SmartMoney's 2010 Car Buying Guide

It may take a leap of faith in the economy to plunk down $30,000 on a new car or commit to the monthly payments these days. But folks in the market are in a good position to strike a hard bargain. Car sales soared in August with the government’s cash-for-clunkers program. But showroom visits are down again in September, according to CNW Market Research, and the industry may soon have to ramp up incentives just to entice shoppers to take a test-drive.

So what models are worth a visit to your local dealership, even if it’s just to kick the tires? We tested cars in four categories for our buying guide this year: green machines, family haulers, luxury coupes and value sedans. Our goal was to find the best combinations of comfort, performance and price. Plus a little pizzaz on the side.