Vehicle Type

Whether you already know what kind of car you want or you're still exploring your options, our 2007 car buying guide will tell you what you need to know before shopping for a vehicle in any of these categories:

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  Convertible
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  Coupe
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  Minivan/Van
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  Sedan
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  SUV
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  Truck
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  Wagon
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  Diesel
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  Hybrid
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  Mobility

What's New for 2007

Another new model year, another 50 new vehicles. Unlike the last couple years, though, when cars of medium size and price dominated the new arrivals, 2007 is shaping up to be a year of extremes. For instance, the bottom end of the economy car segment, which typically sees few comings and goings, has more than doubled in size. Betting that a significant percentage of American car buyers are ready to drive smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, the major import players have new subcompact hatchback entries with names like Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris.

At the other end of the spectrum, there's plenty going on among large trucks and SUVs, and it's not just the domestic brands doing the moving and the shaking. Indeed, popular models like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado (plus their GMC counterparts) are redesigned this year, but so is the Toyota Tundra, which finally steps up to the plate with the kind of size and strength that serious pickup truck buyers require. Cadillac has unveiled a glitzy new Escalade, but Mercedes-Benz's new GL450, the company's largest ever sport-ute, may steal some of the Caddy's bling.

Between these poles, the car-based crossover SUV class has hit another growth spurt. Among compact SUVs, the strong-selling Honda CR-V has been redesigned, while newcomers like the 2007 Jeep Compass and 2007 Acura RDX are joining in. Move up a half size or two and you'll find athletic new entries like the 2007 Mazda CX-7 and 2007 Ford Edge. For those who need three rows of seating, there's the surprisingly roomy 2007 Mazda CX-9, along with all-new versions of the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Hyundai Santa Fe. For those who still want to go rugged, the retro-cool 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser and redesigned 2007 Jeep Wrangler can't be overlooked.

That is, unless you just want to drive a basic sedan in 2007. With major redesigns for big-name players like the Infiniti G35, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, consumers who prefer to drive cars will find plenty of options as well. In addition, the arrival of the Camry Hybrid and Altima Hybrid means that hybrid technology has gone mainstream once and for all.

For those who don't need more than two doors, new coupes from BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz should prove tempting, as should the slick new hardtop convertibles from VW and Mazda. And did we mention the darling of the automotive world, the Mini Cooper, is redesigned?

As always, keeping up with all the new car debuts, redesigns and refreshes is about as daunting a task as figuring out the logic behind the fall television schedule. We're here to help you cut through the confusion, with this segment-by-segment look at all that's new for 2007.

Rise of the small cars
Hatchbacks have never been as popular in the U.S. as they are in Europe and Japan, but as high gas prices and tight emissions standards go from being a fleeting annoyance to a fact of life, this space-efficient body style is bound to catch on. No surprise, then, that all of the new subcompacts, including the Fit, Versa, Yaris and the all-wheel-drive 2007 Suzuki SX4, can be had in hatchback form. Additionally, Hyundai has added a three-door hatch version of its entry-level Accent.

As the automakers have prioritized affordability and fuel economy, performance is modest on all of these cars. However, Honda's Fit offers the most sporting dynamics. For buyers who are taller in stature, the roomy cabin of the Nissan Versa will have broad appeal.

If you like the idea of driving a small car but desire something that offers athleticism and panache, the redesigned 2007 Mini Cooper should be your first and last stop. Painstaking is the only word for this overhaul, as the Cooper retains its iconic personality, while gaining stronger engine choices, sharper handling and a more comfortable and ergonomic cockpit.

As impressive as the new Mini is, it isn't one-size-fits-all. For those who need something larger, the all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber, a compact five-door hatchback/wagon, might seem like an appealing choice. What makes the Caliber hatch interesting is that it's the direct replacement for the old Neon sedan — Dodge says there will be no sedan version. Unfortunately, much like the Neon, the Caliber comes up short in cabin quality and overall refinement.

The Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra, two economy sedans with more traditional values, have been redesigned. Both sedans are larger, better equipped and more upscale in appearance than their predecessors, though catching up with class leaders like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic won't be easy. Another newcomer is the 2007 Pontiac G5, a coupe-only version of the Chevrolet Cobalt.

Heavyweight sport-utes smarten up
Small cars may be the future, but manufacturers certainly haven't forgotten about full-size SUVs and trucks. What's new for this year is a noticeable effort to improve fuel-efficiency, maneuverability and refinement — in other words, manufacturers have made them more like cars. GM's new workaday SUVs, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2007 Chevrolet Suburban and 2007 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, ride on a new, fully boxed frame that gives them a great deal more composure on pavement. Although their V8 engines are as torque-rich as ever, cylinder-deactivation technology means you might actually see 20 mpg on the highway. Inside, interior design and materials quality are vastly improved, and the only real disappointment is the lack of fold-flat rear seating.

Higher up the food chain, the 2007 Cadillac Escalade, along with its ESV and EXT siblings, receives many of these same upgrades, but has its own 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission. This should have made it the fastest of the large luxury SUVs, but while GM's collective back was turned, Mercedes-Benz swooped in with the well-packaged and attractively priced 2007 GL450. The GL's V8 displaces only 4.7 liters, yet the Benz is significantly quicker than even the standard Escalade and just as capable as a tow vehicle. It's also more upscale on the inside and equipped with the requisite fold-flat third row.

In other news, Ford has performed a major refresh on the 2007 Expedition, incorporating a stiffer frame, upgraded interior furnishings, more standard equipment and, perhaps most important of all, a lower price tag. There's also the extended-length 2007 Ford Expedition EL, which fills the void left by the Excursion and finally gives Ford a direct competitor to the Suburban. The 2007 Lincoln Navigator receives all these upgrades, too, along with a ritzier cabin and a lot more chrome. Later in the year, you'll see a super-size Navigator, aptly named the Navigator L. Compared to GM's SUVs, Ford's offerings have roomier passenger accommodations, but with a 300-hp V8 as the sole power source, they're nowhere near as quick.

Rounding out the introductions in this class are the 2007 Audi Q7, arguably the most artistic of the three-row luxury SUVs, and the 2007 Chrysler Aspen, which is little more than a clone of the Dodge Durango.

Big trucks that matter
Full-size pickup trucks are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S., and 2007 is a big year. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, whose annual combined sales recently exceeded those of the No. 1 Ford F-Series, are completely redesigned. They have all-new frames, revamped suspensions, three bed lengths, a 10,500-pound maximum tow rating and numerous safety features.

As impressive as that sounds, the domestic manufacturers' worst nightmare also arrives this year: an all-new 2007 Toyota Tundra. Unlike the last Tundra, this one is truly full-size, and thanks to its stout underpinnings and new 5.7-liter V8, it can tow and haul just as much as the American-bred pickups. Plus, it has all the cab and bed configurations that both regular consumers and commercial customers expect. If you're shopping for a new half-ton truck this year, this Toyota is a must-drive.

Other new pickups include the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, which continues to offer flexibility to those who can't decide between a pickup and an SUV, and the midsize 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which has finally moved to the current Explorer platform. Although much improved over the original Sport Trac, and available with a V8 for the first time, this Ford isn't as useful as the 2007 Honda Ridgeline .

Midsize sedans: big names, new beginnings
There aren't too many introductions in the midsize sedan segment, but when best-sellers like the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are all-new, it's a big deal. The 2007 Camry is of course larger, more comfortable and more refined than any of its predecessors. The base four-cylinder engine that most buyers select is still no powerhouse, but for those who can afford to upgrade, the new 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 is one of the most potent and fuel-efficient six-cylinders in this class.

The Altima, meanwhile, is poised to reassert itself as the top athlete in the family sedan segment, and with a 265-horse V6 matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it should be just as quick as the Toyota. More importantly, it finally has the high-quality interior it needs to compete for the top spot.

Another major debut is the 2007 Saturn Aura, which represents Saturn's first credible offering in this segment. Virtually identical in size to the 2007 Pontiac G6, the Aura offers attractive styling, a spacious cabin and standard V6 power. Although it still falls short of the class leaders in refinement, its well-sorted handling dynamics and lower price tag should help it make in-roads in this class. Those who can spend a bit more may want to look at the 2007 Lincoln MKZ. A lightly revised version of last year's Zephyr, the MKZ steps up with a much needed 3.5-liter V6 and optional all-wheel drive.

Chrysler has also redesigned the 2007 Sebring, moving its midsize sedan to an enlarged version of the compact Caliber platform. Although the car offers three engine options, a composed ride and some interesting features for this class, its general lack of refinement will prevent it from mounting a serious challenge to better qualified imports and domestic-brand entries.

Hybrids get practical, diesels get pricey
It's a hot and cold year for environmentally motivated car buyers. On the one hand, the debut of the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid, each of which pairs a four-cylinder gasoline engine with a Toyota-designed electric motor-generator, should make hybrid car ownership a viable proposition for a much larger cross-section of families. Plus, the 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid (a.k.a. the Green Line) has also arrived, and while it's not the most polished or efficient hybrid we've ever driven, it's convincingly inexpensive. And for those who think hybrid technology should deliver performance benefits in addition to impressive economy, the 2007 Lexus GS 450h is not to be missed, as it accelerates to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds while delivering mileage estimates of 25 city/28 highway.

On the other hand, tightening emissions regulations have significantly limited the variety of diesel cars on sale for '07. The popular TDI versions of Volkswagen's small cars (Jetta, Rabbit, New Beetle) are gone, as is the Jeep Liberty CRD. The five diesels that will be available are all on the pricey side and most will only meet 45-state emissions certification.

The most affordable of these is actually an SUV, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI. With a respectable 215 hp, an impressive 398 pound-feet of torque and significantly better fuel economy than its gasoline siblings, the diesel M makes a lot of sense. This drivetrain will also be available in the heavier 2007 Mercedes R-Class and 2007 Mercedes GL-Class; in fact, we expect the GL320 CDI to be the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV on the market. Meanwhile, the only true car in this group, the diesel 2007 Mercedes E-Class sedan, is renamed the E320 Bluetec in reference to its cleaner exhaust treatment technology.

Car-based SUVs rule the day
It used to be that car-based crossover SUVs represented only a fraction of the sport-utility vehicles on the market. Then, it was half and half. For 2007, it's clear that car-based utes have conquered the SUV kingdom. Among the redesigned models in this category, the 2007 Honda CR-V, 2007 Acura MDX and 2007 BMW X5 head up the list. The CR-V isn't much more powerful than last year's model, but it's the most kid-friendly of the compact sport-utes by a wide margin, not to mention agile and refined on the road. The second-generation MDX, meanwhile, is every bit as family-centered as the original, but it's now one of the most athletic and technologically sophisticated SUVs available at any price. However, we expect the redesigned X5 to match the Acura strength for strength.

Other impressive redesigns include the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, which now have the power, styling and feature content they need to attract buyers looking at their Honda and Toyota competitors. The 2007 Suzuki XL-7 is another solid contender in this class. Its powerful V6 and third-row seat will also be seen in its forthcoming corporate siblings, the GMC Acadia and 2007 Saturn Outlook.

Of the many first-time entries in this category, the 2007 Acura RDX and 2007 Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 stand out. The RDX is Acura's answer to BMW's successful X3 luxury compact sport-ute, and with its sharp handling, premium interior and lower price, it demands consideration. One curiosity about the RDX is the fact that it uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of a conventional six-cylinder — a trait it shares with Mazda's five-passenger CX-7. Less expensive and less upscale than the Acura, the stylish CX-7 is nonetheless the best-handling SUV in the under-$30,000 price bracket.

For those who need more room, the larger, V6-equipped Mazda CX-9 should be just as appealing. Even with seven seats and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the CX-9 is a bona fide athlete — and with its sleek bodywork, it shrugs off the mommy/daddymobile image. If you like the Mazda's 263-hp V6 but don't need all that room, the five-passenger 2007 Ford Edge is worth a look. Or consider the 2007 Lincoln MKX, basically an Edge with a bigger dose of luxury amenities.

Rounding out the debuts are the 2007 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot. Based on the Dodge Caliber platform, the Compass and Patriot are the first ever Jeeps without serious off-road credentials. They're powered by four-cylinder engines and come in front-drive- and all-wheel-drive configurations, though low-range gearing is optional on the Patriot. The Dodge Nitro, meanwhile, shares its underpinnings with the unibody Jeep Liberty. Yet, unlike the Liberty, it's not intended to be a rough-and-tumble sport-ute, as Dodge has tuned its suspension for street duty.

Still want to go off-road?
For the small group of SUV buyers who want real all-terrain capability, there are a couple of good ones to consider. High on the list is the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, which combines retro FJ40 styling cues that everyone can appreciate, with a modern chassis, a smooth 4.0-liter V6 and a comfortable interior. Reverse-opening rear doors keep it from being a practical family vehicle, but with 9.6 inches of ground clearance, short overhangs, loads of wheel travel and a sophisticated traction control system, nothing short of a Jeep Wrangler can outdo it off-road.

Speaking of which, the Wrangler is redesigned for 2007 and it's as tough as ever over dirt and rocks. The elite Rubicon model has over 10 inches of ground clearance, front and rear locking differentials and a detachable front stabilizer bar. On the pavement, though, the '07 Wrangler is nowhere near as civilized as the FJ despite the fact that it's greatly improved over past versions. Ride quality isn't bad, but the Jeep's 3.8-liter V6 is lethargic during passing attempts, and handling and braking characteristics hearken back to an earlier era.

Budget performance with four doors
Enthusiast drivers looking for a good buy will like what they find among the budget compacts in 2007. Most impressive is the 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 five-door hatchback, which offers a potent 263-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Feeding all that power through the front wheels might seem like a dicey proposition, but with a limited-slip differential and careful torque management in 1st and 2nd gears, it works brilliantly on the 3. Add in an aggressively tuned chassis and this is one fearsome hatchback through the turns. Dodge is making similar promises about its Caliber SRT-4 hot hatch, also turbocharged and also front-wheel drive, but it won't go on sale until later in the year.

Easily overshadowed by the Mazda is the 2007 Honda Civic Si sedan. It has all the virtues of the Si coupe, including the high-revving engine, limited-slip front differential and quick steering, but offers four-door convenience for enthusiast parents.

If top-down driving is your thing, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP and 2007 Saturn Sky — the latter offered in regular and Red Line (high-performance) versions — will surely get your attention. Mechanically identical to the Solstice, the Sky offers a different take on drop-top styling that's no less pleasing. The GXP and Red Line versions of these roadsters have a 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a slightly stiffer suspension.

Higher-end performance
For enthusiasts with bigger budgets, the redesigned 2007 Infiniti G35 deserves consideration. It finally has the top-grade interior furnishings it needs to compete with its German foes, and its handling now comes very close to BMW's class-leading dynamics. And don't forget its sweet 306-hp V6, capable of propelling it to 60 mph in a short 5.6 seconds.

Buyers seeking a premium two-door have a range of enthralling choices, from the 2007 BMW 3 Series coupe, which can be equipped with all-wheel drive or a superb 300-hp twin-turbo inline-6, to the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, a high-performance Mustang coupe or convertible with a 500-hp supercharged V8. There's also a new base-model Porsche Cayman that offers most of the S model's virtues at a substantially reduced cost. Higher up the scale, the 911 family welcomes back the elite Turbo and track-ready GT3 models for 2007. If money is of no concern, of course, you'd be remiss not to sample the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB and its 612-hp, Enzo-derived V12.

Pure luxury cars
For those who want a pure luxury experience, the redesigned 2007 Lexus LS 460, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2007 Volvo S80 sedans stand ready to accommodate. "Subtle" describes Volvo's overhaul of the S80, as this sedan still prioritizes comfort and safety over athleticism. Cutting-edge safety features like blind-spot information and crash avoidance systems set it apart from similarly priced competitors, but modest power from its V6 and V8 engines could put it at a disadvantage.

In contrast, Lexus saw to every possible detail in its redesign of the LS. Its flagship sedan, now available in regular- and long-wheelbase form, could very well be the most refined automobile on the planet, and the LS 460 matches up with the BMW 7 Series and S-Class in both opulence and technology. If there's anything missing in this impressive sedan, it's personality, but unless you take the back roads, you probably won't miss it.

Or, you could simply put your money on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a stunning sedan that's larger, more luxurious and more tech-savvy than its predecessor, yet downright entertaining to drive, even on those aforementioned back roads. And with four unique models in the lineup (S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG), not to mention a 4Matic all-wheel-drive option, there's something to please every variation of ultraluxury sedan buyer.

Among the high-end two-doors, the 2007 Jaguar XK and 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes will provide stiff competition for BMW's 6 Series, if not in driving dynamics, then certainly on an aesthetic level. With both a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 and 510-hp twin-turbo V12 in the lineup, the new CL promises to be quick, and just as adroit and technologically advanced as the S-Class. Meanwhile, the aluminum-bodied XK is more nimble and refined than its predecessor (not to mention quite powerful in XKR guise) but still doesn't offer the performance levels we'd like to see at this high price point.

Convertibles with real tops
Finally, there's a new trend in the convertible class: hardtops that effectively turn your convertible into an all-weather coupe. The Volvo C70 started the movement last year, and for 2007, the Volkswagen Eos offers most of the same attributes with a lower price tag.

Additionally, the arrival of an optional power-operated hardtop for the 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata means that even budget-minded roadster buyers can take advantage of this convenience — at the expense of the over-the-shoulder tossability of the Miata's standard soft top.

No question, there are a lot of new vehicles competing for your attention in 2007, but Edmunds' 2007 new car buying guide will help you zero in on the one that's right for you.