Top 10 Best Selling Vehicles, Mid-2008

2008 Ford F-Series Pick-Ups
2008 Ford F-150 1
2008 Ford F-150

What we think
With a dirt-cheap base price that buys an incredibly capable truck, there’s little wondering why the F-Series pick-up is king of the hill. The F-150 is equipped with a multitude of features that buyers are looking for in a good work truck, including an impressive 11,000 lb towing capacity and a ladder box-frame—proof positive that America likes its trucks tough.

At a glance
MSRP: $17,700
Engine and Drivetrain: 4.2-liter V-6 engine with 202 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque; 4.6-liter V-8 engine with 248 horsepower, 294 lb-ft of torque; 5.4-liter V-8 engine with 300 horsepower, 365 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 13 city/17 highway (5.4L, auto, four-wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (4.6L, auto, two-wheel drive), 13 city/17 highway (4.6L, auto, four-wheel drive)

2008 Chevrolet Full-Size Pick-ups
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2
2008 Chevrolet Silverado
1500

What we think
Strangely enough, these big rigs can thank soaring oil prices for their stellar sales. Chevrolet’s behemoth pick-ups have something to brag about when it comes to fuel economy, with its V-6 and V-8 engines delivering the towing and hauling capacity that the bow-tie faithful are used to without any of the drinking habits of old.

At a glance
MSRP: $18,425
Engine and Drivetrain: 4.3-liter V-6 engine with 195 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque; 4.8 liter V-8 with 295 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque; 5.3-liter aluminum- or iron-block V-8 with 315 horsepower, 338 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic or 6-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 15 city/20 highway (V-6, two-wheel drive), 14 city/18 highway (V-6, four wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (4.8L V-8, two-wheel drive), 14 city/18 highway (4.8L V-8, four-wheel drive), 15 city/20 highway (5.3L V-8, two-wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (5.3L V-8, four-wheel drive)

2008 Toyota Camry
2008 Toyota Camry 3
2008 Toyota Camry

What we think
The Camry usurped the title of America’s favorite sedan long ago, and exterior design cues that have more character than your average commuter have bolstered Toyota’s climb as well. The car’s ample interior room has dispelled memories of the cramped Camrys of the past, and an optional 3.5 V-6 with 268 horsepower provides plenty of power for hauling the family around. The hybrid choice will also appeal to the eco-conscious.

At a glance
MSRP: $18,920
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter inline-four engine with 158 horsepower, 161 lb-ft of torque, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 268 horsepower, 248 lb-ft of torque, 2.4-liter inline-four hybrid engine with 147 horsepower, 138 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic transmission; front wheel drive.
MPG: 21 city/31 highway (four-cylinder, manual and 5-speed auto), 19 city/28 highway (V-6), 33 city/34 highway (hybrid)

2008 Honda Accord

2008 Honda Accord Sdn 4
2008 Honda Accord Sdn

What we think
Honda’s Accord has always sported somewhat muted styling, but not anymore. In either coupe or sedan trim, the 2008 version can only be described in one word—hot. This car’s beauty isn’t just skin deep, as any of the three engine options provide ample get-up-and-go. Of course, Honda’s reputation as a manufacturer with fuel economy as one of its foremost principles hasn’t hurt sales, either.

At a glance
MSRP: $20,360
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower, 160 lb-ft of torque, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 268 horsepower, 248 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 22 city/31 highway (2.4L, manual), 21 city/31highway (2.4L, auto), 19 city/29 highway (3.5L, auto)

2008 Honda Civic
2008 Honda Civic Sdn 5
2008 Honda Civic Sdn

What we think
It’s been two years since the Civic shed the drab skin of its previous model, proving that a car can be economical and look good doing it. While the beefy SI model with its 197 horsepower 2.0-liter gets the power-hungry pedal mashers going, the base model’s impressive fuel economy and legendary build quality have been what has carried this car off the showroom and into garages.

At a glance
MSRP: $14,810
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower, 128 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 25 city/36 hwy (auto), 26 city/34 hwy (manual)

2008 Toyota Carolla
2008 Toyota Corolla 6
2008 Toyota Corolla

What we think
The Corolla is another vehicle that has benefited from both a new exterior look and growing worry over climbing gas prices. The little four-door has long since been a favorite of college kids and commuters alike, but an exterior that looks like a sportier Camry and factory-optional spoilers and keyless entry have made this compact sedan a cool ride to own.

At a glance
MSRP: $15,250
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 132 horsepower, 128 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 27 city/35 hwy (auto), 26 city/35 hwy (manual)

2008 Nissan Altima
2008 Nissan Altima 7
2008 Nissan Altima

What we think
The addition of the super-svelte Altima Coupe this year has only bolstered solid sales for the Altima. An alternative to the legions of Accords and Camrys clogging the freeways, Nissan’s sedan offers all the options of its more pricey competition. Powered by either a capable 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the company’s unstoppable V-6, there’s no shortage of power on tap to help keep up with the guy in the carpool lane.

At a glance
MSRP: $24,070
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque; 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 23 city/32 highway (2.5L, manual), 23 city/31 highway (2.5L, CVT), 19 city/26 highway (3.5, manual), 35 city/33 highway (hybrid)

2008 Chevrolet Impala
2008 Chevrolet Impala 8
2008 Chevrolet Impala

What we think
A long-time favorite of law-enforcement, the Chevrolet Impala is the definition of the American sedan. The Impala’s moderate price tag and cool model-standard features like a rear seat that folds flat for maximum cargo room make Chevrolet’s sedan an obvious choice. Available models run from bare-bones transportation all the way up to a leather-appointed luxury ride, ensuring that there’s an Impala out there for you.

At a glance
MSRP: $ 22,400
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 211 horsepower, 214 lb-ft of torque; 3.9-liter V-6 engine with 233 horsepower, 240 lb-ft of torque; 5.3-liter V-8 engine with 303 horsepower, 323 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 18 city/29 highway (3.5L V-6), 18 city/28 highway (3.9L V-6), 16 city/24 highway (5.3L V-8)

2008 Ram Pick-Up
2008 Dodge Ram 1500 9
2008 Dodge Ram 1500

What we think
Despite the fact that this truck’s sales fall behind its competition, the Ram is plenty of truck to get the job done. With a respectable towing capacity and an available 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi to back up the Ram’s serious demeanor, Dodge’s iconic pick-up won’t disappoint. Of course, the limited-lifetime drivetrain warranty is a comforting reminder of the company’s commitment to quality.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,835
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 215 horsepower, 235 lb-ft of torque; 4.7-liter V-8 engine with 310 horsepower, 330 lb-ft of torque; 5.7-liter V-8 engine with 345 horsepower, 375 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 16 city/19 highway (V-6, manual), 14 city/19 highway (V-6, auto), 13 city/17 highway (4.7L V-8, manual), 13 city/18 highway (4.7L V-8, auto), 13 city/19 highway (5.7L V-8, auto)

2008 Ford Focus

2008 Ford Focus 10
2008 Ford Focus

What we think

With impressive fuel economy and an all-new look, the Ford Focus is proof that domestic manufacturers can produce an attractive fuel-sipper. The focus has ditched its hatch-back heritage for a new coupe design, and the super-low price tag is a welcome sight for buyers everywhere. The potent mix of 35 mpg highway, irresistible value and good looks may just be the combo this company has been missing.

At a glance
MSRP: $14,395
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower, 136 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
MPG: 24 city/35 hwywww.driverside.com/car/ford-focus-2008-5535-0




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