Best-Selling Cars of 2006

A few readers recently asked when someone would release the list of last-year’s best-selling cars. The answer, it seems, is now. MSN Autos tracked down the top 10 best-sellers of 2006 using data from Automotive News, and there are few surprises. The Ford F-150 still tops the list, and the Chevy Silverado comes in second despite a 6.7% downturn in overall truck sales last year. The full list including total sales is below.

1. Ford F-Series (796,039)
2. Chevrolet Silverado (636,069)
3. Toyota Camry (448,445)
4. Dodge Ram (364,177)
5. Honda Accord (354,441)
6. Honda Civic (316,638)
7. Chevrolet Impala (289,868)
8. Toyota Corolla (272,327)
9. Nissan Altima (232,457)
10. Chevrolet Cobalt (211,449)

[America's Best-Sellers of 2006, MSN Autos]

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Mazda Prices CX-9 Crossover

The first batch of Mazda’s new three-row crossover — the U.S.-only CX-9 — just left Japan, and we just received full pricing for the lineup. The CX-9 will arrive at dealerships early in 2007 and start at $29,035 for a front-wheel-drive Sport model. This is priced competitively with the new Saturn Outlook, which starts at $27,255.

A few years ago, this segment of vehicles was almost nonexistent. Now a number of manufacturers are trying to market these three-row crossovers to large families who want SUV looks and handling with the practicality of minivans. Earlier this year Mazda introduced the two-row CX-7 crossover to positive reviews and brisk sales.

We’re impressed at the $1,200 difference in front- and all-wheel-drive models. Most manufacturers have a price hike of roughly $2,000 for AWD vehicles.

Keep reading for a full list of prices and trim levels for the new CX-9.

• FWD Sport                 $29,035
• AWD Sport                 $30,235
• FWD Touring              $31,135
• AWD Touring              $32,335
• FWD Grand Touring     $32,675
• AWD Grand Touring     $33,875

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All-New Saturn Outlook Priced Under GMC Acadia

The price points we guessed at for GM’s new trio of full-size crossovers seem to be coming true. Saturn’s upcoming Outlook — out near the end of the year — will start at $27,990. That’s a full $2,000 less than the GMC Acadia.

The $27,990 price is for the front-wheel-drive base model, dubbed the XE. An all-wheel-drive XE starts at $29,990. The XE comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 270 hp and 248 pounds-feet of torque. There’s also an uplevel XR with the same engine but dual exhausts and slightly more power — 275 hp and 251 pounds-feet of torque. Both models also feature a six-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the XR are $30,290 for the front-wheel-drive model and $32,290 for all-wheel drive. All prices include a $735 destination charge.

EPA mileage estimates were also revealed, at 18/26 mpg city/highway for front-wheel drive and 17/24 mpg for all-wheel drive. These numbers are on par with popular and less-powerful minivans like the Honda Odyssey.

All Outlooks come standard with stability control, side curtain airbags for all three rows and rollover sensors. Like the GMC Acadia, we think the Outlook will appeal to those looking for a minivan alternative. Because of its lower entry price, the Outlook may be GM’s most popular crossover.

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2007 Hyundai Elantra Pricing: More for Less

Hyundai has beefed up the redesigned 2007 Elantra in size, but not in price. Despite a litany of standard features, more interior room and the new design, the base Elantra GLS actually starts for almost $700 less than the outgoing 2006 model. The 2007’s base price of $13,395 not (including a $600 destination charge) is a relative bargain when you consider the standard features like side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, four-wheel disc brakes and an auxiliary input for your iPod or other MP3 player. The new Elantra goes on sale later this month. A full list of pricing is below.

•   Elantra GLS            5-Speed M/T        $13,395
•   Elantra GLS            4-Speed A/T        $14,395
•   Elantra SE              5-Speed M/T        $15,695
•   Elantra SE              4-Speed A/T        $16,695
•   Elantra Limited        5-Speed M/T        $16,695
•   Elantra Limited        4-Speed A/T        $17,695

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