By Jim Prueter & Rebecca Antioco

So it comes to that time of the year again when, after driving and testing most of the manufacturer’s new cars and after countless inquiries from friends, co-workers, members and others about “what’s a good car, what should I buy?” we now have to ’fess up and lay our cards on the table. Most cars have gotten so good that it’s easier to tell you what notto buy. In most categories we could have easily picked two or three models. But in the end, after considering qualifications like safety, fuel economy, features, drive and build quality, comfort, convenience, appearance and how hard or easy it was to give it back after a weeklong test drive, we arrived at the following list of winners.  If you agree (or not) we’d like to hear from you.  Drop us a line at highroads@arizona.aaa.com and let us have it. 

SEDAN/COUPE
Under $15,000
Suzuki SX4

It might just be the best car nobody’s heard of.  It’s the only vehicle in this segment to offer all-wheel drive — and it’s standard. SX4 is roomy, attractive, has six airbags and is loaded with standard equipment. It’s a very cool entry-level car that won’t disappoint.
Fuel Economy (city/highway): 21/28
Safety Ratings: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — 4 stars. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — Not rated.

$15,000 TO $25,000
Chevrolet Malibu
The name’s been around since 1964, but this is the best Malibu ever.  How good is it?  The toughest choice in the competitive mid-sized sedan segment may no longer be between the Camry and Accord. This is the kind of car we’ve been waiting for from Detroit.
Fuel Economy: 17/26
Safety Ratings: NHTSA — 5 stars. IIHS — Good.

$25,000 TO $35,000
Cadillac CTS
For the first time, an American luxury-sports sedan rivals the best Germany and Japan have to offer — and at a bargain price. The mere fact that it’s a tough choice between the CTS and a BMW, Mercedes or Lexus makes it a winner. It was tough giving this one back after the test drive.
Fuel Economy: 18/26
Safety Ratings: NHTSA — 4 stars, driver; 5 stars, passenger.  IIHS — Good.

$35,000 TO $50,000
Audi A5
Brand new for 2008, the A5 is almost perfect in its versatility, athletic handling, luxurious accoutrements, remarkable power, and “McDreamy” good looks.  Add precision handling, Quattro all-wheel drive, short, butter-smooth shift throws and the best-looking interior in the business, we’ll take it over a BMW any day.
Fuel Economy: 14/21
Safety Ratings: Not rated.

Over $50,000
Audi A8
Nearly perfect, the A8 ekes out the nod in a segment with no shortage of excellent luxury competitors like Mercedes S550, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS 460. This is a supreme German luxury cruiser with a sumptuous interior, superlative comfort, precise handling matched with a silky smooth drive train and loaded with advanced electronics and technology. 
Fuel Economy: 16/23
Safety Ratings: Not rated.

CONVERTIBLE
Under $35,000
Ford Mustang
Ok, the body style isn’t new this year but like fine wine, its retro good looks just keeps getting better with age.  Numerous editions including a Shelby GT version and standard side air bags (finally) for ’08 and the genuine American pony car remains a sporty and fun-to-drive favorite.
Fuel Economy: 15/23
Safety Ratings: NHTSA — 5 stars.  IIHS — Acceptable.

Over $35,000
Chevrolet Corvette
It’s still the best bang-for-the-buck two-seat sports car on the market.  Corvette remains as thrilling a vehicle as there is to drive.  Beauty at speed or standing still, all cars should be this much fun.
Fuel Economy: 16/26
Safety Ratings: Not rated.

SUV
Under $25,000
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Our 2007 pick for Cool Car is loaded with FJ heritage including the white roof, upright windshield with three wipers and, of course, off-road prowess. This has to be the best value you can get.
Fuel Economy: 16/20
Safety Ratings: NHTSA — 5 stars.  IIHS — Good.

$25,000 TO $35,000
GMC Acadia
The perfect alternative to full-sized truck-based SUVs, Acadia is a true crossover that has as much room as a full-size Yukon, comes standard with three rows of seats and is as easy to drive as a vehicle half its size.  With its appealing style and excellent fit and finish, Acadia rises to the top.
Fuel Economy: 16/24
Safety Ratings: NHTSA – 5 stars.  IIHS – Not rated.

$35,000 TO $50,000
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
A repeat winner, this vehicle is so well designed and drives so nicely, it’s everything you expect from a Mercedes-Benz.  If you had to drive one vehicle for the rest of your life, this is one you could live with.
Fuel Economy: 15/20
Safety Ratings: NHTSA – 5 stars.  IIHS – Good.

Over $50,000
Lexus LX 570
You’ll pay a lot for the all new for 2008 LX 570 but it delivers with premium luxury, impressive technology and rugged off-road capability. You’ll seek excuses to run errands — and take the long way around while doing so.  Does anybody do quality better than Lexus?
Fuel Economy: 12/18 city/hwy
Safety Ratings: Not rated.

TRUCK
Full-Size
Toyota Tundra
Our Most Important Vehiclefor 2007, the full-size Tundra narrowly edges the Chevy Silverado for the top spot. Truck owners are fiercely loyal to their brand, but Toyota got the Tundra so close to being right, there’s little reason not to choose it.
Fuel Economy: 15/19
Safety Ratings: Not yet rated.

Mid-Size/Compact
Nissan Frontier
We loved driving the Frontier. Powerful, roomy, loaded with standard equipment and safety features, Frontier feels solid and seems well built with excellent fit and finish. Frontier looks tough and its advanced off-road systems and innovative cargo bed features are the best in the business.
Fuel Economy: 19/23
Safety Ratings: NHTSA – 4 stars.  IIHS – Good.

HYBRID
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
With the industry’s first full-size SUV hybrid, Chevy breaks new ground. City fuel economy improves by almost 50 percent (30 percent improvement overall), with no sacrifice in towing capacity. We thought the Tahoe was terrific before the hybrid; it now sets the standard for all full-sized truck-based SUVs.
Fuel Economy: 22/22
Safety Ratings: NHTSA – 5 stars.  IIHS – Not rated.

MINIVAN
Dodge Grand Caravan
All new for ’08 the redesigned Caravan is a good one.  Loaded with well thought-out features like Swivel ‘n Go second-row seats with an optional table, more powerful engine, roomier interior and improved safety features.  If you like or need to drive a minivan this will help the driving time pass quicker.
Fuel Economy: 17/24
Safety Ratings: NHTSA – 5 stars.  IIHS – Not rated.

COOL CAR
Audi R8
No other vehicle even comes close to the impressive R8 for our Cool Car choice.  The breathtaking, super exotic mid-engine, all-wheel drive two-seater is world-class and compromises nothing. Exclusive? Just 200 will be sent to the U.S. this year.
Fuel Economy: 13/20
Safety Ratings: Not rated.

Want more info?  Read the complete reviews of all our top picks and others at AAA.com. For more information on safety ratings, visit iihs.org or safercar.gov.