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2008 new and redesigned midsize sedans
2008 new models by body style
Looking for an all-new midsize sedan in 2008? Here's a brief overview of all the midsize sedans that have been redesigned or are brand-new models to the market in 2008. Some of the highlights include the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu and the brand-new Jaguar XF.
2008 Buick LaCrosse
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $23,310-$31,310
Buick's LaCrosse midsize sedan gets new front-end styling for 2008 and a new Super trim level that features a V-8 engine with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology. Also available in CX, CXL and CXS form with V-6 power.
2008 Cadillac CTS
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $32,245-$36,445
Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Cadillac CTS keeps everything that was good about the first-generation model and seems to improve everything that wasn't — and not just a little. More refined exterior styling, greatly improved interior design and quality, more power and optional all-wheel drive mean the CTS is poised to give the Infiniti G35 and other entry-level sport sedans some tough competition.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $19,345-$26,345
No matter when you look, it seems a new or redesigned midsize sedan is always being introduced. Toyota's popular Camry was overhauled for 2007, and before that Ford introduced the Fusion. This year it's Chevrolet's turn as it brings out a redesigned version of its Malibu family sedan.
Available in LS, LT and top-of-the-line LTZ trim, the five-seat Malibu offers a choice of either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine and comes standard with side curtain airbags, an important safety feature. A new Hybrid version of the Malibu is available in 2008.
2008 Dodge Avenger
New for 2008
List prices: $18,590-$25,270
The Dodge Avenger shores up DaimlerChrysler's midsize sedan lineup. Introduced for 2008, the Avenger succeeds the Stratus, and like the Stratus it plays a sportier second fiddle to Chrysler's Sebring sedan. The Sebring was redesigned for 2007, and it shares underpinnings with the Avenger. Both cars compete against best-sellers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Trim levels include the SE, midlevel SXT and sporty R/T. Unadorned Avengers will use Chrysler's World Engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's used in a range of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Other engines include a 2.7-liter V-6 and a 3.5-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive is standard, while the R/T has optional all-wheel drive.
Jaguar XF
2008 Jaguar XF
New for 2008
List prices: TBA
When the concept version of the new XF debuted at last year's Detroit auto show, it was heralded as the car that would save Jaguar. It's hard to remember any other concept drawing such undisputed praise. Jaguar vowed to build a production model true to the sexy concept, and it did — for the most part.
While we're happy with three-quarters of the S-Type replacement's exterior, the front headlights are almost unforgivable. Instead of the sleek daggers of the concept, someone - and if Jaguar can find the person responsible, he or she should be fired — inserted a round element right into the middle of that dagger. The result is a disjointed design that transforms this otherwise fine automobile into a mixed bag.
The choice of three engines — a 420-hp, supercharged 4.2-liter V-8; a 300-hp, 4.2-liter V-8; and a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 - all controlled by Jaguar's excellent shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission, is a fine array of power. Each XF model gets shift paddles as well.
The rear-wheel drive XF will hit dealerships in the spring of 2008, but dealers are already taking orders.
Besides the debatable looks outside, we can't complain about the massive interior upgrade that mimics, and perhaps even improves upon, the new XK sports coupe.
There are some neat tricks inside, too. The air conditioning vents close when the car is off, and when you start the engine they roll open and into their last position. The shifter is a recessed knob that rises out of the center console when needed. The glove box and interior lights can be controlled via motion sensors instead of switches or buttons. Just wave your hand over the light and it turns on. There's also voice recognition to control the stereo, navigation, telephone, climate and other settings.
Lexus IS-F
2008 Lexus IS-F
New for 2008
List prices: Starting at $56,000
It took an awfully long time, but Lexus has finally thrown its noodle into the alphabet soup of automotive performance variants. Where Audi's A4 comes as a souped-up (oh, the irony) RS4, the BMW 3 Series comes as an M3, and the Acura TL comes as a TL Type-S, the Lexus IS compact sport sedan now comes as an IS-F, the first but definitely not the last in Lexus' high-performance line.
If the IS-F is any indication, the Fs will be serious contenders. Equipped with a 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8, the IS-F is said to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.9 seconds.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $31,200-$36,500
Mercedes-Benz redesigned its entry-level C-Class for 2008, offering new styling reminiscent of the automaker's latest S-Class flagship. Engine choices remain the same as last year: The C300 has a 228-hp V-6, while the C350 offers a larger, 268-hp V-6. All-wheel drive is available.
The C300 comes with a manual or automatic transmission, but the C350 only comes with an automatic - a shame, as last year's stick-shift C350 was an engaging driver's car.
2008 Saab 9-3
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $27,640-$44,920
Saab's 9-3 sedan gets a redesigned exterior for 2008, and it will gain all-wheel drive later in the model year. It's positioned as Saab's entry-level sedan, and it competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60. The 9-3 is available as a convertible, SportCombi (read: wagon) and sedan. The Aero is the uplevel trim in all body styles, and each comes with a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine.
Base models feature 16-inch alloy wheels and a power driver's seat. Aero models include the more powerful engine, 17-inch wheels and slightly larger brakes. Both trims offer six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. An upgraded Bose Centerpoint audio system will be optional on base models and standard on Aero sedans and SportCombis.
Exterior changes for 2008 include new wheel designs, a larger front grille, smaller side grilles and a more V-shaped hood. Saab says it borrowed some styling ideas from its Aero X auto-show concept when it refined the 9-3's looks.
2008 Subaru Legacy
Redesigned for 2008
List prices: $20,495-$33,995
Three years after it introduced the latest Legacy sedan and wagon, Subaru offers a mildly restyled version for 2008. In lieu of the three-piece winged grille splayed across the Impreza sedan and B9 Tribeca SUV, the Legacy offers a more conservative, single-piece grille bisected by a winged crossbar. (This looks like one wing Subaru's marketers can get behind: It doesn't require a grille that makes shoppers take flight.)
Other changes include the addition of Subaru's 3.0-liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine in the Legacy 3.0 R Limited. That trim level effectively replaces last year's Legacy 2.5 GT Spec B. Other Legacys continue to use a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Subaru's SI-Drive system, which allows drivers to program accelerator response, is included in the 3.0 R Limited.
Subaru gave its Outback sedan and wagon similar updates for 2008.
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