In a year that dragged two of the Big Three automakers into bankruptcy, destroyed three car brands, and left just about every automaker sweating pennies in an economic collapse, 2009 was a phenomenal showing of great cars.

The Boston Globe tested more than 60 cars, trucks, crossovers, and SUVs this year — nearly every new 2009 and 2010 model on the market — in real-world, day-to-day driving.

The following seven cars span a wide range of prices and vehicle segments, but all carry the same core traits: excellent performance, quality construction, fine details, and most of all, solid value.