2012 Chevrolet Sonic: Car Seat Check

With its aggressive looks, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic certainly grabs attention in a way the forgettable Aveo, which the Sonic replaces, never did. While this all-new subcompact may not scream family car — it probably doesn't even whisper it — it could be a family's second car that occasionally has child-safety seats installed in it. The Sonic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles; we tested the sedan.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

2011 Dodge Durango: First Drive

If you're shopping for an SUV that can tow your boat or camper and provide room for the family, the 2011 Durango makes a pretty strong case for itself. Even if you don't have anything to tow, the Durango's cruising comfort will be prized on road trips.

Cars.com Car of the Year: The Debate

We just announced our first ever Car of the Year award winner. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis had to pass through a lot of internal debate before capturing the award — especially from me, who held out the longest for a different winner.

Below are thoughts from our editors who were locked in a room and forced to come to a unanimous decision on a winner. We also list the other cars that were in serious contention.

Cars.com Names 2009 Hyundai Genesis Car of the Year

For our first ever Car of the Year award, the editors of Cars.com have picked the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Our editors test-drove all the newly introduced and redesigned models for 2009, and from that pool of about 60 cars chose their favorites based on features, driving quality, mileage and overall value.

You can read all about our pick here and we’ll post about the internal debate on how the Genesis took the top prize later on. For now, feel free to let us know what you think in the comments.

2009|Hyundai|Genesis