Automopedia.org’s Top 5 Sedans For 2008
For the start of the new year, the editors at Automopedia.org have gathered together to create our list of the top sedans, based on style, value and performance.
If 2008 means a new small to mid-size sedan for your family, read our top 5, including a car starting at under $14,000 and two American models. We’ll be creating top lists for other body styles (trucks, SUV’s, compact cars) in the near future.
1. Chevrolet Malibu - The starting price for the Chevy Malibu is higher than others on our list, but there’s a lot to love about this vehicle. The new styling is aggressive, but not too much so. With the new design for the 2008 model year came more interior room, and higher quality inside and out.
The standard 4-cylinder is plenty for an enjoyable ride. It afforded adequate power and acceleration for the heavier-than-average sedan, though the V6 (as should be expected) added enough punch to make it worthwhile. The V6, 3.6-liter, engine provides 252 horsepower, compared to the V4’s 169.
Other options of note are OnStar, keyless entry, leather, CD changer (standard is an auxiliary audio jack for your MP3 player) and heated front seats.
The spacious cabin makes for a more pleasant family trip especially over long drives, or if your day-to-day has you on the road a lot. Overall, the Malibu provides quality throughout and an enjoyable driving experience for the money. While in years passed there wasn’t much of a reason to test drive the Chevrolet Malibu when considering a new sedan, that has changed big-time.
2. Ford Fusion - Our second selection also provides plenty of room in a shell that will be noticed in traffic. And, it’s another American model.
The Ford Fusion’s options fit it nicely into the 21st century with satellite radio, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, reverse parking sensor and the Ford Sync which connects to your MP3 player, cell phone and other Bluetooth devices to allow voice-commands through the vehicle.
The drive does feel like it’s a bit underpowered, but it’s definitely not sluggish. Another non-factor is noise. The overall driving experience places it with the best mid-size family sedans on the market, without getting into expensive luxury models.
One item we would like to see added to the Fusion is stability control. The all-wheel-drive with traction control variant is a plus for us living in snowy states, and the stability control would be another add-on for us driving the treacherous roads.
3. Honda Accord - When discussing vehicles that get lost in the crowd, the old Honda Accord was a model that came to mind. Thanks to the 2008 model design, that’s no longer the case. The sedan somehow manages to look powerful even at rest.
On the road the Honda Accord’s smooth ride is complemented well by its power and size. Roomy enough for the family, and thanks to cylinder-deactivation the extra power provided by the engine does not translate to lower gas mileage, it’s actually more fuel-efficient than Honda’s previous Accord. Our experience with the car’s responsiveness, steering and acceleration proved it worthy on a variety of roads.
The new Accord will set you back more than the vehicles noted above. You will get, however, stability and traction control standard. It’s also available as a coupe.
4. Mazda3 - The Mazda 3 is smaller than others noted here, but it’s a tremendous value. Starting at under $14,000 (about $6,000 less than the Accord) you wouldn’t think the ride would be as enjoyable. But the Mazda3 delivers.
Because it’s smaller this Mazda may not be the choice for those regularly packing adults into the rear seats, but if that’s a rarity then this car offers a lot for its price tag. First, it’s a blast to drive. The engine packs a punch and it handles very well, probably better than any other vehicle with four wheels at this price. The quality is also very good. You don’t get the sense you are sitting in a ‘cheap’ car.
It’s tough to suggest more options should be standard with a price tag this low, so we’ll just list some options available at an additional charge: steering wheel audio controls, keyless entry, heated seats, climate control, automatic xenon headlights, , in-dash CD changer, moonroof, navigation system, automatic wipers and satellite radio.
The design of the Mazda3 reflects the sporty heart under its hood. Fuel economy could be improved.
5. Hyundai Sonata - The Sonata made our list thanks to value. It offers some good options, comparable to higher-priced alternatives, for less.
The Sonata’s exterior and driving experience isn’t anything to write home about, but the car offers a spacious interior, comfort, a solid warranty and stability control.
What the Sonata does have is plenty of space, often beating the competition. Interior quality also seems high for the price. If price is your top concern, and a mid-size, spacious, sedan your ultimate goal, the Sonata is worth a drive.
I recently got one of the new 2008 Malibu’s and have to say I really like it! Good choice for #1!