the Yaris delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency with 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

For a little more zip under the hood and style in the seats, check out the Honda Fit hatchback. With quality materials throughout, a sporty design and second-best fuel efficiency in the class, it has received across-the-board approval among car experts and drivers alike. While you're at the Honda dealership, you might want to take a look at the Honda Civic coupe (pictured) as well. It offers a more traditionally styled design and has long been one of the best-selling vehicles in the segment.

For bargain-basement sport-tuned performance, the Scion tC, Volkswagen Rabbit and Mazda MAZDA3 all offer smooth handling and decent power under the hood. The Ford Mustang starts with a base price of $19,995, but higher-priced trims are where the real power of the famous sports car can be found.

For buyers who are most concerned with style, you should check out the MINI Cooper or Volkswagen New Beetle. Both deliver a unique body style and a solid mix of power and comfort features.

2009 Mid-Priced Coupe Lineup

Stepping up to the price range of $20,000 to $35,000 generally delivers a sportier drive, more amenities and, oftentimes, improved interior volume. Sport-tuned models dominate this price-range. One of the best of these speed demons is the Volkswagen GTI – a more powerful version of the VW Rabbit. A solid design, tuned suspension and turbocharged engine make it a top pick for the year.

Other affordable sport coupes include the Mitsubishi Eclipse (pictured) and Dodge Challenger. However, a more luxurious and powerful coupe can be found in the BMW 1 Series. For a base price of $29,400, 128i drivers get BMW's trademark performance in the form of a 230-hp 3.0-liter I6. For a few dollars more, the 135i comes teeming with a turbocharged version that belts out 300 horsepower. Those looking for a straightforward sports car design and impeccable performance, would do well to look at the Nissan 370Z.

For those who are looking for a decent mix of comfort and performance, the Audi A3 may be a good option. The Volvo C30 is one of the most affordable turbocharged coupes for the year. If you're looking for exceptional reliability, good interior volume and comfort, then the Honda Accord coupe may be the best 2009 vehicle for you.

2009 Luxury Coupe Lineup

Prestige continues to build as you breach the $40,000 dollar mark. While entry-level luxury models sink below this level, it is here that the true luxury coupes begin to emerge. Luxury coupes tend to go for anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000. With all-wheel drive, a sleek exterior and 328-hp 3.7-liter V6, the Infiniti G37 is a steal with a base MSRP of $35,900.

The BMW 3 Series (pictured) is another popular entry-level luxury coupe. Though base models aren't as powerful as the G37, improved refinement and a wider range of vehicle trims make it a solid contender for best luxury coupe of the year. For an even bigger boost in refinement, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class continues to be a good-selling model.

Slanting the other way towards pure performance are the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche Cayman. With power in the 400-hp range and interior cabins that resemble a cockpit, these are true luxury sports cars in every sense of the word. Other classy pulse-pounders that offer maximum horsepower include the BMW M3 and Audi S5. Both are worth a look if you want to house your heavy-duty engine inside a more refined exterior shell.

2009 Super Luxury Coupe Lineup

"Affordable" super coupes start around $60,000 and quickly climb above $100,000. The veteran Porsche 911 Carrera returns for the 2009 model year with a perfect balance of handling and power. With 480 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of about 3.3 seconds, the Carrera rivals the performance of exotic vehicles twice its price.

Another super luxury coupe giving more expensive models a run for their money is the new Nissan GT-R (pictured). A 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine melts asphalt at 480 horsepower and the vehicle has been heralded for its sleek design and impressive interior.

The majority of the other vehicles in this segment slant more towards luxury than pure power. The Jaguar XK offers a good combination of acceleration, handling and interior comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is another comfortable super luxury coupe that ups the ante in terms of available comfort features.

2009 Exotic Coupe Lineup

When money is no object, an exotic sports car delivers maximum style and performance. A measly $100,000 or more is all it takes to buy into this prestigious vehicle class. With a base MSRP of $114,200, the Audi R8 is the most affordable in the segment. If you like the jaw-dropping exterior and seamless ability to go from the racetrack on the weekends to the corporate parking garage during the week, then the R8 is a good option.

Other 2009 exotic sport coupes that have received accolades include the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Lamborghini Gallardo. For those looking for optimum exclusivity, you might prefer to drop $354,000 on the Lamborghini Murcielago.