Research
February 27, 2008
2008 new and redesigned fullsize sedans
2008 new models by body style
Looking for an all-new full-size sedan in 2008? Here's a brief overview of all the full-size sedans that have been redesigned or are brand-new models to the market in 2008. Some of the highlights include the redesigned Honda Accord and the brand-new Pontiac G8.
2008 Cadillac STS
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $42,390-$53,360
For 2008, the Cadillac STS sedan has undergone one of the more dramatic restylings you're likely to see outside of a complete redesign. After a CTS sedan whose styling went a little too far, the current STS generation's styling didn't go far enough. Cadillac has addressed that with another installment of "The Attack of the Grilles."
Also new are a more powerful base engine, a performance option and a few new high-tech safety options.
2008 Ford Taurus
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $23,245-$28,695
Ford says 80 percent of consumers recognize the Taurus nameplate, but only 40 percent have heard of the Five Hundred, making the full-size sedan a tough sell. Rather than pour millions of dollars into raising awareness, Ford chose to resurrect the bygone Taurus nameplate and put it on the freshened 2008 Five Hundred. The closely related Mercury Montego receives a name change as well — it's now the Sable, recalling the Taurus' longstanding Mercury twin. The Freestyle wagon, which shares many components with both cars, becomes the Taurus X.
Changes for the new Taurus include a larger and more powerful V-6 engine, new front and rear styling and new suspension tuning. It's available in SEL and Limited trims.
2008 Honda Accord
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $20,360-$28,310
As the second-best-selling car in the United States, the new Honda Accord is one of the most significant introductions of the 2008 model year. The Accord gets an extensive redesign that includes all-new styling inside and out, a spacious rear seat for the sedan, more standard safety features and more powerful engines, including an optional V-6 with advanced fuel-saving technology. Competitors include the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
2008 Jaguar XJ
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $63,835-$94,085
Faced with a growing number of hard-charging rivals, Jaguar's stately XJ flagship undergoes a handful of revisions to stay competitive for 2008. The struggling Ford subsidiary says the XJ's modified front styling asserts a "purposeful appearance," but it isn't nearly as expressive as the XK coupe that hit showrooms last spring.
The biggest difference is the XJ's front bumper, which sports a deeper, narrower air dam. The interior gains some new options, including a Bluetooth system that's able to store information for up to five cell phones. (Don't talk all at once, now.) As before, regular and extended-length versions are available.
The engines remain the same; the supercharged V-8 propels the high-performance XJR from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds.
2008 Mercury Sable
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $23,540-$28,79
Mercury's full-size Montego sedan has been caught in Ford's nameplate switcheroo. It's now called the Sable, recalling Mercury's twin to the Ford Taurus of 1990s eminence. Ford says 60 percent of customers remember the Sable, and it's hoping to cash in on those memories with the name change. The same motivation is accountable for the Five Hundred being renamed Taurus. (Rest assured, there are no plans to rename the smaller Fusion and Milan sedans the Contour and Mystique.)
The changes are more than nameplate-deep. The Sable gets updated styling, a quieter cabin and more safety features than its predecessor. Under the hood, a larger V-6 cranks out 30 percent more power.
As before, all-wheel drive is available.
2008 Pontiac G8
New for 2008
List prices: Starting at $27,595
The G8 sedan is Pontiac's next full-size sedan and the first North American model based on a new platform that will also support the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Fear not, performance junkies: This is a rear-wheel-drive platform developed by GM's Holden division in Australia, where large rear-wheel-drive cars never fell out of favor.
