Each year, Australia's top motoring experts put the most popular cars through their paces in over hundreds of kilometres of rigorous road tests to determine Australia's Best Cars.

The cars, ranging from small to luxury and 4WDs, are tested on some of the country's harshest roads and measured on a range of criteria, including handling, safety, security and value.

In 2009, the trophies are awarded in 12 categories, many determined by price, so that all budgets are catered for:

  —  Best Small Car
  —  Best Mid-size Car Under $30,000
  —  Best Mid-size Car Over $30,000
  —  Best Large Car
  —  Best People Mover
  —  Best Sports Car
  —  Best Luxury Sports Car
  —  Best Prestige Car
  —  Best Luxury Car
  —  Best Recreational 4 Wheel Drive
  —  Best Luxury 4 Wheel Drive
  —  Best All-Terrain 4 Wheel Drive

Australia's Best Cars incorporates and builds on the expertise of the Australian Motoring Clubs including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT.