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2009 Infiniti EX 35

Incredible "top down" around-view composite parking camera system. The system uses four cameras and software, and it really works!
Audio safety alert system uses radar and braking measurements, to indicate that you're closing too quickly on a nearby vehicle or object. It was right, too.
Nice reasonable size. Not huge.
Great ride and comfort - opposite of hard-riding FX series
Small wagon-like versatility
Plenty of power
All the bells and whistles - including safety features

Lousy gas mileage - 19 combined
Rear seat knee room is minimal
Cargo room is compromised by the EX 35's sleek design

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We got 28 MPG, combined - not bad!
Cool looking car. We think it'll be the #1 back-to-college car
A bit over $18,000, fully tricked out with sunroof and all the accoutrements
Two-liter engine is entirely adequate. We'd skip the 1.6 liter, which we think might be a bit underpowered.
Pretty comfortable - including the back seat
Handles well for a little car
Surprisingly quiet
120 month/100,000 miles power train warranty

Very little cargo room, especially when traveling with driver and three passengers
Small, so safety is a concern
Annoying flashing speaker display on console. (Can be deactivated.)

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2009 Hyundai Genesis

For a little over $30K, you can have a car that's, in many ways, comparable to a mid-level Lexus or an Infiniti, either one of which is easily $10K more. Just as when Lexus and Infiniti first came out and undercut the German cars.
Very comfortable ride, leans more to soft than sporty, but great for most people
Excellent warranty, and a good manufacturer reputation
Sweet engine. Six cylinder has all the power you need

A hint, here and there, of cheesiness and tackiness in the styling that's not present in high-end Japanese cars
Little prestige in driving a Hyundai, if you care about such things (we don't)

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2009 Volkswagen TDI Jetta

Excellent mileage
Much quieter than old diesels. Average driver might not even notice any additional noise most of the time.
Sporty handling
Good, practical size
Station wagon option

Clutch was a bit touchy, leading to stalling.
Large plastic cover over engine is designed to minimize noise. When it comes loose in a few years, the passenger cabin is going to get noisier.
No power in second gear. Unforgiving, if you're in second gear and driving a touch too slowly - you'll stall out.
Diesel fuel prices are somewhat unpredictable. If they soar, could negate the monetary savings of higher mileage.
Spartan feel to the car's interior
Seats are very firm
Diesels vibrate - this one included. Over time, that'll increase wear and noise.

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2009 Volvo Cross Country XC70

Safe - you feel like you're in a bank vault
Solid, quiet
Handles great
Plenty of power: 281 HP
All-wheel-drive standard
Very comfortable ride

Pricey
Only gets 20 MPG on highway - lousy mileage for a car that's marketed to socially conscious consumers
Expensive to repair
Two-step process to start car is cumbersome

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2009 Lincoln MKS

Less expensive than other cars in luxury class
All-wheel-drive (optional)
Nice looking
Reasonably sized
Handling leans more towards comfort than sportiness
Very comfortable rear seat
Rear-seat heaters are a nice touch

Still not as reliable as Japanese cars
Handling leans more towards comfort than sportiness
Mileage only just okay

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2009 Toyota Matrix

Toyota quality
Small
Inexpensive
All-wheel drive
Good ride

Poor rear visibility

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