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Are you one of the lucky few with an automotive down payment sized chunk of change burning a hole in your pocket? So is it worthwhile to hold out for a new for 2009 model or should you take advantage of some of the deals available on '08 models? Well, according to CNN Money, these are a few of the 2009 models you might want to think about purchasing.
While 2008 is set to go down as a sales bloodbath for most manufacturers, these upcoming 2009 models have a lot riding on them for their respective makers. Upon their success or failure rides the economic health of a lot of corporations as well as the job security for a lot of employees. So are these 2009 models a genuine leap forward for these respective models or just hastily prepared remodel jobs? Here are 6 such 2009 vehicles and our unique opinions regarding their worthiness.
1. 2009 Dodge Ram - While the current Ram can be had with nearly $7500 worth of incentives, its geriatric platform and prehistoric interior make it an also ran in the full size truck category. While the new version may resemble the old Ram, a solid and stylish interior as well as a few "nifty" features like storage bins along the cargo bed, make the 2009 Ram an interesting proposition.
2. 2009 Audi A4 - This car should be getting us way more excited as its launch date approaches. When the new A4 goes on sale, it will only be available with a 6 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Where is the stick shift option? Why is there no 4 cylinder turbo or one of Audi's famed turbodiesel engines? While much was made about improvements in steering feel and handling for the new A4, notices from publications in Europe point to the new version having same old, same old sloppy handling and mushy steering. Thus we would still rather have a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or a 3-Series, even if the A4 interior is a work of art.
3. 2009 Ford F-150 - While full size pickup truck sales in this country will never reach the levels achieved during pre-$5 a gallon gasoline, the F-150 is still a vital vehicle not only for Ford but for many working class people. Even though Ford has delayed its introduction by a few months, early looks at the new vehicle show an even more stylish interior and increased versatility. Even if you may find the styling a bit conservative, there are still plenty of people who like the looks of this full size brute. To our eyes it still manages to convey everything that is "Ford Tough."
4. 2009 Mazda 6 - We always like it when an automaker takes chances with styling of its bread and butter models. Not everything should be styled with the conservatism inherent in vehicles like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. While we like that Mazda took a chance with the 6, its over-large wheel arches seem just a bit much. It sort of reminds us of the horse drawn chariot "Ben Hur" drove around in during Roman times in that respect. Perhaps with time, the styling will grow on us but as it stands the new 6 looks like two different design teams worked on different parts of the vehicle and never communicated with each other.
5. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - If you must buy this hybrid SUV, 2009 marks the installation of an improved four cylinder engine. Hopefully it will help this not very fuel efficient vehicle get a little closer to the government estimated miles per gallon ratings.
6. 2009 Honda Fit - The current Fit is still selling out at Honda dealerships, yet an all new model is still set for a 2009 launch. Larger and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces, the 2009 Fit now has more available upscale features like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. While the new Fit does look a bit like it is suffering from a bad case of water retention, we never argue with the virtues of more power and more space. Hopefully it will still be as fuel efficient as its forebear.
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