The 2008 Lexus ES 350 comes as a single front-wheel-drive model with a 272-horsepower, 3.5L V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus provides a large amount of standard equipment, including dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat ducts, 10-way power front seats, and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio system and trip computer. Other standard amenities include soft-tone LED interior lighting, lighted cup holders, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass. A push-button start system with SmartAccess keyless entry is also standard, which allows the driver to enter and start the vehicle without ever removing the key fob from a pocket or purse. The ES comes with more available luxury features and high-tech gadgets than most cars in its price range. Most notable is the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which uses sensors from the dynamic radar cruise control to help anticipate an impending collision. If the PCS determines an unavoidable collision, it retracts the seat   << collapse text

The front-wheel-drive 2008 Acura TL continues to offer one of the best combinations of luxury and performance in its segment. The entry-level engine is a 3.2L SOHC V6 that produces 258 horsepower and is paired with a five-speed sequential SportShift automatic transmission. A 286-horsepower 3.5L V6 is standard in the resurrected Type-S. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, but can also be ordered with the same five-speed found in the base TL. Regardless of the engine, you get a roomy, comfortable four-door sedan that comes with standard features more often found in the top-echelon luxury cars. An eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and dual zone climate control are just a few of the luxury items. The audio system is outstanding, with XM satellite radio found alongside the standard six-CD changer and surround sound DVD audio. Every TL also comes packed with safety features, including side, front, and curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. Aside fr   << collapse text

The 2008 Lincoln MKZ comes with a 3.5L V6 engine making 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that's tuned to make especially smooth gear changes. There are two different models-one with front-wheel drive, and another with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that's oriented for slippery road conditions and can seamlessly send more torque to the back wheels even before the front ones slip. The system adjusts power from side-to-side as well as front-to-back. As is expected in a Lincoln, the MKZ has a smooth and quiet ride; a front perimeter subframe helps reduce noise and vibration, yet a stiff body structure and special attention to suspension tuning allow sharp handling response, too. The sedan offers an especially roomy back-seat area, with best-in-class legroom according to the automaker, and a 60/40-split back seat that is spring-assisted and folds forward to expand the trunk space when needed. At 15.8 cubic feet with the back seat up and in place, the t   << collapse text

The Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon are both offered in two primary models for 2008: the 2.4i and the T5. The 2.4i models get a 2.4L five-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower, matched with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Sporty T5 models get a 227-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder, offered only with the five-speed auto. Both automatic transmissions have Geartronic manual control. Both models have standard front-wheel drive, but the T5 is available with all-wheel drive as well. The S40 and V50 have a more stylish interior than is typical for small cars, with a memorable pass-through center console and "floating" center stack. Aluminum inlays plus watch-style gauges help distinguish the V50, and Nordic Light Oak trim is available on the 2.4i. Several high-tech features that originally made their debut in Volvo's larger, more expensive models are now offered on the S40 and V50 for the first time this year. The blind spot information system (BLIS), which helps inform the drive   << collapse text

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The 2008 Saab 9-3 is available in three different body styles-sedan (called Sport), wagon (called SportCombi), and convertible-but all three models share the same basic mechanical layout and have the same powertrains. All three styles are available in either base or Aero guise; base models have a 210-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, while Aero models get a 2.8L turbocharged V6 engine making 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models with an automatic optional; the automatic is a five-speed on base models and a six-speed on Aeros. With a manual transmission, the 9-3 base sedan or wagon comes with EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 19 mpg city, 29 highway. The 2.8L turbocharged V6 offered on Aero models is designed for high-performance driving along with efficient operation; it gets special alloy cylinder heads, a forged steel crankshaft and sinter-forged connecting rods, special pistons and oil cooling jets, and a high-performan   << collapse text

The Infiniti G35 sedan and G37 coupe have similar styling and mechanical underpinnings for 2008, but there are some important differences between the two. The sedan includes a 306-horsepower, 3.5L V6, while the coupe gets a new 330-horsepower, 3.7L version with hydraulically controlled variable valve timing. In both the coupe and sedan, buyers can choose from a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A feature uniquely available on the coupe is the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system, which adjusts the steering gear ratio and rear suspension geometry depending on vehicle speed and steering input to improve handling. There's also a rear viscous-slip differential available. The interior of the coupe has electroluminescent instrument lighting, a standard seven-inch in-dash monitor, and leather seating in Wheat, Graphite, or Stone tones. There are also several distinctive options to dress up the interior of the coupe, including "Washi" paper trim and African Rosewood   << collapse text

Whether as a sedan, Avant wagon, or Cabriolet convertible-the 2008 Audi A4 is available with a choice of two direct-injection engines: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (designated 2.0T FSI) making 200 horsepower, and a 3.2L V6 (designated 3.2 FSI) making 255 horsepower. The A4 sedan can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive; front-wheel-drive versions come with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), while "quattro" all-wheel-drive versions come with either the manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Sedans and wagons have a 60/40-split folding back seat, and wagons also have a tailgate light that illuminates the area directly behind the car, plus a storage compartment hidden below the cargo floor and an extra 12-volt outlet. Both the sedan and wagon have storage spaces under the front seats. The Cabriolet is available with the same range of engines and includes more attention to safety than most convertibles, with special side-sill reinforcements, stronger, impact   << collapse text

The loss of the 300-horsepower S60 R means that just two power options are available on Volvo's entry-level sedan for 2008. The base 2.5T relies on a low-boost, turbocharged 208-horsepower 2.5L inline five-cylinder to drive its front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.5R AWD uses the same setup to power all four wheels, accompanied by Volvo's Instant Traction delivery system. The S60 T5 derives its power from a high-boost, 257-horsepower turbocharged 2.4L I5 that delivers 258 lb-ft of torque. It is available in front-wheel drive only and comes standard with Volvo's five-speed Geartronic transmission with manual shift mode. Every S60 comes nicely appointed with standard features. These include remote central locking, an anti-theft system, four years of Volvo Roadside Assistance, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, one-touch power windows, power heated mirrors, electrically foldable rear head restraints, and an ambient temperature gauge. All driver's se   << collapse text

GM introduced the Hummer H3 in 2006 as an entry-level Hummer for the masses. It features styling that is strikingly similar to its older brother, the H2. If it weren't for the H3's broader fender flares the casual spotter might have a tough time telling them apart. The 2008 H3 also shares the H2's off-road prowess. Short overhangs, aggressive approach and departure angles and nine inches of ground clearance help navigate rough terrain. The standard rear axle is a tall 4.56 ratio, and the standard push-button transfer case has a 2.64 crawl ratio. Customers may also opt for an even taller 4:1 transfer case and a full-locking rear axle for extra-slow rock crawling. The H3 is built on GM's Canyon/Colorado platform, but with a sturdier frame and specially tuned shocks. The H3 also features a two-speed transfer case and electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with traction control. The H3 also has the option of riding on enormous LT285/75R16 tires, the largest available on any midsize SUV. The 2008 Hum   << collapse text