Best Selling Sedans: December 2009

December 2009 Sales: 7,256
Change vs. December 2008: Up 109.7%
MSRP: $25,170 - $37,770

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The 2010 Taurus is Ford's new flagship that offers full-size car interior dimensions, luxury car interior quietness, a top safety rating as well as advanced technology, to give it's owners confidence on the road.

The front-wheel or all-wheel drive Taurus is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the option of steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Taurus redesign also marks the return of the SHO performance model, powered by a twin-turbo version of the 3.5-liter V6, it produces 365-hp and channels that through standard all-wheel drive and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, six airbags, ignition disable and post-crash SOS alert. There are many kinds of technology features available such as Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning, MyKey parental features, SYNC, capless refueling, touch-pad keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rain-sensing wipers and intelligent keyless entry.

December 2009 Sales: 7,863
Change vs. December 2008: Up 15.4%
MSRP: $17,735 - $24,990

Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/21 mpg City

The Volkswagen Jetta is the least expensive German sedan/wagon in the North American market, available in sedan or wagon bodystyles, the Jetta offers something for everyone.

The Jetta is powered by three different engines, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower, a 140-hp 2.0L TDI clean-diesel engine for those looking for maximum fuel economy, or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo in the Wolfsburg Edition. Buyers that go with the 2.5-liter engine can choose between either a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed Tiptronic automatic; while TDI and 2.0T buyers select from either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed DSG auto with Tiptronic. All Jetta's come standard with many safety features including six air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, traction control and tire pressure monitoring.

December 2009 Sales: 8,884
Change vs. December 2008: Up 7.6%
MSRP: $33,150 - $45,000

Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The BMW 328i delivers a special mix of sporting performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. It's the car that defines 'sport sedan,' and the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at when it develops an entry-level luxury sport sedan.

The rear-wheel drive 328i is available in coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible bodies, while the all-wheel drive 328i xDrive is available in coupe, sedan and wagon only. Power is provided by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variations, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. Standard safety features include six airbags, four wheel ABS disc brakes with adaptive brakelights, traction and stability control, as well as pop-up roll-over protection on the convertible.

December 2009 Sales: 10,485
Change vs. December 2008: Up 59%
MSRP: $18,700 - $26,550

Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

The Hyundai Sonata is a four-door, five-passenger sedan that has an established reputation for being well built and excellent value for money. It holds its own when compared to other mid-sized cars in this competitive class.

Motivation comes from a 175-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with the choice of a five-speed manual or a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 249-hp 3.3-liter V6 mated to a Shiftronic five-speed automatic transmission is also available. Safety features on all Sonatas include the mandatory dual-stage front-seat airbags; front-seat side-impact airbags for torso protection; and full-coverage side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake assist, and electronic stability control with traction control.

December 2009 Sales: 11,775
Change vs. December 2008: Up 49.8%
MSRP: $21,400 - $28,070

Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy/51 mpg City

The Prius is available in four trim levels - Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V - with a base Prius I trim scheduled to arrive later in the model year. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission. Every Prius is equipped with a high level of standard equipment: Prius II trims feature 15-inch alloy wheels, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with driver door Smart Key passive entry, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, MP3 capability and driver's seat height adjustment; Prius III trims add Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio and upgraded audio with a 6-disc CD changer; Prius IV trims are further outfitted with heated front seats and leather upholstery, while the Prius V boasts 17-inch alloy wheels and auto-leveling LED low-beam headlights. Standard safety technologies include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitor, as well as dual front, front side-impact and front and rear overhead curtain airbags. An optional Advanced Technology Package offers progressive features such as a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and intelligent parking assist. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.

December 2009 Sales: 11,996
Change vs. December 2008: Up 103.6%
MSRP: $19,995 - $29,995

Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy/19 mpg City

The Subaru Legacy is a full-time all-wheel drive sedan that has been completely redesigned for 2010.

The Legacy is available with a 170-hp naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual (or optional 6-speed CVT), or a 265-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual, or a, new for this year, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder with a 5-speed automatic. The CVT and automatic transmissions feature a manual mode with paddle levers on the steering wheel. Limited models feature leather seating, a 6-disc 440-watt 9-speaker harman/kardon audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability.

December 2009 Sales: 13,613
Change vs. December 2008: Down 35.6%
MSRP: 24,290 - $29,930

Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy/18 mpg City

The Chevrolet Impala is a comfortable and convenient car, practical and enjoyable to drive. It has neat and clean lines with a fresh style that is pleasing to the eye.

The Impala is a full-size front-wheel drive sedan capable of carrying up to six people. It comes in three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ. The LS and LT include a 211-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine which is also available in an E85-capable version. The LTZ includes a 233-hp 3.9-liter E85-capable V6. All trims come with a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes front bucket seats, Stabilitrak, and front, side and side curtain airbags.

December 2009 Sales: 14,205
Change vs. December 2008: Up 21.7%
MSRP: $16,290 - $18,780

Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy, 24 mpg City

Small, economical, and fun, the Ford Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car.

Available as a coupe or sedan the Focus includes only minor changes for 2010. The engine is a 140-hp 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The interior features an available SYNC system that allows the driver to synchronize mobile electronic devices such as mp3 players and cell phones. Four airbags are standard, and rear seats include headrests. Ford offers two series on the coupe, the SE and SES; and four on the sedan, the S, SE, sporty SES, and luxury SEL. New for 2010, Ford's MyKey, Message Center, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, remote keyless entry and power door locks are standard on all series.

December 2009 Sales: 18,643
Change vs. December 2008: Up 7.7%
MSRP: $19,900 - $29,600

Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy/23 mpg City

The front-wheel drive, five-passenger Nissan Altima combines performance and an attractive exterior as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan.

The Nissan Altima is powered by either a 175-hp 2.5-liter V6 or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The trims on the Altima include: the 2.5 Base (on the sedan only), the 2.5 S, and the 3.5 SR. Safety features include: four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints, vehicle stability and traction control, front seat-belt pre-tensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). For a sportier appearance the coupe's roofline is 2.6 inches lower than the sedan's and flows back into a long and nicely sculpted tail section that narrows between wide shoulders above prominent wheel arches. The suspension is tuned to provide the driver with a more nimble feel and heightened responsiveness.

December 2009 Sales: 18,852
Change vs. December 2008: Up 83.5%
MSRP: $19,695 - $28,355

Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

Attractive and purposeful, the redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion is an excellent choice among midsize sedans.

With a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, in addition to front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Fusion has something for everyone. The powerteams are a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 240-hp 3.0L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The addition of a 263-hp 3.5L V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission is new for this year. The Fusion is available in four trim levels, the S, SE, SEL, and Sport. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

December 2009 Sales: 19,374
Change vs. December 2008: Up 11.6%
MSRP: $21,825 - $26,955

Fuel Economy: 30 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The award winning Chevrolet Malibu emphasizes civilized road manners, quality construction and practicality, with clean, contemporary styling.

The 2010 Malibu has three trim levels: LS, LT, and LTZ. All models come with a 169-hp, 2.4-liter E85-compatible four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The LS includes a four-speed automatic transmission. The LT and LTZ include a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the LT and LTZ is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6, matched with a six-speed automatic. The Malibu comes with standard safety features such as seat-mounted thorax airbags, side-curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Bluetooth is standard on the LTZ, optional on the LT. New for 2010, driver power lumbar is standard on all trims.

December 2009 Sales: 22,319
Change vs. December 2008: Up 29%
MSRP: $15,455 - $25,340

Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and popular economy compact cars in its class. For years it has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact car market.

Available in sedan or coupe bodies, all but the GX and Si trims are powered by a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic. The performance-oriented Si, comes with a 197 horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4 bolted to a six-speed manual, while the GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the 1.8-liter gas engine, and a five-speed automatic. Standard safety features on all Civics include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints and tire pressure monitoring.

December 2009 Sales: 26,159
Change vs. December 2008: Up 17.1%
MSRP: $21,055 - $29,305

Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The Accord is Honda's largest car, offering generous interior space for up to 5 people wrapped in stylish exterior sheet metal.

The Accord comes either as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engines are available in five-speed manual or automatic transmission for both styles of the Accord, while the V6 sedan is only available in five-speed automatic. The V6 coupe is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Cloth upholstery is standard on all but the EX-L models which feature leather seats and a leather-covered steering wheel. Safety is enhanced on all Accords with six standard airbags, including side-impact air bags for front seats and side curtain air bags. Four-wheel disc, anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Brake Assist and active front head restraints also come standard.

December 2009 Sales: 34,220
Change vs. December 2008: Up 54.6%
MSRP: $15,450 - $18,960

Fuel Economy: 35 mpg Hwy/26 mpg City

The Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable.

The 2010 Corolla comes in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, S, and XRS. The principal powertrain is a 132 horsepower, 1.8-liter dual VVT-I engine, matched with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. An added powertrain, available only in XRS models, is a 158 horsepower, 2.4-liter VVT-I engine with a five-speed manual or new five-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, ABS with brake assist, and whiplash protecting front seat active head restraints. New for 2010, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control is standard on all models.

Note: Currently there is a recall on this vehicle. Click here for more information.

December 2009 Sales: 34,946
Change vs. December 2008: Up 38.3%
MSRP: $19,395 - $29,045

Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy/22 mpg City

The benchmark Toyota Camry sedan continues its reputation of safety, reliability, and quality while offering fuel efficiency, space, and power.

The Camry is a front-wheel drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan featuring four trims: Base, LE, SE, and XLE. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission are standard; a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting is optional. LE, SE, and XLE models are available with a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. Stability and traction control, six-airbags, and tire pressure monitor are standard.

Note: Currently there is a recall on this vehicle. Click here for more information.