The Consumer Guide to 2008 E85 Vehicles
by Chuck Giametta
2008 E85 Vehicle Lineup
| CARS |
 Class: Midsize Car Base price range: $21,255 - $24,540 Engines: 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 233-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 3.5 V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/29 3.5 V6 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 14/21 3.9 V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/28 3.9 V6 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/20 Impala is the larger of Chevrolet's two midsize sedans; the slightly smaller Chevy Malibu does not offer an E85 ethanol flex-fuel engine. Impala can seat up to six passengers. Impala is the only vehicle that offers two E85 ethanol flex-fuel engines. Both are V6s and each is the standard engine depending on the specific Impala trim line. Chevrolet's top-selling car is affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. But this sedan still feels dated compared with midsize-car class pacesetters Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. |
 Class: Midsize Car Base price range: $19,865-$28,070 Engine: 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 Sebring sedan EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 19/27 Sebring sedan EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/20 Sebring convertible EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/26 Sebring convertible EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/19 Sebring's prices are attractive, with well-equipped V6 models starting at less than $23,000, but all versions lack the powertrain refinement and interior roominess of the best in this class. The convertible appeals for its choice of a soft top or the all-weather security of a power-retractable hard top, and it is a reasonable alternative to rival droptops. Sebring's 2.7-liter V6 is an E85 ethanol flex-fuel engine and is standard on the Sebring convertible Touring model and is a $1,350 option on the sedan Touring model. |
 Class: Midsize Car Base price: $19,120 Engine: 190-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 19/27 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/20 Dodge Avenger disappoints with crude drivetrain behavior, unsophisticated road feel, and budget-grade cabin appointments. These demerits are offset somewhat by aggressive pricing and an impressive complement of key safety features. Any number of class competitors deserves a higher spot on your shopping list, however. Avenger's 2.7-liter V6 is an E85 ethanol flex-fuel engine and is a $1,350 option on the Avenger SXT model. |
 Class: Premium Compact Car Base price: $34,440 Engine: 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 18/25 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 13/19 The C-Class is redesigned for 2008, with slightly larger dimensions than the 2001-2007 version, plus new styling. The C-Class comes as a sedan in C300 form with a 3.0-liter V6, and as the C350 Sport Sedan with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel V6 is standard on automatic-transmission C300 models, which offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Within the confines of its compact dimensions, the new C-Class acquits itself quite well. Others in this segment trump even the C350 Sport for all-out performance, but buyers seeking brand cachet and a refined driving experience would do well to check out this newest version of Mercedes' entry-level sedan. |
 Class: Large Car Base price range: $25,005 - $27,895 Engine: 224-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/23 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/16 Note that the Ford Crown Victoria and the Lincoln Town Car, which share the Grand Marquis' design and powertrain, are available for 2008 only as rental- and commercial-fleet vehicles. The Grand Marquis is a nice enough big sedan, but suffers from a basic design that dates back to the 1980s. We prefer the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger, and Mercury's own Sable as more-modern, more-satisfying choices in this class. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 224-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 is Grand Marquis' only engine. |
| MINIVANS |
 Class: Minivan Base price range: $21,105 - $23,775 Engine: 240-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/23 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/17 Uplander is now the only minivan from General Motors; its design companions from Buick, Pontiac, and Saturn are discontinued for 2008. In fact, 2008 is likely Uplander's final model year. Uplander trails most rivals in many key areas. Absence of curtain side airbags is its biggest deficit. However, fair prices and a comfortable ride make Uplander worth considering if you're watching your budget. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.9-liter V6 is Uplander's only engine. |
 Class: Minivan Base price: $22,460 Engine: 175-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 17/24 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/17 The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is redesigned, growing modestly in most dimensions and losing its short-wheelbase model. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.3-liter V6 is available only on the base Town & Country model, the LX, where it's standard. Town & country is built from the same design as the Dodge Grand Caravan but differs in trim and pricing. Bigger and stronger, the redesigned Town & Country boasts all the space and functionality a minivan shopper could want. Town & Country and Grand Caravan are not as sporty as the Honda Odyssey or as well appointed as the Toyota Sienna, but they do have a better blend of family-friendly attributes and dollar value. The Town & Country and the Grand Caravan are Consumer Guide Best Buy picks in the minivan class. |
 Class: Minivan Base price: $21,740 Engine: 175-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 17/24 EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/17 The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is redesigned with fresh styling, slightly larger dimensions, and new seating features. Grand Caravan is built from the same design as Chrysler's Town & Country. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 3.3-liter V6 is available only on the base Grand Caravan model, the SE, where it's standard. With 4-cylinder and short-wheelbase models gone, Dodge focuses its attention on the heart of the minivan market, families with a need for space and a desire for comfort. Along with Town & Country from sibling division Chrysler, these new vans hit the bull's-eye with a Best Buy blend of room, functionality, and dollar value. |
| SUVs |
 Class: Large SUV Base price range: $37,285 - $ 41,010 Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) Suburban is the stretched companion to the Tahoe. It's about 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 20 inches longer overall, and has nearly 30 cu ft more cargo volume. Suburban offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. As in the Tahoe, passenger capacity ranges from five to nine. For smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, these are first-rate trucks. A carefully optioned LT is the best choice in the Suburban lineup, and is a Best Buy value among large SUVs. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard on the Suburban. Like its gas-only counterpart, the E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 includes GM's Active Fuel Management, which shuts down four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. |
 Class: Large SUV Base price range: $34,095 - $38,950 Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) Tahoe is essentially the reduced-length version of the Chevy Suburban. It offers three rows of seats and 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Third-row accommodations are best suited to children, but for smooth power, utility, and surprising overall refinement, Tahoe is a Best Buy value among large SUVs. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is optional on the 2WD Tahoe LS and standard on LT and LTZ models. Note that for 2008, Tahoe is also available with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Tahoe Hybrids have a 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor. The Hybrid model can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. |
 Class: Premium Midsize SUV Base price range: $32,005 - $34,880 Engine: 303-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 13/17 (AWD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/12 (2WD), 9/12 (AWD) Aspen is basically a retrimmed Dodge Durango. Aspen is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is an AWD option. Aspen and Durango share V8 powertrains and seating for up to eight. Aspen comes in a single Limited trim level. It retains an E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine as standard, but for 2008, it produces 303 horsepower, an increase of 68 versus 2007. Optional is a 335-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but a smoother ride, reduced noise levels, and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it costs only about $1000 more than a comparably equipped Durango as well. Aspen is worth a look for luxury shoppers who can use the towing and hauling utility of a traditional SUV, but don't covet the mass of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator. |
 Class: Midsize SUV Base price range: $26,455 - $37,250 Engine: 303-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 16/21 (2WD), 13/17 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 12/16 (2WD), 9/12 (4WD) Durango is a traditional truck-type SUV and offers seating for five, seven, or eight. It offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is available on AWD models. Durango's E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 has 303-horsepower; this engine replaces a 235-horsepower flex-fuel 4.7 V8 for 2008. The engine is a $785 option on the 2WD Durango SXT and SLT models and standard on all other Durango models. Durango matches some large SUVs for space and towing capacity. Unfortunately, it matches some for poor fuel economy, too. |
 Class: Large SUV Base price range: $34,790 - $38,590 Engine: 320-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) Tahoe is a Best Buy value among large SUVs. Like its Chevrolet Tahoe cousin is to the Chevy Suburban, Yukon is essentially the reduced-length version of the longer Yukon XL. It offers three rows of seats and 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is optional on the 2WD Yukon SLE and standard on Yukon 4WD SLE and all SLT models. Note that for 2008, Yukon is also available with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Yukon Hybrids have a 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 that pairs with an electric motor. The Hybrid model can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and require no plug-in charging. The 5.3- and 6.0-liter engines have GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. |
 Class: Large SUV Base price range: $38,090 - $41,715 Engine: 320-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) As Suburban is to Tahoe in the Chevy lineup, Yukon XL is the longer wheelbase version of the GMC Yukon. Yukon XL seats up to nine and offers curtain side airbags for all three seating rows. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard. All Yukons offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Yukon XL is among the Consumer Guide Best Buy picks in the large-SUV class. |
 Class: Midsize SUV Base price range: $27,415 - $38,925 Engine: 306-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 13/18 (AWD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/13 (2WD), 9/12 (AWD) With its square-rigged styling and available seating for seven, Commander gives Jeep buyers an alternative to the sportier Grand Cherokee, even if the two are similar under the skin. These Jeeps have a decent balance of comfort and utility, but they can get pricey with options. Commander's E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 increases in horsepower for 2008, from 235 horsepower to 305. This engine is optional on Commander Sport models and standard on Limited versions. |
 Class: Midsize SUV Base price range: $28,520 - $38,555 Engine: 306-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (AWD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/13 (2WD), 9/12 (AWD) Rear-seat room and comfort may disappoint, and fuel economy is poor on models we tested. But Grand Cherokee is solid, rides comfortably, has fine ergonomics, and is tenacious off-road. It's also competitively priced. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 is optional on Grand Cherokee Laredo models and standard on Limited versions. This engine gains 70 horsepower for 2008, for a total of 305. |
 Class: Large SUV Base price range: $35,330 - $44,630 Engine: 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 12/18 (2WD), 12/17 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/14 (2WD), 9/13 (4WD) Freshened styling and more available features mark the 2008 Nissan Armada. Armada, like its luxury cousin, the QX56 from Nissan's Infiniti division, doesn't lead its class in any area. It also trails key rivals in third-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. On the upside, performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Armada and QX56 share a 5.6-liter V8, but only the Armada's version is E85 ethanol flex-fuel capable. Newly available Armada features include keyless access and engine start and a Bose-brand audio system with 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. |
| PICKUP TRUCKS |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $32,710 - $36,565 Engine: 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) The 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche gains standard curtain side airbags on all models. This reconfigurable pickup truck is essentially a crew-cab version of Chevrolet's Suburban SUV with a folding midgate separating the cab from the cargo bed. Lowering the midgate extends the bed to 8.2 ft from 5.3. Shopping for a pickup truck primarily for passenger use? Check out this Recommended pick. No other pickup offers Avalanche's blend of useful passenger accommodations, expandable cargo room, big-truck muscle, and friendly road manners. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard on 4-wheel-drive Avalanches and a no-extra-cost option on 2WD versions. This engine also has cylinder deactivation, which shuts down four cylinders at idle and cruising to save fuel. |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $17,070 - $38,095 Engine: 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) Silverado offers regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. Extended cabs have rear-hinged doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs can seat up to three passengers, while extendeds and crews can seat up to six. The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado offers two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired." Silverado shares a design with the GMC Sierra. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard on virtually all Silverado models and a $1,545 option on the few lower-priced versions that otherwise come with a V6 engine. Silverado and Sierra are Consumer Guide Recommended picks in the large pickup class. |
 Class: Compact Pickup Truck Base price range: $19,435 - $31,100 Engine: 290-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/12 (2WD), 9/12 (4WD) The 2008 Dodge Dakota gains more available power and freshened interior and exterior styling. This pickup truck comes in two body styles. Extended Cabs have a 6.5-ft cargo bed and rear-hinged back doors that do not open independently of the fronts. They seat up to five. Quad Cab crew cabs have a 5.3-ft bed, conventional back doors, and seat up to six. Standard on the top-line Laramie model and optional on other Dakotas is an E85 ethanol flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8. This engine has 290 horsepower for 2008, and replaces 4.7-liter V8s that made 230 or 260 horsepower and were not flex-fuel capable. The Mitsubishi Raider is a retrimmed version of the Dakota, but is not available with the flex-fuel 4.7 V8. |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $21,160 - $32,595 Engine: 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/19 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 9/13 (2WD), 9/13 (4WD) The 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 gets a more powerful V8 engine this year. This large pickup truck offers a 2-door regular cab and two 4-door crew cabs--the Quad Cab and the Mega Cab. The Mega's cab is 20 inches longer than the Quad Cab's. Regular and Quad Cab offer 6.3- and 8-foot cargo beds; Mega Cab uses the 6.3-foot bed. Regular cabs seat up to three passengers, the others up to six. There are body styles and equipment to meet most needs, plus the praiseworthy availability of curtain side airbags, all-wheel drive, and an antiskid system. Ram's E85 ethanol flex-fuel engine is a 4.7-liter V8. It's rated at 310 horsepower and replaces a 235-horsepower 4.7 V8. This engine is available in both flex-fuel and conventional form. In general, the E85 ethanol flex-fuel version is a $985 option on models that otherwise come with a V6 engine, and is a no-extra-cost option on Ram models that come with the conventional 4.7 V8. Note that the E85 ethanol flex-fuel V8 is not available on Rams sold in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $17,345- $39,500 Engine: 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 13/18 (2WD), 13/17 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/13 (2WD), 9/12 (4WD) The 2008 Ford F-150 gets a few new features as it awaits a redesign due for model-year 2009. A rearview camera is a new option on the 2008 Ford F-150. Also new is Ford's Cargo Management System. Available on any F-150 with the 6.5-foot Styleside box, this system comes with two side rails, a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars, and a header bar. Without available curtain side airbags and 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement, the F-150 lacks some important features available on its rivals, all of which are newer designs. This Ford earns its Recommended label for passenger room, refinement, and on-road composure. The F-150 is available with an E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.4-liter V8 or a conventional 5.4 V8. Both are rated at 300 horsepower. Depending on the F-150 model ordered, the E85 ethanol flex-fuel V8 is an option at $1,645or $895, and is a no-extra-cost option on the top-line F-150 King Ranch model. |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $17,070 - $37,745 Engine: 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 15/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 11/15 (2WD), 11/14 (4WD) Sierra is the GMC version of the Chevrolet Silverado. Like Silverado, the Sierra offers regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. Extended cabs have rear-hinged doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Regular cabs can seat up to three passengers, while extendeds and crews can seat up to six. The 2008 Sierra offers two interiors, dubbed "pure pickup" and "luxury inspired." The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.3-liter V8 is standard on most Sierra models. It's a $1,545 option on the few lower-priced versions that otherwise come with a V6 engine. Sierra and Silverado are Consumer Guide Recommended picks in the large pickup class. |
 Class: Large Pickup Truck Base price range: $23,700 - $37,650 Engine: 317-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 EPA mpg city/highway (gasoline): 14/18 (2WD), 14/18 (4WD) EPA mpg city/highway (E85 ethanol): 10/13 (2WD), 10/13 (4WD) Fresh styling is the news for the 2008 Nissan Titan. These large pickups come as the Crew Cab and as the extended-cab King. Kings have rear-opening back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but swing out flat against the bodysides. Joining cargo beds of 5.5 and 6.5 feet are newly available 7-foot beds for Crews and 8-foot beds for Kings. The E85 ethanol flex-fuel 5.6-liter V8 is Titan's only engine. Titan is strong in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. If you need what it's got, this brawny Nissan is worth a look. |
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