• 2008 Scion tC, Economy Cars
    • Stylish
    • Comfortable seating
    • Stable and confident feel on the road
    • Excellent value with above-average reliability
  • 2008 Scion xD, Economy Cars
    • Lots of standard features for the price
    • Fuel efficiency
    • More passenger volume than some compact hatchbacks
    • Road grip
  • 2008 Smart ForTwo, Economy Cars
    • Maneuverability
    • Easy to park
    • Loads of standard safety equipment
    • Excellent fuel economy
  • 2008 Subaru Impreza, Economy Cars
    • Handling and steering feedback
    • Cabin volume and added cargo space
    • Safety ratings
    • Above-average reliability
  • 2008 Suzuki Forenza, Economy Cars
    • Upscale exterior appearance
    • Many standard convenience features
    • Spacious cabin
    • Drivetrain warranty is long and transferable
  • 2008 Suzuki Reno, Economy Cars
    • Well-designed cockpit
    • Flexible cargo space
    • Ample front-seat headroom and legroom
    • Long powertrain warranty
  • 2008 Suzuki SX4, Economy Cars
    • All-wheel drive
    • Many safety and convenience features
    • Generous headroom and legroom, especially in the rear
    • Above-average safety ratings
    • Long powertrain warranty
  • 2008 Toyota Corolla, Economy Cars
    • Practical and reliable
    • Very fuel-efficient
    • Smooth and quiet ride
    • High resale value
  • 2008 Toyota Yaris, Economy Cars
    • Low base price
    • Fuel economy
    • Predicted reliability and resale value
    • Handling and performance
  • 2008 Volkswagen GTI, Economy Cars
    • Precise steering and fluid handling
    • Well-engineered powertrain
    • Quick acceleration
    • Well-equipped
  • 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, Economy Cars
    • Comfortable, agile, powerful
    • Spacious interior and trunk
    • Crash test ratings
    • Retained value
  • 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, Economy Cars
    • Charming, fun to drive
    • Comfortable for front-seat occupants
    • Lots of standard features
    • High resale value
  • 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, Economy Cars
    • Fun to drive
    • Impressive handling, steering, on-road stability
    • Comfortable
    • Lots of less-common standard features
  • 2008 Volvo C30, Economy Cars
    • Premium style and features
    • Cargo versatility
    • Excellent visibility
    • Many standard safety features
  • 2009 Ford Focus, Economy Cars
    • Good fuel economy
    • Comfortable ride
    • Respectable handling
    • Sync music/Bluetooth system
  • 2009 Honda Civic, Economy Cars
    • Comfortable
    • Fun to drive
    • Excellent fuel economy
    • Si model accelerates well
    • Outstanding reliability
    • Strong resale value
    • Good safety ratings
  • 2009 Honda Fit, Economy Cars
    • Fun to drive
    • Sporty handling
    • Excellent fuel economy
    • Flexible, well-designed interior
    • Good crash-test results
  • 2009 Hyundai Accent, Economy Cars
    • Good fuel economy
    • Smooth highway ride
    • Agile handling
    • Strong warranty coverage
    • Sedan and hatchback styles offered
    • Base hatchback is America's cheapest car
  • 2009 Hyundai Elantra, Economy Cars
    • Smooth, comfortable ride
    • Roomy cabin and trunk
    • Good fuel economy
    • Respectable handling
    • Strong warranty coverage
  • 2009 Mazda3, Economy Cars
    • Lively engine response
    • Responsive, communicative steering
    • Dynamic, fun-to-drive handling
    • Attractive styling
    • Feels well built
  • 2009 Mini Cooper, Economy Cars
    • Attractive, retro styling
    • Very fun to drive
    • Sporty handling
    • Good fuel economy
    • Powerful, optional turbo engine
    • Top resale value
  • 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, Economy Cars
    • Sporty handling
    • Spacious interior
    • Distinctive styling
    • IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • 2009 Nissan Versa, Economy Cars
    • Low price
    • Spacious interior, good headroom
    • Quiet, cushy ride
    • Generous cargo space
    • Good crash-test results
  • 2009 Scion xD, Economy Cars
    • Distinctive design
    • Good fuel economy
    • Many standard features
    • Easy to personalize
    • Reliability
  • 2009 Subaru Impreza, Economy Cars
    • Secure handling
    • Smooth ride
    • Standard all-wheel drive
    • IIHS Top Safety Pick
    • Sedan and hatchback body styles
  • 2009 Suzuki SX4, Economy Cars
    • Good handling
    • Available all-wheel drive
    • Available navigation system
    • Good reliability record
    • Long, transferable powertrain warranty
  • 2009 Toyota Corolla, Economy Cars
    • Practical and functional
    • Excellent fuel economy
    • Smooth, quiet ride
    • Solid reliability, strong resale value
    • Good safety ratings
  • 2009 Toyota Yaris, Economy Cars
    • Excellent fuel economy
    • Highly maneuverable
    • Comfortable ride
    • Good reliability record
    • Low base price
  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, Economy Cars
    • Responsive, European-car handling
    • Ride comfort
    • Classy interior
    • Nice build quality
    • No-charge scheduled maintenance
    • IIHS Top Safety Pick
    • Optional punchy turbo four-cylinder
  • 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Economy Cars
    • Torquey diesel has low-end punch
    • Responsive handling
    • Comfortable ride
    • Upscale interior, solid feel
    • Outstanding fuel economy
    • No-charge scheduled maintenance
    • IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, Economy Cars
    • Spunky, fun-to-drive handling
    • Upscale interior accommodations
    • Nice ride comfort
    • No-charge scheduled maintenance
    • IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • Family Sedans - Family Car Review, Family Sedan Review Our ConsumerSearch buyer’s guide to family cars synthesizes expert reviews and analysis to reveal the most important features and considerations for families, and provides a summary of the best and the worst models that the 2008 market has to offer...
  • Best Rated Family Sedan, Family Car Ratings ConsumerSearch rates expert and comparative family car reviews and test results to highlight the most useful and credible sources available...
  • Family Sedan Comparisons; Compare Family Cars
  • 2008 Acura TSX, Family Cars Attractive styling and superb handling are high points of the 2008 Acura TSX. The exterior is distinctive, and the TSX's cabin is refined, comfortable and constructed from premium-quality materials. Reviewers especially like the available navigation system and full complement of standard safety features, including stability and traction control. Steering is precise, and testers note that the 6-speed manual transmission is engaging.
  • 2008 Audi A4, Family Cars Reviewers commend the 2008 Audi A4's top-tier materials, well-balanced suspension and impeccable fit and finish. The interior is refined and tasteful; seats are firm and supportive. Crash-test results are excellent for most styles (except the convertible A4), and resale value is typically high.
  • 2008 Buick LaCrosse, Family Cars Praise for Buick LaCrosse's QuietTuning, which incorporates a number of insulating materials and design elements to reduce road noise, is nearly unanimous among reviewers. Some critics also appreciate the extra passenger capacity offered by the available front bench seat. Reviews note overall build quality as a plus, as well as the LaCrosse's exceptionally smooth ride.
  • 2008 Buick Lucerne, Family Cars Most sources concede that the 2008 Buick Lucerne is a competent performer – it even has some unique advantages, including an unusually quiet cabin, as well as an available front bench seat. Reliability for the V8-equipped Lucerne is expected to be better than average.
  • 2008 Chevrolet Impala, Family Cars Many reviewers commend the 2008 Chevrolet Impala for its spacious interior and relatively economical price tag. Others note that the Impala is an energetic performer -- particularly when equipped with the V8 engine – and the Impala performs very well in crash testing.
  • 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Family Cars Experts praise the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu's handsome, streamlined exterior design, comfortable cabin and thoughtfully placed controls. Sources admire the Malibu's smooth ride and responsive handing. The 2008 Chevy Malibu is a great value, according to most sources, and its list of standard safety features is unparalleled.
  • 2008 Chrysler 300, Family Cars The chief components of the 2008 Chrysler 300's appeal are its unique, boxy styling and relatively economical price tag. The 300 also offers some options that aren't found on most other full-size sedans, like a longer-wheelbase version and available all-wheel drive. Its government crash-test scores are among the best.
  • 2008 Chrysler Sebring, Family Cars Reviewers are pleased with the all-wheel drive on the Limited version of the Sebring sedan and with some of its innovative accessories. The V6 option offers suitable acceleration, reviewers say, and the cabin is relatively quiet and versatile, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and fold-down front passenger seat for added cargo volume.
  • 2008 Dodge Avenger, Family Cars Reviewers appear to stretch a bit when tallying the Avenger's assets. Most appreciate the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and fold-down front passenger seat. The starting price of the Avenger is another plus. Some reviewers say the ride is fairly smooth on the highway, and wind noise is hushed. The pricier R/L V6-engine option ups power and responsiveness, but adds $5,000 to the price.
  • 2008 Dodge Charger, Family Cars One of the 2008 Dodge Charger's most appealing attributes is its value within the segment -- it's stylish and eye-catching, with more muscular available engines. On a practical note, crash-test scores are excellent, reliability average or better, and resale value is expected to be better than average. A limited lifetime powertrain warranty on 2008 Dodge Chargers may prove a powerful incentive for some buyers.
  • 2008 Ford Fusion, Family Cars The Ford Fusion's biggest talking points have been its affordable sticker price and its above-average reliability ratings. Most express enthusiasm for the Fusion's distinctive styling, both inside and out. Reviews of the Ford Fusion are largely favorable, highlighting the Fusion's handling, performance and ride quality as above average.
  • 2008 Ford Taurus, Family Cars Reviewers say that the 2008 Ford Taurus may not emerge as a top seller, but has a lot to offer, including a roomy trunk and cabin, quiet ride, award-winning safety ratings and a fairly modest sticker price. Options include all-wheel drive and Sync, Ford's new integrated entertainment and communications system.
  • 2008 Honda Accord, Family Cars Reviewer feedback for the Honda Accord is almost exclusively positive; most sources say it's easy to understand why the Accord is the leader in its class. Experts say its reliability and quality ratings are consistently outstanding, its safety ratings are excellent, and the Accord is an excellent value for the money.
  • 2008 Honda Civic, Family Cars The Honda Civic is a great value, receiving reviewer accolades for its comfortable interior, above-average fuel efficiency and strong safety ratings. With six different versions and several available trim levels on most of these, the Civic can be purchased in at least a dozen configurations.
  • 2008 Hyundai Azera, Family Cars The Hyundai Azera receives no shortage of positive commentary in regard to its overall build quality, especially relative to the sticker price. Most sources claim that the Azera represents a niche that's traditionally lacking in the family-sedan segment: full-size comfort and premium touches at a midsize, budget-friendly price.
  • 2008 Hyundai Sonata, Family Cars According to many sources, the 2008 Hyundai Sonata offers enough in the way of performance and comfort to legitimately claim a piece of the family-sedan pie even without benefit of its economical price tag. The Sonata is also one of the roomiest sedans in its class. Value for the price, an industry-leading warranty and a full complement of standard features endear the Sonata to most reviewers.
  • 2008 Infiniti G35, Family Cars The G35 gets points for its muscular V6, which arms this sedan with great acceleration. Its speed doesn't negatively impact the G35's handling, however, which is top-notch. The G35's starting price is attractive, and loads of standard safety features serve to enhance the impression of value and quality.
  • 2008 Kia Amanti, Family Cars The theme that runs through most evaluations of the 2008 Kia Amanti is value. The Amanti offers only one trim level, but standard features are abundant, and the Amanti does get a lot of points for its interior styling, fit and finish, and comfort.
  • 2008 Mazda6, Family Cars If you value performance and sportiness but do too much family-hauling and coupon-clipping to justify the purchase of a high-end roadster, then reviews say the Mazda6 is a fun-to-drive alternative to more staid family sedans. According to IFCAR, the Mazda6 has "the best handling found in a family sedan, with quick steering responses and a very agile feel."
  • 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis, Family Cars
    • Value
    • Lots of interior space
    • Plush seats
    • Good crash-test scores 
  • 2008 Mercury Milan, Family Cars
    • Value
    • Top marks for safety and reliability
    • Sporty ride
    • Roomy cabin
  • 2008 Mercury Sable, Family Cars
    • Excellent crash test scores
    • Roomy interior
    • Smooth ride
    • Reduced road noise
  • 2008 Mitsubishi Galant, Family Cars
    • Sporty and spacious
    • Good value
    • Shines in crash tests
  • 2008 Nissan Altima, Family Cars
    • Agile and responsive
    • Great fuel economy
    • Adequate trunk space
    • Good safety features
  • 2008 Nissan Maxima, Family Cars
    • Sporty ride
    • Roomy cabin
    • Plenty of interior storage
    • Long-term reliability
  • 2008 Pontiac G6, Family Cars
    • Quick
    • Responsive handling
    • Roomy, practical cabin
    • Stylish
  • 2008 Pontiac G8, Family Cars
    • Agile
    • Distinctively styled and well-built
    • Performance value
  • 2008 Saab 9-3, Family Cars
    • Reputation for safety and quality
    • Comfortable interior
    • Great safety ratings
    • Comes in three body styles and has an all-wheel-drive option
  • 2008 Saturn Aura, Family Cars
    • Stylish
    • Good value
    • Suspension, braking and fuel efficiency
    • Impressive standard safety features
  • 2008 Subaru Impreza, Family Cars
    • Reliability
    • Quick, good handling
    • Highly customizable
  • 2008 Subaru Legacy, Family Cars
    • Safety, dependability
    • Good handling
    • Variety of options and trim levels
  • 2008 Toyota Avalon, Family Cars
    • Above-average reliability and safety ratings
    • Quiet and attractive highway cruiser
    • Comfortable cabin
    • Fuel economy
  • 2008 Toyota Camry, Family Cars
    • Flawless safety ratings
    • Generous package of safety features
    • Smooth ride and spacious cabin
    • Superior fuel efficiency
  • 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, Family Cars
    • Comfortable, agile and powerful sedan
    • Strong build quality and crash-test scores
    • High retained value
  • 2008 Volkswagen Passat, Family Cars
    • Roomy cabin
    • Generous cargo space
    • Safety features and crash-test scores
  • 2008 Volvo S40, Family Cars
    • Top-tier features
    • Value
    • Safety features
    • Enjoyable ride

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