2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year

We've found how well these cars work at their limits. Now we're going to find out how well they work in everyday driving conditions. So for phase two of the judging process, we move away from the controlled environment of the Hyundai-Kia proving ground and out onto real-world roads, courtesy of a 28.5-mile road loop based out of Tehachapi, which straddles the 4064-foot pass in the Tehachapi Mountains between Bakersfield to the west and Edwards Air Force Base to the east.

Each judge drives each contender over the route, which includes stop-start city driving, two-lane blacktop, canyon roads, and freeway stretches. The focus here is on the detail stuff: smoothness and refinement of powertrains, transmissions and controls at low and medium speeds, how well the interior ergonomics work, tire noise on the freeway, the steering feel through the canyons.

After almost two days, it's time for the deciding vote. We have eight impressive finalists-but there'll be only one Car of the Year.