2008 Midsize Car Lineup

Midsize cars
Buick LaCrosse
Base Price Range: $23,310-$31,310
EPA MPG Range: 15-25
Body Style: 4-door sedan
LaCrosse gets interior and exterior upgrades, and an available V8 engine for 2008. This front-wheel-drive Buick continues to polarize our staff. No LaCrosse matches Honda Accord or Toyota Camry for overall value, we agree. But some testers like the midrange LaCrosse CX and CXL for their traditional Buick room and comfort, and laud the sporty CXS for its engine and handling. Other testers say the CX and CXL models suffer outdated engineering, poor road manners, and steep prices, and that the CXS falls short of its sporty promise.

Midsize cars


Chevrolet Impala
Base Price Range: $21,255-$28,235
EPA MPG Range: 16-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Chevrolet's top-selling car is little changed for 2008. Impala remains affordable, relatively roomy, and has competent road manners. And it's V8 SS model is a muscle-car throwback. But this front-wheel-drive sedan can't match top import rivals for overall refinement. Note that the coupe version of the Impala, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, has been dropped for 2008.

Midsize cars


Chevrolet Malibu
Base Price Range: $19,345-$26,345
EPA MPG Range: 17-32
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Chevrolet redesigns its Malibu for 2008, giving it new styling and a gas/electric hybrid version. Malibu remains slightly smaller than the Impala, but has a far more-modern design shared with the Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, and Saab 9-3. Malibu's hybrid model can't run on electric power alone, but can shut off its 4-cylinder gas engine at idle to save fuel. It has 164 horsepower. Also available are a conventional gas 4-cylinder model with 169 horsepower and a V6 version with 252. An antiskid system is available for the first time.

Midsize cars

Chrysler Sebring
Base Price Range: $18,690-$31,760
EPA MPG Range: 16-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible
Sebring adds an all-wheel-drive sedan model and a convertible body style for 2008. The convertible comes with a power soft top or an optional power-retracing hardtop. Sebring's prices are attractive, with well-equipped V6 models starting below $23,000, and AWD is a nice alternative for snow-belt drivers. The convertible appeals for the all-weather security of its available power hardtop. Unfortunately, no Sebring shines for powertrain refinement, and build quality and interior roominess fall well short of the best in this segment.

Midsize cars

Dodge Avenger
Base Price Range: $18,220-$24,760
EPA MPG Range: 16-30
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The 2008 Avenger marks Dodge's return to the midsize sedan field. Assuming the slot once occupied by the Stratus, Avenger is about 4 inches longer than that car and shares its basic design with the Sebring from Dodge's parent company, Chrysler. Avenger comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and 4- and 6-cylinder engines ranging from 172 horsepower to 235. Unfortunately, Avenger disappoints with crude drivetrain behavior, unsophisticated road manners, and budget-grade cabin appointments. These demerits are offset somewhat by aggressive pricing and an impressive complement of safety features. But any number of midsize cars deserve a higher spot on your shopping list.

Midsize cars

Ford Fusion
Base Price Range: $17,770-$24,000 EPA MPG Range: 18-29
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Rear obstacle detection and Ford Sync, a voice-activated system for controlling cell phones and MP3 players, are newly available features for the Fusion. This sedan shares its basic design with the Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and premium-midsize Lincoln MKZ. Fusion comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and with a choice of 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Fusion, which is among our Recommended picks in the midsize-car category, matches the class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for room and road manners, if not engine refinement and cabin design. Pricing is a Fusion strong suit, however. Note that there's no substantive difference between the Fusion and Milan, but that the Mercury can cost less when comparably equipped. It has richer looking interior appointments, to boot.

Midsize cars

Honda Accord
Base Price Range: $20,360-$30,510
EPA MPG Range: 18-32
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
The 2008 Honda Accord is redesigned, getting more power, new styling, and more passenger space. Four-cylinder and V6 coupes and sedans return, but the Hybrid model is discontinued. Available are a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder of 177 or 190 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 268. The V6 includes Honda's Variable Cylinder Management that shuts down cylinders while cruising to conserve fuel. Accord is a perennial benchmark for midsize value, performance, and quality. Its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a strong Consumer Guide Best Buy in the midsize-car class.

Midsize cars


Hyundai Azera
Base Price Range: $24,235-$27,335
EPA MPG Range: 17-26
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Azera, the flagship car from South Korea's Hyundai, is a front-wheel-drive sedan that comes in GLS and uplevel Limited trim. GLS models are powered by a 234-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine. Limited has a 263-hp 3.8-liter V6. All Azeras include a 60/40 split folding rear seat and dual-zone climate control. Limited adds standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof. A navigation system is optional on Limited. Azera delivers an eye-opening array of standard safety features while furnishing impressive room, refinement, amenities, and build quality. Indifferent handling and ride control let it down, but overall, this Hyundai stacks up well against larger rivals, such as the Mercury Sable and Toyota Avalon.

Midsize cars


Hyundai Sonata
Base Price Range: $17,545-$24,045
EPA MPG Range: 19-31
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Hyundai Sonata is the smaller of Hyundai's two midsize cars, the other being the Azera. Sonata seats five and comes in GLS, SE, and Limited trims. All are available with a 162-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 234-horsepower V6. Limited models include leather upholstery with heated front seats and automatic climate control. Sonata is not quite as sporty or refined as its midsize-class rivals. Its main strength is a crafty combination of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance. Sealing Sonata as a Consumer Guide Recommended choice is its lengthy list of standard safety features, budget-friendly pricing, and Hyundai's strong warranty.

Midsize cars

Kia Optima
Base Price Range: $16,355-$20,400
EPA MPG Range: 20-31
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Optima shares its basic design with the Sonata produced by Kia's corporate parent, the South Korean automaker, Hyundai. Optima comes in LX and uplevel EX models with a choice of a 162-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. Options include heated seats, sunroof, and power-adjustable pedals. Like the related Sonata, Optima delivers a high level of features per dollar, earning a Consumer Guide Recommended nod. Optima has a more sporting character and lower starting prices than Sonata, but ABS and traction/antiskid control cost extra, important safety features we strongly recommend.

Midsize cars
Kia Rondo
Base Price Range: $16,395-$20,195
EPA MPG Range: 18-26
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The Kia Rondo is a front-wheel-drive 4-door wagon. In size and price, Rondo slots between Kia's compact Spectra5 hatchback and midsize Sorento SUV. Rondo offers LX and EX trim levels, both of which are available with a 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a 182-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine. Five-passenger seating is standard. An optional 60/40 split folding 3rd-row bench increases seating capacity to seven. Kia calls Rondo a crossover, but its carlike design and lack of available all-wheel drive land it squarely in the wagon camp. Its roomy interior, flexible cargo accommodations and attractive pricing make Rondo a Consumer Guide Best Buy.

Midsize cars
Mazda 5
Base Price Range: $17,995-$22,365
EPA MPG Range: 21-28
Body Style: 4-door wagon
Mazda 5 is based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda 3 compact car, but has a longer, taller wagon body with seating for six, minivan-style sliding rear side doors, and one-piece liftgate. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring versions are available. All have a 153-hp 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine. The 2008 Mazda 5 receives interior and exterior styling changes. The exterior changes include a new front fascia, grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior is updated with changes including new gauges, center console, second row air vents with fan speed control, and additional armrests. Also new is a 5-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previously offered 4-speed. Mazda 5 earns a Consumer Guide Recommended nod as a well-made, sensibly sized wagon that's sedan sporty, minivan versatile, and priced right. It also offers good fuel economy and outstanding room for four plus lots of stuff--four adults, a little cargo and, in the 3rd-row seats, two tikes.

Midsize cars
Mazda 6
Base Price Range: $18,990-$27,750
EPA MPG Range: 17-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback
The 2008 Mazda 6 loses its wagon and high-performance all-wheel-drive MazdaSpeed models. Left are front-wheel-drive 4-door sedans and hatchbacks in various trim levels grouped under "i" and "s" prefixes. The i models have a 156-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. The s models use a 212-hp 3.0-liter V6. Mazda 6 is a bit less refined than Honda Accord or Saturn Aura. It also trails those rivals for interior materials and 4-cylinder acceleration with the automatic transmission. It is one of the sportiest midsize cars and is competitively priced, with the practical hatchback models an added attraction for some buyers.

Midsize cars
Mercury Milan
Base Price Range: $18,725-$25,145
EPA MPG Range: 18-29
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Mercury Milan shares its basic design with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. It offers base and uplevel Premier models, both available with a 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 221-horsepower V6. All Milans come with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available on V6 models. Newly available features for 2008 include rear obstacle detection and Ford's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players. Milan, a Consumer Guide Recommended pick, has little substantive advantage over a comparably equipped Ford Fusion, which is the same car under the skin. Both are quite capable midsize sedans. The added availability of all-wheel drive further enhances their credibility. Note that the Mercury has a longer list of standard equipment and richer-looking interior appointments.

Midsize cars
Mitsubishi Galant
Base Price Range: $19,999-$27,149
EPA MPG Range: 18-27
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Mitsubishi Galant comes in DE and ES trims as well as the sport-themed Ralliart. DE and ES have a 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Ralliarts have a 258-horsepower V6, plus specific styling cues and suspension tuning. Galant matches the midsize-class leaders for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling, particularly the sporty Ralliart. These front-wheel-drive sedans lag in mechanical refinement, solidity, interior materials, and assembly quality, however. Yes, Galant typically sells for less than its rivals, but that's offset by Mitsubishi's lower resale values.

Midsize cars
Nissan Altima
Base Price Range: $18,230-$28,280
EPA MPG Range: 42-36
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Nissan's midsize cars have front-wheel drive come as a sedan and as a slightly smaller 2-door coupe. Both are available as 2.5 models with a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder or as 3.5 models with a 270-horsepower V6. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the 3.5 SL versions and optional on all but the base 2.5. Altima also offers a gas-electric Hybrid sedan. It's sold only in California and certain northeastern states and pairs the 4-cylinder engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 horsepower. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources and does not require plug-in charging. Altima is a Consumer Guide Recommended choice. As a sporty alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, Altima gives up little in terms of everyday usability. Rear-seat comfort and overall refinement still trail the class leaders, but Altima is more engaging to drive.

Midsize cars
Nissan Maxima
Base Price Range: $28,050-$30,300
EPA MPG Range: 21-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The 2008 Nissan Maxima offers a new Platinum Edition Package. Maxima shares its basic design with the 2002-2006 Altima. Positioned between family-oriented midsize sedans and premium sport sedans, Maxima is bested for value by such stalwarts as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and for performance and refinement by Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. Still, this Nissan is a roomy and capable midsize option.

Midsize cars
Pontiac G6
Base Price Range: $17,845 -$29,345
EPA MPG Range: 15-30
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan
The Pontiac G6 is available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, or 2-door convertible with a power-retracting hardtop. G6 shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura, and Saab 9-3. All G6s have front-wheel drive. Engine choices, depending on model, are a 164-horsepower 4-cylinder, and V6s rated at 217, 219, 222, and 252 horsepower. G6 lacks the well-toned feel of a Honda Accord or the isolating comfort of a Toyota Camry. But it undercuts them on price, especially with a V6 engine. Frequent discounts and a wide selection of safety and convenience features add to G6's appeal. The G6 coupe is too large for the interior space it provides, making a sedan the wiser choice of the two. The convertible benefits from the all-weather security of its retractable hardtop.

Midsize cars
Pontiac Grand Prix
Base Price Range: $21,815-$28,815
EPA MPG Range: 18-28
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Grand Prix is the larger of Pontiac's two midsize sedans. It has front-wheel drive, seats five, and comes in base and high-performance GXP trims. The mid-level GT model is discontinued for 2008. Base models have a 200-horsepower V6 engine, GXPs a 303-horsepower V8. The V8 has GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system. Grand Prix is an aged design, and show it. It trails our Best Buy Honda Accord and Recommended Toyota Camry for interior quality, and rear-seat comfort is subpar. Still, Grand Prix appeals for its good performance, comfortable ride, cargo versatility, and plenty of features at competitive prices. The potent GXP is worth a look for shoppers who put a premium on power and expressive styling.

Midsize cars
Saturn Aura
Base Price Range: $19,745-$24,895
EPA MPG Range: 20-35 highway
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Saturn Aura shares its basic design with the Chevrolet Malibu and the Pontiac G6. Aura has front-wheel drive and comes in XE-4, XE-6, uplevel XR, and gas-electric hybrid Green Line models. XE-4 has a 164-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. XE-6 and XR have V6s of 224 and 252 horsepower, respectively. The Green Line teams a 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery powered electric motor for 164 horsepower. It cannot run on eclectic power alone, saving fuel primarily by shutting down the gas engine at idle. For 2008, all Auras except XE-4 models have an antiskid system as standard. Aura is a Consumer Guide Recommended choice, It shines for its sporty road manners, comfortably controlled ride, and mechanical polish. It's also roomy and comfortable, feels solid, and offers a lot for the money, including essential standard safety features. The available Green Line is a budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced Toyota Camry Hybrid. A final plus: Saturn's strong reputation for customer satisfaction.

Midsize cars
Subaru Legacy
Base Price Range: $20,795-$33,995
EPA MPG Range: 17-27
Body Style: 4-door sedan
Legacys are basically Subaru Outbacks shorn of their SUV styling cues and wagon body style. The 2008 Subaru Legacy gets freshened styling. These midsize sedans have all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Legacy is available in 2.5i and 2.5 GT trims, each with 4-cylinder engines. The 2.5i models have 170 horsepower. GT and sport-themed GT spec.B are turbocharged and have 243 horsepower. The 3.0 R Limited has a 245- horsepower 6-cylinder. The spec.B has a sport suspension and specific interior trim. Legacys don't provide generous rear-seat room compared to some other midsize cars, and these cars are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors. They do have some appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability, available sedan and wagon body styles, and numerous available safety features.

Midsize cars
Subaru Outback
Base Price Range: $21,995-$32,195
EPA MPG Range: 17-27
Body Style: 4-door wagon
The 2008 Subaru Outback gets freshened exterior and interior styling and loses its sedan body style. These SUV-flavored wagons have all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. Outbacks share their basic design with Subaru's Legacy sedan, but have a slightly raised suspension. Outbacks offers 4-cylinder models with 170-243 horsepower, and a 3.0 R model with a 245-horsepower 6-cylinder. With their slightly raised suspensions and lower-body cladding, Outbacks offer the flavor of SUVs but with carlike size, ride, and handling. These wagons are pricey against front-wheel-drive competitors, but appeal for their all-wheel-drive capability and numerous standard safety features.

Midsize cars
Toyota Camry
Base Price Range: $18,570-$28,120
EPA MPG Range: 33-34
Body Style: 4-door sedan
The Toyota Camry is a front-wheel-drive sedan that includes gas and gas-electric hybrid models. The base engine is a 158-horsepower 4-cylinder; also available is 268-horsepower V6. The Hybrid model is equipped similarly to the top-line Camry XLE model and 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 horsepower. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Camry is no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version--and recent test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship. But every Camry is a class leader in powertrain refinement and passenger comfort, making it a clear Consumer Guide Recommended pick.

Midsize cars
Toyota Prius
Base Price Range: $20,950-$23,220
EPA MPG Range: 48-45
Body Style: 4-door hatchback
The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid five-passenger, 4-door hatchback. It teams a 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 horsepower. Toyota's hybrid system automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Prius has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). New for 2008 is an entry-level Standard model that costs about $1,400 less than the midline Base model, but is unavailable with features such as cruise control and heated power mirrors. Prius costs significantly more than most other fuel-efficient cars, a price premium that will likely take years to offset in fuel savings. Among its deficits are lackluster acceleration and a needlessly complicated control layout. Fuel economy is outstanding, however, and cargo and passenger space exceeds that of many competitors.

Midsize cars
Toyota Solara
Base Price Range: $19,930-$30,460
EPA MPG Range: 18-31
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
These front-wheel-drive coupes and convertibles are spinoffs of Toyota's 2002-2006 Camry sedan design. Solara convertibles have a power soft top. Coupes are available with a 155-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 210-horsepower V6. Convertibles come only with the V6. Solara inherits many virtues from its 2002-2006 Camry parent, but trades 4-door practicality for 2-door style, and still somehow avoids delivering an entertaining driving experience. Honda Accord coupes certainly have more spirit, but Solara matches the Honda's reputation for good resale value, and offers a convertible body style that Accord does not.

Midsize cars
Volkswagen Passat
Base Price Range: $23,180-$33,320
EPA MPG Range: 17-29
Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon
The Volkswagen Passat offers sedans and station wagons in Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and 4Motion VR6 models. The sedan also comes in a VR6 model. Turbo, Komfort, and Lux Passats have a turbocharged 200- horsepower 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The VR6 models have a 280- horsepower V6. Six-cylinder powered sedans offer the choice of front drive or VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive, but 6-cylinder wagons have 4Motion only. A carefully optioned Turbo or Komfort model is the smart Passat choice, given the steep prices for lavishly equipped versions. Passat prices can easily move into premium-midsize-car territory, where, unlike Passat, the best entries have unassailable interior materials and something more than a 4-cylinder as the base engine.