While it’s true that the economy is in a slump and the automotive industry is experiencing some hard hit times, there are a lot of us  who still have to purchase a vehicle and in doing so, find ourselves faced with some hard pressing decisions to make.  People always want the best car for the best price, but now even more so than ever.

The Car Connection, which offers reviews, advice and analysis to assist consumers in the car buying process, has made the decision a little easier by choosing six great vehicles they believe give buyers the most bang for the buck.  Perhaps those who are searching for a new vehicle might consider taking one of the following cars out for a test drive:

Chevrolet Malibu

The Car Connection likes the 2009 Chevy Malibu, saying it’s a good competitor for the Honda and Toyota, citing its mid-size appeal and  the choice of four-cylinder, V-6 or hybrid powertrains. They also give it high marks for styling, roominess and good fuel economy, getting as much as 32 highway miles per gallon on some models. The Malibu also boasts a five-star safety rating.

Dodge Grand Caravan

The folks at Car Connection agree that the new 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is definitely a winner in the van category. The Grand Caravan features V-6 power and flexible seating arrangements, like Stow ‘N Go seating, and has lots of entertainment goodies like in-car satellite TV and a hard-drive music player – almost everything but the kitchen sink is included in the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Toyota Prius

Seriously – who can beat 45 mpg fuel economy?  The editors at The Car Connection like the green Prius and note its roomy interior large enough for up to four adults or you can fold the rear seats down and store a heck of a lot of gear in this little baby.

Nissan Frontier

I love trucks and I love Nissan, so I was happy to find that The Car Connection included Nissan’s Frontier as their top choice for trucks. The editors like that the Frontier offers a four-cylinder version or an optional V-6, automatic or manual transmissions, choice of body styles and a good size truck bed with spray-in bedliner and cargo hooks.  The Nissan Frontier is a sharp truck that’s worth a test drive.

Subaru Forester

The Car Connection says the 2009 Subaru Forester is a plucky four-cylinder wagon that includes the option of  turbo power on this standard all-wheel drive beauty.  With a few models to choose from and many different features and options, this is a great SUV/Crossover for those who are in the market for a vehicle this size that wont break the bank (starting at approximately $20,000.00). 

Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with more than 200 horsepower and an available dual-clutch transmission.  Getting approximately 29 miles per gallon on the highway, the editors at The Car Connection say the GTI is one of the best-handling cars in its class, and one with an enthusiast’s dream of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.”

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