The list of the ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of 2007. Here is the complete list:
1. Honda Accord
The Accord received a redesign for the 2008 model year and one of the first things that stand out about is its size and styling. Thanks to a 3-inch increase in length, 1.1-inch in width and a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase, the new Accord sedan edges past the midsize car classification according to the EPA. Revamped with European-like styling, it is designed to drive and feel of a European sedan with a firmer ride. The coupe version is a few inches shorter than the sedan but offers sportier styling. Prices start at around $20,000 for the 2008 Accord sedan.
2. Honda Civic
There aren't many automakers that can get away with having four different versions of one model and be successful with them but Honda has done just that with the Civic. Available in sedan, coupe, hybrid and high-performance Si, the Civic appeals to a large number of buyers from singles, coupes and families. The Civic has attractive styling, excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior and more standard safety features than its predecessor. With the Fit as the new entry-level vehicle, the Civic no longer has the lowest starting MSRP in the Honda lineup with prices starting just under $15,000.
3. Nissan Altima
As Honda and Toyota are already probably aware, the Nissan Altima has been taking a big chunk of their sales in the past few years. It has thrived in popularity since it was redesigned five years ago and for 2007, the sedan received updates to the exterior and interior. But the big news this year is the debut of the Altima coupe for the 2008 model year. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is attractive, sporty and comes with a number of standard convenience and safety features with a choice of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6. The Altima is also available as a hybrid which is currently only available in eight states.
Compare: Altima coupe vs. Altima sedan
4. Toyota Camry
The new Camry may very well be on its way to be the best-selling car in America again. Redesigned for 2007, the Camry looks more upscale than its predecessor and for the first time, a gas-electric hybrid version is available. The Camry Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. In gas powered or hybrid form, the inside of the Camry has a modern look with more user-friendly buttons and knobs designed to give a sense of quality and luxury. Under the hood is a choice of a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter 4 cylinder or a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that's borrowed from the larger Avalon sedan. Prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
5. Toyota Corolla
Corolla has remained unchanged for several year, but the popular Toyota is set to get a transformation soon as Toyota unveiled the all-new 10th-generation 2009 Corolla at the 2007 SEMA show. The new sedan will be nearly 3 inches wider and an inch shorter than its predecessor but the length and wheelbase will remain the same. And to bring the Corolla further upscale, it will be available with such items as a touch-screen navigation system, real-time traffic updates via XM NavTraffic and a JBL audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
6. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's near-luxury midsize car got a major facelift for 2007 with changes to the grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. The 255-horsepower 3.5-liter engine is a carryover from the previous generation and is now avalialble exclusively with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy for the Maxima is 19 in the city and 25 on the highway.
7. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen's small sedan may not seem so compact anymore because it has grown in size over the years. But this latest-generation Jetta is designed to be a nimble performer and a sporty commuter car. For 2008, the trim levels have been renamed to S, SE and SEL but the GLI remains as the top-of-the-line version. The 2.5-liter engine also gets an upgrade from 150 horsepower to 170 while torque has been increased by 7 lb-ft to 177. Inside, the interior is comprised of upscale materials and the nicely designed dashboard has easy-to-read gauges, large climate controls and highly place sound system controls. Prices start at just under $17,000 for a 2008 Jetta.
8. Toyota Yaris
Toyota's entry-level model has one of the lowest starting prices for a car and is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles in America. Available as a 3-door hatchback or a sedan, the Yaris gets an estimated 34/40 mpg with the manual and 34/39 with the automatic transmission. Power comes from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Neither the hatchback or sedan looks particularly flashy but for 2008, shoppers can opt for the new Sport Grade package that features front and rear spoilers, amber optitron meter, leather steering wheel and shift knob and S badging.
9. Toyota Prius
The world's best-selling hybrid still holds the title as the most fuel-efficient vehicle but new EPA fuel economy ratings designed to be more realistic put the Prius at 48/45 mpg on city/hwy. It has a higher mpg rating in the city than on the highway because the hybrid system can shut off the gasoline engine at speeds below 35 mph. The 1.5-liter engine has a rating of 76 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque but it is supplemented by electric motors that produce 67 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Inside the Prius is a spacious cabin with plenty of room to fit five adults comfortably. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and the liftback makes loading and unloading an ease. Prices start at under $21,000 for a 2008 Prius.
10. Mitsubishi Lancer
The new Lancer is a significant improvement in just about every way compared to its predecessor. Its styling is much more attractive and the more rigid platform gives it better ride and handling. Power comes from a 152-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with fuel economy at an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway with the manual and 22 and 29 with the CVT. The rear seats are fairly roomy for a compact car and the trunk has lots of cargo space. Prices start at under $14,000 for a base model Lancer.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)

No comments:
Post a Comment