There is a magic combination of value, comfort, performance, reliability and brand recognition that attracts more buyers to one vehicle than the next. Reputation goes a long way in the auto industry and the top 2 of our 10’s reputations are irrefutable. There is a reason these cars are seen on every highway, you cannot deny how well suited these vehicles are for many American households. Below, we have the top 10 selling vehicles (based on 2008 numbers) in the United States.
As of 2008, the Toyota Prius is still one of the greenest vehicles built and is about to have a major makeover. As it stands, the second generation Toyota Prius is the epitome of thriftiness and by making it onto this list; it is obvious that American buyers appreciate this little hybrid. The gas engine is a thrifty 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder that produces 76 horsepower at 5000 rpm while 82 lbs feet of torque are available at 4,200 rpm. The electric motor is a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. 67 horsepower is available at 1,200 through 1,540 rpm. More importantly, torque is a mighty 295 lbs feet which is on tap from 0 all the way to 1200 rpm. The automatic transmission is an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) unit. Steering is by way of an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion. A regenerative braking system that feeds the batteries on energy derived from braking helps with economy. The Toyota Prius achieves a Smartway score with Elite ranking. APS = 9.5, GGS = 10, EPA fuel mileage is 48 city mpg and 45 highway mpg.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a multi-award winning vehicle General Motors is very proud of. Bridging the gap between the small Chevrolet Cobalt and large Chevrolet Impala, the Chevrolet Malibu rests in one of the most competitive brackets in American car sales, mid-sized cars. One of the highlights of the Chevrolet Malibu is the stunning interior. This is one of the first American vehicles to come along (in a long time) to be universally praised for its excellent interior and ergonomics. Several engine choices are available for the Chevrolet Malibu such as: the 169 horsepower (160 lbs feet of torque) 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine and a 252-horsepower (251 lbs feet of torque) V6. Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.3.6L A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 and will be available later in the model year with the 2.4L four-cylinder LTZ – a segment first. The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has a 164 horsepower (159 lbs feet of torque) 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission. The motor/generator is utilized as a stop-gap starter and generator mated to the 2.4 liter gas engine. This system is somewhat similar to the Honda system as it shuts down the engine at full stops to save fuel and utilizes regenerative brake technology.