Even though the automotive market is rapidly changing as to whats available for purchase, all of the manufactures still have active websites and ’09-’10 model years are both available. Enjoy this article and try out all of the web links for each of the manufactures.

Retro Flashback

’09 Dodge Challenger R/T

This vehicle is available with a 5.7 liter V8 Hemi engine rated at 372 hp. Automatic or 6spd manual transmissions are available in the R/T and SR/T only, the base model Challenger only comes with a V6 and automatic transmission. Starting price for the R/T is $29,995.

’09 Dodge Challenger SR/T8

You can step it up a notch and go with the 6.1 liter V8 Hemi rated at 425hp in the SR/T8 for about $39,995.

For more information about the Dodge Challenger, refer to this Dodge Challenger website to create your own interactive computer version with a variety of colors and options. You can also use the 360 degree view for a chance to check out the interior and exterior from all angles.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

(possible fall of ’09 release)
Depending on which version you want (RS, LS, or SS) the options are endless. The SS comes with a 6.2 liter/422 hp engine. Transmissions even vary from model to model.

There are 2 different 6spd. manual transmissions available, each with a different gearing. The price ranges from base model to SS model vary from $22,995 to $37,995.

Here’s the cool web link for Chevy Camaro to check out the options that are available.

’09 Ford Mustang

Mustangs come in a variety of styles. Base models start around $21,000, GT models go for $30,000 and the Shelby GT model for $81,000. The best of the 3 is the Shelby GT500.

The Shelby GT500 offers a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 engine pushing 540 hp. This vehicle has a tuned suspension for precision handling of this Mustang.

For a chance to see all of the available options, check out this interactive Mustang website.

’09 Jeep Wrangler

The 2009 Jeep has the same old look but with modern upgrades.

With the comfort and convenience of a smooth riding car, the Wrangler is a 4 wheel drive with a short wheel base and light weight in comparison to other vehicles in it’s class. It has a smoother running and more fuel efficient engine than in past years.

Starting at $21,200 and up, you can have your own 2009 Jeep Wrangler.

Check out the variety of 2009 Wrangler Unlimited vehicles available. Visit this Jeep website and build your own Jeep with a variety of options.

’09 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Starting at $23,000, here’s the 2009 FJ Cruiser that has plenty if room and is a great factory off road vehicle. Check out this Toyota website for a chance to build your own plus watch the Toyota trail teams off road videos and see photos from the Las Vegas customization show.

’09 Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is a great tour vehicle. Starting at $28,500 you can have your own. Supplied with options such as individual moon roofs for each seat, headrest DVD players, plus plenty of leg room for stretching on that long trips this roomy 7 passenger vehicle has as all the bells and whistles for a road trip, .

Stow away second and third row seating is available for room to haul extra stuff. Take the Ford interactive tour with the Ford Flex.

$ Highend Sports Cars $

’09 Chevrolet Corvette

Here’s the Supercharged 6.2 liter V8/LS9 Corvette with an estimated 638 horsepower.

For those of you who may not be affected by sticker shock, for a measly $115,000 this could be yours.

’09 Nissan GT-R

For around $77,000 you can own this Nissan GT-R with a twin turbo V6 and a 6 speed manual transmission.

Key features for performance and handling are the all wheel drive and 430 horse power. This vehicle has a top speed rating of 193 mph.

Mid Priced Sports Cars

’09 Mitsubishi Eclipse

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a great sports car and is affordable in comparison to other mid sized vehicles in it’s class.

In hard top or convertible this car is a great weekend get away waiting to happen. Just under $26,000 you can have the convertible Spyder.

With options like the 3.8 liter V6 that pushes 265 horsepower and a 6 speed manual transmission this is a true sports car that is enjoyable to say the least. Visit Mitsubishi to build and price your own Mitsubishi on their website.

Here’s a view of the eclipse interior.

2010 Dodge Demon

With a variety of small sports cars available from many of the manufactures here’s one that will become available in the fall of ’09.

Whether it’s the Sunday drive or a short weekend get away there are many sporty vehicles to choose from depending on the options that lure you in. For me, it’s the small/lightweight vehicles with lots of horse power and a retractable roof. Is this a sign that I’m getting old?

Here’s a link for the most current stats and release date on the Dodge Demon using this consumer guide from how stuff works.

Mid & Full Size Trucks

’09 Toyota Tacoma

For a mid size truck with an variety of options this is a great buy for around $20,000. Build your own at this Toyota website.

Standard, bonus cab, or double cab, you can fit the entire family comfortably. With the 4.0 liter V6 you can still have 26 mpg.

’09 Dodge Ram

The Dodge Ram truck has been around long enough and has proven itself that this truck is in the top of it’s class in many ways. Check out the official Dodge Ram website for a build your own view of the ’09 Ram with all the available options including a vehicle comparison to Chevrolet and Ford models trucks.

Available with either the 4.7 liter V-8 or the 5.7 liter Hemi engine you can be assured that the ’09 Ram has enough power to pull any type of load.

’09 Toyota Tundra

Check out the 2009 Toyota Tundra with regular, double, and extended crew cab trucks still available between $23,000 to $28,000 for starting prices with many other options available.

With a 5.7 liter V-8 and a 4X4 power train this vehicle has what is needed to get through those tough mid-west winters and ability to climb those rugged hills any time of the year.

Hybrid

’09 Saturn Vue

Check out the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid and build your own from this website. For just a tick under $30,000 you can own this 4 door small family SUV that records 32 plus MPG and a 5 star crash test rating.

Never mind that you will be purchasing a vehicle with the most updated technology and help redirect the automotive industry toward a new avenue of eco-friendly vehicles that are the most fuel efficient of them all.

Handicap Accessible

Toyota has put together an assistance program for anyone who has a disability. Here’s a link to the Toyota Mobility Program for you to see Toyota’s involvement and how they can help retrofit a vehicle for you.

Here’s a link for handicap accessible seats as an option to be installed into any vehicle.

For anyone who might want to have an option of assisted seating for easier entry into your vehicle, here’s a couple of useful sources and links that may help. Here’s the manufacturing company for Bruno seats and accessories and mobility works, a company that sells a variety of handicap accessible vehicles.

Navigation Equipment

It seems any more that manufactures like to equip vehicles with current electronic. Remember the car phone? That short lived idea was replaced by the cell phone. Remember CD players, (still current) now it’s mp3, i-pod, and xm satellite radio.

Today it’s GPS and navigation systems. I understand how cool and convenient it is to have such an option like this for traveling, but once again I tend to over analyze and look at the cost of these items as an option and repair costs of these things when they break.

Yes you can buy and aftermarket GPS unit from Garmin , Tom Tom , or Magellan and use it in all of your vehicles. This will free up the dash board from such sophisticated electronic devices that manufactures are offering at high cost to you and give you a navigation system that can be more conveniently used.

All Wheel Drive & Sporty

For anyone who enjoys a comfortable feeling car along with performance, handling, and sheer enjoyment to drive with all wheel drive features then the Subaru car line has several vehicles for you.

’09 Subaru Forester

The Forester is more of a family vehicle with plenty of room for travel. With power and performance for a quick get up and go the Forester still has the feel of a sporty all wheel drive vehicle.

’09 WRX-STI

For more of a rally type race car that’s street legal here’s the WRX-STI. This car produces over 300hp from a 2.5 liter boxer engine and a 6 speed manual transmission that’s attached to an all wheel drive chassis.

The leather wrapped harness style seats will fit you like a glove when cornering this all wheel drive rally car.

There are plenty of cool thing to do with your Subaru, but the North American Subaru Owners Club hosts plenty of off road rally’s for you and your car. (Mostly modified cars) From dirt to snow or gravel to asphalt you can always find a rally race that includes the Subaru WRX.

Small & Sporty

’09 Mini Cooper

Being small and very sporty allows you to drive this vehicle like its on rails. With options of the 118hp or the 172hp supercharged engine and a suspension to match, the acceleration and handling is what makes this car the most desirable features about the Mini.

These vehicles are very fun to drive, are affordable (around $18000-$22,000) and are capable of 30 plus miles per gallon.
Here’s Mini’s link for more information about their vehicles.

Smallest and Fuel Efficient

’09 Smart car

If small vehicles and fuel economy is what your looking for, then here’s the car for you.

The Smart car is definitely one of, if not the smallest car on the road. Here are 2 Smart cars that were at the 2009 auto show with options of convertible or hard top.

With a 1 liter 70hp 3 cylinder engine put into a chassis that weighs just a tick over 1600 pounds, you can still have a top speed of 90 mph and a rated fuel range of 33-40 mpg. Small as it may seem they were designed with a surprisingly large amount of room, even kids still look small in this vehicle. Here’s a Smart car link for more information.

Family and Sporty

’09 Honda Accord

Here’s a vehicle that has options from a 4 to 6 cylinder engine, automatic or manual transmission, and coupe or sedan options.

The Honda Accord has plenty of room for your family to enjoy traveling on a trip , but sporty enough with a 235hp. 3.5 liter V6 engine to keep you satisfied when accelerating in traffic. Here’s Honda’s link for an interactive way to build your own Accord.

’09 Pontiac G8 GXP

Even though the end is near for the Pontiac car line, here’s a way to go out on top. If your a Pontiac nut like I am and want a vehicle that is a power house and a family sedan at the same time then this car is for you.

The 2009 G8 GXP has my favorite options. Pick one up with a 6 speed manual transmission and a 6.2 liter V8 engine that punches out an astounding 415 horses with matching torque (415) at 6000 RPM’s. Check out this Pontiac website that has a side by side comparison to the BMW 5 series, Nissan Maxima, and the Dodge Charger.

What’s in Store

Visit the Indiana State fair grounds this Sunday March 29th between 8:00am and 3:00pm for the 2nd of 4 swap meets and car sales of the 2009 season offered by Mid America Promotions. Admission is $6 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. This is a great place to pick up a classic muscle car needing restoration or to search for that hard to find part for your everyday car.

Visit the Super Sunday Indy website to get a map of the pavilion and directions to the fairgrounds. If you have a vehicle or parts to sell, you can obtain a registration form and rent a space for any of the 3 remaining shows this season. Stay connected with Auto Repair Facts for more up coming events and enjoy this weekends show.

Date, Location, and Cost

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Feb. 13-15th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
General Admission $14, kids 6-12 $5, age 5 and under free. Purchase $2 discount tickets for Friday only at Carquest autoparts stores.

Visit the Carquest Autoparts Indianapolis World of Wheels official website for an inside look of what the show has to offer. Custom cars from Chip Foose, TV show cars, appearances from Overhaulin’s Chris Jacobs and other tv celebrities and much more.

Student Day

Here’s an opportunity for students and Instructors to take a break from the classroom and spend the day learning what the automotive aftermarket world has to offer.

This Friday February 13 is Student Day. See presentations from Chip Foose, Troy Trepanier, and Harold Martin. See what the industry has to offer in the automotive aftermarket businesses such as racing, restoration work, and custom chrome plating. Watch this short video on how to sign up and take your class. Student price is $10 w/o lunch or $15 with lunch.

Enjoy this weekends World of Wheels!!

What’s in store

Visit the Indiana State fair grounds Sunday January 4th for the first of 4 swap meet and car sales of the 2009 season offered by Mid America Promotions. Admission is $6 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. This is a great place to pick up a classic muscle car needing restoration or to search for that hard to find part for your everyday car.

Visit Super Sunday Indy.com to get a map of the pavilion and directions to the fairgrounds. If you have a vehicle or parts to sell, you can obtain a registration form and rent a space for any of the 4 available shows this season. This show is also one of my projects to photo journal an article. Stay connected with Auto Repair Facts for a complete pictorial of this event and enjoy the show.

Whether your shopping for a close out deal on an SUV, plan on finding the perfect family sedan, or rounding up that retirement ready 2 seater sports car, this is the place to be. From American manufactures, to European and Asian manufactures, there should be a lot to see.

When and Where

This event runs nation wide from now until late April. Refer to2009 Auto Show for a list of Cities and dates near you. Considering I’m based out of Indianapolis, I plan on attending one of the first auto shows that starts the day after Christmas. Keep connected to Auto Repair Facts for a summary of this event. I plan on taking plenty of photo’s and sharing them with you. Here are the dates and costs for the Indianapolis Auto Show.

Indianapolis Dates

From December 26th 2008 until January 1st 1009 at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cost per person is $6 for adults, kids 12 and under free.