When it comes to economical, small compact front wheel drive vehicles, Japanese brands are usually the leaders of the competition. The Chevrolet Cobalt however is one American small compact car that could compete fairly well against its Asian counterparts.
Aside from the fact that it has a very reasonable price tag, the car also benefits from its commendable fuel economy.
Offered either as a sedan or a coupe with multiple trims between them, the Cobalt offers enough variety for those looking for a decent economical ride. In addition, the 2008 Cobalt has also been graced with added safety features.
For 2008, the supercharged SS and SS Trims have dropped from the lineup. Instead, the “Sport Sedan” and “Sport Coupe” have become the SS trim equivalent of the Cobalt.
Among the ‘non-sport’ versions, the sedan is available with the LS, LT and LTZ trims. The Coupe on the other hand is available with the LS and LT trims.
The base engine is a 2.2 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 145hp. The LS and LT trims offers a choice of either the five speed manual transmission or the four speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is the standard for the LTZ.
The Sport Versions are equipped with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that delivers 171 hp.
Among its competition, the Toyota Corolla is the car of choice for people on a budget looking for quality and dependability. Although the Corolla lags behind some of its rivals in terms of exterior styling and power, it is still one of the best handling cars out there with its smooth and reliable ride.
And considering the fact that the Corolla also has excellent fuel economy at a time when oil prices are a record high, it becomes difficult not to like the benefits of having this car.
The 2008 Corolla is available in three trims: the basic Corolla CE, The Corolla S, and the Corolla LE. All models are available with the five-speed manual transmission option or the four-speed automatic transmission option.
The CE, S and LE models are equipped with a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine capable of delivering a decent enough 126 hp.
Generally geared towards a more conservative audience, the Toyota Corolla still provides the optimum quality for its price tag.
Another competitor in the ever popular pickup market, the Dodge Ram 1500 is one that is hard to miss. Compared to its competition, the Dodge Ram 1500 is like a stylish big-rig: a beast with a towing capability close to 9000 pounds. It is a true workhorse
But despite its dominating exterior, the Dodge Ram offers a cozier carlike interior perfect for the family.
There are also novel variations to the Ram. Depending on one’s liking, one may choose the regular cab, quad cab, or the mega-cab version.
The Dodge Ram 1500 is also available in three trims: the ST, SLT and Laramie.
Engine types include a 3.7-liter 215 hp V6 (only available on the regular cab 2WD ST), a 4.7-liter 310 hp V8 and the 5.7-liter 345 hp V8. For the 3.7- and 4.7-liter option, either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission is available, while the V8 only comes with the automatic transmission.
The 2008 Nissan Altima is a stand out among mid-sized vehicles with its trademark sporty features. Available in four main trims, The Altima is also offered as a sedan or a coupe. And for those concerned about mileage, there is also a Hybrid version.
Among the strong points of the Altima would be its safety ratings as well as its reliability.
Although some may point out that the Altima lacks the practicality of a more traditional sedan (due to its sports-oriented design), this is one car that certainly appeals to anyone who is particularly concerned with performance and handling more than anything else. And indeed, the Altima is quick and agile for a car of its class: a more exciting alternative among mid-sized cars.
The 2008 Honda Civic stands out among affordable small cars with its appealing exterior design, commendable performance and its impressive safety ratings. For its size, the car’s cabin provides reasonable room for its passengers. In addition, the Civic boasts a smooth ride, responsive handling as well as good mileage.
The latest version of the Civic is available as a sedan or a coupe both of which are available in DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and the sporty Si trims. There is also a Civic Hybrid available for those concerned about gas mileage.
The standard engine for most trims would be a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Si trim, keeping true to its sporty image, is loaded with an impressive 197-hp 2.0-liter four cylinder engine.
The more conservative and fuel efficient Hybrid, combining a gas engine and its electric motor, generates 110hp. Its transmission is the CVT ( continuously variable automatic transmission).
DX, LX, EX, and EX-L trims are available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Si trim however comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as sport suspensions.
Praised by its users, the Civic is one car that seems to deliver more for its price.
Originally billed as the affordable prestige car for the average American back in 1958, the new Chevrolet Impala certainly offers the convenience and comfort of a large full-sized sedan at a reasonable price. The success of the Chevrolet Impala has distinguished it as the flagship vehicle of Chevrolet’s car line-up.
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala boasts upgrades that include new engines, better handling, and improved interiors. It is slightly larger than the normal sedan which results to more room for its passengers. In addition, the car is supplied with a front bench seat that allows it to carry up to six passengers compared to the standard maximum of five.
It is available in four trim levels:LS, LT, LTZ and the SS. The LS comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 211 hp. The LT and the LTZ, on the other hand comes with a 3.9-liter V6 engine capable of producing 240 hp. The SS version is equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 amounting into a massive 303 hp. All models are front-wheel drive and all utilize a four speed automatic transmission.
Currently Honda’s best selling car in the United States, the 2008 Honda Accord looks to be one of the most promising vehicles of the year. Boasting an extensively revamped design, the new Accord comes equipped with new exterior and interior styling, standard safety features as well as more powerful, yet fuel efficient engines.
The Honda Accord is available with multiple trims and is offered either as a sedan or an even sportier looking coupe’.
But despite the car’s sports-oriented feel, the sedan version should still appeal to customers looking for a standard family car as the new Accord spawns an improved smoother ride compared to its predecessors.
In essence, the Accord is a good balance between practicality and bravado: fitting for anyone who values both style and comfort.
The Toyota Camry has always been synonymous to quality and style. It is no wonder that among mid-sized sedans, the Camry has been one of the best selling cars in the United States for almost a decade. Boasting a smooth ride, a comfortable interior, and one of the best safety features, the latest 2008 version of the Camry looks set to continue the trend of satisfying American car buyers.
The Camry is available with the LE, SE, and XLE models. They come equipped with either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine. For those who are particular about gas mileage, there is also a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid available.
With the Toyota Camry’s established reputation, it is hard for any car buyer to go wrong with this one.
Pickup trucks have always been the vehicle of choice by many Americans. Among the respected pickup trucks would be the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 known for its impressive reliability and longevity. In its very essence, it is a dependable workhorse that brings confidence to its users.
The current generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also seems set to outdo its predecessors. Available with a wide variety of body design, powertrains and trims, the modern day Silverado is no longer just a reliable workhorse but a statement of style without diminishing its practicality.
Powertrain variations of the Silverado include a pretty decent 4.3-liter 195-horsepower V6 to a more powerful 6.0-liter 367-horsepower V8. Most Silverados however will be fitted with the middle of the road setups of the 4.8-liter 295-hp V8 up to the 5.3-liter 315-hp V8.
Buyers may also choose from a rear-wheel or a four wheel drive version.
All Silverados will be fitted by the standard four speed automatic transmission gearbox.
The undisputed king of pick-up trucks in the United States, The Ford F-Series has been the best selling vehicle in the country for over 23 years and the best selling truck for over 31 years. Now in its eleventh generation, it is still America’s leading pick-up truck.
The most popular option of the F-Series is the Ford F-150. The latest installment, the 2008 F-150 SuperCrew 4×4 aims to live up to the high standard that has made the F-Series a phenomenon in the American Market.
The 2008 F150 SuperCrew has 10 trims to choose from ranging from the 139-in XL Styleside to the 150-in WB Lariat Styleside.
Specs:
WB XL Styleside: 4.6-liter, V8, 248-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway.
WB Lariat Styleside: 5.4-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway.