Cars We Recommend

With so many choices, the new-car market can be more challenging than a Beirut bazaar. But that's where we come in.

Drawing on our collective expertise, we've selected the models that should top your list of test drives.

We specifically sought cars that rise above basic transportation to provide unexpected pleasures — that extra bit of driving enjoyment, class-leading performance and, in a few cases, gas mileage good enough to lower your monthly operating expenses.

For detailed information on how these recommendations were determined, click here.

Or get started now by reviewing our selections in each category — coupes, sedans, convertibles and wagons.

How We Made Our Choices

Evaluating cars requires an analysis of both objective data, such as pricing, safety and reliability, as well as subjective impressions. The editors of ForbesAutos.com and our expert contributors devote endless hours to considering all the characteristics that go into the experience of owning a car — from intangibles like style to practical concerns like utility. We also draw on extensive experience with a wide range of brands and models.

While most car buyers give up precious spare time to check out the newest cars once every few years, we are busy keeping up with all the choices out there as part of our everyday work, year after year.

Most of our contributor's waking hours are spent driving and testing new models. Members of the office-bound contingent spend each day brainstorming, researching and reviewing everything luxury automotive. What we haven't wrung out, we've at least been exposed to at auto shows and manufacturer presentations.

Don Sherman, who guided the selection process for our recommendations, has 35 years of experience in the auto industry, not only writing about cars, but testing them.

Sherman studied as an engineer and worked briefly for a major car company before becoming a writer at Car and Driver magazine. At that publication, he developed testing procedures still in use. After a stint as Car and Driver's editor-in-chief, Sherman became an independent car tester and reviewer. He contributes to many publications, including Automobile, Automotive News, Motor Trend, Popular Science and The New York Times.

The GPS-based test gear Sherman uses to document performance is state of the art. He drives and tests at least 100 cars per year.

We gauged his nominations against the opinions of fellow editors at ForbesAutos.com and other colleagues with car expertise.

The cars we've chosen are 2006 or early 2007 models. (Even though it's still 2006, some cars already in the market are designated as 2007 models. Any vehicle introduced for sale after Jan. 1, 2006 is eligible for "next" model year status.)

Click here to check out the coupes, sedans, convertibles and wagons we think should top your test drive lists.