2009's Best Looking Vehicles

Considering the abundance of vehicles on the market today, deciding which ones are the "best-looking" can be a very subjective exercise.

Now, it's true that some body designs are so classic, so beautiful, that there is often a consensus among buyers and critics alike. However, generally speaking, it's also true that the notion of what constitutes "best looking" -- whether it's cars or houses or movie stars or potential mates -- often boils down to personal taste or preferences.

MSRP: $33,250 - $37,000

Why It's On Our List: The Infiniti G37 is a sleek machine with flowing and aerodynamic -- but also slightly aggressive -- lines that catch the eye. Visually bigger than the BMW 3-Series coupe with which it competes, the G37 is nonetheless one of the most beautiful coupes we've seen.

MSRP: $22,245 - $33,430

Why It's On Our List: The Chevrolet Camaro is clearly inspired by the bold, contoured design of the classic 1969 version. Years in the making, the new Camaro launches in 2009 with the sort of aggressive character lines that will turn heads on the boulevard. What's more, the car's base-model V-6 engine packs a whopping 304 horsepower, meaning that good looking fun can come cheaply.

MSRP: $200,000

Why It's On Our List: The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione brings back the historic Italian nameplate to U.S. shores. Sales of the beautiful coupe started in the end of 2008, but we're going to guess you weren't one of the 84 buyers who were lucky enough to buy one. Alfa's full plans for the U.S. market are still coming together, but we look forward to their return if they'll look like this. Ciao, bella!

MSRP: $33,900 - $35,900

Why It's On Our List: We think of the Mercedes-Benz GLK as a mini, new-age G-Class crossover. Along with the new C-class sedan, we think the GLK crossover is a return to Mercedes-Benz's form, with bold, square styling that seems like it would be right at home on the autobahn. Or, in this case, on the trail.

MSRP: $51,400 - $51,400

Why It's On Our List: The Audi S5 is the performance version of the A5 coupe (which is no ugly duckling, either). The S5, however, takes the A5's aggressive proportions and adds just a bit extra. The lower look and flared fenders complement the larger wheels and visually deliver on the car's real beauty: its 354-horsepower V-8 engine.

MSRP: $42,150 - $58,400

Why It's On Our List: The Infiniti FX is a striking, low-roofed crossover vehicle that simply looks like nothing else on the road. When it debuted in 2003 it was almost impossible to categorize; it seems to defy convention to this day.

MSRP: $25,170 - $37,170

Why It's On Our List: The Ford Taurus? Yes, we admit a few months ago we'd never think about putting a Taurus on our list of best-looking vehicles. But the recently debuted sedan is undoubtedly one of the boldest introductions we've seen in years (from anyone). The lines are crisp, the roofline looks sleek, and the wide stance of the wheels gives the car a performance-oriented feeling.

MSRP: $20,995 - $51,325

Why It's On Our List: The Ford Mustang just keeps getting better each and every year. The 2010 model does away with some of the retro-inspired look of the previous generation, instead reaching for a cleaner, more contemporary exterior. The Shelby GT500 version takes the Mustang concept to new heights in both performance and design.

MSRP: $58,575 - $58,575

Why It's On Our List: The Cadillac CTS is the perfect example of how one product can turn around a brand. When the CTS launched in 2002, some scoffed at the "folded cardboard" look, but the market responded favorably. The latest generation of the car is even better looking, but what's most important is that the car is considered a serious driving machine: there's 550-horsepower in there!

MSRP: $49,200 - $63,700

Why It's On Our List: The name Jaguar might make you think of stuffy old British cars, but the XF certainly sheds that misconception, doesn't it? The sleek sedan actually looks more like a coupe from most angles and provides a nice, contemporary refresh. It's one of our favorite sedan shapes of the year.

MSRP: $117,400 - $130,400

Why It's On Our List: There a few "no brainers" on any best-looking car list and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is certainly one of those. A low, wind-swept design by acclaimed Danish stylist Henrik Fisker (who has since started his own electric car company), we're confounded as to which end of the car looks better: front or back? Driving the V8 Vantage is an experience in speed, with 420 horsepower on tap.

MSRP: $37,200 - $37,200

Why It's On Our List: The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's newest model and some might say its most daring. A rear-drive coupe from Hyundai? Yes, sir, and it's fabulous. Unique styling, potent power and affordable price make it a car to consider.

MSRP: $37,200 - $37,200

Why It's On Our List: The Q5 is Audi's latest model, a crossover that's smaller than the company's Q7 but nevertheless should provide buyers with the sort of high driving position they like in utility vehicles. The Q5 might look like every other Audi, but is that a bad thing?

MSRP: $29,930 - $34,460

Why It's On Our List: The Nissan 370Z updates the popular 350Z sports coupe. Instead of more retro cues from earlier Z cars, however, Nissan did a bold refresh for the 2009 model. The front lights have a saber-like quality to them and the car is smaller overall than the previous model.