Which Car 'Type' Is Right for You?

Enter the Ford(F Quote) Five Hundred, soon to be renamed the Taurus starting with the 2008 model year.

Whatever the name may be, Ford has designed a cavernous full-sized sedan with all the amenities that older folks will love. The incredibly spacious seating is slightly higher than normal, offering not only a better view of the road but also easier entry and exit, without too much bending over or climbing in. Despite its large size and mediocre engine, the Five Hundred is easily handled and downright agile around corners. Additional options such as heated seats and backup sensors round out the package.

Best Way to Enjoy Summer Weather
BMW 3 Series

BMW's newest model in their well-received 3 series of cars is a slick drop-top perfect for that fun-in-the-sun drive down the highway. The 328i and its twin-turbo counterpart the 335i both sport a retractable hardtop (a BMW first) that allow the body styling to retain the looks that made the Coupe models such favorites.

	BMW Convertible

The 3 Series also features another first for BMW, a hydraulic system to open and close the roof, meaning that when the afternoon rains hit, you can be dry in just 20 seconds. With a base price of about $44,000 ($50,000 for the turbo), the 3 Series isn't exactly the most economical convertible on the market. But with BMW's looks and engineering, it's one of the best options for spending your summer on the road and under the sun.

Best Option for Saving the Environment
Toyota Prius

Going green is the biggest trend to hit the auto world in quite some time, and more and more drivers are making the switch to Earth-friendly cars. Toyota(TM Quote) has six out of the 30 top spots on the latest J.D. Power Automotive Environmental ratings, making it the top manufacturer. The Prius is quickly becoming the flagship of the green car movement.