To prepare for a new decade, car manufacturers were upping their game with innovative new technologies for faster and better cars. While the cars have aged, their performance has remained first-rate. And one way to experience them without shelling out too much is by buying used
. From opulent high-ticket vehicles to long-lasting daily drivers, read on to learn about the best 2008 cars. We've compiled everything you need to know in a handy guide.
RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
The best cars of 2008
Whether you’re in the market for a luxury sedan, sports car, family vehicle, or work truck, these seven vehicles are the automotive heroes of 2008.
The best car of 2008: Cadillac CTS
KBB fair market range: $5,402 to $6,461
Powertrain: 3.6-liter V6 engine with six-speed shiftable automatic transmission
GM’s luxury sedan got a makeover from the previous year and sports vertical headlights and taillights, a duo-toned grille, and stylish fender flares. The entry-level 258-horsepower V6 engine delivers a strong performance by handling quick turns and gear shifts with grace.
And the elegant redesign doesn’t stop outside—the interior is covered in wood accents, alloy trim, and LED lights that make you feel ready for take-off!
The best luxury car of 2008: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
KBB fair market range: $6,588 to $12,383
Powertrain: 5.5-liter V8 engine with seven-speed shiftable automatic
Pumping out 382 horsepower from its V8 engine, the RWD S-Class can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. And with Mercedes’ Touch Shift manual-shift feature, you can switch gears with a press of a button behind the steering wheel.
This stylish sedan is decked out in leather upholstery
, walnut trims, heated front seats, and an astounding 14-speaker surround sound system that will have everyone noticing you. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class certainly dominates the luxury cars class of 2008. The best SUV of 2008: Mazda CX-9
KBB fair market range: $6,465 to $7,370
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with six-speed shiftable automatic
The CX-9 looks small from the outside, but there’s no mistaking its power once you hear its sports car-like engine. Zooming on the freeway is a breeze with 270 lb-ft of torque, ultra-responsive steering, and four-wheel independent suspension that makes rough roads no problem. With foldable third-row seats, this roomy SUV is sure to be a hit with family and friends, too.
The best luxury SUV of 2008: Lexus RX 350
KBB fair market range: $4,658 to $10,925
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission
This crossover SUV is as luxurious to look at as it is to drive. Its 3.5L, 270-horsepower V6 engine allows the RX to reach 60 mph in only seven seconds. Despite its power, the RX 350 provides a silky smooth driving experience.
Inside, you’ll find a five-seater fitted with leather and wood trim on the steering wheel, console, and doors. Passengers can truly feel like royalty thanks to the 40/20/40 split of the second-row seats, an optional Mark Levinson sound system (perfect for your driving soundtracks!), and a voice-activated navigation system with a rearview camera.
The best family car of 2008: Toyota Sienna
KBB fair market range: $2,585 to $8,728
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission
For a family who loves road-tripping and long drives, the Toyota Sienna is the holy grail of family cars. This spacious seven-seater (or eight-seater on the CE and LE trims) might as well be a mobile home, with two captain’s chairs in the second row, a third row of seats, and 149 cubic feet of cargo space—there’s room for everyone and everything.
To keep the kids entertained, the minivan packs a six-speaker stereo system, front and rear air conditioning, and an optional DVD entertainment system. Best of all you’ll be safe with the Sienna as it scored a perfect five stars for side-impact crash prevention.
The best sports car of 2008: Saturn Sky
KBB fair market range: $7,167 to $8,241
Powertrain: 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with five-speed manual transmission
The silhouette of this compact roadster from Saturn is classic from the top (or lack thereof) down. Equipped with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine boasting 173 horsepower, and a manual gearbox, the Sky is a pleasant companion on the road.
If speed is your game, the Red Line version delivers a whopping 260 horsepower with a better handle on winding roads. Get around in style with the tried-and-tested allure of the Saturn Sky.
The best truck of 2008: Toyota Tundra
KBB fair market range: $7,859 to $11,453
Powertrain: 5.7-liter V-8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission
The hefty Tundra is a 5,700-pound mammoth that has a towing capacity of more than 10,000 pounds—almost twice its weight! It’s no wonder it requires 26.4 gallons of gasoline to power it. Yet for something so rugged, the Tundra provides a comfortable ride with responsive steering and acceleration so smooth you hardly notice it! From the shorter Regular Cab style to the larger Crew Cab, there’s a Tundra bound to fit you.
What cars came out in 2008?
It was an interesting year for cars, and new introductions to the market included everything from BMW’s X6
crossover to the Ferrari California and subcompact Kia Soul
. Here’s a breakdown of the vehicles that made their debut in 2008. | | | | |
---|
| | 3.0- to 4.4-L straight-6 or V8 twin-turbo | | |
| | | | Inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet’s Sequel’s design |
| | 2.4-L inline-four or 3.5-L V6 | | Known as Dodge JC in Japan |
| | 1.3- to 1.4-L inline-four | | The third generation of Fiat Fiorino |
| | | | First Ferrari hard top convertible with a folding metal roof |
| Midsize fuel cell-powered sedan | | | Production ended in August 2021 |
| | 1.6- to 2.0 L inline-four | | Made *Time*’s ‘Most Exciting Cars of 2010’ list |
| | 1.2- or 2.5-L inline-four | | Awarded ‘World Car of the Year’ in 2009 |
| | 1.4- to 2.0 L inline-four | | Succeeded by the Volkswagen Arteon |
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
How to save money on used car insurance
Buying a used car usually means a lower price tag—but it can also mean saving money on your car insurance
policy. If you want to cut costs further, Jerry
is here to lend a hand! Jerry is a car insurance comparison app that helps you find the best deals on the coverage you need in no time. Just download the app and answer a few questions. In less than a minute, you’ll have customized quotes at your fingertips.
The average user saves more than $800 per year on their insurance when shopping with Jerry!
“I have been with the same insurance provider for over 10 years. Jerry
found me a new policy with Travelers that is $107/month cheaper. The pandemic has made finances tight, but Jerry helped me out.” —Gabriel T.
FAQs