When it comes to cars, personal tastes are as varied as the nation's drivers. While some prefer sports cars, others like trucks. Where some people prefer luxury, others simply want functionality.

But as the cost of seemingly everything related to driving continues to rise, personal preferences are beginning to take a backseat to bottom line. For example, when gas prices first began to soar several years ago, sales of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), long known for their heavy consumption of gasoline, greatly declined. By late 2007, however, sales reports indicated that truck sales were once again on the rise. Why the seemingly sudden change of heart? Much of it likely has to do with drivers choosing the vehicle they felt best fit their needs, regardless of how much each trip to the filling station might cost.

Choosing the right vehicle should be based on more than a car's aesthetic appeal. Because a car is such a big financial commitment, choosing the right one should be thought out carefully and involve a number of considerations.

· Budget: Perhaps nothing will weigh bigger when choosing a car than personal budget. While you certainly shouldn't settle on a car simply because it's cheap, you need to know how much you can spend before you sign on the dotted line. Since most people now lease or finance their vehicles as opposed to buying them outright, the car you buy will likely require a minimum monthly payment that will be determined by the cost of the vehicle and the total initial down payment you provide. Many auto dealership Web sites offer payment calculators so prospective buyers can get a better grasp on what their monthly payment will be. (Note: An individual's credit rating influences monthly payment as well, with those with good credit qualified for lower interest rates and those with bad credit histories getting higher rates.)

Before even going to a dealership or its Web site, sit down and write out your monthly budget, including rent, utilities, food, and other expenses. Compare that to your monthly income and you can determine what you can comfortably afford. It's best to calculate for less than you can afford, as that will leave you wiggle room in an emergency, such as when the car needs repairs or other unexpected expenses arise.

· Needs: Once you've established what you can afford, you need to determine what it is you actually need. A typical SUV will cost more than a typical sedan. If you're considering an SUV, ask yourself if you really need it. How often will you need the extra cargo room that an SUV provides? Can you get by with a sedan? Are the higher fuel costs associated with an SUV something that fit into your budget?

That thought process works both ways. If you will truly need the extra room an SUV or other truck provides, don't purchase a sedan just because it's cheaper. In the long run, you won't be getting what you need out the car, and you'll essentially be spending money on something that's not as useful to you as it could be.

· Reputation: Most people would not buy a home without first examining it, and a vehicle should not be purchased on blind faith or simple appearance either. A car's reputation should be a chief consideration when shopping. Because cars are more expensive than ever, many people are now hoping to keep their cars longer than they used to. Vehicles with a reputation for longevity allow you to maximize the considerable investment your car will represent. Publications such as Consumer Reports and Web sites like Edmunds.com provide prospective buyers with price lists, vehicle comparisons and a wealth of information pertaining to specific makes and models, including which models have a higher propensity for breakdowns. If you know anyone who drives a model of vehicle you're considering, ask them about it, focusing inquiries on its reliability, gas mileage and how well it drives.