This guide is a compiled list of the top-performing 2008-model year small cars in J.D. Power and Associates’ key automotive research studies. The studies include the 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, and the 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS). All models are listed alphabetically by manufacturer.
Honda Civic: Top-ranked in its class according to consumers who bought one, the Honda Civic took home the IQS award last year and rated among the top three compact cars in our APEAL study, which measures owners’ delight with their vehicle’s performance and design. A standard Civic returns 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway when equipped with an automatic transmission. Engineered with Honda’s ACE crash-protection body structure, the Civic performs well in crash testing by earning 5-star ratings with the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” designation by the IIHS. For 2008, Honda added a new leather-lined version of the EX to the sedan and coupé lineups, and the Si is spiffed up with a race-tuned Mugen edition.
Get more information on the 2008 Honda Civic
Honda Civic First Time Buyer’s Guide
Hyundai Elantra Sedan: Redesigned in 2007, the Hyundai Elantra ranks among the top three models in its segment in the 2007 IQS—a direct result of high vehicle quality in design, and low defects and malfunctions during the first 90 days of ownership. This model boasts more interior space than nearly all of its rivals, an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway with automatic transmission, and a long list of standard amenities and safety features. In NHTSA crash tests, the Elantra Sedan earned 5-star frontal ratings. For 2008, the Elantra SE models received standard stability control, brake assist, and a new tire-pressure-monitoring system.
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Mitsubishi Lancer: An all-new redesign for 2008, the Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact, front-wheel-drive sedan that most enthusiasts will recognize as the platform for the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, high-performance Lancer Evolution model. While the standard Lancer sedan doesn’t offer as much power, it is much more fuel efficient. According to EPA estimates, the Mitsubishi Lancer, with automatic transmission, is rated at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway. In NHTSA crash testing, the Lancer scored 5-star frontal-impact ratings, placing it among the best in its class. Consumers have also found the Mitsubishi reliable. In the 2007 VDS, the Lancer ranked among the top three models in its segment. The Lancer was all-new for 2008.
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Scion tC: The most traditional Scion in the lineup, the tC is a front-wheel-drive, 2-door coupé with sleek styling. It offers standard 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front driver and passenger air bags, and knee air bags as standard equipment. Powered by a 4-cylinder engine, the Scion tC earns 2008 EPA fuel-economy ratings of 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway when equipped with the automatic transmission. The Scion tC ranked among the top three models in its segment in both the 2007 APEAL study and IQS.
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Subaru Impreza: The Subaru Impreza is available as a 4- or 5-door sedan with standard all-wheel drive across the entire model range. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, plus front, side, and rear curtain air bags. Electronic traction control is optional. The IIHS crash-tested the Impreza and named it a “2008 Top Safety Pick.” In the 2007 IQS, the Subaru Impreza ranked among the top three models in its segment. The Impreza was completely redesigned for the 2008 model year with an updated powerplant, and added safety features (the 2007 model also scored well in crash tests). Fuel-economy ratings on the automatic-equipped Impreza are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
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Toyota Corolla: A consumer favorite for decades, the Toyota Corolla earned a top-three ranking in its segment in the 2007 IQS. In addition, the Corolla also is among the top three in its class in fuel efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway with an automatic transmission. In NHTSA crash testing, the Corolla earned 5-star frontal ratings. The Corolla is available in five different trim levels, including the sporty XRS model with a spoiler and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
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Toyota Prius: The world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, and one of the most popular of its type, the second-generation Toyota Prius has been on sale since the 2004 model year. In 2007, it ranked second in segment in VDS, a testament to the low number of problems original owners reported after three years. As expected, the hybrid gasoline-electric powerplant pushed the compact Prius to a top fuel-economy rating with the EPA. Even with the tougher fuel-economy estimates for 2008, the Toyota Prius gets an estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway. (Hybrid vehicles will generally run slightly more efficiently around town than on the open highway.) Toyota changed some of the Prius’ option packages for 2008, and increased production to meet the increased demand as fuel prices continue to soar.
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Volkswagen Jetta: Consumers purchase the Volkswagen Jetta for its German engineering, sporty driving characteristics, and class-leading interior. They also buy the highest-ranking compact car in the 2007 APEAL study. The 2008 Jetta, with an automatic transmission, has an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, with the standard engine. In IIHS crash testing, the Jetta is a strong performer, as it earned itself a “Top Safety Pick” rating. The 2008 model adds a diesel powerplant, various wheel upgrades, and a new ground-effects kit. In addition, a new SportWagen model will be introduced.
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Volkswagen Rabbit: The Rabbit replaced the popular Golf as Volkswagen’s entry-level model in 2006. Consumers quickly warmed to the compact hatchback as it offered a high level of standard equipment, a comfortable interior, and a long list of safety features for the price. Frugal with fuel, the 2008 Rabbit earned an EPA fuel-economy rating of 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the automatic transmission, plus a top-three ranking in the 2007 APEAL study. During IIHS crash testing, the Rabbit earned a “Top Safety Pick” designation. The 2008 model year sees a 20-hp gain in engine power, standard tire-pressure monitoring, and a nomenclature change on the base model.
