2008 Chevrolet Corvette - Starting Price $46,950*

The 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is competitive with not only domestic sports cars, but with imported and exorbitantly more expensive exotic cars. This Corvette has the power and handling of the exotics, but without the hefty price tag. Depending on what you prefer, and what your wallet can handle, you can chose from a few different models of the Corvette. There is a base model coupe which has a removable top, a convertible model, and the almighty Z06. The Z06 coupe is only available with a fixed-roof, but with the 505 horsepower, you wouldn’t want the wind blowing through your hair.

The 2008 Corvette comes with a 6.2 liter V8 engine, which puts out 430 horsepower, and propels the corvette from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. The Z06 has a 505 horsepower 7.0 liter V8 engine that brings the 0-60 time in less than 4 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. An automatic is available for the coupe and convertible models.

Standard features on the Corvette are nothing short of luxury in most other vehicles: Dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, leather seats, six-way power driver seat, keyless entry and startup, full power accessories, CD player, audio input jack and satellite radio to name a few. Optional features are: custom two-tone leather interior, navigation system, transparent roof panel (not for convertible or Z06 models), seven-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display and driver-seat memory. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes standard with a more powerful V8 engine, lighter frame, stiffly tuned suspension, bigger brakes, special seats, larger wheels and tires and a lighter frame.

The new Chevrolet Corvette gets an an impressive 14 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. There is plenty of cargo room in the coupe but the top takes up a lot of the storage space in the convertible model. The interior is driver-friendly with large gauges and easy to use controls.

*Information found in May 2008 at www.Chevrolet.com.

The 2008 Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan with room, sport and enough style to edge out most other sedans in its class. The Ford Fusion has been ranked not at the top of the class, but possibly the best in class for its price.

The power level of the Fusion is determined by what trim level you go for. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter four cylinder with 160 horsepower. Even though it is a midsize family sedan, the numbers are impressive at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic is optional for this model. Higher trim levels offer a V6, 3.0 liter engine with an output of 221 horsepower. The gas mileage is down a little here with 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The six-speed automatic transmission is the only choice for these engines. The Fusion comes standard with front-wheel drive, but the V6 trim levels offer all-wheel drive.

The interior of the Ford Fusion is impressive, not only in style but with quality. The upholstery is above average for a car in this class. The SEL model is equipped with leather seating and contrast stitching. Different trim levels offer different interior styles. Accents are offered in faux carbon-fiber, wood grain and black. Controls and features are easy to use, but some may look and feel outdated. A moon roof, leather upholstery, an interior ambient light scheme, eight-speaker stereo, DVD-based navigation system, heated front seats and the Ford Sync system are all options for the Fusion. The Ford Sync allows passengers to operate cell phones, PDAs, IPODs and other devices by voice command.

The cabin of the Fusion is very spacious and offers passengers plenty of room. Storage space is more than adequate in the trunk, while more room is available because of the split-folding rear seats and the fold-down front passenger seat available in SE and SEL models.